its been about a month and half since I last "blogged", therefore being a month and half since Ive been back. I feel like my life has done a 180, but Im okay with it. Argentina was the most incredible experience of my life, but it feels as if I blinked my eyes and I came back so fast. That was the quickest 5 months of my life.
I didnt realize how much Spanish I actually learned until I came home. Granted Im not using it all, but recognizing it everywhere, I think the biggest kick was sitting in the health department waiting for an hour and half to get shot updates...the whole place was filled with Hispanics and I could hear and understand all their conversations...pretty cool. I even went to the desk to ask if they are hiring. Speaking of hiring, I really need a job..Im SO BROKE, but not really going to actually search for a job until maybe a couple of more weeks until I settle down into my nursing schedule. I am finally in NURSING SCHOOL...As much as I wined and complained about not being in Knoxville, I am at peace of where I am located right now in life.
It's so crazy how everything works itself out or how things just are. I am back home for at least 2 years and so is my brother, who hasnt lived in the same city as me for 6 years now...it's really great to spend time with him, and not only him, my family. Im visiting both my grandmothers at least once a week and just catching up with old friends. One of my longtime friends, Emily, just recently got engaged. Im in her wedding (that makes 4) and was included to go dress shopping with her and every other important female in her life (aunt, grandma, mom, 2 sisters, mom's best friend, and the other bridesmaid)...and well, if I went to Knoxville I wouldnt have been able to go with her. BTW, after spending 5 hours in the bridal store, she found the most gorgeous dress! Also, sadly...an old childhood friend of mine (who was my former neighbor) younger brother was killed in a car wreck this past week. My mom and I went to the visitation today and I saw people I haven't seen in YEARS.... It's weird being back home, but also feels as if I never even left.
I really like my nursing program so far. There are 75 people in my class and about 20 (hopefully not) are expected to drop out/not make it come January. Everyday this entire week they have been warning and scaring us about how hard it is going to be...and overwhelming. Basically just put your life on hold for 2 years. hmm, well it's only the first week, but I feel okay. Not overwhelmed, just doing something at least everyday.... I dont know, maybe in 2 weeks Ill be the most stressed out Ive ever been in my entire life. I hope not, but I just know this is what I have and want to do!! 2 years...then life can start! geez. Anyways, that's it for now. I'm feeling happy and healthy and hope you are as well. thanks for reading.
new favorite quote. "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time."
domingo, 23 de agosto de 2009
jueves, 11 de junio de 2009
My Patient
HOLA TODAS...it`s been quite a while since my last entry. I´ve been staying very busy and finally feeling quite settled into the BIG city... as in its definately grown on me. I love it! Or maybe Ive just have really felt like I`ve made myself quite the little home here for the past 4 months. I CAN`T BELIEVE IT`S BEEN 4 MONTHS- NUTS! It really is amazing how fast the time flys. I cant decide if I feel like Ive been here longer than 4 months or I just don`t believe time actually flies that fast. I absolutely LOVE my frisbee team!!! Its the greatest group of people and playing on the weekend with all my friends is what I look forward to the most. I`ve taken a more active position in frisbee. I am now handling the majority of the time.... which is kinda, sorta new for me- which basically means I have a lot of responsibilty and to NOT DROP THE DISC because I am the one passing and throwing more often now.
Also my host mother,Miriam, and I have grown really close and fond of each other. We`ll just talk and talk about vida (life). She really is probably one of the most nicest, caring people I`ve ever met...especially to me.. I can tell she cares a lot about me. I really do find it quite amazing that I can hold a converstation with someone who speaks no English whatsoever (like Miriam) and just talk for an hour or more about whatever. That`s probably one of my proudest accomplishments from being here.
BUT anyways, last night was interesting with quite the twist.
I arrived home last night around 10pm after my Argentina Literature class (yes, class is from 7:45- 10pm at night) and ate dinner. Miriam hasn`t been feeling too well for the past few days and when I arrived home, her door was closed because she was sleeping. About an hour or so later, Miriam opens her door and comes out into the living room complaining of uncomfortable pain because she has broke out in a rash all over her body.... She had some type of crazy allergic reaction but has no idea to what. She started asking me what she thinks she should do. So I immediately turned on my ``destined`` nursing skills and started asking her all sorts of questions. Well how long have you had it, is it worse or better, have you ever had la varicela (chicken pox), etc.... She said she was extremely uncomfortable and that she was going to call the doctor (they do house calls here). I went back to her room with her while she was put on hold for 20 minutes and finally someone answered. Then I remembered Epson SALT!! I searched through the pantry, found some, mixed it with a pot of warm water, got a washcloth, and then dabbed it all over her. She started to feel immediately better. Needless to say, the doctor told her that he was unable to come because it didnt sound too serious and that he`s been busy ALL NIGHT because everyone is calling (freaking out) that they have gripe porcina (swine flu)...apparently there is 21 confirmed cases in BsAs...
Anyways, I said Miriam, let me draw you a bath with Epson Salt and you just need to soak in it. She said okay.
