I'd Be Safe and Warm... If I was in LA

It's getting colder and I know back home people are getting to enjoy beautiful California weather...so I'm jealous!

And a little homesick, especially after reading this post on my original real blog, about the comfort of coming back home. 

I guess skype makes it all a little more bearable, I had a wonderful conversation with my niece who is going to be 3!

For now, I guess it's just California Dreamin'....

11 is the Magic Number- Liebster Award

Hey all!

 So today in my post Glee episode gloom, I found out that, Joyful Sparrow,  one of my new blog friends from 20sb nominated me for the Liebster Award (pretty much for bloggers with not such a great following to get more connected and out there in the world)! Anyway so pretty much here are the rules-

1.  Post 11 Facts About Yourself

2. Answer the 11 questions from the blogger who tagged you

3. Leave 11 questions for the bloggers you tag

4. Spread the love and tag a few blogger friends. 

So Here we go!

My Deetz-

1. I like taking pictures of myself

2. I am a singer, dancer, poet (my work is here), actress, not too good drawer

3. If it were safe and sanitary I would walk around barefoot everywhere. 

4. I have a new found addiction to the game Parchis

5. In the 3rd grade I had an 11th grade reading level. 

6. I'm a sucker for nostalgic moments

7. I lived in Puerto Rico for 4 months.

8. I was trapped in an elevator for 2 hours in New York City.

9. I am a college graduate, first generation on my mom's side.

10. I've worn glasses since I was 4 years old.

11. I want to fall in love. 

My Answers-

1. What song describes you best?

I would have to say "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" by Whitney Houston (RIP). After all the trials that I've had to face through the years, and especially this one, my ability to bounce back never ceases to surprise me.

2. What is the best part about where you live?

Well I just wrote two blogs talking about my top 10 favorite things about Madrid, but if I had to choose one thing that I like best it would be being so close to so many historical destinations- Rome, Paris, London...<3

3. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Despite enjoying my European stay and longing for a New York chapter of my life, I know that the place that I will forever call home and settle down in is California.

4. Your Perfect day would include...
My family coming to visit me, and sharing with them all of the cool opportunities I've gotten to experience.

5. What are you looking forward to?
Getting Paid!! Lol, and starting off year 2 in Spain on the right foot!

6. If money were no obstacle, what would you do with your time?
I would put on a Broadway show that I would star in, of course!

7. Your Favorite Item in your closet is...
...my little red dress ;)

8. In an hour you will be...
almost 1 am, so hopefully closer to falling asleep!!

9. What countries have you visited, which was your favorite?
Spain, France, Italy... I would say I have to hand it to España!

10. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Ha! I don't know where I see myself in 2 years... but that's besides the point. In 20 years, I hope to have a family, and work at a job that I can help my community either in Law or Education or both.

11. What are you currently reading?
Embarrassing... I've succumbed to the pressure of my peers... I'm reading... 50 Shades Freed.

********************

Now It's Your Turn!

Ale @AlessandraWrites

Jules @A Life Less Ordinary

Brittany @Delightfully Awkward Brit

Miriam @Mi Corazon Gitano

Parisa @Mi Pequeño Teatro de Sueños

Devon @Relationship Sex Blog

Emma @Vivir Reir Amar

********************

Your Questions-

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning?

2. What was your first kiss like?

3. What is your favorite day of the week, and why?

4. What is something you want to improve about yourself?

5. Who is your idol?

6. If you could be any part of a sundae, what would you be and why?

7. If you could only take 3 items with you to a deserted island what would they be?

8. What is the best song to sing at Karaoke?

9. What would you want as your last meal?

10. Backstreet Boys or NSYNC?

11. What is the most valuable thing a person can have?

Thanks again to Joyful Sparrow, for my first award! Hope it's been fun :)

5 (More) Things I Love About Madrid

Hey Everyone,

  So earlier this week for my 1 year anniversary, I posted 5 Things I Love About Madrid, and of course in a year you accumulate (hopefully) more than just a few things that you enjoy about a place, so I've decided to add a few more.

6. Food

Spanish cuisine is great! Although different from the various spices we're used to having in foods from other cultures, Spanish food is a category of it's own. From tortilla de patata (spanish omelette), paella, lentejas (lentil stew), the varieties of ham (which I have yet to convince my sister it is not bacon), salmorejo, empanadas, and so many other great delicious dishes to choose from.

