Carly just posted the following on my facebook wall. Prior knowledge needed to understand:
This week there are a ton of processions for Easter week.
Her host mom tapes notes on her door with bandaids.
A) I just looked out my window and there is a large crowd which means there is going to be another f-ing parade.
B) If I die within the next few days of heart complications or clogged arteries don't be surprised, I discovered that my host mom rarely cooks with olive oil--vegetable is her oil of choice, olive ...oil is just to add after the food has been in a hot tub of oil.
Oh wait, there is one more thing...
C) I discovered that my host mom likes to make use out of more household items than just bandaids, she uses feminine pads as cushioning for her shoes. HahahHHHHHaaaa
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
As a distinguished singing legend, this voice thing could prove to be an issue
This past weekend I went to Valencia with Sarah and Carly. I have been sick for over a week now, but if you want to call that sick, you probably could say I have been a constant sick since I got to Spain.
But starting last weekend, my throat really hurt, so I went to the doctor and he prescribed me some antihistamines and ibuprofen. I was only to take them for 5 days or so.
Randomly on Friday, my throat hurt and I decided to rest it by whispering to my friends for the rest of the night, or using sign language. That provided at least some entertainment.
On Saturday morning, Sarah nudged me to wake up in the hostel, whispering good morning. After Carly came back from washing her face and we were whispering in our room, Sarah pointed out that there was no need to whisper; we were all awake. Yet, I realized that had I tried to speak normally, it came out as cracks and gurgles beyond recognition.
I whisper-gurgled through the afternoon and evening, when I just flat-out attempted to talk. I forced myself to formulate words and sentences with the crackling soundbox I called a voice. Saturday my throat didn't hurt at all, only my confidence in speaking did.
After chatting with a couple cool Manchester blokes that night, my voice warmed up a bit and heavily improved from the morning. No longer was my laugh a hissing gasping noise, but there were actual inflections at the "HAs."
Sunday my voice was back but raspy. When I got home that evening, my host parents noticed immediately and said that I just sounded more Spanish. It's true, the young chicas over here all have raspy smoke voices.
This morning it really was no different. The pitch in my voice is very different, more in the lower range. Usually it is in a low range to begin with, but it's even lower, since I am unable to make my "omg that child is adorable" squealing noise when I see a stroller, since it comes out as a screeching hiss that could deter any and every parent from allowing me near their kin.
Tomorrow or wednesday I will record my radio program, and I am sure it will sound JUST LOVELY. If it hasn't changed, I will have a radio recording of my "spanish voice" for me to cherish the rest of my life.
As a way to un-swell my vocal chords, I have been trying to hum songs, usually to no avail. Right now no one is home and I just try to cough or scream, and a raspy HHHHHHH noise comes out.
Since I know my singing voice is probably in the terrible to horrible range when I have all of my pitch, imagine how it must be now. Even slow, jazzy songs like "Old Fashioned Morphine" that require little to no singing effort on my part (when I sing to myself around the house) have become like Christina Aguilera songs now.
I can't even hit the note of the "sister don't get worried" lyric without it coming out as a screeching HHHH. So sad.
I hope this doesn't last forever.
But starting last weekend, my throat really hurt, so I went to the doctor and he prescribed me some antihistamines and ibuprofen. I was only to take them for 5 days or so.
Randomly on Friday, my throat hurt and I decided to rest it by whispering to my friends for the rest of the night, or using sign language. That provided at least some entertainment.
On Saturday morning, Sarah nudged me to wake up in the hostel, whispering good morning. After Carly came back from washing her face and we were whispering in our room, Sarah pointed out that there was no need to whisper; we were all awake. Yet, I realized that had I tried to speak normally, it came out as cracks and gurgles beyond recognition.
I whisper-gurgled through the afternoon and evening, when I just flat-out attempted to talk. I forced myself to formulate words and sentences with the crackling soundbox I called a voice. Saturday my throat didn't hurt at all, only my confidence in speaking did.
After chatting with a couple cool Manchester blokes that night, my voice warmed up a bit and heavily improved from the morning. No longer was my laugh a hissing gasping noise, but there were actual inflections at the "HAs."
Sunday my voice was back but raspy. When I got home that evening, my host parents noticed immediately and said that I just sounded more Spanish. It's true, the young chicas over here all have raspy smoke voices.
This morning it really was no different. The pitch in my voice is very different, more in the lower range. Usually it is in a low range to begin with, but it's even lower, since I am unable to make my "omg that child is adorable" squealing noise when I see a stroller, since it comes out as a screeching hiss that could deter any and every parent from allowing me near their kin.
Tomorrow or wednesday I will record my radio program, and I am sure it will sound JUST LOVELY. If it hasn't changed, I will have a radio recording of my "spanish voice" for me to cherish the rest of my life.
As a way to un-swell my vocal chords, I have been trying to hum songs, usually to no avail. Right now no one is home and I just try to cough or scream, and a raspy HHHHHHH noise comes out.