So our bathroom has a drain it...as in there is no problem if water overruns from the sink or whatever. I made a bath for Miriam, she got in it and soaked for a while with the water running. I was in the other room watching t.v. not paying attention to anything.... while the apartment was becoming flooded. Miriam fell asleep in the tub to hot running water and it went all the way through the living room, into the kitchen...HA. I couldnt believe it and neither could she. She jumped out of the bathtub freaking out and grabbed the first thing she could find to wear...an inside out sweatshirt, underwear, unlaced boots, and her hair was ON TOP of her head in a pony tail. She said within the 18 years of her living in the apartment she has never had that happen. There I was with my rolled up jeans and my host mother with hair on top of her head in a ridiculous outfit, with mop in hand mopping up the apartment. It was hilarious....all we could do was laugh about it forever. Needless to say, she felt better instantly. So I guess I can say, Miriam was my first Spanish speaking patient.
Also my host mother,Miriam, and I have grown really close and fond of each other. We`ll just talk and talk about vida (life). She really is probably one of the most nicest, caring people I`ve ever met...especially to me.. I can tell she cares a lot about me. I really do find it quite amazing that I can hold a converstation with someone who speaks no English whatsoever (like Miriam) and just talk for an hour or more about whatever. That`s probably one of my proudest accomplishments from being here.
BUT anyways, last night was interesting with quite the twist.
I arrived home last night around 10pm after my Argentina Literature class (yes, class is from 7:45- 10pm at night) and ate dinner. Miriam hasn`t been feeling too well for the past few days and when I arrived home, her door was closed because she was sleeping. About an hour or so later, Miriam opens her door and comes out into the living room complaining of uncomfortable pain because she has broke out in a rash all over her body.... She had some type of crazy allergic reaction but has no idea to what. She started asking me what she thinks she should do. So I immediately turned on my ``destined`` nursing skills and started asking her all sorts of questions. Well how long have you had it, is it worse or better, have you ever had la varicela (chicken pox), etc.... She said she was extremely uncomfortable and that she was going to call the doctor (they do house calls here). I went back to her room with her while she was put on hold for 20 minutes and finally someone answered. Then I remembered Epson SALT!! I searched through the pantry, found some, mixed it with a pot of warm water, got a washcloth, and then dabbed it all over her. She started to feel immediately better. Needless to say, the doctor told her that he was unable to come because it didnt sound too serious and that he`s been busy ALL NIGHT because everyone is calling (freaking out) that they have gripe porcina (swine flu)...apparently there is 21 confirmed cases in BsAs...
Anyways, I said Miriam, let me draw you a bath with Epson Salt and you just need to soak in it. She said okay.
So our bathroom has a drain it...as in there is no problem if water overruns from the sink or whatever. I made a bath for Miriam, she got in it and soaked for a while with the water running. I was in the other room watching t.v. not paying attention to anything.... while the apartment was becoming flooded. Miriam fell asleep in the tub to hot running water and it went all the way through the living room, into the kitchen...HA. I couldnt believe it and neither could she. She jumped out of the bathtub freaking out and grabbed the first thing she could find to wear...an inside out sweatshirt, underwear, unlaced boots, and her hair was ON TOP of her head in a pony tail. She said within the 18 years of her living in the apartment she has never had that happen. There I was with my rolled up jeans and my host mother with hair on top of her head in a ridiculous outfit, with mop in hand mopping up the apartment. It was hilarious....all we could do was laugh about it forever. Needless to say, she felt better instantly. So I guess I can say, Miriam was my first Spanish speaking patient.
miércoles, 29 de abril de 2009
The Quest
Hola todas! (hello everyone!)
I've been camera less since this time and well today I finally got one, a red Kodak Easyshare. I bought it on MercadoLibre, South America's EBay, but it's more like a Craigslist. Guillermo is my study abroad advisor and I asked for his opinion/help about how to obtain a camera. It is extremely risky sending electronics from the US...more than likely they'll be robbed in customs!! After shopping around I found the best one and Guillermo said I was good to go. Yes, Cat this person is not scamming you/ will rob you! But to obtain this camera was quite the interesting story. First off, I had to take the subway line all the way to where it ends ( a new part of BsAs I discovered). Got off the subway, was really turned around and well, (sorry mom & grandmother) but almost got hit by a couple of cars...oops. As in I found myself in the middle of an intersection, obviously not paying attention, as it turned green...yeah. Thankfully I'm okay; I haven't ran that fast in awhile nor have had that many Spanish cuss words screamed at me at one time. I finally found the address but was really confused... I paced in front of an office/house/ adjoining whatever about for 10 minutes trying to figure out which door and which doorbell to ring. Of course, I choose the wrong one and I actually rang the bell to a person's house and an elderly man answered and was very nice and told me to go next door. I go next door, walk into this one room office type deal, with a man sitting behind a counter with bars (like the ones in the Memphis's gas stations). Anyways, I slid my money under the counter and I got my camera...ha. I felt like I was doing a deal! I probably was, but I got a brand new camera for half the price! On the way back (still being out of place/turned around) I got on the subway, but in the wrong direction and well rode an unnecessary 4 stops more than I had too. Gah, I was doing so good with finding myself around. But to add humor to this situation, after I got off at my subway stop (FINALLY!) a guy carry two heavy large boxes asked me where a street was and I told him "diez cuadras más o menos" (ten blocks, more or less). He told me he was impressed that I knew my way around as a foreigner...wow, if he only knew.
