Best Trip Yet

In July and August, I went home for the fourth summer in a row since moving to Spain. Although every trip back is fantastic, this one, for a number of reasons, was the best one yet! I was able to spend time in Indianapolis, Denver, and Nashville and saw SO many wonderful people!

This trip was one of those where I just felt so lucky the entire time. Lucky that I have so many great friends who take time from their busy lives to see me. Lucky that even when I haven't talked to someone in year, the friendship picks back up like it's just been a day or two. Lucky that my best friends are still my best friends for so many reasons. Lucky that my family is absolutely amazing and will do anything for me. Lucky that my dog still remembers me. And lucky that my friends and family are so happy and healthy.

Things are a bit different now - gone are the days of summer pool parties and big nights out (at least for the time being!) - instead many days were spent with babies and kids and learning about what becoming a mother really means. And although it was different, it was great! It was fun to see my friends experiencing something so new, yet continue to be exactly who they have always been. I just felt so happy to be a part of it, even if only for a few days.

Although by the time I boarded the plane to Barcelona, I was ready to be "home," I felt like I had spent the perfect amount of time with the people who mean the world to me, and it couldn't have been better. And I'm already looking forward to my next visit . . .

Great times with the best older brother ever!

How did my nephews get so big?!

Best friends forever - really. I love these girls!

Great hike and camping trip with the best little brother ever!

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

Every year since I first began teaching, I've been surprised by just how amazing summer vacation is. One would think teachers get used to this, but somehow I think many of us don't. Each summer seems to arrive after an inevitable end-of-year countdown and when it does, it's like we can finally exhale.

Over the past ten years, each summer has been a bit different. However, they all seem to include a bit of travel, time with friends, a visit to Indianapolis, lots of time outdoors, and relaxing. For me, summer is the time when I can finally decompress and find what I often seem to lose during the school year - my personal priorities. Although I believe my social life and work life have become much more balanced since moving to Spain, summer vacation is still much needed!

Although I don't believe it's why any teacher chooses this career, I do believe we would all agree it's a great perk. I hope to enjoy more reading, exercise, beach time, sleeping, friends, and relaxing in the upcoming weeks!

Summer Plans

It's amazing how quickly ten weeks of summer can fill up with plans! For me, this summer is full of professional development, spending time with friends and family, and relaxing in Barcelona. Here's what I'm up to:

*Writer's Workshop at ASB
*Visiting Tessa in Prague with a stop in Slovakia
*Lauren visiting in July
*Spending time in Indy and Denver with friends and family
*Technology PD in Boston
*Reader's Workshop in NYC
*Spanish classes in Barcelona
*Linsey and Chris visiting in late August
*Back to School!

I have no doubt that time will pass quickly. I can't wait for all this summer has in store! :)

Menu del Dia

Menu del Dia is a Spanish tradition that I was introduced to after first moving to Sevilla - many of my male friends loved it because it's usually tons of food for just a few euros. In general, I didn't go too often because the quality of the food wasn't the best, and I always ate too much of food I didn't even like that much.

However, after enjoying an amazing menu del dia with Anne today, I think I might have to start enjoying this tradition again! Usually, menu del dia includes a drink, an appetizer, a main course, dessert, and coffee. There are often three to four choices for the appetizer and main course. The price varies, but is usually 8-15 euros.

Today, we went to Habaluc and it was delicious. Tinto de verano, rollitos with spinach and cheese, grilled vegetables and garbanzos, Greek yogurt with fresh jam, and a cortado all for 12 euros -- wow! The best part is that we sat outside and enjoyed a true Spanish lunch -- it was about 1.5 hours long! In addition, it was light, yet filling, so you don't really even need dinner. A leisurely walk home through the sun-filled streets of Barcelona made for a wonderful end to the afternoon.

After getting back from Madrid, I think I might need to consider a menu del dia tour of Barcelona . . . what a great way to enjoy summer days!

Starting Summer in the USA

Now that I'm at home in Indy with my mom and dad, I finally feel like summer has begun! The end of the year in Barcelona was quite frantic due to leaving school almost a week early - there was SO much to be done in my classroom before heading out, along with grades, paperwork, etc. It was also quite surreal to be in Washington, D.C. (a place that is about as "American" as you can get) with co-workers and friends from ASB, as well as surrounded by people who literally teach all over the world! Needless to say, last week did not feel like I was back home on summer vacation.

This transition to the US has definitely been easier than last summer. Although I still feel surprised to hear everyone around me speaking English, I don't automatically want to speak to everyone in Spanish, either. (And no, I am nowhere near speaking Spanish fluently!) I'm again amazed by the space and distances in the US, how cities are so not set up for walking, the huge portions of food, and the wonderfully large glasses of ice water you get at restaurants without even asking.

There is something about being able to understand everything around me, knowing where to go for what I need, and being with friends and family that is instantly relaxing. My mom's amazing meals, sleeping in my old, old bed, having coffee with my dad - some things will forever be "home."

I look forward to spending the next two weeks with friends, family, and Indy, as well as trying to do as many "American" things as possible. With the barbecues, baseball games, fireworks, and happy hours planned, this should be easy!