7. Culture and diversity

Madrid has so many cultural activities that you can take part of. Go to the Prado Museum during the day then a flamenco show at night, or a brazilian jazz concert, or an English improv show or a capoeira workshop . Take day trips to go and see the house where Cervantes was born, and the list goes on and on.

8.  Fiestas!

The nightlife in Spain is no joke. I mean the party doesn't even start to get crackin' until 3 am, and there's usually a decision in the morning if you should either have breakfast or go to sleep. With always something fun to do partying in Madrid is a good time. On top of that you have traditional parties or festivals that towns all over the country do year round for added fun! This year I went to Las Fallas of Valencia!

9.  Getting/Staying Healthy In Spain is so much easier!

Since I've been in Madrid I've lost a good amount of weight (still an ongoing battle), but I really think that it was easier for me to start accomplishing my goals because Spain has a generally (not always) healthier lifestyle. Groceries are cheaper, people eat fruit for dessert, going for a walk is a frequent activity, climbing all those stairs to get to your apartment.

10. Mis Amores!

                       

All of the great people I've met here! You really can make a place 6,000 miles away from where you were born and raised feel like home, I know these people (definitely not all pictured) have been a huge part of that, and that this experience wouldn't have been as valuable.

Well there's my top 10.

What are some of the favorite things you have about where you are?

I've also did a list of 7 things I Miss While Abroad.

Thoughts and comments always appreciated!

Catch ya next time!

<3 CathyArely

Bloggin' Like A Boss...

8,000 pageviews!! Thanks everyone for being a part of my blog experience :)

<3CathyArely

5 Things I Love About Madrid

Hey Hey all,

  So today marks the 1 year anniversary of my landing in Madrid. How fast 365 days go by. Since I wasn't able to go see my friends and family this summer like a big chunk of my Spain Posse, I decided to make a list of things that I really enjoy about this place that I'm in so that I'm not thinking so much about who I'm missing back home, because I mean... I LIVE IN MADRID! So here's my top 5 (in no particular order).

1. Transportation

Need to get to the other side of the city? Commute out to a suburb? The Madrid metro is a great way to get to where you to be. For those of you who don't know me well, I am not really that fond of driving. Here, all I have to do is pop on my headphones and I get to where I need to go either by bus or metro!

2. Pace of life

Despite being a big city capital the Spanish lifestyle at times (when you're not trying to get something productive/bureaucratic done) can be comfortably slow. Taking a stroll, or sitting and enjoy a coffee or tinto de verano (wine with lime soda), or a beer for a few hours is not seen as a waste. Take the time to read the newspaper daily, or a book. 

3. Theater- Madrid Players and beyond

Yes, I know I come from California, the place where everyone who heads to follow their dreams, but I have found a special niche here in Madrid. With our September show debut tonight (Sept 14), it's been nice to feel needed, appreciated while doing something that I love so much. In addition living so close to the city center there's access to all of the big musicals that come to Madrid like the Lion King.

4. Travel

Being in Europe makes it so much easier to travel to major destinations since they are so much closer. I've enjoyed Spring Break in Paris and a tour of Italy. Now onto plans for Portugal, London, Barcelona, Ireland, Berlin, and so many other places before time runs out.

5. All Spanish All the Time (mostly)

Creo que es obvious that I like Español very mucho (well actually Spanglish). Being in Spain let's me hear and enjoy the marvelous language all around me, and of course the opportunity to fine tune my idioma skills. 

Originally this was supposed to be a top 10 blog post, I've run out of time so keep an eye out for a part 2 at another date.

Here's to a great season 2 of Madrid life :)

<3 CathyArely

My Year Summed Up In A JPG

Although some people remind me that... it's actually the summary of my life. lol

<3CathyArely

P/S Check out our new Reader Spotlight

Labels

In the chaos
We seek neatness and order

We create borders and categories

Everything has a place or a label

So we are able to be organized

Not realizing those who are victimized

By being itemized into the big picture.

If a pen made it into a box of pencils,

It wouldn't be the end of the world,

But what if it were a girl?

Does she lose her identity 

Because society can't see her as an individual?

Where dual roles hardly exist

And people can't resist

The urge to criticize, idolize, and disguise all the wrong things

Brown skin is Mexican

Almond eyes are Chinese

Unable to seize control over perception of people's misconceptions.

"So it's a tiny mistake," they say.

A mistake that erases the traces of what makes people who they are.

Leaving scars on the souls unseen.

Sometimes the way people think becomes the reality

Instead of bitter

Let's go for better

Educate

Create the dialogue

Get out of the fog

The world is more complex than you think.

