Toledo

I think it’s necessary to begin this post by commenting on the tragic events that occurred in Paris over the weekend.  Terrorist attacks are scary and heartbreaking no matter what, but living in a European country so close to Paris has made it hit home that much more.  It has, once again, reminded me of how fragile life is, and to be grateful for each day that the people that I love are healthy and safe.  There are people that don’t have an ounce of humanity in their soul and being, but despite everything- keep looking for the good things in this world.

Good Afternoon/ Morning!

I have one hour to bang out this post before I have to head off to a private lesson.  I have a bajillion photos to edit, organize, and share, and a few words to write.  Ready, set….go.

This was yet another great weekend.  I woke up at 8:05 this morning and I usually leave the house by 7:50 am…so….it was a jam-packed weekend that left me run-down– in a good way.  I had 25 minutes to get dressed and RUN out the door, catch two metros and run to the bus station…and I made it.  With about 15 seconds to spare.  Must have been a good weekend!IMG_1422

My weekend starts Thursday, so after my last lesson of the week, I went grocery shopping and came home with so much food.IMG_1406

(There is more than that picture shows)  Somehow, I only spent 23 Euro, but after cooking all weekend, my fridge is now overflowing with food.  I plan to do a quick post with recipes, etc.

After shopping, I met up with Annie for a little bit of shopping and some good gossip.  I also made cookies!IMG_1410

Which have since been devoured (which was my intention).  I made the dough Thursday and then baked some Friday morning.  I underestimated the amount of space each cookie would need to spread…IMG_1416#cookieproblems

Friday morning, my alarm went off WAY too early, but I had to get up for my weekly Spanish lesson.  Yes, I live in Spain and yes, I pay for Spanish lessons.  It’s not NEARLY as easy to practice Spanish as you would think.  So far, I love the lessons and think they are incredibly helpful.  I don’t love that they are at 9:00 am on my day off, but it gets me out of bed and productive.  Sol (the center) is eerily quiet and still at 8:45 on a Friday morning.  Normally, I hate Sol and the hustle & bustle that it brings, so it was nice to see it in a different light.  By the time my lesson was over, I was back to hating Sol.IMG_1412

While I waited for my teacher, I sipped a cafe con leche.IMG_1414

Let me tell you, Rodilla coffee is disgusting.  And it’s a chain.  How HOW do they stay in business??  Quite possibly the worst coffee I have ever had.  I would buy people this coffee (spend my own money) just to say “try this!  It’s disgusting!!!”

Friday afternoon, I had an English lesson and then I did my Friday ritual of going shopping.  It’s a bad habit…but I enjoy it.  i do a lot of browsing and not a lot of buying, but this week, I came home with two new shirts.  I am pleased.  Then I met up with Annie and we walked to my house, ate a little bit, and went for a short visit (and gossip session) to El Prado with our friend Kristine.  Yay for new friends!  We came home, got dressed (me), ate, and got ready for a night out…and that we did.

Saturday, I was up bright and early again for a trip to Toledo with my roommate Kristen, Annie, and her roommate Megan.  Aw roommate double date.DSC_0044

We decided to go to Toledo because we had heard that it’s beautiful and the trip there is free (with our transportation card).  We spent the day walking around, taking pictures:DSC_0012 DSC_0016 DSC_0026 DSC_0042 DSC_0028 DSC_0055 DSC_0078 IMG_1424

Found this nice sweatshirt with English errors:DSC_0053

Since we packed our lunch, we parked ourselves in a plaza surrounded by churches and beautiful buildings, and ate while talking about the funniest things.  I haven’t laughed that hard in SO long…DSC_0063 DSC_0062 DSC_0066 DSC_0064

And before making our way back to the bus station, we stopped for some dessert:DSC_0080

We were home by 7:00, which left me plenty of time to cook a little, shower, nap, and get ready for another really fun night.

Sunday morning afternoon, I got up and spent a few hours doing more cooking.IMG_1444

I’m telling you- I made so much food (and a HUGE MESS)!  And then Kristen, Annie and I went out to do Spanish things, like sit in a plaza, soak up some sunshine, and chit chat.IMG_1446

Look at all the people that were out!

I also captured this gem:IMG_1448

Opposites attract?

We did a little bit of shopping and I spent my life savings on natural peanut butter, and then I taught a private lesson.

Now, as I finish up this post, I’m happy to report that Monday is almost over, which means I only need to get through 3 more days before the weekend.

Life is pretty good, indeed.DSC_0018

(finished this post with 18 minutes to spare…FYI)