I would like to consider myself the expert on being pregnant at this point. I was supposed to have a baby on September 22nd, and it is now October 11th. I'm still pregnant. Turns out someone did the math wrong and I wasn't supposed to be due until the 27th, which means I am still two weeks past due, but I guess at least it's not three. So, I've been off work for three weeks, burned all my paid sick days already, cleaned the house seven times, read every article and played every game on the internet, and I'm still going crazy(er). I've put together a little guide for other moms like me.
Stop reading internet articles about being past due. They're crap. Believe me, cuz I've read them all in the past three weeks. I'll sum up all of the internet articles for you right now.
What the internet says: Natural ways to induce labor include eating spicy food, riding on a bumpy road, walks, sex, nipple stimulation, enemas, and castor oil. THEY DON'T WORK. The only thing that works is when your baby is ready to come out. Sucks for mom, but deal with it. Life is shitty sometimes. The internet also has lots of advice to offer to mom at this point: don't worry, docs don't let you go over 42 weeks; you've waited this long you can wait a few more days; most first time moms go past their due dates; enjoy a few more nights of sleep before the new baby comes... THESE ARE ALL LIES. Like you can 'enjoy' sleep at this point. So what will help you? Read on.
First things first: stop answering the phone and emails. Your friends and family will understand that you don't want to be reminded fifty times a day that you STILL don't have a baby. Hello! Like you would forget to call!
2) Try to forget that you look (and feel) like a whale. Meaning: get out of the house! There is nothing for you to do at home that is helpful. Don't think about the baby, don't put away his clothes, don't spend time looking at his things, don't read about what to do now. Don't think about baby crap. Take a walk, get your hair cut or nails done, paint a picture, go to the park, go out to eat. Get a foot massage. Play cards with friends (who you have threatened with a fork not to remind you about being pregnant). And no one cares if your belly hangs out of all your maternity shirts or if at this point you've just given up on things like shaving your legs. If they do care, they won't say anything in front of you cuz people are scared of angry pregnant ladies. You are in a very powerful position here.
3) For partner: distract her. She sucks at distracting herself. Talk about Halloween costumes, who will play Santa this year, your favorite book, the next election, or the new sandwich at the deli. Look up a new recipe and cook it together. Play board games with her. If she is alone, she will be wallowing in her own misery. Don't be surprised if she cries, even if she hasn't during the past ten(!) months. There's a lot of things going on, not just hormones. She's blaming herself for sucking at labor mostly, if she's anything like me, and is in what they call in birth class a "negative mental space." It's your job to help her out of it. And go to work to pay the bills. And rub her feet. And make her dinner. And do everything else she asks you with no questions asked.
4) What to expect with your body. No one tells you this stuff, so be prepared. It gets a little gross. You will be more uncomfortable at this point in your life than you have ever been before. Even things that sound really good like taking a hot bath or snuggling against soft pillows are actually not fun at all. If you do find a sitting or sleeping position that you're comfortable in, you'll stay in it until one of your limbs falls asleep. And then you'll probably just stay there because, even though you can't feel your right arm, that's better than moving and being even more uncomfortable. You will also walk around with a jellyfish in your panties for the majority of the day. This is because a few days ago when you had contractions that eventually stopped, your mucus plug came out. Which looks and feels just like it sounds: mucus. Like someone blew a huge wad of snot and put it up your cooter just for fun. But, it doesn't just come out once. Oh, no. If it's no longer attached, your body freaks out and makes more. It can't get it to stick, so it just makes more and more. It will come out of your vagina in a big goopy wad at least twice a day. And the colors! It's quite amazing, your body. Speaking of pelvis happenings, your child is now so low in your pelvis that you have a hard time walking, sitting, standing, and generally existing. But you especially have a hard time on the toilet. As soon as you sit to relieve yourself like you have the fullest bladder in history, you get a few drops out and kid's head shifts to cut off flow. So you shift around, lean to the left or right, and get it going again, and kid's head moves again. What a fun game! It's even better with pooping. You'll find the right position, and kid's head isn't in the way, and then you'll have a contraction. That means nothing is coming out of you for at least another two minutes, at which point you have to find just the right position all over again. On to your breasts. There are things coming out of them, too. Your milk probably hasn't come in yet, but you have colostrum. It really doesn't matter what it is, because the first time you look down during foreplay and realize your nipples are leaking yellow and clear fluids, it's pretty damn strange. And you sweat. A lot. I mean a freaking lot. Like, you soak the sheets at night and ask yourself if your water has broken, which of course it hasn't, because your water doesn't break on your pillow. You'll have all the fans on and your partner will be shivering. I hear this lasts for a few days after birth, too, so get used to this one.
5) This is the most important lesson. So many things at this point are out of your control. Your body does what it wants. Your baby does what it wants. Your due date does what it wants! You have no say in any of this, and that can be the worst feeling ever. Find something to be in control of. Make a piece of art, bake some cookies, fix the shower, anything. And if your partner or anyone else tries to do it for you, you have every right in the world to be a bitch. They'll just blame it on hormones anyway.
Everyone, Harper and I are doing very well. We have a sense of humor and love you all. Thank you for your kind thoughts and wishes and for being there for us. We love you and hope you'll be getting phone calls from us very soon.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Shuttin' er down.
We've been squeezing in the last of the beach, a bit of Spanish, some great conversations with friends, and a round of good Riojas before we call it done. We've been sweeping and wiping, putting and stacking, folding and cleaning, but we are finally just about packed and are both ready and dreading our return. It was put best over our feast-that-was-just-"some-beers" dinner when we were asked if we were ready to go back home. No, we're not, but we're ready to arrive back in the States. We've been telling everyone that we're going to try to make it back to Spain (and if I can do anything about it, Aguadulce/Almeria) within 5 years. We've got a little one on the way and I can't honestly say that we wouldn't be staying here if it weren't for our kid. But I can't truly say that we wouldn't be going home either.
We're packed and heading out in about 15 hours for our 3 day expedition that begins with a 7 hour bus ride to Madrid. We will then catch upwards of 4 flights before we make it to our grand 'States extravaganza.
I was looking out of Maria Carmen's, Suzy's English director who was driving us from our dinner back home, car and I noticed that even the ugly spots of Aguadulce sparkled. Maybe it's that I will dearly miss this place, or maybe it's all of the great friends and memories we've made here, but I think that it's because another chapter has been written that will forever seal me in another part of a country that I strangely feel I am a part of.
I am looking forward to seeing you all.
-Greg
We're packed and heading out in about 15 hours for our 3 day expedition that begins with a 7 hour bus ride to Madrid. We will then catch upwards of 4 flights before we make it to our grand 'States extravaganza.