now that's what I call "aging"
Andes
the super awesome, hippie rafting company's kitchen we used
For those of you that didn't know, I lost my camera in Mendoza, Argentina on a wine bike tour, which was about 3 weeks ago más o menos (more or less). So the Mendoza bike wine tour was 45 pesos for 6 hours. There are about 11 bodegas (wineries) on a stretch of road, as in quite a few miles, and you bike to the various bodegas and taste the wine...It was great! Except as I was riding back, my back bike tire went completely FLAT, por supuesto (of course!). So I flag down a policeman in his pickup and he throws my bike in the back and picks up Alicia and Miranda along the way... Maddy was miles down the road with her back pack filled with 6 bottles of olive oil and 3 bottles of wine. Ha! That girl was a mule! Needless to say I got picked up by a police man on a "bike and wine tour",not for a DUI though :) But still it makes a great story...but my camera went missing in action (the point of this story) and was no where to be found.
I've been camera less since this time and well today I finally got one, a red Kodak Easyshare. I bought it on MercadoLibre, South America's EBay, but it's more like a Craigslist. Guillermo is my study abroad advisor and I asked for his opinion/help about how to obtain a camera. It is extremely risky sending electronics from the US...more than likely they'll be robbed in customs!! After shopping around I found the best one and Guillermo said I was good to go. Yes, Cat this person is not scamming you/ will rob you! But to obtain this camera was quite the interesting story. First off, I had to take the subway line all the way to where it ends ( a new part of BsAs I discovered). Got off the subway, was really turned around and well, (sorry mom & grandmother) but almost got hit by a couple of cars...oops. As in I found myself in the middle of an intersection, obviously not paying attention, as it turned green...yeah. Thankfully I'm okay; I haven't ran that fast in awhile nor have had that many Spanish cuss words screamed at me at one time. I finally found the address but was really confused... I paced in front of an office/house/ adjoining whatever about for 10 minutes trying to figure out which door and which doorbell to ring. Of course, I choose the wrong one and I actually rang the bell to a person's house and an elderly man answered and was very nice and told me to go next door. I go next door, walk into this one room office type deal, with a man sitting behind a counter with bars (like the ones in the Memphis's gas stations). Anyways, I slid my money under the counter and I got my camera...ha. I felt like I was doing a deal! I probably was, but I got a brand new camera for half the price! On the way back (still being out of place/turned around) I got on the subway, but in the wrong direction and well rode an unnecessary 4 stops more than I had too. Gah, I was doing so good with finding myself around. But to add humor to this situation, after I got off at my subway stop (FINALLY!) a guy carry two heavy large boxes asked me where a street was and I told him "diez cuadras más o menos" (ten blocks, more or less). He told me he was impressed that I knew my way around as a foreigner...wow, if he only knew.
on the way to go white water rafting
wine tasting. Miranda, Alicia, me, Maddy
now that's what I call "aging"
Andes
the super awesome, hippie rafting company's kitchen we used
Maddy & I being super cute in our wetsuits!
Pictures from Mendoza taken by Maddie & Alicia
lunes, 20 de abril de 2009
Mis Pies tienen DOLOR
...in other words...MY FEET HURT for 2 reasons. 1) I played A LOT of ultimate over the weekend 2) I walked maybe 50 blocks (no not alone...with 2 guys) or more in ZAPATOS ALTOS (high heels) and that was my own fault, but had no idea that I would be walking that much...
Life is good besides torn up feet :) So to update on my life, I've FINALLY have had my first full entire week of class without any random holidays/all facultades have started! geez. It's been ridiculous. Mom thinks I am not in school, but trust me I am! It's just really different here.
First off classes only meet once a week for about 2 hours. I planned a very nice schedule of only having classes Tues-Thurs. So my schedule is:
Tues- Argentina History
Spanish for foreigners (3 hours)
night- Art class (figure drawing)
Wed- Argentina Literature
Thurs- Spanish for foreigners
Spanish Grammar
SO 5 in total, but this is considered a full schedule (see mom!). I was in this god-awful most boring class I've ever sat in my entire life on Wednesdays mornings but I dropped it! I couldn't handle it anymore. Imagine your most boring class, but multiply it by 10! There are no visual aids, no classroom interaction...no NOTHING! it's just an old man standing in front of you for 2 hours talking about Problems of Latin America (sounds interesting, right?) in rapid Spanish and you are suppose to be paying attention the whole time and take notes...its also at 9 in the morning and my mind is working SO hard to conjugate...it was awful and plus you have like a novel of reading to read every week...front in back of microscopic words in Spanish... I wasn't getting anything out of that class. I am here to learn how to speak and understand beautifully...that's the goal. Not having a ridiculous amount of reading material...try to understand it, and then completely forgetting what the last paragraph said because I am looking up some many words in the dictionary!
