I'm seriously hot! There is nothing to relieve my hotness right now. And I'm not talking about Paris Hilton's definition of "hot". God, I'm far beyond from ever being that hot, especially at this moment. I'm sweaty and gross. I haven't showered knowing that I'll just get sweaty and gross again. And it's not fair that women can't just walk around shirtless. My roommates just hang out without their shirts and look so much more comfortable. And here's me with my shorts and t-shirt. All I want to do is take off my clothes too, but that might just scare my roommates away. Madrid has been sweltering the past two weeks. It's been around 35 degrees (low 90s in farenheit) and this is just the beginning. Apparently, it gets worst in July. Yay for me.
The thing is Madrid has dry heat, which I totally prefer over Chicago humid heat. If you just stay in the shady side of the street you are fine. But walking on an East West street means no shade. Once that sun hits you, you just sweat profusely. Really, the only problem is most places don't have A/C. So when I'm at home, like right now, I'm just constantly hot and bothered. I don't even have a fan! God, I really need to invest in one. One upside to this heat is that my laundry dries in hours. Yesterday, I hung out my clothes at 2:30 and they were dry by 7. Awesome! Less chances for birds to shit on them.
I also understand why people have siestas. It's so hot that you just automatically get tired and sleepy. In Chicago, this would happen to me too but the minute I walk in the house, that cold A/C air just rejuvenates me. Here, not so much. I definitely took a two hour siesta today, but that still didn't relieve my hotness. I had to make myself get up and find a place where I didn't feel so useless and nasty. So now I'm hanging out in our little "balcony" trying to get relief from the sporadic breeze that blows through the windows. It's way better than being in my room.
On another note, I'm staying in all weekend (except for a dinner, or two, with Andrew...it's too hot to cook). Today I started freaking out because I hadn't receive a schedule from my school (they send us one usually on Thursdays). I thought I was going to be completely unemployed again in July. Thankfully, they called me about 20 minutes ago and told me about next week's classes. Although I only have like five classes, it's better than none. So I don't really know how my cash flow will be in the next three weeks until I go home, hence the staying in all weekend.
I'm sure you all know about this, but Spain is going to the Eurocup finals!! Wahoo!!! Estoy muy emocionada! I'm totally going to make nachos for the match on Sunday. Yeah you're probably thinking what does nachos have to do with it? Nothing! I just feel like making nachos. To my German relatives: see you in Vienna!!! I am not going to eat any of my delicious chocolate from Germany all Sunday! Vamos España!!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Joder! It's already June!
Where the hell did time go? I've been slowly saying goodbye to students the past week or so and it hit: not only is it June, but it's almost July! Craaazzyyy!!! About 80% of my classes are finished by the end of this week.
So here I am saying my goodbyes once again. It's seriously an occupational hazard! But I think I'm getting better at it. I was sad saying goodbye but not that sad. Although I have to say I was very surprise that I was even actually sad to say goodbye to my 13 year old student. I remember not so long ago when I was so sure he'd ruin my life. But he actually grew on me. Yes he was still a brat at times and rolled his eyes at me when he was frustrated/bored or straight up told me "NO!" when he didn't want to do the verb tense exercises.
But in the end we both realized we had to be there whether we liked it or not. Once we both realized that neither of us really cared - what a great teacher I am! - we just had fun. We'd talk about futbol (Vamos España!), or about his band, The Electric Eels (so lame but so cute). He'd make fun of my taste in music, and I'd mock him for obsessing over video games. He'd tell me about his gig as an extra for the upcoming Jason Bourne movie and how he got 100 Euros plus 4 Burger King bacon cheeseburgers for it, and he'd laugh at my lame ass for donating my Batman wages. He'd tell me how he wants to join the military so he can flirt with the girls in his uniform, and I'd tell him that it doesn't work and bad things will happen to him (I'm such a mom!). What a kid! I'm gonna miss that little brat.
Now, if only my class with the 9 year old would end soon. She makes me want to poke my eyes out.
So here I am saying my goodbyes once again. It's seriously an occupational hazard! But I think I'm getting better at it. I was sad saying goodbye but not that sad. Although I have to say I was very surprise that I was even actually sad to say goodbye to my 13 year old student. I remember not so long ago when I was so sure he'd ruin my life. But he actually grew on me. Yes he was still a brat at times and rolled his eyes at me when he was frustrated/bored or straight up told me "NO!" when he didn't want to do the verb tense exercises.