I was looking out of Maria Carmen's, Suzy's English director who was driving us from our dinner back home, car and I noticed that even the ugly spots of Aguadulce sparkled. Maybe it's that I will dearly miss this place, or maybe it's all of the great friends and memories we've made here, but I think that it's because another chapter has been written that will forever seal me in another part of a country that I strangely feel I am a part of.
I am looking forward to seeing you all.
-Greg
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I'm disappointed in you, America
Suzy:
"The following information seems to be fair game for collection without a warrant: the e-mail addresses you send to and receive from, and the subject lines of those messages; the phone numbers you dial, the numbers that dial in to your line, and the durations of the calls; the Internet sites you visit and the keywords in your Web searches; the destinations of the airline tickets you buy; the amounts and locations of your ATM withdrawals; and the goods and services you purchase on credit cards."
For the whole article
More than just another conspiracy theory, this article is well supported by government documents from the Congress and the Senate dating back to the 1950s, as well as government memos and testimony from high ranking officials. It details how the federal government has had a "contingency plan" for times of national emergency since the cold war. This "plan" completely suspends the Constitution and places control of the federal government under FEMA, who so brilliantly handled our last emergency, and lines out which government officials will be placed in power with complete use of military forces.
Of course the federal government should be concerned with what would happen in case of emergency. But, the Constitution wasn't just written for the easy times or for for the times when it's convenient. It was written for the toughest times in our history to ensure that the United States would be a shining example of functioning democracy. With all the bullshit (sorry, parents) domestic spying programs and holding people without chance of trial and everything else that is happening (against our own US citizens!?!), Congress really needs to grow a backbone and limit the executive powers. They're the only ones who can, according to the Constitution.
Feds at border can search and seize your electronics for any reason they want
Another reason to encrypt your personal data
America, America. Is the shadow in the corner really that scary? That we would suspend democracy in favor of tyranny? “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety,” -Ben Franklin. Congress, seriously. Grow a pair. Surveillance should not be allowed on American citizens without a warrant. American citizens should not be proclaimed "enemy combatants" by the executive branch and thus have all of their rights promised in the Bill of Rights suspended. The federal government should have no access to bank records, music or photo files, or any other personal information that you may store on your computer without a warrant. American citizens should not be afraid of their own government or of losing the rights guaranteed to them with no warning. How do you find out if you are on this suspect watch list or terror watch list? You don't. Until they arrest you and you have no rights left. Come on!
"The following information seems to be fair game for collection without a warrant: the e-mail addresses you send to and receive from, and the subject lines of those messages; the phone numbers you dial, the numbers that dial in to your line, and the durations of the calls; the Internet sites you visit and the keywords in your Web searches; the destinations of the airline tickets you buy; the amounts and locations of your ATM withdrawals; and the goods and services you purchase on credit cards."
For the whole article
More than just another conspiracy theory, this article is well supported by government documents from the Congress and the Senate dating back to the 1950s, as well as government memos and testimony from high ranking officials. It details how the federal government has had a "contingency plan" for times of national emergency since the cold war. This "plan" completely suspends the Constitution and places control of the federal government under FEMA, who so brilliantly handled our last emergency, and lines out which government officials will be placed in power with complete use of military forces.
Of course the federal government should be concerned with what would happen in case of emergency. But, the Constitution wasn't just written for the easy times or for for the times when it's convenient. It was written for the toughest times in our history to ensure that the United States would be a shining example of functioning democracy. With all the bullshit (sorry, parents) domestic spying programs and holding people without chance of trial and everything else that is happening (against our own US citizens!?!), Congress really needs to grow a backbone and limit the executive powers. They're the only ones who can, according to the Constitution.
Feds at border can search and seize your electronics for any reason they want
Another reason to encrypt your personal data
America, America. Is the shadow in the corner really that scary? That we would suspend democracy in favor of tyranny? “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety,” -Ben Franklin. Congress, seriously. Grow a pair. Surveillance should not be allowed on American citizens without a warrant. American citizens should not be proclaimed "enemy combatants" by the executive branch and thus have all of their rights promised in the Bill of Rights suspended. The federal government should have no access to bank records, music or photo files, or any other personal information that you may store on your computer without a warrant. American citizens should not be afraid of their own government or of losing the rights guaranteed to them with no warning. How do you find out if you are on this suspect watch list or terror watch list? You don't. Until they arrest you and you have no rights left. Come on!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Winding down
Suzy:
A few new pics are up. Link on the left. We're leaving Almeria two weeks from today! It's one of those things that sneaks up and punches you in the throat. I mean, we knew it was coming, it just seems now that the year really sped by.
We're excited to see everyone and chow down. I recently spent a few of my private English classes making brownies with my students. They turned out well; the kids liked them and we had a lot of fun, but nothing's quite like home.
I'd like to take the opportunity to warn everyone that we're not planning on bringing home any souvenirs except a few very small items for our nieces and nephews. So, please don't feel left out. We decided that the rule (that you have to bring souvenirs home for everyone you know when you visit a foreign country) is voided if you live there longer than four months.
Enjoy your last two weekends without Greg and Suzy, cuz we're invading you soon!
Oh! I just realized that it's been a long time since I've posted any insights into the Spanish culture. Well, I learned a new gesture today. When you put your hands in front of you about chest height, palms facing you, and touch all four fingers individually but quickly with your thumb, it means "a lot." A lot of people, a lot of work, a lot of clothes or shoes. We use this gesture in the states to mean "expensive." Knowledge is power!
A few new pics are up. Link on the left. We're leaving Almeria two weeks from today! It's one of those things that sneaks up and punches you in the throat. I mean, we knew it was coming, it just seems now that the year really sped by.
We're excited to see everyone and chow down. I recently spent a few of my private English classes making brownies with my students. They turned out well; the kids liked them and we had a lot of fun, but nothing's quite like home.
I'd like to take the opportunity to warn everyone that we're not planning on bringing home any souvenirs except a few very small items for our nieces and nephews. So, please don't feel left out. We decided that the rule (that you have to bring souvenirs home for everyone you know when you visit a foreign country) is voided if you live there longer than four months.
Enjoy your last two weekends without Greg and Suzy, cuz we're invading you soon!
Oh! I just realized that it's been a long time since I've posted any insights into the Spanish culture. Well, I learned a new gesture today. When you put your hands in front of you about chest height, palms facing you, and touch all four fingers individually but quickly with your thumb, it means "a lot." A lot of people, a lot of work, a lot of clothes or shoes. We use this gesture in the states to mean "expensive." Knowledge is power!
Friday, May 9, 2008
It's a boy!
Suzy:
Chalk one up to women's intuition. It's time for a celebratory snack.