Hey Everyone,

       The poem above was inspired by a conversation posed in one of the auxiliar facebook groups I'm a part of., in where some people thought it was okay to use as "just a descriptor" the word chino for Asian. It bugged me, and therefore I went to work to express it with pen and paper (and now laptop and internet).

      I'll be the first to say that I am not perfect. I don't always say the right thing. I laugh at times at things other people may not find funny, but I guess it's not being perfect which makes us human. I also categorize things because it makes it easier to talk about, but just because a poodle is a dog, doesn't make all dogs poodles. 

        I've dealt with this many times with so many people assuming that if you speak Spanish you must be Mexican. I've gotten all sorts of responses like: "Ugh, it's all the same," "Isn't El Salvador, like in Mexico?" "Well I'm usually right, when I call someone Mexican." or even worse yet with an attitude "Do you speak English?"

   The problem with labeling people as certain (and sometimes exclusively) things, then we lose the various dimensions that make up our world, and de-value aspects of people.

Tell me what you think. Let the discussion begin!

~@CathyArely

September We Meet Again

Hey Everyone, 

    I can't believe September has made it back to the front of the calendar. In just 11 short days I will have been in ONE YEAR! It amazes me how much has changed in these 12 months. I've grown so much as a person, and more comfortable into my "adult" skin. Surpassed so many things that in their moment were the bottom of the barrel. Now, I look onto this next year with even more optimistic eyes than I had in 2011. I mean everything started a little off from visa complications about a staple to FUNDamental problem with my cash flow. 

Even this blog has had its ups and downs. Almost a year ago I was ecstatic about reaching a thousand views, now I'm over 7,000!  Reader Spotlight has been a great way to get to know people, although a bit slower now, since the comments now are far and few in between, but a new year means new prospects. 

What are y'all excited about for this coming year?

Thanks for reading.

<@CathyArely

Oh... Pears are the best! :P

Actually I prefer peaches. lol Here's my mini vlog saying hellow during my au pair experience:

Adios home cooked meals just like mom's (aka delicious and free).

Leave the love!

@Cathy Arely

Summer Summer Summer Time

Hey Hey All!

Sorry for the blogging hiatus, as promised (many times) before I do plan on getting back into posting a little more regularly. I'm returned from adventures in summer camp, and now am almost finished with my au pair experience.

Summer definitely didn't kick off the way I expected. It all began the day I was supposed to go to camp... I didn't even end up in Albacete!! We all know I am not a stranger to OMG IS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?! situations, well here is another one for the list. I was all packed and ready to head off for a month of summer camp activities, mingling with students and other native speakers of English, and all that jazz. Somehow a midst a pile of emails with different dates and times we had to be at places, I ended up getting a little mixed up, and thought we were set for take off at 4pm, when it was really 2pm (!!).

Last Resort jajaj

Much to my surprise, I arrived at the meeting point only to find hotel staff who had no idea about the group I was talking about. Total freak out moment, since this job was going to be my main source of income to keep me on my feet while still here during the summer, and I threw it all away because I was too cool to write down the time I was supposed to leave. With thoughts of ruin and despair in my head I frantically called the contact number I had for the summer camp. I honestly expected a "sucks for you, apply again next summer," but instead after a "Really, you missed the bus...lecture" the coordinator told me that they would send me to  the Tarragona campus instead, and gave me instructions to go by a train ticket. All was right in the world, I wasn't going to be forced to sing in the metro with a can in order to afford toast. 

I arrived at camp with the students, was mistaken for a student a few times (woo I can pass for 17!) and the fun began. 4 weeks of bonding with students, making raps, dances, shadow theater, playing capture the flag, swimming, making presentations, cross-dressing, talking about child labor, and mock interviews. All while trying to not get bitten by mosquitoes or spiders (fail) and going back to elementary school days with traditional games and cafeteria food. 

Week 1 Manic Monkeys!!

Week 3 Roomies!

Real Life Clue! The maid knows who done it! Even if she's had a few rum and cokes! ;)

As great as it was to have some structure to my days again, I learned a lot in Amposta, and had a select group of fantastic new buddies. Manic Monkeys, Wolf Pack, Amposta Shore, and Shakalaka were tight. I'm really glad to be back in Madrid, with potentially more scars on my legs that I had in Puerto Rico. Now I'm occupying my time with a 11 and 7 year old brother and sister pair, and rehearsing for my next performance "September Serenade" with Madrid Players. 