And that goal is coming along rather well. Ultimate is helping a lot with the Spanish! I actually made a joke yesterday, IN SPANISH...It's really difficult to be sarcastic (and I love being sarcastic and popping a joke when ever I can) in a different language. Anyways, yesterday there was an ultimate hat tourney (you put your name in a hat and it is drawn out randomly to pick teams...way fun) anyways, after the great exhausting day of ultimate, it was time for the Team picture... My friend Felipe told everyone to say "CHEESE" but I said , "QUESO" (cheese in Spanish) and my mouth formed this huge O and looked really funny. I guess that's why they say "Whiskey" instead of "Queso" in Spanish to make you smile..ha. This probably doesn't seem that funny (one of those situations "you had to be there"), but trust me it was. I'm glad I made a funny, finally! :)
But for the high heel pain. I met up with my friend Ben and David to go to our friend Piña's...Ben said oh just a few blocks...so I wore my heels that were just sent from the US (thanks mom) because I had no idea how the night would go, which of course went as I thought...going out to an boliche (dance club) and to a random Argentinean house party. Needless to say it was a good time, but lots and lots of walking and blisters to show for it.
That's my randomness for now. Hope everyone is happy and well.
Love, Cat
Life is good besides torn up feet :) So to update on my life, I've FINALLY have had my first full entire week of class without any random holidays/all facultades have started! geez. It's been ridiculous. Mom thinks I am not in school, but trust me I am! It's just really different here.
First off classes only meet once a week for about 2 hours. I planned a very nice schedule of only having classes Tues-Thurs. So my schedule is:
Tues- Argentina History
Spanish for foreigners (3 hours)
night- Art class (figure drawing)
Wed- Argentina Literature
Thurs- Spanish for foreigners
Spanish Grammar
SO 5 in total, but this is considered a full schedule (see mom!). I was in this god-awful most boring class I've ever sat in my entire life on Wednesdays mornings but I dropped it! I couldn't handle it anymore. Imagine your most boring class, but multiply it by 10! There are no visual aids, no classroom interaction...no NOTHING! it's just an old man standing in front of you for 2 hours talking about Problems of Latin America (sounds interesting, right?) in rapid Spanish and you are suppose to be paying attention the whole time and take notes...its also at 9 in the morning and my mind is working SO hard to conjugate...it was awful and plus you have like a novel of reading to read every week...front in back of microscopic words in Spanish... I wasn't getting anything out of that class. I am here to learn how to speak and understand beautifully...that's the goal. Not having a ridiculous amount of reading material...try to understand it, and then completely forgetting what the last paragraph said because I am looking up some many words in the dictionary!
And that goal is coming along rather well. Ultimate is helping a lot with the Spanish! I actually made a joke yesterday, IN SPANISH...It's really difficult to be sarcastic (and I love being sarcastic and popping a joke when ever I can) in a different language. Anyways, yesterday there was an ultimate hat tourney (you put your name in a hat and it is drawn out randomly to pick teams...way fun) anyways, after the great exhausting day of ultimate, it was time for the Team picture... My friend Felipe told everyone to say "CHEESE" but I said , "QUESO" (cheese in Spanish) and my mouth formed this huge O and looked really funny. I guess that's why they say "Whiskey" instead of "Queso" in Spanish to make you smile..ha. This probably doesn't seem that funny (one of those situations "you had to be there"), but trust me it was. I'm glad I made a funny, finally! :)
But for the high heel pain. I met up with my friend Ben and David to go to our friend Piña's...Ben said oh just a few blocks...so I wore my heels that were just sent from the US (thanks mom) because I had no idea how the night would go, which of course went as I thought...going out to an boliche (dance club) and to a random Argentinean house party. Needless to say it was a good time, but lots and lots of walking and blisters to show for it.
That's my randomness for now. Hope everyone is happy and well.