But in the end we both realized we had to be there whether we liked it or not. Once we both realized that neither of us really cared - what a great teacher I am! - we just had fun. We'd talk about futbol (Vamos España!), or about his band, The Electric Eels (so lame but so cute). He'd make fun of my taste in music, and I'd mock him for obsessing over video games. He'd tell me about his gig as an extra for the upcoming Jason Bourne movie and how he got 100 Euros plus 4 Burger King bacon cheeseburgers for it, and he'd laugh at my lame ass for donating my Batman wages. He'd tell me how he wants to join the military so he can flirt with the girls in his uniform, and I'd tell him that it doesn't work and bad things will happen to him (I'm such a mom!). What a kid! I'm gonna miss that little brat.
Now, if only my class with the 9 year old would end soon. She makes me want to poke my eyes out.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Podemos, si!
"Yes we can" (Podemos, si) is not only Barack Obama's slogan. It is also Spain's, in this summer's 2008 Eurocopa. And yes, we so can!!! Aaahhhh!!!
Tonight was the last quarter final match in the tournament and it was between Spain and the world champions, Italy. I've been nervous about this match since Tuesday after Italy beat France, which meant Italy and Spain would face off in the quarter-finals. Even the most die hard España fan had doubts about tonight. I mean, it's freaking Italy. They always win and Spain always lose. As most of Spaniards I know say, "The Spanish footballers are good, but they just never win." Although Spain played better in the first round (Spain was undefeated; Italy won two and drew one), Spain was still the underdog.
I seriously didn't know what to do with myself tonight. I felt like I was going to vomit throughout all 120 minutes of the match. I didn't know if it was the huge ass frapuccino I had right before the match; or the heat; or the hunger. I was nervous...very nervous.
The two teams fought it out - although I think Spain overplayed Italy - like crazy in the two 45 minute periods and neither scored a goal. They finished extra time still scoreless. My roommates and I were freaking out. You all know how much I heart penalty shoot-outs, but that's only when my team's not involved. Plus, I think it's pretty much known that the Italians are way better than the Spaniards when it comes to shoot-outs. Even though my boyfriend, Casillas, is an amazing goalie, Italy's Buffon is pretty damn good. Nothing gets through that guy!
So the teams were forced into penalty shoot-outs. I couldn't even keep still. Me and my roommates each found our own spots in the living room to pace around in. I could barely watch! In the end, we freaking did it! Spain missed one, and Italy missed two. My boyfriend totally saved the day! We went nuts!!! My roommates and I were screaming/running/jumping everywhere!! It was so freaking exciting. And the vomiting sensation was definitely due to the match. It went away right after we won. And I'm so excited that I totally forgot about my hunger...or being tired from the heat. It's almost 3 AM and I'm still thinking about it...hence this blog post.
Also, I'm totally David Silva's new fan. That little guy is awesome. I used to feel bad for him because in every La Liga match he would get punched/hit/kicked around like a doll. But that kid works harder than anyone else. He does everything!
If you would like to see some videos of the match, check out the link below. You can see it on UEFA's website but they make you pay for it...bastards!
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/listado-videos.html?id=EUPA_2419&page=1&orden=
Vamos España!!! Let's kick some Russian ass on Wednesday!!!
Tonight was the last quarter final match in the tournament and it was between Spain and the world champions, Italy. I've been nervous about this match since Tuesday after Italy beat France, which meant Italy and Spain would face off in the quarter-finals. Even the most die hard España fan had doubts about tonight. I mean, it's freaking Italy. They always win and Spain always lose. As most of Spaniards I know say, "The Spanish footballers are good, but they just never win." Although Spain played better in the first round (Spain was undefeated; Italy won two and drew one), Spain was still the underdog.
I seriously didn't know what to do with myself tonight. I felt like I was going to vomit throughout all 120 minutes of the match. I didn't know if it was the huge ass frapuccino I had right before the match; or the heat; or the hunger. I was nervous...very nervous.