Thanks for reading! Until Next time loves!!

~@CathyArely

Hello Mother, Hello Father, Here I am at Camp Granada

...well not exactly Granada.

I'm going to be working at a summer camp in Albacete for the month of July!

See everyone on the flip-side :)

-@CathyArely

A Series of Awkward Events

Anyone who knows me, or who has been keeping up with my blog, knows that I am not always as smooth as I'd like to think I am. Just like I don't update my blog as often as I'd like to... but here and there and in between posts I have managed to get myself into a few situations that definitely changed my facial expression. And of course I have to share my hilarious misery. 

1. Not Smarter Than A Fifth Grader

     So, one day on the way out of class a girl stops at the world map in my classroom and says, "Miss Cathy, what is the capital of Florida?" Gut reaction immediately says '"Miami". I flinched and said, "No, Orlando" Third whim comes and I say, "Actually, Tallahassee sounds about right." She gives me a most perplexed look, and I simply tell her, "You know what... look it up on google" 

     A few days pass, and in a bright and early 1st period with my 3º ESO class this boy out of the blue asks, "Miss Cathy, what is the capital of South Carolina?" I quickly search the minor database that is my brain and come up with nothing, come to think of it... I couldn't name a single city in South Carolina if my life depended on it. So again I fell back on "I really have no idea, look it up on google, and bring it to me tomorrow," and there went another heartbreaking disappointed face out the door. I have failed Ms. Eubanks, and every social studies teacher that hath crossed my path (oooh still got the poet skillz lol). My legacy to my students...google it. -_-. Next Year I Shall be more prepared (hopefully) with a smartphone and this app:

2. ReMix...

At my the graduation for my student's there was a some great entertainment (including a student band who did their version of "Stacey's Mom", and everyone smiling and bopping their head...one of the most hilarious things I've seen). The last act was my one of my co-workers from the English Department's band. So as most of the guests were enjoying refreshments I stayed a true fan and recorded the performance. The next day I told my co-worker I'd email her the files, so she can have the memories.Well one of the videos was too long, so I ended up putting it on my youtube account so that I could send her the link. Well when I was emailing her the link, I was also in the middle of checking out various music that had been recommended to me, and I didn't notice that I copied the wrong link. So Monday morning I'm all eager to have her check out the email, and she opens it up in the department meeting and it's this video:

So embarrassed at least it wasn't this song.

3. Seeing stars...not a celebrity sighting

It's Friday night, time to kick it with the homies, and have some fun, after a long week of work. My Spain BFF invited me to go see a concert at a bar because on of the guys playing in the bad was the friend of her boyfriend's old roomate lol. I'd had a migraine all day, but decided to still go and hang out since the band sounded interesting. A few songs into it, I was really groovin' but my head started bangin' to its own beat. At one point, I yawned, and my friend kind of jabbed me, and from then I was in "Okay Cathy, gotta stay awake, yawning at a concert is super rude mode." One minute I'm trying to not yawn, and the next minute all I hear is "Get her glasses, get her glasses!!"...and in a fog I'm like "Yeah... my glasses" Trying to stand up having a bunch of people hover and help me get rushed to the restaurant part of the bar and a getting asked if I'm epileptic and the server bringing me a coke to cool me down. After the lightheadedness went away the bashfulness set in with all of the strangers coming to ask if I was okay. One fellow in particular came back 3 times to ask how I was doing, and all that jazz. By the time we were leaving I thought I should pay the courtesy to say bye and thank him for his concern. As I walked away he asked if maybe I'd wanted to get together some time, so we exchanged numbers, and I thought it maybe it wasn't a bad night after all. Thing is a few days later I got a text that we should go grab a bear and I should make sure to bring my beautiful blonde friend with me..  uber fail. Next time I'll remember band camp lesson #1- Don't lock your knees!

#4. I'm all Juiced up

Losing weight has definitely had it's perks, health-wise and confidence-wise. Not exactly the case when you wake up late and  put on whatever you can find running out the door to catch the bus with or without your belt, or suspenders or a freakin' rubber band! Well the other day I felt that downfall [pun intended] after having a morning juice with co-workers after our department meeting. I went to pay my share only to find that my wonderful co-worker had already taken care of it. In the midst of a feeling of confusion and gratitude , I let my guard down, and my jeans went with it...(sadly enough anyone who was in the RHS Marching Band from 2002-2006 can tell you that this isn't my first time). So in a not so swift motion, I grabbed them and went running without looking back. No more bocadillos de jamon con tomate for a while... que verguenza...