(Greg wants to be sure that everyone knows he thinks women's intuition is a sack of crap. Either way, we're having a son.)
Chalk one up to women's intuition. It's time for a celebratory snack.
(Greg wants to be sure that everyone knows he thinks women's intuition is a sack of crap. Either way, we're having a son.)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
BIG NEWS!
Suzy:
So in the top picture you can see the baby's head and jaw outline. In the bottom one you can see the ribs and spine to the right and the head to the left and a tiny hand up top and to the left in front of the face. That's the good news: we got pictures.
Now we all know that with good news comes bad news. We don't know the sex of the baby yet. Baby wasn't laying the right way and the doctor couldn't get a good shot, so we're going back on Friday for an hour long scan from an ultrasound technician. Which is a routine scan, don't worry. Something about doing a bunch of measurements and getting the whole shebang. So, look forward to another post by the time you wake up Friday morning.
(Note: I swear I saw a penis. Greg thinks I'm full of it. We'll see on Friday.) Kisses.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!
Hey all! Just wanted to give a good ol' shout out to all of the mothers in cyber land that is the States. Specifically, my mother and mother-in-law! Because you are all behind the times here, I will explain. Mother's day is May 4th; not May 11th. You guys are so behind the times. I mean, seriously, mullets are back in style here and you all are still making fun of them. Plus, we tuck our jeans into our socks. We're so cool. sidenote: Suzy insisted that I mention that not everyone does this... just a few, really.
We've been slacking on the posting business for a couple of reasons: one, we don't really have anything new to say, and, two, we just got kinda tired of posting. We've been doing the same old, same old: Cabo de Gata, teach, beach-soak, sleep, yell at kids in Spanish, walk, and eat awesome food. It's living la vida loca as my homeboy Ricky Martin would say! Quick shout out to Ricky Martin as he would never forgive me if I didn't... "holla, Ricky!"
Technically, Rob and Stefanie just left this morning for Seville to hook up with Kade and Caitlin for a bit. I barely remember it as it was somewhere around 7:30 and 8 when I stumbled into the living room to wish them a happy traveling and goodbye with hand signals. 7:30 in the morning... I forgot that that existed.
Also, we've been day-dreaming about May 31st and the shin-dig that will be the bee's knees for the neighborhood. Well, we don't really have a neighborhood but I'm sure the cows will be rockin' it. We have a quick request of everyone: we were thinking that cooking for a metric crap ton of people would be pretty demanding for the 'rents and are asking everyone to bring just a tiny bit of food for a side dish (I'm thinking enough to share; ie, bag of chips, plate of cookies, etc.). We'd greatly appreciate it. Please keep passing the word on this; we need to know how many people are coming for food purposes.
Lastly, as Ashlee pointed out yesterday, you all can expect a large bit of news being posted around 1 o'clock your time on Tuesday. We will finally find out the sex of our kid and are both completely psyched! Until then, goodnight and good luck.
Greg
We've been slacking on the posting business for a couple of reasons: one, we don't really have anything new to say, and, two, we just got kinda tired of posting. We've been doing the same old, same old: Cabo de Gata, teach, beach-soak, sleep, yell at kids in Spanish, walk, and eat awesome food. It's living la vida loca as my homeboy Ricky Martin would say! Quick shout out to Ricky Martin as he would never forgive me if I didn't... "holla, Ricky!"
Technically, Rob and Stefanie just left this morning for Seville to hook up with Kade and Caitlin for a bit. I barely remember it as it was somewhere around 7:30 and 8 when I stumbled into the living room to wish them a happy traveling and goodbye with hand signals. 7:30 in the morning... I forgot that that existed.
Also, we've been day-dreaming about May 31st and the shin-dig that will be the bee's knees for the neighborhood. Well, we don't really have a neighborhood but I'm sure the cows will be rockin' it. We have a quick request of everyone: we were thinking that cooking for a metric crap ton of people would be pretty demanding for the 'rents and are asking everyone to bring just a tiny bit of food for a side dish (I'm thinking enough to share; ie, bag of chips, plate of cookies, etc.). We'd greatly appreciate it. Please keep passing the word on this; we need to know how many people are coming for food purposes.
Lastly, as Ashlee pointed out yesterday, you all can expect a large bit of news being posted around 1 o'clock your time on Tuesday. We will finally find out the sex of our kid and are both completely psyched! Until then, goodnight and good luck.
Greg
Thursday, April 24, 2008
And so it is...
So, what is there to say?
Things have been rather uneventful as of late. Suzy and I made some pretty sweet shirts for each other representing Baby which are really cool, if I do say so myself. Suzy's got a picture of an alien-looking creature attached to an umbilical cord spray painted on her belly while Suzy made me a (albeit much more difficult) stencil of the right and wrong ways to exercise a kid. You can pretty much guess what it looks like but we may have some pics up for you all sometime. Edit: Suzy says that there are pics of her in her t-shirt so... maybe we'll get some of me sometime... maybe.
I've been helping my English teachers out with a program (for both the second graders and fourth or fifth graders) that they've been working on for school next year. Before Jesus fell, he was assigned the task of actually creating a program for the two teachers to use next year. Then, he was given a painful four month delay by el medico and the task was assigned to Judith who was unprepared, to say the least. So, I offered to help her out and create a cake of a story about a dog and cat on Old MacDonald's farm, followed by the English lyrics (they have the song in Spanish, too). Since then, I've helped with a bit of extracurricular editing and such. Cakework, really. Well, until the other day. Judith poured a gigantic package of material needing editing (I spent an hour during class and was just over halfway finished) as well as some translation work. The translation (into English) wasn't nearly as much... it will probably take less than an hour but during my last month or so here, I'm not sure I can muster up any motivation to get anything done. Really, this is way better than any university work, or even work work, but... you know?
And, lastly, I'm getting old. And I miss a good chiropractor. Last night, Suzy graciously spent a good half hour checking out youtube's do-it-yourself back breakage. I'm not sure if it's the bed, the standing a great deal during classes, or just my exercising catching up with me (although I am pretty rigid about form...) but I had apparently misplaced my T6-ish vertebrate as it must have been lodged somewhere between my left shoulder blade and its deltoid muscle. However, after a good romp thrusting and shoving a bit to loosen the body, a touch of whipping (and by "whipping," I mean a series of flying elbow drops from the top rope), and a light sleep, it seems to have gotten at least a little better. I might have to see the traumatologico soon as that is the closest thing to a chiropractor that we have here. Honestly, Dad, why didn't you warn me about all of this a long time ago?! Getting old...