The two teams fought it out - although I think Spain overplayed Italy - like crazy in the two 45 minute periods and neither scored a goal. They finished extra time still scoreless. My roommates and I were freaking out. You all know how much I heart penalty shoot-outs, but that's only when my team's not involved. Plus, I think it's pretty much known that the Italians are way better than the Spaniards when it comes to shoot-outs. Even though my boyfriend, Casillas, is an amazing goalie, Italy's Buffon is pretty damn good. Nothing gets through that guy!
So the teams were forced into penalty shoot-outs. I couldn't even keep still. Me and my roommates each found our own spots in the living room to pace around in. I could barely watch! In the end, we freaking did it! Spain missed one, and Italy missed two. My boyfriend totally saved the day! We went nuts!!! My roommates and I were screaming/running/jumping everywhere!! It was so freaking exciting. And the vomiting sensation was definitely due to the match. It went away right after we won. And I'm so excited that I totally forgot about my hunger...or being tired from the heat. It's almost 3 AM and I'm still thinking about it...hence this blog post.
Also, I'm totally David Silva's new fan. That little guy is awesome. I used to feel bad for him because in every La Liga match he would get punched/hit/kicked around like a doll. But that kid works harder than anyone else. He does everything!
If you would like to see some videos of the match, check out the link below. You can see it on UEFA's website but they make you pay for it...bastards!
http://www.cuatro.com/eurocopa/listado-videos.html?id=EUPA_2419&page=1&orden=
Vamos España!!! Let's kick some Russian ass on Wednesday!!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Schweaty balls
Madrid is getting hot! After strange sporadic periods of rain and cold (very unusual for this time of the year), the city is finally feeling the heat. Or maybe it's just me. Yesterday I was walking home from one of my classes behind a man and a woman. The man was wearing a suit. The woman wearing a suit jacket. All I could think of was, WTF!!! It was already 7:30 at night and yet I was still sweating my ass off. These people didn't seem bothered by the heat. It was like being in the Philippines and seeing people wear long sleeve turtleneck shirts or sweaters in very humid 80 degree weather. At some point the woman starts taking off her jacket. I thought, finally!!! But no! Underneath her jacket was a sweater!!! I think I got heat exhaustion just looking at her many layers of thick clothing.
I seriously could not stop sweating yesterday. All I wanted to do was go home and take a nice cold shower but there was just no time. My poor students! They probably thought I was so gross - me and my freaking sweaty self and huge pit stains. Someone seriously needs to invent a real anti-perspirant deodorant. No one likes a girl with sweaty pits. It's just not attractive. To top it all off, no one else here seem to be sweating as much as I am. Everyone looks as comfortable and elegant as ever, and here's me, the nasty sweaty smelly Chicagoan. And to think this is only the beginning. Great! Just great!
I seriously could not stop sweating yesterday. All I wanted to do was go home and take a nice cold shower but there was just no time. My poor students! They probably thought I was so gross - me and my freaking sweaty self and huge pit stains. Someone seriously needs to invent a real anti-perspirant deodorant. No one likes a girl with sweaty pits. It's just not attractive. To top it all off, no one else here seem to be sweating as much as I am. Everyone looks as comfortable and elegant as ever, and here's me, the nasty sweaty smelly Chicagoan. And to think this is only the beginning. Great! Just great!
Chicago to-do list
It's official! My ass is going back to Chicago in 34 freaking days! AAAAHHHH. I'm so excited but super nervous at the same time. Excited because I finally get to relax (because I haven't done enough of that here...ha!) and hang out with people I've missed. Nervous for the possibility of not being able to come back. I just read some new EU law on Yahoo España and I'm not even gonna talk about it b/c it makes me nauseous and pukey. I am so not ready to not come back. The thought of it makes me want to cry.
Ok enough of that. I'm gonna think positive thoughts. This means thinking of all the awesome things I'm going to do when I get home. Here is my Chicago to-do list:
P.S. If any of you have any requests from Spain (food, souvenirs, a hot man), please let me know. I can't promise much due to limited funds and limited baggage space (I'm only taking one). But I will try my best :)
Ok enough of that. I'm gonna think positive thoughts. This means thinking of all the awesome things I'm going to do when I get home. Here is my Chicago to-do list:
- Go to the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival - preferably not The Birds; I'm thinking Roman Holiday
- Volunteer at A2H - so I can hang out with the remaining cool peeps and also remind me of why I'm not there anymore...hahaha
- Get my teeth cleaned - I love a good teeth cleaning
- Get my eyes checked - although it has probably improved now that I'm not staring at a computer all day
- Keep up with my Spanish - study/read/listen. Juan, Amanda, Natania, you can ONLY speak Spanish to me.