Love, Cat
lunes, 6 de abril de 2009
Ultimate- the family around the world
Buenos Aires has officially messed up my sleeping situation. I cannot tell you the last time I've been to bed before 2 am...It is now 3:15 on a Sunday night (granted, I don't have class tomorrow, but need to be productive) and I am not really THAT tired to be sleeping right now...obviously; also it could be my stomach digesting the most amazing, delicious steak I think I may have ever encountered. Ahh. My friend's boyfriend is visiting her from the States and we took him out to eat tonight to one of the best parrillas (steak houses) in town, Desnivel....and what is even greater about this place is how inexpensive it is for the quality of food. From sharing between five people- 3 plates of mashed potatoes, 3 liters of wine, and a 12oz individual steak grilled to perfection (*they don't even asked how you want it cooked, they just bring it out as if they can read you mind...needless to say, I'm a med-rare person and this was PERFECTION) cost me about $12.43 US dollars. Incredible. And this is of course is done with all Argentinean fashion...late. We didn't leave the restaurant until 12:15 and just spent the time talking amongst ourselves and enjoying each others company.... I think this might be one of the things I am going to miss the most here, dinner time and how it is such an appreciative thing. Yes, there is fast food, McDonald's are everywhere, but its not something people go out for dinner ...and plus they are SO EXPENSIVE here...more so than in the US. Plus I never eat there anyways, EXCEPT I did one time at the Kosher McDonald's, yes, there is an actual KOSHER McDonald's (apparently only 2 in the world) three blocks away from where I live. I live in one of the largest Jewish Orthodox neighborhoods in Buenos Aires and possibly in the world, excluding Israel. Buenos Aires has a huge number of Jewish Orthodoxes. It's really random, especially for this being such a large Catholic country.
NOW to get to what this blog is ACTUALLY about....ULTIMATE! Yes, ultimate frisbee that is. I have been playing for about 3 years or so competitively. In order to fully understand what I am explaining one would have to play or just been there as a spectator to gather the feeling of family... In other words, ultimate frisbee players are by far some of the coolest/nicest people you could ever come in contact with, especially when you are new. If you play ulimate, you are automatically in, as in.... I automatically like you no matter how much you suck, but if you come out and throw a disc and have a good time then I like you. Needless to say everyone is friends with everyone. It's like a family. You travel together, you play the most fun sport ever together, and it's just constant sharing 24/7.... Of course I'll get your beer tonight and give you some extra centavos for the bus (you have to have correct change for the bus and they only accept coins...Problem, there is an EXTREMELY large issue of shortchange and you are CONSTANTLY struggling looking for coins). Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I've been experiencing this feeling from Utlimate for the past 3 years now. It all began when I joined the Big Orange Screw my freshman year at UT and it has grown into a beautiful relationship from there. My best friends at UT are from Ultimate, whom I miss dearly, some of my best college experiences have been with those people, and I have had the opportunity to travel and do some of the coolest things with my best friends from tournaments....ummmm can I just say, MARDI GRAS!!! My point being, I moved to Buenos Aires without knowing a soul, went out to Ultimate, and have met SOME incredibly AWESOME folk....From all over the world. There is a plethora of Argentineans, Colombians (a lot!), a few Germans, Danish, Fiendish, and Americans. I'm meeting some awesome people and really enjoying the time and experiences I've had with them and look forward to the next 3 months! I am actually enjoying Ultimate the most I've ever had in a while. It is almost unreal to think I've already been here for 2 months! And the other great plus to Ultimate, it is GREAT speaking practice!
PS. All the ultimate lingo is pretty much the same. What a universal sport.
NOW to get to what this blog is ACTUALLY about....ULTIMATE! Yes, ultimate frisbee that is. I have been playing for about 3 years or so competitively. In order to fully understand what I am explaining one would have to play or just been there as a spectator to gather the feeling of family... In other words, ultimate frisbee players are by far some of the coolest/nicest people you could ever come in contact with, especially when you are new. If you play ulimate, you are automatically in, as in.... I automatically like you no matter how much you suck, but if you come out and throw a disc and have a good time then I like you. Needless to say everyone is friends with everyone. It's like a family. You travel together, you play the most fun sport ever together, and it's just constant sharing 24/7.... Of course I'll get your beer tonight and give you some extra centavos for the bus (you have to have correct change for the bus and they only accept coins...Problem, there is an EXTREMELY large issue of shortchange and you are CONSTANTLY struggling looking for coins). Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I've been experiencing this feeling from Utlimate for the past 3 years now. It all began when I joined the Big Orange Screw my freshman year at UT and it has grown into a beautiful relationship from there. My best friends at UT are from Ultimate, whom I miss dearly, some of my best college experiences have been with those people, and I have had the opportunity to travel and do some of the coolest things with my best friends from tournaments....ummmm can I just say, MARDI GRAS!!! My point being, I moved to Buenos Aires without knowing a soul, went out to Ultimate, and have met SOME incredibly AWESOME folk....From all over the world. There is a plethora of Argentineans, Colombians (a lot!), a few Germans, Danish, Fiendish, and Americans. I'm meeting some awesome people and really enjoying the time and experiences I've had with them and look forward to the next 3 months! I am actually enjoying Ultimate the most I've ever had in a while. It is almost unreal to think I've already been here for 2 months! And the other great plus to Ultimate, it is GREAT speaking practice!
PS. All the ultimate lingo is pretty much the same. What a universal sport.
miércoles, 25 de marzo de 2009
News From Home
I was informed today via email through my mother that I was NOT accepted into UT's nursing program.... I have been mentally preparing myself for this, but now that it actually did happen, it is still a bummer. I held onto to some hope when my interview went well, my paper, and they decreased the budget allowing more people to be accepted.