Greg is outski
Things have been rather uneventful as of late. Suzy and I made some pretty sweet shirts for each other representing Baby which are really cool, if I do say so myself. Suzy's got a picture of an alien-looking creature attached to an umbilical cord spray painted on her belly while Suzy made me a (albeit much more difficult) stencil of the right and wrong ways to exercise a kid. You can pretty much guess what it looks like but we may have some pics up for you all sometime. Edit: Suzy says that there are pics of her in her t-shirt so... maybe we'll get some of me sometime... maybe.
I've been helping my English teachers out with a program (for both the second graders and fourth or fifth graders) that they've been working on for school next year. Before Jesus fell, he was assigned the task of actually creating a program for the two teachers to use next year. Then, he was given a painful four month delay by el medico and the task was assigned to Judith who was unprepared, to say the least. So, I offered to help her out and create a cake of a story about a dog and cat on Old MacDonald's farm, followed by the English lyrics (they have the song in Spanish, too). Since then, I've helped with a bit of extracurricular editing and such. Cakework, really. Well, until the other day. Judith poured a gigantic package of material needing editing (I spent an hour during class and was just over halfway finished) as well as some translation work. The translation (into English) wasn't nearly as much... it will probably take less than an hour but during my last month or so here, I'm not sure I can muster up any motivation to get anything done. Really, this is way better than any university work, or even work work, but... you know?
And, lastly, I'm getting old. And I miss a good chiropractor. Last night, Suzy graciously spent a good half hour checking out youtube's do-it-yourself back breakage. I'm not sure if it's the bed, the standing a great deal during classes, or just my exercising catching up with me (although I am pretty rigid about form...) but I had apparently misplaced my T6-ish vertebrate as it must have been lodged somewhere between my left shoulder blade and its deltoid muscle. However, after a good romp thrusting and shoving a bit to loosen the body, a touch of whipping (and by "whipping," I mean a series of flying elbow drops from the top rope), and a light sleep, it seems to have gotten at least a little better. I might have to see the traumatologico soon as that is the closest thing to a chiropractor that we have here. Honestly, Dad, why didn't you warn me about all of this a long time ago?! Getting old...
Greg is outski
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Midwifery in MO
Suzy:
Here's some information on the topic before we begin.
Current legal status in MO and KS
The two main advocacy groups in MO that file lawsuits and "educate" politicians are the MSMA (MO State Medical Association) and several smaller midwifery advocacy groups including this one.
Now for the main arguments: Midwife supporters argue that increased public access to midwife care is a good thing because midwives are well trained and experienced caregivers that specialize in normal pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The opposition argue that not just everyone should be legally allowed to deliver a baby.
And my opinion is: If you read the information, think it's pretty clear that safety is not the real reason why the MSMA opposes midwifery. If safety were a real concern, national groups like the AMA would be advocating on a national scale, and they're not. Also, if you read the data about midwifery in other countries, you'll find that it's very safe and a preferred method in many countries to help keep healthcare costs manageable. So what is the real concern then, if not safety? Why, money of course. If midwives are out there charging only $2500 per full prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care (without going through an insurance company), while just the delivery in a hospital will cost you around $10,000 if you don't have any 'extras' like complications or drugs or a c-section, the MSMA is clearly defending the economic interests of its members and nothing more.
Here's some extra reading for you.
Economics vs Public Safety
Recent coverage of the MO Supreme Court battle
A Blog
Another Blog
By the way, I promise that all of my posts will not be about baby stuff in the future. Don't worry, my life didn't just stop when I got pregnant. I've just been harboring this frustration for a while and feel the need to expel it. And, I hope you think it's as much BS as I do. People, pregnant or not, should have the right to choose what's best for themselves to stay healthy and lead a healthy life. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, and politicians are all pretty educated, but I don't want any of them making my healthcare choices for me. It's as simple as that.
Kisses to everyone. (And please read Greg's post below. I didn't mean to overshadow him. :P )
Here's some information on the topic before we begin.
Current legal status in MO and KS
The two main advocacy groups in MO that file lawsuits and "educate" politicians are the MSMA (MO State Medical Association) and several smaller midwifery advocacy groups including this one.
Now for the main arguments: Midwife supporters argue that increased public access to midwife care is a good thing because midwives are well trained and experienced caregivers that specialize in normal pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. The opposition argue that not just everyone should be legally allowed to deliver a baby.
And my opinion is: If you read the information, think it's pretty clear that safety is not the real reason why the MSMA opposes midwifery. If safety were a real concern, national groups like the AMA would be advocating on a national scale, and they're not. Also, if you read the data about midwifery in other countries, you'll find that it's very safe and a preferred method in many countries to help keep healthcare costs manageable. So what is the real concern then, if not safety? Why, money of course. If midwives are out there charging only $2500 per full prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care (without going through an insurance company), while just the delivery in a hospital will cost you around $10,000 if you don't have any 'extras' like complications or drugs or a c-section, the MSMA is clearly defending the economic interests of its members and nothing more.
Here's some extra reading for you.
Economics vs Public Safety
Recent coverage of the MO Supreme Court battle
A Blog
Another Blog
By the way, I promise that all of my posts will not be about baby stuff in the future. Don't worry, my life didn't just stop when I got pregnant. I've just been harboring this frustration for a while and feel the need to expel it. And, I hope you think it's as much BS as I do. People, pregnant or not, should have the right to choose what's best for themselves to stay healthy and lead a healthy life. Doctors, nurses, lawyers, and politicians are all pretty educated, but I don't want any of them making my healthcare choices for me. It's as simple as that.
Kisses to everyone. (And please read Greg's post below. I didn't mean to overshadow him. :P )
Twinkie, Deconstructed
Many of you have already heard my emphatic praise for a book I received nearly a year ago called Twinkie, Deconstructed by Steve Ettlinger. The book follows your run-of-the-mill package of everybody's favorite American processed delight, the twinkie. The author breaks the book down so that each chapter focuses on only one of the ingredients beginning with the most prevalent. I found it to be incredibly interesting as the author seems to find every tiny detail about the ingredients and follows them until said ingredient cannot be broken down anymore. He then provides further incite into the actual making of the ingredients (not just where they came from but how they got to the end). Plus, he seems to have my view that the FDA has gotten considerably out of hand allowing some of the crap that gets into our food supply.
Side note: Ashlee, do you still have my book? I keep forgetting to ask you about it because I will definitely have to reread it when we get back.
During my mid-morning internet excavation, I decided to check out Amazon for any other nutritional / agricultural books having just read an article about that very thing and some of the random chemicals that the typical American will eat on an average day in your regular city that is supported by your basic government that is bought by your common big corporation that has your standard (read: large) influence over what you eat.