Since I know my singing voice is probably in the terrible to horrible range when I have all of my pitch, imagine how it must be now. Even slow, jazzy songs like "Old Fashioned Morphine" that require little to no singing effort on my part (when I sing to myself around the house) have become like Christina Aguilera songs now.
I can't even hit the note of the "sister don't get worried" lyric without it coming out as a screeching HHHH. So sad.
I hope this doesn't last forever.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Return to San Sebastian!
This past weekend I went on a last-minute bus ride up to my old home from last year, San Sebastian. 11 hours later, we arrived in beautiful weather in the Basque Country.
I just posted pictures with captions. I only have my pictures so far, and not Carly's, which means Carly is in most of them. I am in Carly's photos. It just works out that way.
When Carly gets to upload hers, I will put them up and let you know.
Have a look!
Click the link below:
http://bit.ly/bnwbU6
I just posted pictures with captions. I only have my pictures so far, and not Carly's, which means Carly is in most of them. I am in Carly's photos. It just works out that way.
When Carly gets to upload hers, I will put them up and let you know.
Have a look!
Click the link below:
http://bit.ly/bnwbU6
BBQ Pizza
Right now I am eating a frozen pizza labeled as "BBQ" that I am pretty sure contains pulled pork.
Spain, this is a culinary accomplishment.
Spain, this is a culinary accomplishment.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
woops...time change error
Okay, i just realized that there is Daylight savings for the US. This means my radio show is on an hour after I said. It is on at 2:20ish today, Chicago time.
"ooooh f**k."
Normally, on Tues. and Thur., I eat lunch with Carlos. I call him and hang up (it's free if he doesn't pick up) to notify him when I get on the bus to go home. Then I come home and the food is ready and we eat.
On Mondays/Wednesdays, I make a meal or take a tupperware of pasta/food to the internship and microwave it there.
So today, Wednesday, Carlos asked me the following (translation follows).
"Qué pasó hoy? Dónde estuviste? He esperado tu llamada por dos o tres horas, y hice la comida. Rocío estuvo aquí y comió, pero le dije “voy a esperar a Melissa.” Y esperé, y esperé, y después me dije “voy a comer ahora también, porque ahora tengo hambre!” Pero pensé en que era tú, y normalmente me mandas un mensaje si no puedes comer o algo, pero…ohhh Fuck. Es miércoles."
What happened today? Where were you? I awaited your call for two or three hours, and I made lunch. Rocio was here and ate, but I told her that I'd wait for you to eat. I waited and waited, then I was like "Now I'm gonna eat because I am hungry!" But I thought with you being you that you would send me a message or something if you couldn't get home and eat, but...oh fuck. It's wednesday."
And yes, he actually swore in English.
On Mondays/Wednesdays, I make a meal or take a tupperware of pasta/food to the internship and microwave it there.
So today, Wednesday, Carlos asked me the following (translation follows).
"Qué pasó hoy? Dónde estuviste? He esperado tu llamada por dos o tres horas, y hice la comida. Rocío estuvo aquí y comió, pero le dije “voy a esperar a Melissa.” Y esperé, y esperé, y después me dije “voy a comer ahora también, porque ahora tengo hambre!” Pero pensé en que era tú, y normalmente me mandas un mensaje si no puedes comer o algo, pero…ohhh Fuck. Es miércoles."
What happened today? Where were you? I awaited your call for two or three hours, and I made lunch. Rocio was here and ate, but I told her that I'd wait for you to eat. I waited and waited, then I was like "Now I'm gonna eat because I am hungry!" But I thought with you being you that you would send me a message or something if you couldn't get home and eat, but...oh fuck. It's wednesday."
And yes, he actually swore in English.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Interview with ME
Usually they do interviews with other people, but Tomorrow, Wednesday March 17th, I will have a 10 min. interview on the radio about studying abroad.
It airs Tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) at 1:15ish pm Chicago time, at www.radiosanvicente.com and click "escuchanos."
It airs Tomorrow (WEDNESDAY) at 1:15ish pm Chicago time, at www.radiosanvicente.com and click "escuchanos."
The Chupa has left the building.
On Saturday, Dante officially "ha dejado la chupa," or gave up his pacifier for good. His parents planned it for a while, but now they think he's too old to have it.
They took him to his cousin's house, who is an infant, and told Dante that they would give his little cousin all his chupas, since he is younger and needs them more. Dante was very mature about it and said it was okay, a bit proud to pass something down to him.
Of course, Rocio and Carlos gave Dante a Spongebob Squarepants stuffed animal (or, as they call him over here "Bob Esponja") to cushion the fall a bit. He cried a lot when he would need to go to bed, take a bath, or leave the house, but so far the transition has been okay. Bob Esponja has been lending his shoulder to Dante for some support in these rough times.
They took him to his cousin's house, who is an infant, and told Dante that they would give his little cousin all his chupas, since he is younger and needs them more. Dante was very mature about it and said it was okay, a bit proud to pass something down to him.