Everything happens for a reason.... I am a TRUE believer and witness to this. So, once again I am going to "Let go & let GOD".
So I will be returning back to Memphis come fall with the motivational support of my family. Mom and I had a talk before I set off for BsAs and I told her I feel as if I might need to spend some significant time in Memphis before I start the rest of my life... so maybe this is the time for it and GOD is going to help nursing school easier by having a cheering section "my family" by my side...because it's going to be HARD! and maybe Knoxville is a distraction. I would never give up the past 2.5 years for anything, but maybe its time to get serious and really start pursuing what I want to do. I already took a big step for moving to BsAs and working towards my goal of being bilingual everyday.
I can now proudly say that mind automatically transitions from English to Spanish or vice versa in seconds...it's really incredible. If someone speaks to me in Spanish, I answer immediately without even thinking, in Spanish obviously. Yesterday a woman on the subway asked me for directions and I knew exactly what street and where she needed to go...so I told her, proudly. Do I look like I live here? wow. This has actually happened more than one occasion...people asking me, the foreigner (the one that is sometimes from Ireland or the US...ha), for directions. Sometimes I know and sometimes I don't but I get a kick out of it.
So yeah...bummer about school but I am going to try and stay as positive as I can about it. On a happier note, I am thrilled too death about being close to my brother and my soon to be new sister-in-law!!! So while Chris is studying like he always does, me and Erin can hit the town :) And I am more thrilled to be seeing both my grandmothers as much as possible. I am so thankful for these 2 older women in my life, and especially grateful for my mother for always making them such a large part of my life and being fortunate to see them all the time, except for the past 2.5 years while I've been away at school...whereas I know people who hardly know their grandparents, which really saddens me. And of course my mom. She is my backbone, my number one support, and I am probably going to need her more now than ever.
So maybe this is a good thing...... But whatever happens, happens... and you can only take it one day at a time. I see a big road ahead of me filled with lots of new places to discover and a long mountain trail that's got Meg Hynd's and my name on it.
But to all my family and friends whom have been an unbelievable support system for the past 2.5 years and never giving up on me, thank you x 1000 for always believing in me. So UT or not, I'm going to get there...some way and some how.
Love, CAT
Everything happens for a reason.... I am a TRUE believer and witness to this. So, once again I am going to "Let go & let GOD".
So I will be returning back to Memphis come fall with the motivational support of my family. Mom and I had a talk before I set off for BsAs and I told her I feel as if I might need to spend some significant time in Memphis before I start the rest of my life... so maybe this is the time for it and GOD is going to help nursing school easier by having a cheering section "my family" by my side...because it's going to be HARD! and maybe Knoxville is a distraction. I would never give up the past 2.5 years for anything, but maybe its time to get serious and really start pursuing what I want to do. I already took a big step for moving to BsAs and working towards my goal of being bilingual everyday.
I can now proudly say that mind automatically transitions from English to Spanish or vice versa in seconds...it's really incredible. If someone speaks to me in Spanish, I answer immediately without even thinking, in Spanish obviously. Yesterday a woman on the subway asked me for directions and I knew exactly what street and where she needed to go...so I told her, proudly. Do I look like I live here? wow. This has actually happened more than one occasion...people asking me, the foreigner (the one that is sometimes from Ireland or the US...ha), for directions. Sometimes I know and sometimes I don't but I get a kick out of it.
So yeah...bummer about school but I am going to try and stay as positive as I can about it. On a happier note, I am thrilled too death about being close to my brother and my soon to be new sister-in-law!!! So while Chris is studying like he always does, me and Erin can hit the town :) And I am more thrilled to be seeing both my grandmothers as much as possible. I am so thankful for these 2 older women in my life, and especially grateful for my mother for always making them such a large part of my life and being fortunate to see them all the time, except for the past 2.5 years while I've been away at school...whereas I know people who hardly know their grandparents, which really saddens me. And of course my mom. She is my backbone, my number one support, and I am probably going to need her more now than ever.
So maybe this is a good thing...... But whatever happens, happens... and you can only take it one day at a time. I see a big road ahead of me filled with lots of new places to discover and a long mountain trail that's got Meg Hynd's and my name on it.
But to all my family and friends whom have been an unbelievable support system for the past 2.5 years and never giving up on me, thank you x 1000 for always believing in me. So UT or not, I'm going to get there...some way and some how.
Love, CAT
sábado, 21 de marzo de 2009
To sum up the last the last 6 weeks.....
can only be one word..... EXTRAORDINARY
Hello all. With some thought I've decided to start a blog, so yes, now you can call me a blogger or whatever. I've always been that kid that was given journals, diaries, etc. and wrote....for a little bit, until the pages collected dust. For the first time in my life I've actually been keeping a personal journal (thanks, grandmother) about my adventures here, so now I feel as if I have the ability to share. (yes, I will still send personal emails) but this is more of a generic/what Im feeling type of deal.