So, I was checking Amazon out and found that my beloved Twinkie, Deconstructed by Steve Ettlinger was a bargain book for only $5.99 plus s+h and a little bit of leeway with your soul as you will undoubtedly feel both deceived and nauseous when you realize that the fudge round you ate last night gave you cancer.
So, check it out here and your soul will thank you.
This is Greg... out.
Side note: Ashlee, do you still have my book? I keep forgetting to ask you about it because I will definitely have to reread it when we get back.
During my mid-morning internet excavation, I decided to check out Amazon for any other nutritional / agricultural books having just read an article about that very thing and some of the random chemicals that the typical American will eat on an average day in your regular city that is supported by your basic government that is bought by your common big corporation that has your standard (read: large) influence over what you eat.
So, I was checking Amazon out and found that my beloved Twinkie, Deconstructed by Steve Ettlinger was a bargain book for only $5.99 plus s+h and a little bit of leeway with your soul as you will undoubtedly feel both deceived and nauseous when you realize that the fudge round you ate last night gave you cancer.
So, check it out here and your soul will thank you.
This is Greg... out.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Continued (Attempt 2)
Suzy:
That'll teach me to write half a post and leave it on my computer for the next day :(
Chris is visiting and makes a great house guest. We're learning a lot about fine wine and coffee and botany and all kinds of stuff. We just had baby eels on toast with cream cheese after a day at Cabo de Gata. Yum! My skin is oily and salty and hair is tangled... oh, the sea. I love it.
So here's the rant about home births. I'll try to remember it best I can. Grrr.
First, three of my classes asked me this week if I am pregnant. I can't decide if it's because I'm showing or there's a rumor going around. You decide. (16 weeks today)
We decided to have a home birth for a lot of reasons.
1) We don't want to have a c-section, and over 30% of all women in US hospitals (compared to between 10% and 15% in other developed countries according to the World Health Organization) have them for reasons that I don't think are necessary. In case you don't know what that is: "When doing a C-section an ob/gyn doctor first makes sure that the patient has adequate anesthesia. We commonly use epidural anesthesia. On unusual occasions the patient may need to have general anesthesia, which involves going completely to sleep with a tube in the throat and the use of a ventilator device. Once the patient is numb, a cut about the size of the distance from your wrist to the tip of your ring finger is made in to the skin. In most cases, this incision is made from side-to-side, just above the pubic hair line (sometimes called a "bikini cut"), while in some parts of the world, and in some emergency situations, an up-and-down cut is made from below the belly button to the top of the bikini line. (Most doctors prefer bikini cuts because they heal and look better, and cause less pain after leaving the hospital). After cutting through the skin and underlying fat cells, the doctor will make an incision through the remaining tissue, then will enter the abdominal cavity. The bladder, uterus, ovaries, tubes, and intestines are all visible and sometimes have to be moved out of the way before cutting into the uterus (womb). After entering the uterus through a cut a little larger than the baby's head, the baby is carefully grasped, and the surgical assistant pushes on the top of the uterus to deliver the baby through the hole in the uterus. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the baby is handed to the nurses or doctors who care for newborn babies. The ob/gyn will remove the placenta, stitch up the uterus, inspect the ovaries and tubes, then close the different tissue layers and put staples or stitches into the skin." I guess I don't feel like having doctors wiggle around my organs when they don't have to.
2) I don't want to be drugged out. I've discovered that women's bodies are built pretty well to handle labor, funny enough. For example, your brain excretes endorphines during labor to deal with the pain. And the baby twists around to wiggle out just as your body pushes at the right time. With drugs your body and the baby's body's timing gets off and then more drugs are needed to fix that which interfere with other things like endorphines and pain relief and then more drugs are needed... generally not a good thing to start if you can avoid it.
3) I want to be in charge of who comes in and out of my space as well as when I can move around, when I can eat and drink, and what positions I want to try. Being on your back is actually the worst position for labor.
4) People ask if I'm nervous about not being in a hospital and if it's safe to be at home and what if something goes wrong. Read about it yourself cuz I'm feeling too lazy to post links. It's very safe, and I'm not nervous especially with the midwife we found. If something goes wrong there will be a hospital close, but I figger that I'm young and healthy with no risk factors. Also, women have been doing this for a pretty long time. I'm not the first nor the last to give birth.
5) Most of all I believe that pregnancy and childbirth is not a sickness and does not require emergency medical attention. On the contrary, I suspect that having a child will be a spiritual occasion. I don't think there's a better space than home.
Shower time. Next post: Why it's a felony in MO to provide midwifery services.
That'll teach me to write half a post and leave it on my computer for the next day :(
Chris is visiting and makes a great house guest. We're learning a lot about fine wine and coffee and botany and all kinds of stuff. We just had baby eels on toast with cream cheese after a day at Cabo de Gata. Yum! My skin is oily and salty and hair is tangled... oh, the sea. I love it.
So here's the rant about home births. I'll try to remember it best I can. Grrr.
First, three of my classes asked me this week if I am pregnant. I can't decide if it's because I'm showing or there's a rumor going around. You decide. (16 weeks today)
We decided to have a home birth for a lot of reasons.
1) We don't want to have a c-section, and over 30% of all women in US hospitals (compared to between 10% and 15% in other developed countries according to the World Health Organization) have them for reasons that I don't think are necessary. In case you don't know what that is: "When doing a C-section an ob/gyn doctor first makes sure that the patient has adequate anesthesia. We commonly use epidural anesthesia. On unusual occasions the patient may need to have general anesthesia, which involves going completely to sleep with a tube in the throat and the use of a ventilator device. Once the patient is numb, a cut about the size of the distance from your wrist to the tip of your ring finger is made in to the skin. In most cases, this incision is made from side-to-side, just above the pubic hair line (sometimes called a "bikini cut"), while in some parts of the world, and in some emergency situations, an up-and-down cut is made from below the belly button to the top of the bikini line. (Most doctors prefer bikini cuts because they heal and look better, and cause less pain after leaving the hospital). After cutting through the skin and underlying fat cells, the doctor will make an incision through the remaining tissue, then will enter the abdominal cavity. The bladder, uterus, ovaries, tubes, and intestines are all visible and sometimes have to be moved out of the way before cutting into the uterus (womb). After entering the uterus through a cut a little larger than the baby's head, the baby is carefully grasped, and the surgical assistant pushes on the top of the uterus to deliver the baby through the hole in the uterus. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut, and the baby is handed to the nurses or doctors who care for newborn babies. The ob/gyn will remove the placenta, stitch up the uterus, inspect the ovaries and tubes, then close the different tissue layers and put staples or stitches into the skin." I guess I don't feel like having doctors wiggle around my organs when they don't have to.