5. Seriously, dude?

So on what I'd like to call the Madrid-Season One Finale, aka last night going out together before my group of friends goes home for the summer, I had an interesting metro ride. I mean granted I'm used to having my transportation as a form of entertainment from time to time, but this was definitely out there. So for the special occasion, I pulled out a dress out of my closet to go have a night on the town. On the ride over to my friend's house the metro was pretty packed so I just stood in a corner on the side where the doors don't open. A few stops later a group of guys hopped on. Since there were no available seats a couple of them decide to plop down on the floor...no big deal...until a few minutes later one of them is trying to slyly lay on the ground and look up my dress. Surprised but keeping my cool I just moved over to the next car, rather than kicking him in the face.

I hope my woes have brought at least a tiny bit of sunshine to your day!

<3 Cathy

So you had a bad day...

    I hesitate to write this post because even though I get personal on my blog, I've veered from getting too personal, other than my thoughts/fears for the future, and missing people back home. Today was different, it was just one of those days. 

    I get into class with my 7th graders and I'm finishing up preparing their activity for the class about personal attributes and relationships. While I'm simultaneously cutting the cards and making conversation with the kids about what kind of exams they have coming up, and what kind of fun things they have going on during the weekend, one kid asks me, "Miss Cathy, how old are you?" I hesitantly reply, "24." He smiles and says "Really? You look like you're 18!" I smile and continue to make conversation with the entire class.  Then the little darling asks, "Miss Cathy, do you like spaghetti, pizza, and hamburgers?" I slightly brush off the the question, and continue explaining what the activity we are going to do that day in class. Then he says "Because it sure looks like you do. My heart stopped. Did he really just say that. I ignored his comment, and kept on with the class and allowed them to do their activity. 

    I probably should have sent him back to class or to the principal for a comment like that, but part of me was thinking if I do that, then I am giving that comment power. Not to say it didn't hurt my already fragile ego/self image. I've always been a big girl, and I've struggled my whole life with banter about it. Recently though, I've lost some weight. I can't give numbers because I haven't been on a scale in a long time so I don't really have something to compare to, but I've definitely noticed in the way my clothes fit, and all that jazz. Not that I really care what some 12 year old boy thinks, but it really does kinda suck. 

As class went on I also gave a talk about respect, as some of them used foul language and definitely inappropriate occupations their little adolescent male minds came up with. The last few minutes of class I allowed them to chill since our activity was pretty much done and there wasn't that much time left in class. As I was getting my paper and things ready to go, said class clown decides to open our huge window and put his head out and start flailing around from the 2nd floor! I told him to get to his seat before anything happened. One of the few moments you really think... Saved by the Bell.

Here's to a better Thursday!

Much Love,

Cathy

Oui, what?

Hey Hey Everyone, 

   Spring break has come and gone, along with my birthday, and now I'm left with a few stories to share with you all. 

    My sister and some of her friends came for Spring Break with the incredibly horrible mediocre trip planner I am the itinerary for the week was as follows: Friday-Sunday Madrid, Sunday-Wednesday Paris, Thursday-Friday Malaga, Saturday- ship the girls back. All of this meant a lot of early mornings, a lot of packing and repacking, but overall it was an adventure.

Since so much time as gone by I've decided to share this post in comic-ish form. Enjoy.

Hopefully that was a breath of fresh air, I actually had a lot of fun creating these. Until next time!

~Cathy

7 Things I've Missed While Abroad

So our new Reader Spotlight Miriam wrote this blog entry based off of a Huffington Post article, and I decided to jump on the bandwagon. So here are my 7 (in no particular order).

1. Not having to think too hard about what time it is when I want to call someone. 

The difference between Madrid and home is a whopping 9 hour time difference. So it can get a bit annoying when I want to call my mom when I get home from work, but it's 5am. Or I get a phone call from my best friend but it's 3am so I missed it. Also dealing with "business" things like calling about student loans and the like around 11pm in a noisy apartment doesn't make for the best either.

2. Being able to take out the trash whenever I'd like/need to

Spain as far as I've seen has got a bit more of a handle on the whole waste scene, with recycling bins everywhere to separate cardboard/glass/plastic/waste. The thing is you can only throw away your trash at a certain time. For my building they don't take out the trash bins until around 8pm til about 12am. Monday-Friday. So if I get a burst of energy to clean and get the dirt out around 3pm, I'm out of luck. The trash stays in the house. Or if I get home late from a long day, once I get in and get comfy, I have to go out again just for the trash. Boo.