So to begin. Today marks my sixth week in Buenos Aires, Argentina and with this time spent here, I've already have established great relationships with people that were strangers just such a short time ago, have immersed myself into a completely different culture that I absolutely LOVE, and have had one journey of a life time- PATAGONIA.
For the first 4 weeks I was here, I was taking a Spanish Intensive course with about 30 or so other international students from around the world (as around the world I mean, the USA, Belgium, Germany, Sweeden, Holland, Norway, and Japan). So not only am I enjoying the locals, Im meeting some incredible people from all over and have lots of new places to visit with hopefully a couch to crash on :)
I would say that my Spanish was okay (better than most people I know), but not fluent by any means.... Well, little did I know that I had NO IDEA what I was about to embark. Let's just say the first few days were difficult, but I got myself from point A to B, and managed to take a subway for the first time in my entire life (all by my "big girl" self ) in a city of 13 million people. I really don't no how to describe Buenos Aires other than BIG, GIANORMOUS, HUGE!!!!, GIAGANTIC!....this is the largest city I've ever been in my entire life (I think, is Rome bigger?) but it hasn't been so overwhelming. Sometimes the crazy traffic, dodging taxi's that barely hit you (they could care less if you are a human being with 2 legs walking...when it's green, THEY GO), and the pollution are overwhelming, but I am embracing it all with a big sniff of foul odor and taking a big breath in of smog; I can't help but appreciate it. As weird as that sounds..... within the 6weeks I've been here, I have definately figured that there is absolutely no way I can live the rest of my life, as in settle, in a large city, but feel that I need to spend a significant time of my life in one... confused yet? :)
Manuevring and finding new places (and finding myself back home) are such personal accomplishments I have everday.... I get so excited when I realize where I am or what street is pararell/perpendicular/etc. I say to myself, "I know where I am! YAY! good job, Cat... you deserve a treat." The point being, I love finding my place in this city that speaks a different tounge. I feel that's just more of an accomplishment of itself...finding myself in place that's only in SPANISH (for the most part).
But to continue on... imagine everything being delayed for 2 hours and everything not really being in an orderly fashion. As stressful as that may seem, it's really not. Life is tranquildad (tranquil...my new favorite word spanish word). Is it weird that Im living in this big hustling,bustling city and I feel peaceful? The Argentines live a luxourious life. They are very appreciative of their friends, family, time, and food. There is no rush...you take your time. Sure you can go to a resturant at 11 am, order the most mouthwatering, savoring steak your lips have ever tasted, drink marvelous wine, and talk until 2:30 am with 3 girlfriends (yes, I've done this). Or in school, if you accidently leave your notebook or just didn't do the assignment correctly, they say, "sure no problem, just bring it tomorrow." EXCUSE ME?! why can't everything be that way...we can only dream....
To eleberate more, after 4 weeks of the intensive month program, we were given (in the Argentine fashion...slow) information that school actually/"technically" doesn't begin until THE FOLLOWING WEEK!!! what? a whole week off, seriously? within the amount of 3 hours... 3 friends (Stefanine, Rocky, Miranda) and myself have booked and have a "somewhat" trip planned to El Calafate & El Chalten, Santa Cruz; Argentina- PATAGONIA!!! Partically one of the reasonings for me coming to Argentina is because of Patagonia, so some essential packing planning did go into this upon my arrival to Argentina. So I wouldn't "technically" put it as one of the most spontaneous trips of my life...okay maybe...I knew it would happen, just not that soon, or that I would be dropping that much cash (that soon) for that matter. And the way it was planned out, I couldn't be happier. I mean I do have a camelback, a gianormous bag essential for only backpacking, camping, traveling; hiking boots, smartwools, underarmour, long underwear, fleeces, hates, gloves, scarfs, winterjacket, headlamp, and locks....so maybe I was a little prepared :)
Just to reinterate, I don't think the world EXTRADORINARY can even wrap itself around in all of Patagonia's Beauty. It's the essential outdoorsman dream, a photographer paradise, a person who is lost but can find a new, appreciative meaning of life...it's for anyone and everyone. I could have sit all day in one field and looked at the same damn mountain and feel exactly how I do now.... I keep telling everyone I'm a new woman. Maybe not so much, but my soul feels refreshed, cleansed, and as if it is smiling. If heaven was on earth, this would be the place. It is Heaven on Earth. And to only imagine I just saw a sinpet of this huge massive land region.... I am coming back one day and may never leave...maybe not, but I can dream... My next journey will include some serious overnight backpacking for DAAAAAAAAAYS. Nature has such impact on me, its one of my best natural highs...
But I am back to the very different big city life now... enjoying my saturday on the patio with the sunshine hitting my legs and wind lightly flowing through my hair, writing my first blog,
and thinking of all of you back at home. thanks for the read and I will do my best to update frequently. peace&love to you- Cat
Hello all. With some thought I've decided to start a blog, so yes, now you can call me a blogger or whatever. I've always been that kid that was given journals, diaries, etc. and wrote....for a little bit, until the pages collected dust. For the first time in my life I've actually been keeping a personal journal (thanks, grandmother) about my adventures here, so now I feel as if I have the ability to share. (yes, I will still send personal emails) but this is more of a generic/what Im feeling type of deal.