2) I don't want to be drugged out. I've discovered that women's bodies are built pretty well to handle labor, funny enough. For example, your brain excretes endorphines during labor to deal with the pain. And the baby twists around to wiggle out just as your body pushes at the right time. With drugs your body and the baby's body's timing gets off and then more drugs are needed to fix that which interfere with other things like endorphines and pain relief and then more drugs are needed... generally not a good thing to start if you can avoid it.
3) I want to be in charge of who comes in and out of my space as well as when I can move around, when I can eat and drink, and what positions I want to try. Being on your back is actually the worst position for labor.
4) People ask if I'm nervous about not being in a hospital and if it's safe to be at home and what if something goes wrong. Read about it yourself cuz I'm feeling too lazy to post links. It's very safe, and I'm not nervous especially with the midwife we found. If something goes wrong there will be a hospital close, but I figger that I'm young and healthy with no risk factors. Also, women have been doing this for a pretty long time. I'm not the first nor the last to give birth.
5) Most of all I believe that pregnancy and childbirth is not a sickness and does not require emergency medical attention. On the contrary, I suspect that having a child will be a spiritual occasion. I don't think there's a better space than home.
Shower time. Next post: Why it's a felony in MO to provide midwifery services.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
A Semi-Giant Post
Suzy:
Hello all! First, thanks for the good wishes for the tiny one as well as the babysitting offers. We went to the doctor yesterday and got to see him (or her) on screen, swimming around and happy. (S)he sucked the tiny thumb and wiggled the tiny legs like a good future soccer player should ;) . It was a nice birthday present. Doc says everything's, "bien. No, MUY bien." He repeated himself like four times, so everything in my body is growing and responding like it should. In one month we'll find out the baby's sex!
We had so much fun in Germany with Bastian and his family. His mom is an awesome cook! Hopefully I'll be able to cook a few German dishes when we come home, if we can get our hands on the proper ingredients. You all should look forward to several "international dinner" nights when we get a place of our own. Greg thoroughly enjoyed his (and my) share of delicious beer. We got to bring back to Spain some homemade jams from Bastian's mom, and some German honey. As always, new pics are on our Photobucket site.
Greg's happy because Jesús (the teacher that has been out of his school since like November because he fell and got a concussion and broken wrist) is coming back Monday. Not that he doesn't like the substitute, just she always springs stuff on Greg like, "Hey, could you do some kind of activity with the kids for around 25 minutes?"
It has been nice and sunny like always and I've found that Spring smells the same no matter what country you're in. We really miss everyone! The pics that a few of you have sent have been really sweet. Keep 'em coming! :) We can't wait to get home, hug everyone, and take Mojo for a walk. Don't get me wrong, we love it here, but we're counting down the last two months.
I was going to write more on here about all the political things I've found out about giving birth in the 'states, (And thus labeled this post as semi-giant) but I feel like taking a walk to the beach instead. Perhaps later.
Besos y abrazos.
Hello all! First, thanks for the good wishes for the tiny one as well as the babysitting offers. We went to the doctor yesterday and got to see him (or her) on screen, swimming around and happy. (S)he sucked the tiny thumb and wiggled the tiny legs like a good future soccer player should ;) . It was a nice birthday present. Doc says everything's, "bien. No, MUY bien." He repeated himself like four times, so everything in my body is growing and responding like it should. In one month we'll find out the baby's sex!
We had so much fun in Germany with Bastian and his family. His mom is an awesome cook! Hopefully I'll be able to cook a few German dishes when we come home, if we can get our hands on the proper ingredients. You all should look forward to several "international dinner" nights when we get a place of our own. Greg thoroughly enjoyed his (and my) share of delicious beer. We got to bring back to Spain some homemade jams from Bastian's mom, and some German honey. As always, new pics are on our Photobucket site.
Greg's happy because Jesús (the teacher that has been out of his school since like November because he fell and got a concussion and broken wrist) is coming back Monday. Not that he doesn't like the substitute, just she always springs stuff on Greg like, "Hey, could you do some kind of activity with the kids for around 25 minutes?"
It has been nice and sunny like always and I've found that Spring smells the same no matter what country you're in. We really miss everyone! The pics that a few of you have sent have been really sweet. Keep 'em coming! :) We can't wait to get home, hug everyone, and take Mojo for a walk. Don't get me wrong, we love it here, but we're counting down the last two months.
I was going to write more on here about all the political things I've found out about giving birth in the 'states, (And thus labeled this post as semi-giant) but I feel like taking a walk to the beach instead. Perhaps later.
Besos y abrazos.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Live from Germany
We are living it up in comfort and style in a little town between Ulm and Stuttgart in Germany with Bastian Bischoff and his family. They are treating us like kings and queens as we are touring the countryside.
We arrived a few days ago and, since then, have explored caves and castles and have Bastian´s game to attend to later on today. I just wanted to give you all a quick update on things but we´ll give you something worthwhile to read later on.
Bastian says ´´hi.´´
We arrived a few days ago and, since then, have explored caves and castles and have Bastian´s game to attend to later on today. I just wanted to give you all a quick update on things but we´ll give you something worthwhile to read later on.
Bastian says ´´hi.´´
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Germany
Suzy:
So we're totally going to Germany at the end of this week. We decided to rent a car and take a few days to drive there and back, seeing as how plane tickets were going to be outrageously expensive. We will visit Bastian and his family and hopefully just see a castle or two, drink some good German beer, and eat some schnitzle and sausages with mustard. We felt bad that the first time we came to Europe we didn't get a chance to spend any time with him or his family, so I'm pretty excited to go. As always, pictures will be posted.
Spoiler: Our next post is a video. I'm sure the anticipation is already killing you. :)
I'm sitting at school so I've gotta run to class. Un beso a todos.
So we're totally going to Germany at the end of this week. We decided to rent a car and take a few days to drive there and back, seeing as how plane tickets were going to be outrageously expensive. We will visit Bastian and his family and hopefully just see a castle or two, drink some good German beer, and eat some schnitzle and sausages with mustard. We felt bad that the first time we came to Europe we didn't get a chance to spend any time with him or his family, so I'm pretty excited to go. As always, pictures will be posted.
Spoiler: Our next post is a video. I'm sure the anticipation is already killing you. :)
I'm sitting at school so I've gotta run to class. Un beso a todos.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I'm like a bad penny...
...I just keep turning up.
We got our hands on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and just finished it. And, yes, that is one of his classier lines from the three movies. Suzy had never seen them so we had a three day Indy fest after we heard that one of the scenes in The Last Crusade was shot in Cabo de Gata. Yes, the Cabo de Gata (that is a natural park protected under Spanish "no commercial-type building" laws in this area) that Suzy and I rave about. And we found it. Even more, we were there at that same spot only a couple of months ago.