3.  Ross

This wonderful store that has been the leader in my retail therapy meanderings for a while now. Lots of cute things for decent prices, and in sizes that fit more than just my 2 year old niece. And to add to it, I miss shopping the way I used to, I'm kind of scared to do too much shopping here because of the suitcases I'm going to have to pack when I'm finally going home.

4. Being able to do laundry in a Day

If you're like me, and procrastinate immensely on getting your laundry done, that huge pile of clothes can be intimidating. Set aside one day to do a handful of rounds of washing, 45 minutes in the washer, 20 in the dryer, fold put away, and you're set for the next month!! (lol) Here in Spain with no dryers...great for less energy consumption...for my clothes, not so much. Hanging clothes to dry on a line takes significantly longer, making time in between loads greater, and living in a house with 4 other people, that time can be precious.

5. Home Cooked Meals

Nothing beats having a warm plate of delicious food prepared by a dear family member. Carne asada, arroz, pupusas, tamales, pasteles, caldo de pollo, carne guisado, or a turkey sandwich. It's all good in the neighborhood. <3

6. More Crosswalks with Traffic Signals

I've been a bit of a scaredy cat my whole life, so having to cross a big street with lots of cars on a crosswalk with no traffic signal is a bit problematic for me. Trusting that the car coming at you is going to stop just because you have the right of way is never easy. Sometimes you gotta do it though because you'll either get looked at like an idiot for waiting for cars to cross, or wait forever. I usually wait until someone else shows up so in case someone is going to get hit, I'm not leading the charge jaja!

7. Family and Friends

This really goes without saying... but with so much going on back home the people are what I really miss the most. My niece is talking up a storm, nephews and cousins playing baseball and soccer, friends getting married, graduating, getting together and having a good time, all while I'm 6,000 miles away.

Perhaps this wasn't the best idea now that the fact that I'll probably be separated from my loved ones for at least 2 years, but I have a lot going on here for me too. It's great to have good things all around the world. 

Fellow expats- What are your 7? Feel free to link up or share in the comment section!

Much love,

Cathy

To Be Continued...

Well this posts title can be attached a number of ideas. The first being, I've left you all hanging for a while now without a REAL update on what's going on in La Vida de Cathy, so stay tuned...

Life in Spain has been a roller coaster, countless times have I just sat and thought, "Is this really happening?" I've climbed social mountains, health mountains, housing mountains, and much to my surprise professional mountains as well. 

Just as I was on the rise of enthusiasm with my experience here, I was hit with an atomic bomb, that I was not wanted at my school for the upcoming year, just before having to super glue a smile to my face in front of 20 adolescents and keep them excited about their progress in English. I allowed myself the cry a river on the bus ride home, then put my game face on. Up until that moment, I had not been sure about my stay here since it had been so rocky, but in time it took for me to realize that staying might not be an option, my gut told me that's what I wanted to do. I went to talk to the people I needed to talk to, but to no reward, it was only in the hands of those who I work under. So after gathering a support team, highlighted all of the regulations I needed in my corner, I went and pleaded my case. Even if they didn't keep me at the same school, it was a death sentence (okay, so I'm a little dramatic) to keep me out of the entire program. Perseverance paid off and I was able to get the papers I needed in order to renew my contract here in Spain. In order to get what I wanted though I had to send everything to the office where you change regions, essentially meaning I wouldn't be in Madrid, in theory. I banked on the the inefficiency of the system, that because I had preferenced Madrid on my application, and it has the most positions in all of Spain that the odds were in my favor to stay, but I wouldn't know that for sure until I got my letter. And the waiting game begins. 

A few weeks after the deadline to turn in the application all of my auxiliar friends in Madrid had received their Madrid placement emails. My inbox was still empty. A bit disheartening, but not all hope lost. I continued to wait as the facebook wall of the Auxiliares group was filling with posts about placements. 

One afternoon as I got comfortable in my room after a long day of teaching, there it was, as sly and unexpected as can be, my email from the ministry of education. I held my breath and clicked on the link, and in that moment I saw my outsmarting had worked. I received a placement for MADRID for next school year!!! I didn't know what to do with myself. For what seems like soo long (2 months) my future was hanging by a thread and now the biggest weight was off my shoulders. I have something to work toward, a goal to upkeep.