- Baking party with my sister - I miss baking a cake
- Hang out with the babies - I miss my nieces and I finally get to meet my nephew in person!
- Walk around my favorite neighborhoods - Lincoln Square, Roscoe Village/West Lakeview, Wicker Park, etc.
- Party!!!
- Eat! Eat! Eat! - As I wrote my to do list, I noticed 90% of it are food places. Plus, food means good times with friends and family. I definitely plan on having brunch every chance I get. If there's one meal I truly miss, it's brunch. Brunch is just not part of the Spanish vocabulary. I'm gonna be so fat, someone is going to have to roll me out of Barajas Airport to my apartment when I come back here. Here's my list of where to eat:
- Joy Yees: I want my taro bubble tea!!!
- Portillos: big fat burger with onion rings
- White Castle: tiny burgers with onion rings
- Kitschn: My fave brunch place. I've been dreaming of chilaquiles and amazing Intelligentsia coffee since I left Chicago. Hope my waiter boyfriend still works there...
- Flattop Grill: to try out their new brunch
- Huey's Hot Dogs: cheese dog and milkshake
- Chipotle: a girl just gotta have her not so good, but oh so good Mexican food
- Burrito House: for un burrito grande and lots of fake cheese on chicken nachos. I promised Juan I'd introduce him to fake cheese
- Steak and Shake: Frisco melt and of course, a shake
- Potbellys: for a Wreck...or Chicken Salad...or meatball...soo many choices
- Einstein Bagels: for a bagel and refillable coffee...I miss bagels!
- Dunkin Donuts: just because I saw an ad for their new product, hash browns...oh my!
- Wendys: to try their new gourmet frosty shakes...sounds amazing
- Chinese!!!!: the Spanish Chinese has nothing on American Chinese food
- Cupcakes: there is no such thing as a cupcake in Spain...very tragic
P.S. If any of you have any requests from Spain (food, souvenirs, a hot man), please let me know. I can't promise much due to limited funds and limited baggage space (I'm only taking one). But I will try my best :)
Friday, June 13, 2008
Finding Gael
I LOVE Gael Garcia Bernal. So much that I would have his babies...and I don't even know if I want babies. Noelle and I always say that the day we get into a huge fight is the day that we physically meet Gael and fight for his love. That is how much I love this guy.
When my family was here, Elaine and I stared and blatantly checked out this guy that was Gael-esque - dark hair, light eyes. And then it dawned on me that there are a ton of Gael-esque men here in Madrid. This is one of the many reasons why I love this city. Then I thought that while in Spain, I have to find Gael...or at least someone that looks like him. There are so many of them! One them has to want to be my boyfriend...ha!
Well, tonight I definitely found Gael...the real effing Gael!!! I almost died! I was leisurely walking down Cava Baja - the best street for hot people/celebrity watching - so I could meet Andrew in the Center. And who do I run into but freaking Gael Garcia Bernal. WTF!!! I mean, what are the odds??!!! Now I know people will say, "but Fran, you just said everyone there looks like him. How do you know it was really him?" Well, I just know. I'm obsessed with this guy. I would know if I saw him. Yes, I see Gael look-a-likes here all the time but I always know it's not him. This time I am sure.
I was walking on the narrow sidewalk and he and his friend were walking from the other direction. He was short, as I expected, but a bit taller than me. His hair was long but not short. His facial hair was a bit out of control but I think it was part of the disguise. He was wearing those dorky sunglasses he wears sometimes. As we got closer, he put his head down almost trying to hide himself (why would anyone hide from me???). After we passed each other, I looked back in disbelief and he and his friend walked into a bar. I totally wanted to go in the bar but I had to meet Andrew. Plus, I'm just not very good at celebrity stalking. I always get so starstruck that I panic and I never know what to do but run away.
Oh my god, he was hot!!! I wish someone was with me so I can go crazy about it with someone. I can definitely die happy now..