Of course, Rocio and Carlos gave Dante a Spongebob Squarepants stuffed animal (or, as they call him over here "Bob Esponja") to cushion the fall a bit. He cried a lot when he would need to go to bed, take a bath, or leave the house, but so far the transition has been okay. Bob Esponja has been lending his shoulder to Dante for some support in these rough times.
Does that really work on the ladies?
If I haven't already mentioned, catcalling here is ridiculous. Catcalling, or when guys whistle/holler/make noises at women as they walk by, is very common here.
Yes, you may see it in the city, or even in the suburbs I hear the occasional drive-by catcall. But what is more common in the states is just staring. Guys simply stare at the women.
But the Spaniards love to make it a little more verbal. Thank goodness I am not blonde, where the catcalling is a little more ridiculous since they all know you aren't a native Spaniard. Being brunette has helped it be less of the "you're a foreigner so I will make you super uncomfortable" type catcalling.
So, what exactly do they say/do? Well, the most common is "hola chica" (hey girl) or "guapa!" (beautiful girl)
Or, in the case of my Granada trip last year, in the area called Little India, the storeowners said "por favor! Quiero saber tu nombre! Solamente tu nombre!" (I just want to know your name! Just your name!)
Or, in the case of Carly while waiting at the bus station to go to San Sebastian last weekend, a homeless man, in English, said "I LOVE YOUUU"
But they also make sounds. They whistle sometimes, but what's more common is random noises, like kissing sounds, this hissing "SSSSTTT" noise, or this odd sucking noise you make to get peanut butter off the roof of your mouth. Except I think they do it to attract women. Ew.
I have the unfortunate walking route between my internship and school that goes right through road construction. That, of course, means there are construction workers, the most infamous catcallers. I usually ignore them and act like I don't hear them at all. I especially try not to smile, even though it's hard not to when they say such ridiculous things.
Today, however, I couldn't help myself.
I walked by the construction site and hear a group of guys yell "guapa! chica! ey! ey! guapa!" at me, but one voice strains to stay above the rest, reciting a whole paragraph of things...
"hola! Chica guapa! Que tienes mi corazon en tus manos! Mira! Te quiero! Que quiero casarme contigo! Podemos tener una vida maravillosa! Guapa! Por favor!" (Beautiful girl! You have my heart in your hands! Look! I love you! I want to marry you! We can have a wonderful life together! Beauty! Please!)
After the first couple sentences I was biting my lip not to smile because it was so weird. Then I just full on broke out laughing and smiling, but still kept looking straight ignoring whoever was talking. His friends started laughing at him as he continued his rant.
Yes, you may see it in the city, or even in the suburbs I hear the occasional drive-by catcall. But what is more common in the states is just staring. Guys simply stare at the women.
But the Spaniards love to make it a little more verbal. Thank goodness I am not blonde, where the catcalling is a little more ridiculous since they all know you aren't a native Spaniard. Being brunette has helped it be less of the "you're a foreigner so I will make you super uncomfortable" type catcalling.
So, what exactly do they say/do? Well, the most common is "hola chica" (hey girl) or "guapa!" (beautiful girl)
Or, in the case of my Granada trip last year, in the area called Little India, the storeowners said "por favor! Quiero saber tu nombre! Solamente tu nombre!" (I just want to know your name! Just your name!)
Or, in the case of Carly while waiting at the bus station to go to San Sebastian last weekend, a homeless man, in English, said "I LOVE YOUUU"
But they also make sounds. They whistle sometimes, but what's more common is random noises, like kissing sounds, this hissing "SSSSTTT" noise, or this odd sucking noise you make to get peanut butter off the roof of your mouth. Except I think they do it to attract women. Ew.
I have the unfortunate walking route between my internship and school that goes right through road construction. That, of course, means there are construction workers, the most infamous catcallers. I usually ignore them and act like I don't hear them at all. I especially try not to smile, even though it's hard not to when they say such ridiculous things.
Today, however, I couldn't help myself.
I walked by the construction site and hear a group of guys yell "guapa! chica! ey! ey! guapa!" at me, but one voice strains to stay above the rest, reciting a whole paragraph of things...
"hola! Chica guapa! Que tienes mi corazon en tus manos! Mira! Te quiero! Que quiero casarme contigo! Podemos tener una vida maravillosa! Guapa! Por favor!" (Beautiful girl! You have my heart in your hands! Look! I love you! I want to marry you! We can have a wonderful life together! Beauty! Please!)
After the first couple sentences I was biting my lip not to smile because it was so weird. Then I just full on broke out laughing and smiling, but still kept looking straight ignoring whoever was talking. His friends started laughing at him as he continued his rant.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Potty -Training a 2 yr old
Yesterday before I left for cooking class, I was going to use the bathroom. Dante saw me walking in the hall and ran to catch up with me.
There are no locks on the bathroom door (probably so Dante won't lock himself in), so I can't keep him out. I try to shut the door but he just enters, so I am not about to use the bathroom with him in the room.