For those that are curious, it is about 1 hour and 17 minutes in wherein Sean Connery flaps his umbrella open and closed to rouse up a gigantic flock of seagulls. The seagulls are startled and fly around in a large cloud of feathery whiteness that a pursuing Nazi fighter pilot runs into and ultimately gets destroyed due to the feathery congestion. (for those that may want to check it out, the following 5 or 10 minutes is in Andalucia and very typical of the old West scenery)
Great scene.
We got our hands on Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and just finished it. And, yes, that is one of his classier lines from the three movies. Suzy had never seen them so we had a three day Indy fest after we heard that one of the scenes in The Last Crusade was shot in Cabo de Gata. Yes, the Cabo de Gata (that is a natural park protected under Spanish "no commercial-type building" laws in this area) that Suzy and I rave about. And we found it. Even more, we were there at that same spot only a couple of months ago.
For those that are curious, it is about 1 hour and 17 minutes in wherein Sean Connery flaps his umbrella open and closed to rouse up a gigantic flock of seagulls. The seagulls are startled and fly around in a large cloud of feathery whiteness that a pursuing Nazi fighter pilot runs into and ultimately gets destroyed due to the feathery congestion. (for those that may want to check it out, the following 5 or 10 minutes is in Andalucia and very typical of the old West scenery)
Great scene.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Strawberry fields forever
Greg:
Chan, I have a confession. I gave away the last little delicious bit of minty goodness to one of my coworkers. But! it was due to my thanks for a citrus-y goodness she had given to me! You see, two weeks ago tomorrow, we received a gigantic bag of fresh-from-the-front-porch-tree lemons. Baseball-sized little suns in my hands with a better than lemon Pine Sol fresh juice and aroma. I guess Lennon just didn't like the sound of "lemon fields forever."
However, as Lennon did learn himself, the strawberries are juicy and deep and, well, it turns out that they're in season, too! Have you ever had freshly squeezed lemonade with the sweet confections that are strawberries hand-mashed in?
Oh man! These are the things that little dreams are made of! We had a gigantic crate of the strawberries and a grocery bag full of lemons and snacked on the heavenly concoction for a week. But we had too many strawberries so we slathered them in yogurt and on pancakes.. it was almost like home.
So speaking of food, Suzy and I have been talking about our barbecue we are going to have when we get back. We've still gotta work out any kinks (ie, buy some more plane tickets to determine our actual arrival date) but we're hoping for May 31st or the Saturday after. Just make sure that everyone is free because if you are reading our blog (and actually know us; we've noticed there've been a few people that visit our blog from other countries...), then we want you there.
On a slightly different note, it's been over four months but I have made my triumphant return to the sea. It seems that our wind season (supposedly during February and March) has found it's end which leaves the days to be warmer, the sun to be brighter, and the waves to be smaller.
In celebration of the weather, I decided it was due time to go for another swim. I've been anxious since my last one ended short in November with the jellyfish infestation. So I pownced down the stairs, stubbed toes over rocks, and hurdled over a wave before the subtle ripples and waves dizzied my balance and I belly-flopped into the blue-green crystal sea... that was still ice cold but worth every one of the four minutes that I stayed in that frozen tundra.
Chan, I have a confession. I gave away the last little delicious bit of minty goodness to one of my coworkers. But! it was due to my thanks for a citrus-y goodness she had given to me! You see, two weeks ago tomorrow, we received a gigantic bag of fresh-from-the-front-porch-tree lemons. Baseball-sized little suns in my hands with a better than lemon Pine Sol fresh juice and aroma. I guess Lennon just didn't like the sound of "lemon fields forever."
However, as Lennon did learn himself, the strawberries are juicy and deep and, well, it turns out that they're in season, too! Have you ever had freshly squeezed lemonade with the sweet confections that are strawberries hand-mashed in?
Oh man! These are the things that little dreams are made of! We had a gigantic crate of the strawberries and a grocery bag full of lemons and snacked on the heavenly concoction for a week. But we had too many strawberries so we slathered them in yogurt and on pancakes.. it was almost like home.
So speaking of food, Suzy and I have been talking about our barbecue we are going to have when we get back. We've still gotta work out any kinks (ie, buy some more plane tickets to determine our actual arrival date) but we're hoping for May 31st or the Saturday after. Just make sure that everyone is free because if you are reading our blog (and actually know us; we've noticed there've been a few people that visit our blog from other countries...), then we want you there.
On a slightly different note, it's been over four months but I have made my triumphant return to the sea. It seems that our wind season (supposedly during February and March) has found it's end which leaves the days to be warmer, the sun to be brighter, and the waves to be smaller.
In celebration of the weather, I decided it was due time to go for another swim. I've been anxious since my last one ended short in November with the jellyfish infestation. So I pownced down the stairs, stubbed toes over rocks, and hurdled over a wave before the subtle ripples and waves dizzied my balance and I belly-flopped into the blue-green crystal sea... that was still ice cold but worth every one of the four minutes that I stayed in that frozen tundra.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Update on the lack of updates
Things are still alive and kicking here in Aguadulce. In fact, we don't really have too much to say. We've got another puente, or a long weekend, due to Andalucian Day (which is supposedly today) that gives us from Thursday to Monday off. We don't have any plans other than rock it like the Beitling household is known to do and run over to the natural park called Cabo de Gata tomorrow. It's such a serene place. We will definitely post some pics up so you all can be there in spirit.
We've also been keeping up on the dollar; it's still doing bad. In fact, it appears to have made the Euro the strongest it has been since it's inception. Good for us (right now), bad for everyone else (and us later). What this does mean is that now that we have our directors asking Suzy and I if we'd like to stay with our school for next year, it's intoxicatingly enticing. Don't get me wrong, guys, we'll see you soon but we're going to have to talk all of this over a little bit longer...
Well, it's back to sitting around and enjoying the easy life... We'll get you a real update shortly.
We've also been keeping up on the dollar; it's still doing bad. In fact, it appears to have made the Euro the strongest it has been since it's inception. Good for us (right now), bad for everyone else (and us later). What this does mean is that now that we have our directors asking Suzy and I if we'd like to stay with our school for next year, it's intoxicatingly enticing. Don't get me wrong, guys, we'll see you soon but we're going to have to talk all of this over a little bit longer...
Well, it's back to sitting around and enjoying the easy life... We'll get you a real update shortly.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Oh, Kadelin
Suzy:
I would just like to point out that Aguadulce really does have beautiful, sunny weather. It has rained a total of three times since we've been here. That is, until Kade and Caitlin decided to visit. They show up, it gets cloudy and sprinkly. Not even the good downpour I'm prone to like; no, it was "sillyface rain" in its finest. How long did it last, you ask? Well, until the morning Caitlin and Kade decide to leave, of course. That afternoon was sunny and hot.