For those of you who don't know him - which is just a tragedy if you don't - here is a picture of him:
When my family was here, Elaine and I stared and blatantly checked out this guy that was Gael-esque - dark hair, light eyes. And then it dawned on me that there are a ton of Gael-esque men here in Madrid. This is one of the many reasons why I love this city. Then I thought that while in Spain, I have to find Gael...or at least someone that looks like him. There are so many of them! One them has to want to be my boyfriend...ha!
Well, tonight I definitely found Gael...the real effing Gael!!! I almost died! I was leisurely walking down Cava Baja - the best street for hot people/celebrity watching - so I could meet Andrew in the Center. And who do I run into but freaking Gael Garcia Bernal. WTF!!! I mean, what are the odds??!!! Now I know people will say, "but Fran, you just said everyone there looks like him. How do you know it was really him?" Well, I just know. I'm obsessed with this guy. I would know if I saw him. Yes, I see Gael look-a-likes here all the time but I always know it's not him. This time I am sure.
I was walking on the narrow sidewalk and he and his friend were walking from the other direction. He was short, as I expected, but a bit taller than me. His hair was long but not short. His facial hair was a bit out of control but I think it was part of the disguise. He was wearing those dorky sunglasses he wears sometimes. As we got closer, he put his head down almost trying to hide himself (why would anyone hide from me???). After we passed each other, I looked back in disbelief and he and his friend walked into a bar. I totally wanted to go in the bar but I had to meet Andrew. Plus, I'm just not very good at celebrity stalking. I always get so starstruck that I panic and I never know what to do but run away.
Oh my god, he was hot!!! I wish someone was with me so I can go crazy about it with someone. I can definitely die happy now..
For those of you who don't know him - which is just a tragedy if you don't - here is a picture of him:
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Me duele la cabeza
This is a phrase I usually say in Spanish class or after I've just had to think so much in Spanish that my head hurts. That's what it means, for you non-Spanish speakers like me, my head hurts or I have a headache or whatever.
But today it's not because of Spanish. I've just spent the last 6 hours trying to figure out my flight home, keeping in mind that I want it cheap and the least chances of me getting "caught". I told myself that today is for sure the day I have to buy my tickets. I've been following it for the past month and although the prices have decreased a bit, it is still super expensive and I just know it's not gonna get any better.
Thankfully, I decided to buy it after work. At school today I got to talking to one of my fellow teachers about the visa, or lack thereof, issue for us in the EU. Apparently, the 90 days allowed to American passport holders is valid to the entire EU, which is considered as one country. So even if used the "I traveled to different countries within the EU that's why I don't have any stamps" excuse, it's not gonna fly. I'm supposed to be in the EU only for 90 days! And to make it even worst, I'm supposed to not come back to the EU until 90 days after. 90 days in, 90 days out. So even if I went somewhere for a weekend where I could get a stamp, it still wouldn't work. A weekend ain't 90 days! It would help your cause if you have to bullshit your way at passport control, but not completely.
This is why they say ignorance is bliss. Of course now I'm freaking out! This is why I didn't research this crap in the first place. I knew I would freak out. Thankfully my friend didn't know the consequences of being caught and I prefer to keep it that way. And I'm already here. So it's kinda too late. If I get caught, I get caught. I gotta go home someday.
So I had to change my plans. My co-teacher said that I should avoid Germany because he's known some people who got questioned there. They are apparently more strict. So he recommended to just fly right out of Madrid. But direct flights from Madrid to Chicago are ridiculous. Only Iberia flies direct from Madrid to Chicago. And today it cost $7,000!!! I am not even shitting you! But he did give me the idea of flying somewhere in the east coast...more direct flights there from Madrid.
So since 6 this afternoon, I've been searching for what felt like thousands of alternatives. I looked up New York (my top choice so I could stay and hang out for a few days), Boston, Philly, and Atlanta (thanks to Kevin who reminded me of this not so little airport I always forget about). New York ended up being way to expensive. I cannot believe it now costs $300 to fly New York to Chicago. I've never paid more than $180 for that flight before! And I cannot believe that ATA is gone! I loved ATA! That's so sad! Now I know why they haven't updated me on my miles for a while. Today Ebs gave me a refresher on the current economic status in the US and I am so far removed that I had no idea it was that bad...I didn't even know about ATA. I knew there were problems, but man! God, I hate Bush and his stupid little people.