Thing is, his parents let him in the bathroom when they go, most likely to make him not feel shy about using the big-person potty.
I am not quite as comfortable, so I eventually opt to wait to use the bathroom.
He grabs the step stool for the sink and carries it in the hallway to the front door and announces he will let me out. I give him my keys and he opens the door, but the step stool is in the way. He doesn't figure out that he has to move, just that it is really difficult to open the door. I pick him up and move him, but he won't let me touch the door handle because he wants to shut it.
After I go into the hallway, I reach to lock it from the outside, but he says he wants to do it. "No, Dante," I explain, "You can't lock it from the outside because then YOU will be locked out." He gets it finally, then nearly shuts the door.
But then he frowns and mumbles something, then I realize he is saying "Beso" (kiss). He has one hand on the doorknob, both feet on the step stool and brows furrowed as he leans in and gives me a big wet kiss on the cheek. Then he finally shuts the door.
___________________________
This morning when we got in the car to drive Dante to school, then Rocio and me to the University, Rocio announces that Dante woke up with a clean diaper and peed in the big people toilet! HURRRAHHHHH! I didn't understand completely what she said, but she either said "This is the first time since January that he's done that" or "I have been trying since January to get him to do this."
This is a big moment.
There are no locks on the bathroom door (probably so Dante won't lock himself in), so I can't keep him out. I try to shut the door but he just enters, so I am not about to use the bathroom with him in the room.
Thing is, his parents let him in the bathroom when they go, most likely to make him not feel shy about using the big-person potty.
I am not quite as comfortable, so I eventually opt to wait to use the bathroom.
He grabs the step stool for the sink and carries it in the hallway to the front door and announces he will let me out. I give him my keys and he opens the door, but the step stool is in the way. He doesn't figure out that he has to move, just that it is really difficult to open the door. I pick him up and move him, but he won't let me touch the door handle because he wants to shut it.
After I go into the hallway, I reach to lock it from the outside, but he says he wants to do it. "No, Dante," I explain, "You can't lock it from the outside because then YOU will be locked out." He gets it finally, then nearly shuts the door.
But then he frowns and mumbles something, then I realize he is saying "Beso" (kiss). He has one hand on the doorknob, both feet on the step stool and brows furrowed as he leans in and gives me a big wet kiss on the cheek. Then he finally shuts the door.
___________________________
This morning when we got in the car to drive Dante to school, then Rocio and me to the University, Rocio announces that Dante woke up with a clean diaper and peed in the big people toilet! HURRRAHHHHH! I didn't understand completely what she said, but she either said "This is the first time since January that he's done that" or "I have been trying since January to get him to do this."
This is a big moment.
All you need to know about me on the Radio.
Sorry I forgot to tell you all that I was on the radio again today at 1pm Chicago time.
I think you should get to know the schedule by now...
Wednesdays at 1pm Chicago time---Generacion Y (round table discussion...usually in first 30 min. of program) I am unable to record this because it is recorded as one long hour program...so I can't just cut the excerpt that I am in.
Thursdays at 6:40am-7:00am Chicago time---the program I write about cultural differences, which I post later online. It's only 7 minutes long usually, but it can float around somewhere in this time slot.
To listen to it, go to www.radiosanvicente.com and click "escuchanos" to open the live streaming player.
I think you should get to know the schedule by now...
Wednesdays at 1pm Chicago time---Generacion Y (round table discussion...usually in first 30 min. of program) I am unable to record this because it is recorded as one long hour program...so I can't just cut the excerpt that I am in.
Thursdays at 6:40am-7:00am Chicago time---the program I write about cultural differences, which I post later online. It's only 7 minutes long usually, but it can float around somewhere in this time slot.
To listen to it, go to www.radiosanvicente.com and click "escuchanos" to open the live streaming player.
How does one translate "superfly"?
One of the technicians I work with at the radio station is younger, in his late 20s, and recently asked me to help him understand the lyrics of one of his favorite songs. Thing is, the song was "Pusherman" by Curtis Mayfield. Super 70s, super slang, and super hard to translate.
i'm your mamma, i'm your daddy
i'm that nigga in the alley
i'm your doctor, when in need
want some coke, have some weed
you know me, i'm your friend
your main boy, thick and thin
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
First I had to explain that the n-word should never EVER be repeated. He didn't understand why, and I just had to say it was very degrading to black people to be called such a thing. He was like "I thought it was the same as 'black'" and I was like " NO NO NO NO NO! Please oh please never call someone this. Please. It's very bad."
I also had to look up what exactly IS a pusherman. It is a person who pushes drugs, or something like that.
Then I had to explain thick and thin, and how it means that it means good and bad, and that this (unlike many slang words you will see in this song) is still acceptable to use in everyday conversation.
haha
ain't i clean, bad machine
super cool, super mean
feelin' good, for the man
Superfly, here i stand
secret stash, heavy bread
baddest bitches, in the bed
I completely ignored his request for translating superfly...I just said it meant cool or something. I also said "you will sound silly using this in every day language".
