The Adventures of Emily and Jenny - still happening after all these years!

Emily just left this afternoon after her third annual fall visit to Spain. And, as usual, we had a great time! Each year I reminded of how nice it is to have a friend who I know from home, which means we can share memories of particular places and people in Colorado, who I've traveled all over the world with, and who is living a similar life to mine at the moment. It's so nice to be able to share experiences with her!

We had a great time all week, especially with Amy and other friends visiting from Switzerland - great food, tons of laughs, and lots of fun. However, it was this past Friday night with Emily that was my favorite. After dinner with Amy, we went to a favorite neighborhood bar where we had drinks with new English friends, then went to one of my favorite clubs. Lots of flirting, dancing, and fun later, we were walking home around 6:30 in the morning when we stopped for food at a cafe and happened upon a French bachelor party! Fabulous French accents, breakfast beers, and entertaining conversation ended with us coming home at 7:30 -- crazy!

It was such a fun night and so unexpected (always the best nights in my opinion). I'm glad to know that even though we're at ages that are now "off the calendar," we still have it in us to have adventure-filled nights. I look forward to more of them in our future! :)

Holiday Plans

Although it seems like a long time away, it's hard to believe that the Christmas holidays will be here in less than 3 months! I had been debating about whether to return to the states this year for the holidays. I had SO much fun last year in Denver with friends and family, yet it also felt super-busy and like a lot of travel for not a lot of time. And it's such an expensive flight to buy at that time of year. So, even a few months ago, I thought I might be sticking around Europe this holiday season.

Well, I just confirmed these plans, although not for the reason I had anticipated months ago. Instead, it's because of something even better - a SBFF reunion! Anna will be in London for a few months during her summer holiday, so we have decided to reunite for our second Christmas together. This time, she'll be coming to Barcelona for Christmas and I will return with her to London for New Year's! I knew I wouldn't have been okay spending Christmas by myself and I'm so excited I get to spend it with Anna (and whomever else wants to join us in BCN!). Getting to see London, a place I've never been, with Anna and over New Year's, is just a great added bonus.

Although I am sad to not be with my family on Christmas, knowing I'll see my parents in just a few weeks, and that the rest of the Killion clan might be visiting this summer, and that I'll get to spend extended time in the states in the summer, makes it all worthwhile. And, the fact that I get to see Anna, who I was sure I wouldn't see for awhile (flights to Australia are just too pricey for me when I need to make it the US as well!) and have been missing terribly, makes me so happy.

Needless to say, I'm anxiously awaiting the holidays - and all of the fun that will happen before!

Christmas in Sevilla, 2009

(hopefully I'll take a better Christmas photo this year! :)

New Year's Eve in Milan, 2009

Maturity

"Maturity begins to grown when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself." - John MacNaughton

"Maturity is: the ability to stick with a job until it's finished; the ability to do a job without being supervised; the ability to carry money without spending it; and the ability to bear an injustice without wanting to get even." - Abigail Van Buren

I've been thinking a bit about maturity today and feel these quotes say a lot . . .