But now I'm just rambling and ranting. I did finally decided on a flight that goes to Atlanta. It was ridiculously expensive - I think I've paid less for a trip to the Philippines and that's a long ass flight! - but it was the cheapest. Now I just gotta get my tickets from Atlanta to Chicago.
Like my good friend, Kevin, I had a to-do list for home that I wanted to post on my blog. But right now I'm just too annoyed and having complete buyer's remorse (this happens quite often when I buy something that can feed a small village for a week). But I know it's necessary. I need to go home. I want to go home. So I promise I will have a nicer post about my homecoming soon. One where I actually sound excited about it. But right now I keep seeing dollar signs and I want to vomit.
In conclusion, if anyone needs help with anything, let me know. My price is negotiable. I'm a hardworker, efficient, organized, good communication and management skills, etc. I can even clean your house!...I'm really good at cleaning bathrooms...
But today it's not because of Spanish. I've just spent the last 6 hours trying to figure out my flight home, keeping in mind that I want it cheap and the least chances of me getting "caught". I told myself that today is for sure the day I have to buy my tickets. I've been following it for the past month and although the prices have decreased a bit, it is still super expensive and I just know it's not gonna get any better.
Thankfully, I decided to buy it after work. At school today I got to talking to one of my fellow teachers about the visa, or lack thereof, issue for us in the EU. Apparently, the 90 days allowed to American passport holders is valid to the entire EU, which is considered as one country. So even if used the "I traveled to different countries within the EU that's why I don't have any stamps" excuse, it's not gonna fly. I'm supposed to be in the EU only for 90 days! And to make it even worst, I'm supposed to not come back to the EU until 90 days after. 90 days in, 90 days out. So even if I went somewhere for a weekend where I could get a stamp, it still wouldn't work. A weekend ain't 90 days! It would help your cause if you have to bullshit your way at passport control, but not completely.
This is why they say ignorance is bliss. Of course now I'm freaking out! This is why I didn't research this crap in the first place. I knew I would freak out. Thankfully my friend didn't know the consequences of being caught and I prefer to keep it that way. And I'm already here. So it's kinda too late. If I get caught, I get caught. I gotta go home someday.
So I had to change my plans. My co-teacher said that I should avoid Germany because he's known some people who got questioned there. They are apparently more strict. So he recommended to just fly right out of Madrid. But direct flights from Madrid to Chicago are ridiculous. Only Iberia flies direct from Madrid to Chicago. And today it cost $7,000!!! I am not even shitting you! But he did give me the idea of flying somewhere in the east coast...more direct flights there from Madrid.
So since 6 this afternoon, I've been searching for what felt like thousands of alternatives. I looked up New York (my top choice so I could stay and hang out for a few days), Boston, Philly, and Atlanta (thanks to Kevin who reminded me of this not so little airport I always forget about). New York ended up being way to expensive. I cannot believe it now costs $300 to fly New York to Chicago. I've never paid more than $180 for that flight before! And I cannot believe that ATA is gone! I loved ATA! That's so sad! Now I know why they haven't updated me on my miles for a while. Today Ebs gave me a refresher on the current economic status in the US and I am so far removed that I had no idea it was that bad...I didn't even know about ATA. I knew there were problems, but man! God, I hate Bush and his stupid little people.
But now I'm just rambling and ranting. I did finally decided on a flight that goes to Atlanta. It was ridiculously expensive - I think I've paid less for a trip to the Philippines and that's a long ass flight! - but it was the cheapest. Now I just gotta get my tickets from Atlanta to Chicago.
Like my good friend, Kevin, I had a to-do list for home that I wanted to post on my blog. But right now I'm just too annoyed and having complete buyer's remorse (this happens quite often when I buy something that can feed a small village for a week). But I know it's necessary. I need to go home. I want to go home. So I promise I will have a nicer post about my homecoming soon. One where I actually sound excited about it. But right now I keep seeing dollar signs and I want to vomit.
In conclusion, if anyone needs help with anything, let me know. My price is negotiable. I'm a hardworker, efficient, organized, good communication and management skills, etc. I can even clean your house!...I'm really good at cleaning bathrooms...
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