"What is 'stash'?" I explained it meant something you meant to hide...usually drugs or money. He was like "is it the same as 'stuff?'" No, no it is not.
He understood the last line...so we moved on.
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
solid life, of crime
a man of odd circumstance
a victim of ghetto demands
feed me money for [style]
and i'll let you trip for a while
insecure from the past
how long can a good thing last?
woo-hoo, no
got to be mellow, y'all
gotta get mellow now
pusherman gettin' mellow y'all
"'Feed me money?' what does that mean?" It means get money...and a lot of it.
Trip was also an interesting translation. "No, not viaje, not travel" i said, but more like something with drugs. He thought it meant stoned, but I clarified that trip referred to more LSD type drugs.
I also threw in the phrase "you be trippin'" as a way to say someone is being crazy.
heavy mind, have you signed?
makin' money all the time
my [LD] entrusts me
for all junkies to see
ghetto prince is my thing
makin' love's how i swing
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
huh
too bad, [Splee]
for a generous fee
make your world what you want it to be
got a woman i love desperately
wanna give her something better than me
been told i can't be nothin' else
just a hustler in spite of myself
i know i can rake it
this life just don't make it
lord, lord
got to get mellow now
gotta be mellow, y'all
got to get mellow now
"Andres," I said, "Rake in this case refers to receiving lots of cash."
i'm your mamma, i'm your daddy
i'm that nigga in the alley
i'm your doctor, when in need
want some coke, have some weed
you know me, i'm your friend
your man boy, thick and thin
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
i'm your mamma, i'm your daddy
i'm that nigga in the alley
i'm your doctor, when in need
want some coke, have some weed
you know me, i'm your friend
your main boy, thick and thin
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
First I had to explain that the n-word should never EVER be repeated. He didn't understand why, and I just had to say it was very degrading to black people to be called such a thing. He was like "I thought it was the same as 'black'" and I was like " NO NO NO NO NO! Please oh please never call someone this. Please. It's very bad."
I also had to look up what exactly IS a pusherman. It is a person who pushes drugs, or something like that.
Then I had to explain thick and thin, and how it means that it means good and bad, and that this (unlike many slang words you will see in this song) is still acceptable to use in everyday conversation.
haha
ain't i clean, bad machine
super cool, super mean
feelin' good, for the man
Superfly, here i stand
secret stash, heavy bread
baddest bitches, in the bed
I completely ignored his request for translating superfly...I just said it meant cool or something. I also said "you will sound silly using this in every day language".
"What is 'stash'?" I explained it meant something you meant to hide...usually drugs or money. He was like "is it the same as 'stuff?'" No, no it is not.
He understood the last line...so we moved on.
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
solid life, of crime
a man of odd circumstance
a victim of ghetto demands
feed me money for [style]
and i'll let you trip for a while
insecure from the past
how long can a good thing last?
woo-hoo, no
got to be mellow, y'all
gotta get mellow now
pusherman gettin' mellow y'all
"'Feed me money?' what does that mean?" It means get money...and a lot of it.
Trip was also an interesting translation. "No, not viaje, not travel" i said, but more like something with drugs. He thought it meant stoned, but I clarified that trip referred to more LSD type drugs.
I also threw in the phrase "you be trippin'" as a way to say someone is being crazy.
heavy mind, have you signed?
makin' money all the time
my [LD] entrusts me
for all junkies to see
ghetto prince is my thing
makin' love's how i swing
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
huh
too bad, [Splee]
for a generous fee
make your world what you want it to be
got a woman i love desperately
wanna give her something better than me
been told i can't be nothin' else
just a hustler in spite of myself
i know i can rake it
this life just don't make it
lord, lord
got to get mellow now
gotta be mellow, y'all
got to get mellow now
"Andres," I said, "Rake in this case refers to receiving lots of cash."
i'm your mamma, i'm your daddy
i'm that nigga in the alley
i'm your doctor, when in need
want some coke, have some weed
you know me, i'm your friend
your man boy, thick and thin
i'm your pusherman
i'm your pusherman
Did you know?
Did you know that not only is it highly looked down upon to eat in the park/in public, but it also is illegal in certain parks?
You can get a fine for feeding pigeons!
And people think you are homeless if you unwrap a sandwich while sitting on a parkbench somewhere.
You can get a fine for feeding pigeons!
And people think you are homeless if you unwrap a sandwich while sitting on a parkbench somewhere.
Stalkertime...SPAIN style!
first, let you know all this conversing/exchange is in Spanish...
My friend Morgen went to the grocery store the other day, where a young (20s ish) guy came up to her as she was in the chips aisle. He lingered for a bit, then made some strange comment about some chips being really good...as some sort of pick up line. She was like "uh, yeah." Then he asked her for her number, and she was in a hurry to leave so she just gave it to him. After that, she beat herself for making a silly mistake.