This news brought me to looking for tickets home for the summer to go and see my family and friends who I miss incredibly (Yes, I miss you incredibly). Unfortunately, tickets to go home for summer are looking right around $1100 to $1500, a very depressing sight. And with nothing secure here in Spain, it was even more depressing. Too poor to live in Spain, and too poor to go home. AHH! Talk about between a rock and a hard place. The summer job I had sort of been counting on fell through, and I played around with applying at camps, and/or otherwise racking up massive credit card debt and be poor at home. 

Well today my email graced me once again with some good news. I got hired to teach at a summer camp for the month of July, with not a bad salary. Unfortunately, it's not enough to send me laughing all the way to the airline counter, but things should be a little easier for the beginning of next school year. Which brings me to why this news is bittersweet. It's the realization that I am probably not going to go home for the summer (never say never...but...). It is also the realization that it may well be until NEXT summer that I get to be home. I know what you're thinking... Cathy you're living your dream, stop complaining. I know this, I just can't help, but think about my parents, and my sister who is going to be getting married!!, and my babies back home,  and my friends. 2 years just seems like a really long time. Either way I know I am blessed to have such great opportunities and people around the globe, and I appreciate them all and know how fast any of them can not be an option. So ending the pity party, and wrapping up this post. 

Lots of things to look forward to, putting on that smile and doing it. Some great posts about trips and events around Madrid, as well as more writing of articles. For now you can go check out the poetry explosion on my other blog (videos soon to come). Thanks for reading, and sticking with me y'all. We're still on the ride. 

-@CathyArely 

Picture Source: Google.com 

Write, Write, Write...Right?

So given the fact that it's been over a month since my last post, the title doesn't make much sense, but despite my minor absence (okay, you can say it...you missed me a whole lot... lol), a bunch of writing has been going on, and even more writing ideas have been forming in my little mind to share with you all. I promise I will fulfill them...eventually.

The reason why I guess I actually gave my self the kick in the pants to get on here and start writing something is because I was reading an article about Carlos Fuentes, one of my favorite author's who passed away this week. In this it gives Carlos' 10 tips for Writers, and number one is right on the ball with what I need to work on.

1. Discipline: Not as an antidote to dreaming but as a necessary regimen to focus on the purpose of your task. It won't write itself. One must dream, but not in a place of working, and never await inspiration. Work in focus, get it done.

So from today I can say I'm going to put effort into getting from the brain waves to the page ( and the added step from the page to the website most of the time too.. lol). A bunch of more poems to post on CathyBean Poetry for April's National Poetry Writing month.

Not last (because I have lots of writing to do.. lol) and certainly not least... I was afforded the great opportunity to be a contributor for MadBudget, a local guide to Madrid. So without further ado my first piece was published this month, and I'm working on a second!!

Anyway, thanks for reading and staying with me everyone, it really does mean a lot. Oh and I gave in, now you can follow me on Twitter @CathyArely.

Much Love,

Cathy

The Blink of an Eye

7 months from today I landed in Spain... and what a roller coaster it has been.

1 year ago exactly I was sad that I had to leave New York, especially after the fairy tale night I had.

Time really does fly, and I have been a hard working blessed woman.

~Cathy

Let the Adventures Begin... Las Fallas :)

     So let's rewind back to Fall 2010... Sitting in my Spanish 381 class listening to the professor elaborate more on the text that everyone (should have) read the night before about the different fiestas there are in Spain. Looking at pictures of bulls running, of people covered in tomatoes, or people traditionally dressed.

Then he started to talk about Las Fallas de Valencia. This is a festival has been going on since 1872. In Valencia they spend all year making this float type spectacles that are often satires of current situations or people. During the weekend of Las Fallas these floats are displayed throughout the city and at the end of the festival they are burned (all that work gone!!)

That lesson was one of the first reasons that I thought Spain would be a cool place to be. Las Fallas was definitely something that I wanted to see. So as March 19th rolled around, I tried asking various groups of friends who were interested in going, but at the end of the day any prospects for plans pretty much fell through. At first I was pretty bummed about it, but then a stroke of good (finally) luck hit. On the facebook group for auxiliares a tour group that was taking a day trip to Valencia for the last day and coming back just in time to head straight to work for only 40 euro (most buses I saw to get there were 60) said they still had seats on the trip. So I thought about it for a while and came to the conclusion that- 

1. Las Fallas was the reason I became more interested in Spain.

2. I didn't get to go anywhere during Christmas break and if I just stayed home I would be wasting the 3 day weekend opportunity.