So to begin. Today marks my sixth week in Buenos Aires, Argentina and with this time spent here, I've already have established great relationships with people that were strangers just such a short time ago, have immersed myself into a completely different culture that I absolutely LOVE, and have had one journey of a life time- PATAGONIA.
For the first 4 weeks I was here, I was taking a Spanish Intensive course with about 30 or so other international students from around the world (as around the world I mean, the USA, Belgium, Germany, Sweeden, Holland, Norway, and Japan). So not only am I enjoying the locals, Im meeting some incredible people from all over and have lots of new places to visit with hopefully a couch to crash on :)
I would say that my Spanish was okay (better than most people I know), but not fluent by any means.... Well, little did I know that I had NO IDEA what I was about to embark. Let's just say the first few days were difficult, but I got myself from point A to B, and managed to take a subway for the first time in my entire life (all by my "big girl" self ) in a city of 13 million people. I really don't no how to describe Buenos Aires other than BIG, GIANORMOUS, HUGE!!!!, GIAGANTIC!....this is the largest city I've ever been in my entire life (I think, is Rome bigger?) but it hasn't been so overwhelming. Sometimes the crazy traffic, dodging taxi's that barely hit you (they could care less if you are a human being with 2 legs walking...when it's green, THEY GO), and the pollution are overwhelming, but I am embracing it all with a big sniff of foul odor and taking a big breath in of smog; I can't help but appreciate it. As weird as that sounds..... within the 6weeks I've been here, I have definately figured that there is absolutely no way I can live the rest of my life, as in settle, in a large city, but feel that I need to spend a significant time of my life in one... confused yet? :)
Manuevring and finding new places (and finding myself back home) are such personal accomplishments I have everday.... I get so excited when I realize where I am or what street is pararell/perpendicular/etc. I say to myself, "I know where I am! YAY! good job, Cat... you deserve a treat." The point being, I love finding my place in this city that speaks a different tounge. I feel that's just more of an accomplishment of itself...finding myself in place that's only in SPANISH (for the most part).
But to continue on... imagine everything being delayed for 2 hours and everything not really being in an orderly fashion. As stressful as that may seem, it's really not. Life is tranquildad (tranquil...my new favorite word spanish word). Is it weird that Im living in this big hustling,bustling city and I feel peaceful? The Argentines live a luxourious life. They are very appreciative of their friends, family, time, and food. There is no rush...you take your time. Sure you can go to a resturant at 11 am, order the most mouthwatering, savoring steak your lips have ever tasted, drink marvelous wine, and talk until 2:30 am with 3 girlfriends (yes, I've done this). Or in school, if you accidently leave your notebook or just didn't do the assignment correctly, they say, "sure no problem, just bring it tomorrow." EXCUSE ME?! why can't everything be that way...we can only dream....
To eleberate more, after 4 weeks of the intensive month program, we were given (in the Argentine fashion...slow) information that school actually/"technically" doesn't begin until THE FOLLOWING WEEK!!! what? a whole week off, seriously? within the amount of 3 hours... 3 friends (Stefanine, Rocky, Miranda) and myself have booked and have a "somewhat" trip planned to El Calafate & El Chalten, Santa Cruz; Argentina- PATAGONIA!!! Partically one of the reasonings for me coming to Argentina is because of Patagonia, so some essential packing planning did go into this upon my arrival to Argentina. So I wouldn't "technically" put it as one of the most spontaneous trips of my life...okay maybe...I knew it would happen, just not that soon, or that I would be dropping that much cash (that soon) for that matter. And the way it was planned out, I couldn't be happier. I mean I do have a camelback, a gianormous bag essential for only backpacking, camping, traveling; hiking boots, smartwools, underarmour, long underwear, fleeces, hates, gloves, scarfs, winterjacket, headlamp, and locks....so maybe I was a little prepared :)
Just to reinterate, I don't think the world EXTRADORINARY can even wrap itself around in all of Patagonia's Beauty. It's the essential outdoorsman dream, a photographer paradise, a person who is lost but can find a new, appreciative meaning of life...it's for anyone and everyone. I could have sit all day in one field and looked at the same damn mountain and feel exactly how I do now.... I keep telling everyone I'm a new woman. Maybe not so much, but my soul feels refreshed, cleansed, and as if it is smiling. If heaven was on earth, this would be the place. It is Heaven on Earth. And to only imagine I just saw a sinpet of this huge massive land region.... I am coming back one day and may never leave...maybe not, but I can dream... My next journey will include some serious overnight backpacking for DAAAAAAAAAYS. Nature has such impact on me, its one of my best natural highs...
But I am back to the very different big city life now... enjoying my saturday on the patio with the sunshine hitting my legs and wind lightly flowing through my hair, writing my first blog,
and thinking of all of you back at home. thanks for the read and I will do my best to update frequently. peace&love to you- Cat
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