In the next day, the guy sent her about 10 texts about hanging out or getting coffee sometime, which she totally wasn't interested in. She never responded to any.
Then, when she was updating me about this after class last week, she got a call and answered it. It was him, from a restricted number! He somehow blocked his ID so she'd answer. She just said that she had to go and hung up on him. She then got a few texts over the next few days, one of which said he can't sleep without thinking about her.
Now she was starting to get nervous b/c he goes to the same university as us, and she is worried he'll spot her.
I am sure you wonder how someone could find a person in such a large campus...but Morgen has red hair and a bright blue leather jacket. Almost every Spaniard is brunette, so she is like a huge visible target.
Then, the next day, as she was walking to class, he texted her and asked if she was in class. She lied and said yes. Then he was like "are you suuuuure" then she realized he saw her and was somewhere on campus in eyesight! She quickly ran into a building.
Now she is contemplating going to coffee with him so he'll just go away. At the same time, she doesn't want to lead him on since she already knows that nothing will grow from it.
What will happen next!?!?
*cue suspense music*
My friend Morgen went to the grocery store the other day, where a young (20s ish) guy came up to her as she was in the chips aisle. He lingered for a bit, then made some strange comment about some chips being really good...as some sort of pick up line. She was like "uh, yeah." Then he asked her for her number, and she was in a hurry to leave so she just gave it to him. After that, she beat herself for making a silly mistake.
In the next day, the guy sent her about 10 texts about hanging out or getting coffee sometime, which she totally wasn't interested in. She never responded to any.
Then, when she was updating me about this after class last week, she got a call and answered it. It was him, from a restricted number! He somehow blocked his ID so she'd answer. She just said that she had to go and hung up on him. She then got a few texts over the next few days, one of which said he can't sleep without thinking about her.
Now she was starting to get nervous b/c he goes to the same university as us, and she is worried he'll spot her.
I am sure you wonder how someone could find a person in such a large campus...but Morgen has red hair and a bright blue leather jacket. Almost every Spaniard is brunette, so she is like a huge visible target.
Then, the next day, as she was walking to class, he texted her and asked if she was in class. She lied and said yes. Then he was like "are you suuuuure" then she realized he saw her and was somewhere on campus in eyesight! She quickly ran into a building.
Now she is contemplating going to coffee with him so he'll just go away. At the same time, she doesn't want to lead him on since she already knows that nothing will grow from it.
What will happen next!?!?
*cue suspense music*
Okay? Okay. Okay! OKAY!
The other day, Morgen called me after dinner. I was staring out the window in the family room, where Dante and Carlos were sitting.
Of course, Morgen and I were speaking English on the phone. She did most of the talking, so I was mostly saying "okay" over and over.
I turned around to look back at Carlos and Dante, and Dante had a huge grin on his face. He then started saying "Okay! Okay! Okay! Okay! Okay! Okay!" over and over again. He had no idea what he was saying.
Carlos was like: "Dante, sabes que significa okay? Es igual a vale, pero es la palabra en inglés." (Do you know what OKAY means? It´s the same as the word "vale", but in English)
Dante just kept repeating it over and over with a huge grin. It was super cute. Even when it started morphing into nonsense words, then eventually Carlos' nickname (koki). "Okay! okayokayokayokaykoh! kay! kayko! koki?"
Of course, Morgen and I were speaking English on the phone. She did most of the talking, so I was mostly saying "okay" over and over.
I turned around to look back at Carlos and Dante, and Dante had a huge grin on his face. He then started saying "Okay! Okay! Okay! Okay! Okay! Okay!" over and over again. He had no idea what he was saying.
Carlos was like: "Dante, sabes que significa okay? Es igual a vale, pero es la palabra en inglés." (Do you know what OKAY means? It´s the same as the word "vale", but in English)
Dante just kept repeating it over and over with a huge grin. It was super cute. Even when it started morphing into nonsense words, then eventually Carlos' nickname (koki). "Okay! okayokayokayokaykoh! kay! kayko! koki?"
The ugly...Englishman?
Why be an ugly American when you can be an Englishman!
There is a kid in our program, Andy, who lies to people who look down on what he's doing, by putting it on the British.
Example:
He does something looked at as a bit strange, like exercising on the beach. If someone asks him condescendingly where he is from, (or accusing him of being American), he just says "No, I'm BRITISH!"
As he says, "I am sick of the Americans getting a bad rap...so I'm putting it all on the British from now on! Soon enough, people will start to think the British are the loud, crazy annoying ones! HA!"
There is a kid in our program, Andy, who lies to people who look down on what he's doing, by putting it on the British.
Example:
He does something looked at as a bit strange, like exercising on the beach. If someone asks him condescendingly where he is from, (or accusing him of being American), he just says "No, I'm BRITISH!"
As he says, "I am sick of the Americans getting a bad rap...so I'm putting it all on the British from now on! Soon enough, people will start to think the British are the loud, crazy annoying ones! HA!"