3. Next year Las Fallas is going to be on a Tuesday therefore making it more difficult to go, if I am even in Spain next year. 

4. I came to Spain to get to know more people, so getting on this tour bus full of strangers would be a good start.

And with that I messaged the girl in charge and I was ready to be on my way to Valencia. The original plan was to meet at a certain bar at 11:30 to head out by noon, and head back around 2:30 to be back by 7:30...just in time to catch my bus to work...jajaj). At the bar I realized that there were 2 people a part of the group that I had met before. A guy I met at an intercambio like the first few weeks I was here still living with las brujas, and another guy I met when I went with my friends to a movie screening who also graduated from CSUN. He ended up being my bus buddy for the rest of the he trip, and we got to walk around and see the different floats displayed in the charismatic city of Valencia.  

After exploring by ourselves for a bit we met up later with the group for drinks and started watching the masterpieces burn. For those of you who know me, know I can be pretty jumpy and a big scaredy cat, well with that in mind I have no idea what I was doing in Las Fallas. Even the smallest firework that you could give to a 6 year old made the loudest sound like it could be a bomb. So with all of the massive explosive sounds I felt like I was going to lose a leg or something, giving a few special people in the group something to laugh at lol. 

We stayed and watched the fantastic show of fireworks and the burning, and it was a beautiful night...until it decided to rain right after the main show. Oh another minor detail, our bus driver decided to be a jerk and make up his own rules saying that he needed 11 hours rest between the turn around for the 4 hour drive (in which he also needed a 45 minute break in between). Therefore we couldn't get the bus at 2:30 as planned we were getting picked up at 4:30... and he was late. So we went to a bar and hung out for those 3 hours, and went to wait in the rain for the late bus driver. I called my teacher to tell her the situation, and made in time for my second class of the day (despite looking like Mufasa with wet shoes). 

And that is the story of my first trip since Halloween, health wise I made it walking and standing all those hours, so it was a big victory in a lot of ways.... A trip back to Valencia is in order for sure.

Thanks for reading. I'll leave you all with the video of the wonderful fireworks and big burning at the end. 

Much Love!!

~Cathy

Self Censored

Hey Hey all,

 As usual I'll start my blog off with an apology for being away longer than expected, but I really am trying to make this a project that doesn't get forgotten or left behind as the mountains of diaries or previous blogs have in the past. 

 When I first started the idea of blogging I had the idea that it was going to be kind of like a diary...keeper of my thoughts and day to day activities. What I've come to realize is that with a blog you can't really say or write everything that you want. In a day and age where the things you put on the internet can affect your future prospects there are lots of things that get left out, but more than just censoring professionally inappropriate things (not that I should worry that much about it, I am La Angelita after all...jajaj just kidding), I realize that there are thoughts, that although they may be good for the entertainment purposes of this blog. Certain stories or opinions I have to share aren't meant to fall upon all ears (or eyes, I guess).

  I mean if I wanted to talk about how bad of a time I had at a certain person's party, or how certain people's decisions are cruel and life-altering, or how someone is a horrible wingman, or the deetz of a potentially budding love story that started in a beach town or big city. 

What if the people involved were to read those things and think I'm a horrible person for saying them? 

What if people don't really want stories about them on my blog? 

What if what I think/say gets thrown back at me for some reason?

It's questions like these that stop me from writing some potentially good blog posts, or keep me from going into further detail on certain aspects. Obviously this isn't going to keep me from writing, or keep me from posting interesting things that happen in my life, it just means I'm thinking about being careful AND if you're ever REALLY interested in more details of something questions about the things I write please feel free to tell me. Shoot me your email in the comment section or hit me up on facebook, I won't be shy. 

Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!!

 Look out for upcoming posts about Valencia and Spring Break!

<3 Cathy

Baby will you Walk me home?

Despite an evening that was pretty rocky,  A few interesting things came out of my walk home-
On Gran Via-
1. A guy said hola guapa as we were walking toward eachother than when he walked passed me he licked my arm as a lioness would her cub
2. Guy wanted me to take a picture with is friend.
3. Guy says hola guapa and caresses my belly as he walks past me
4. On Calle Tutor 1 block away from home a group of drunk people picked up a thrown away hotel uniform hat and threw it at me
5. I realized only when I got to the door that I didn't have my keys because I switched purses, and woke up my roomie to let me in at 5:30 am...Oh bless him ♥

That is all.

~Cat