Happily living with squirrels in your house
About animals...
I learned today that (spanish) people willingly have squirrels as pets...that live in their house. Ohhhhkay then.
Secondly, I learned the word for sloth in Spanish, which is "perezoso", which means lazy. Like, if I were to say "he is lazy" I would say "es perezoso." Apparently that is what sloths are called. I mean, it makes sense since sloth means laziness as well...but it's just funny!
I learned today that (spanish) people willingly have squirrels as pets...that live in their house. Ohhhhkay then.
Secondly, I learned the word for sloth in Spanish, which is "perezoso", which means lazy. Like, if I were to say "he is lazy" I would say "es perezoso." Apparently that is what sloths are called. I mean, it makes sense since sloth means laziness as well...but it's just funny!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Awkard name for a blog...
A conversation I had on my friend Carly's facebook wall...
(click on picture to see larger image)
(click on picture to see larger image)
No, not emo kids.
Welcome to what I have learned was Spain/Argentina's equivalent to the emo trend of America: Floggers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flogger_%28fashion%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flogger_%28fashion%29
A love/hate letter to Lola, my host family's dog.
Dear Lola (my host family's dog),
I had high hopes for you. I really did.
At first I was disappointed that you simply existed when I found out my host family assignment. I didn't want to live with a dog! My friends said I would like you better than the 2 year old. I was doubtful of that claim. I knew that I would love the child more than you.
However, you didn't seem that bad at all. You made strange grunting noises when you breathed, but it was just plain funny. You were a little annoying when I would come home from school and you'd scratch at my brand new gray leather boots. But you made up for this typical dog behavior when I would leave again, and you would stand in the doorway, nearly getting your head stuck in the door because you didn't want to see me go. You even followed me around the house, and got so excited when I said your name.
Of all the dogs I have met in my life (and subsequently hated) you didn't do what they did. You never put your paws on my legs when I was sitting (you were too short, and too fat) and you never ate or chewed any of my personal belongings (yeah, I still remember that dog that chewed my 8th grade yearbook. To that dog: you've made my list). You never barked (except for the rare occasion there was something on TV that you didn't like). You never drooled. All you ever wanted to do was sit in the same room as me and sit on a blanket or piece of cardboard or Dante's counting mat to protect your butt from the cold marble floor as you looked like a cross between a person bobbing to sleep on a bus and a dog who's face was melting as you dozed off.
That's all you wanted to do. Follow me around the house, or sleep. It didn't matter where you slept, but it had to be somewhat warm. Warm, like the Alicante sun on a Sunday afternoon.
When I was in my room and you were on the patio, the sound of me rustling things around would draw you to my windowsill, where you would sit until you saw my acknowledgment.
Even your creepiness was charming, when at night I would go to my room at the end of the hall and you would stand in the hallway, the dim light outlining your silhouette as you watched me retreat to my room for the night and shut the door.
I loved you for all the times I would exit the bathroom into the dark hallway and get jolted out of my skin when you were lurking in the shadows, growling, or as you like to call it, breathing.
You had so many charms, and I had high hopes for you. That is until today, when you threw up on the living room floor.
I had high hopes for you. I really did.
At first I was disappointed that you simply existed when I found out my host family assignment. I didn't want to live with a dog! My friends said I would like you better than the 2 year old. I was doubtful of that claim. I knew that I would love the child more than you.
However, you didn't seem that bad at all. You made strange grunting noises when you breathed, but it was just plain funny. You were a little annoying when I would come home from school and you'd scratch at my brand new gray leather boots. But you made up for this typical dog behavior when I would leave again, and you would stand in the doorway, nearly getting your head stuck in the door because you didn't want to see me go. You even followed me around the house, and got so excited when I said your name.
Of all the dogs I have met in my life (and subsequently hated) you didn't do what they did. You never put your paws on my legs when I was sitting (you were too short, and too fat) and you never ate or chewed any of my personal belongings (yeah, I still remember that dog that chewed my 8th grade yearbook. To that dog: you've made my list). You never barked (except for the rare occasion there was something on TV that you didn't like). You never drooled. All you ever wanted to do was sit in the same room as me and sit on a blanket or piece of cardboard or Dante's counting mat to protect your butt from the cold marble floor as you looked like a cross between a person bobbing to sleep on a bus and a dog who's face was melting as you dozed off.
That's all you wanted to do. Follow me around the house, or sleep. It didn't matter where you slept, but it had to be somewhat warm. Warm, like the Alicante sun on a Sunday afternoon.
When I was in my room and you were on the patio, the sound of me rustling things around would draw you to my windowsill, where you would sit until you saw my acknowledgment.
Even your creepiness was charming, when at night I would go to my room at the end of the hall and you would stand in the hallway, the dim light outlining your silhouette as you watched me retreat to my room for the night and shut the door.
I loved you for all the times I would exit the bathroom into the dark hallway and get jolted out of my skin when you were lurking in the shadows, growling, or as you like to call it, breathing.
You had so many charms, and I had high hopes for you. That is until today, when you threw up on the living room floor.
Friday, March 5, 2010
My new nickname.
There are so many people in this USAC program, that it's just plain HARD to remember everyone's names.
I mean, there is "hot as balls" girl who oh-so-crudely refers to everything "as balls." Example: cool as balls, hot as balls, gross as balls, etc etc.
There is leggings girl, who trades the option of wearing jeans on a daily basis to wearing leggings, whether there be a skirt or shorts to go with it...or not.
There is soccer maniac kid, who (in the first USAC-organized soccer game in February) took his cleats and soccer knowledge and got a little too intense and thus caused many people to secretly despise him.
Etc, etc.
Some nicknames are good, some are bad, some are neutral.
My friend Carly was talking to a USAC-er the other day about me, and she was like "Melissa? Which one is Melissa again?" Carly described that I had dark hair, I was from Chicago, and so on, and the girl's face lit up with recognition as she said "OHHHH! You mean the girl with the weird accent!"
I mean, there is "hot as balls" girl who oh-so-crudely refers to everything "as balls." Example: cool as balls, hot as balls, gross as balls, etc etc.
There is leggings girl, who trades the option of wearing jeans on a daily basis to wearing leggings, whether there be a skirt or shorts to go with it...or not.
There is soccer maniac kid, who (in the first USAC-organized soccer game in February) took his cleats and soccer knowledge and got a little too intense and thus caused many people to secretly despise him.
Etc, etc.
Some nicknames are good, some are bad, some are neutral.
My friend Carly was talking to a USAC-er the other day about me, and she was like "Melissa? Which one is Melissa again?" Carly described that I had dark hair, I was from Chicago, and so on, and the girl's face lit up with recognition as she said "OHHHH! You mean the girl with the weird accent!"
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
TODAY! RADIO! ME!
Listen to me on the radio! Today on Generation Y (a university student program about stuff we're interested in), we talk about childhood obesity. Of course I mention the obesity of America. GOOOO AMERICA!
(listen live at 1pm Chicago time TODAY MARCH 3RD at www.radiosanvicente.com under "eschucanos"...my segment is around 1:20)
(listen live at 1pm Chicago time TODAY MARCH 3RD at www.radiosanvicente.com under "eschucanos"...my segment is around 1:20)
Monday, March 1, 2010
Granada pics have captions now!
I am not sure if you already checked out the link I posted for my Granada pics
(here: http://picasaweb.google.com/108023025018790851796/GranadaWithUSAC# )
But if you did, check it again because I put up captions. The album is now complete!
(here: http://picasaweb.google.com/108023025018790851796/GranadaWithUSAC# )
But if you did, check it again because I put up captions. The album is now complete!
Calpe Update with Pictures (with captions!)
As I mentioned before, we went to Calp for the day.
I think it is written "Calp" but pronounced "Calp-ay" so sometimes I write it with an E.
Drew, my friend, organized a trip for us to go there, and it was about 10 euro round trip to get there. We had a brief stop at the beach, then we climbed up the mountain for most of the time. It was super cool, with these ropes that helped you around "rough" areas. When we got to the top, there were 2 cats living off of human food, as well as a bajillion seagulls that came within feet of our heads. The view was gorgeous. We ate our bagged lunches when we got to the top, much to the jealousy of those cats.
When we got down, we stopped at a cafe just because, then caught a bus ride to the tram. We were cutting it close, b/c the tram left only every hour, so we caught the bus and literally got to the tram station 2 minutes before it arrived, around 8pm. We got on the tram home and witnessed a dancing, screaming/singing drunk spanish woman, which was entertaining for about 5 minutes, then annoying for the rest. Overall, it was a successful trip.
Check out this link to see pictures!
http://picasaweb.google.com/108023025018790851796/Calpe#
Let me know if it doesn't work...
I think it is written "Calp" but pronounced "Calp-ay" so sometimes I write it with an E.
Drew, my friend, organized a trip for us to go there, and it was about 10 euro round trip to get there. We had a brief stop at the beach, then we climbed up the mountain for most of the time. It was super cool, with these ropes that helped you around "rough" areas. When we got to the top, there were 2 cats living off of human food, as well as a bajillion seagulls that came within feet of our heads. The view was gorgeous. We ate our bagged lunches when we got to the top, much to the jealousy of those cats.
When we got down, we stopped at a cafe just because, then caught a bus ride to the tram. We were cutting it close, b/c the tram left only every hour, so we caught the bus and literally got to the tram station 2 minutes before it arrived, around 8pm. We got on the tram home and witnessed a dancing, screaming/singing drunk spanish woman, which was entertaining for about 5 minutes, then annoying for the rest. Overall, it was a successful trip.
Check out this link to see pictures!
http://picasaweb.google.com/108023025018790851796/Calpe#
Let me know if it doesn't work...
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