Hey guys, seriously, I loved your visit, but keep your crappy weather to yourselves. ;)
We did enjoy a few nights in Granada that you can check out on our Photobucket site (conveniently located in link form on the left side of this website). We also took them on the "tapas tour" including Greg's fav in all of Spain, our very own Bodega de Jamón. Other than that, there was lots of relaxing and getting the closest taste of home we've had since September. As soon as we can come visit in Portland, we're there. Especially for Caitlin's curried pumpkin soup.
I would just like to point out that Aguadulce really does have beautiful, sunny weather. It has rained a total of three times since we've been here. That is, until Kade and Caitlin decided to visit. They show up, it gets cloudy and sprinkly. Not even the good downpour I'm prone to like; no, it was "sillyface rain" in its finest. How long did it last, you ask? Well, until the morning Caitlin and Kade decide to leave, of course. That afternoon was sunny and hot.
Hey guys, seriously, I loved your visit, but keep your crappy weather to yourselves. ;)
We did enjoy a few nights in Granada that you can check out on our Photobucket site (conveniently located in link form on the left side of this website). We also took them on the "tapas tour" including Greg's fav in all of Spain, our very own Bodega de Jamón. Other than that, there was lots of relaxing and getting the closest taste of home we've had since September. As soon as we can come visit in Portland, we're there. Especially for Caitlin's curried pumpkin soup.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Pissed Off
Suzy:
I'm a pretty patient person. But, seriously. Govt stuff can really piss me off. Especially when it's my own govt.
If you don't agree with what your federal government is doing, stop supporting them in the form of federal income tax. There's no law that says you have to pay it anyway.
(As a side note, of course the video link above is leftist propaganda. I recognize that. But you have to admit that the argument is valid: that if the federal government wants to throw you in jail for committing a crime, they should be able to point out the law that makes it illegal. THEY CAN'T. You pay federal income taxes on a VOLUNTARY basis.)
Love you all. Kisses.
I'm a pretty patient person. But, seriously. Govt stuff can really piss me off. Especially when it's my own govt.
If you don't agree with what your federal government is doing, stop supporting them in the form of federal income tax. There's no law that says you have to pay it anyway.
(As a side note, of course the video link above is leftist propaganda. I recognize that. But you have to admit that the argument is valid: that if the federal government wants to throw you in jail for committing a crime, they should be able to point out the law that makes it illegal. THEY CAN'T. You pay federal income taxes on a VOLUNTARY basis.)
Love you all. Kisses.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mañana, mañana...
So, Spain is known for living the easy life, taking it slow, doing things "mañana," or "tomorrow." However, in this case, "mañana" means "freaking sweet and I can't wait to pick you up Caitlin and Kade!" We also got word that our great friend Chris will be joining us so "freaking sweet and we'll see you in many mañanas, Chris!" as well as Rob who will be making it here shortly (so... you know, insert the 'freaking sweet' phrase of your choice in this one... it's kinda like Mad Libs).
Yesterday was a fantastic day. I spoke in Spanish nearly all day and my head didn't even explode. I learned something like 8 or so new words like "sacar punta" which means "to sharpen a pencil" and "misogino" which means "sexist." I also got a quick email from some of you guys back home! It was great. In fact, I have a quick story to tell you where it all began...
::cue hazy dream-like state::
Last week I left school Monday afternoon and a woman came up to me. She asked me if I was "Gregory... the English assistant." My head was slightly aching and my eyes were really tired from thinking in Spanish for 4 hours but I humored her with my assurance that I am Gregory and, yes, I'm the English assistant. But that's about when I lost her. She didn't run away or anything but, rather, her mouth took off in a foreign language I haven't entirely, completely grasped just yet. But I was tired and my eyes hurt so I defaulted into what I like to call "sí, sí" mode. It's my Spanish rendition of conveying paid attention when there is actually a lack of said attention.
What I didn't realize is that I agreed to tutor her three children.
It isn't that bad, though. I mean, I looked pretty bad yesterday when I ran into her at school again and she asked me why I never showed up last Monday. However, after a quick, "umm.... I don't.. err.. really speak Spanish... that well." we were totally on the same page. Turns out her family lived in Costa Rica up until about five years ago and she speaks fluent English.
Really, though, my Spanish is trucking along. I get really excited and relieved when I have these epiphanious moments. I look back at where I started and where I am now and it's just really exhilarating. Plus, being an English speaker here pays the bills without too much time or work involved: pick a good topic, some questions, a couple activities and you are set!
So, if any of my friends would like some English lessons when we get back to the States, I'm pretty much available. :P
Yesterday was a fantastic day. I spoke in Spanish nearly all day and my head didn't even explode. I learned something like 8 or so new words like "sacar punta" which means "to sharpen a pencil" and "misogino" which means "sexist." I also got a quick email from some of you guys back home! It was great. In fact, I have a quick story to tell you where it all began...
::cue hazy dream-like state::
Last week I left school Monday afternoon and a woman came up to me. She asked me if I was "Gregory... the English assistant." My head was slightly aching and my eyes were really tired from thinking in Spanish for 4 hours but I humored her with my assurance that I am Gregory and, yes, I'm the English assistant. But that's about when I lost her. She didn't run away or anything but, rather, her mouth took off in a foreign language I haven't entirely, completely grasped just yet. But I was tired and my eyes hurt so I defaulted into what I like to call "sí, sí" mode. It's my Spanish rendition of conveying paid attention when there is actually a lack of said attention.
What I didn't realize is that I agreed to tutor her three children.
It isn't that bad, though. I mean, I looked pretty bad yesterday when I ran into her at school again and she asked me why I never showed up last Monday. However, after a quick, "umm.... I don't.. err.. really speak Spanish... that well." we were totally on the same page. Turns out her family lived in Costa Rica up until about five years ago and she speaks fluent English.
Really, though, my Spanish is trucking along. I get really excited and relieved when I have these epiphanious moments. I look back at where I started and where I am now and it's just really exhilarating. Plus, being an English speaker here pays the bills without too much time or work involved: pick a good topic, some questions, a couple activities and you are set!
So, if any of my friends would like some English lessons when we get back to the States, I'm pretty much available. :P
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Rockin' the pants off!
(Greg)
We found a club last night that advertised a jazz trio playing. Finally! we found live music within the confines of our town that doesn't involve a 10 minute car ride and 20 minute walk! And the place is just down the road, even.
So we showed up, ordered some drinks, and got busy with our sitting and listening skills. The band showed up and we rocked out with Spanish versions of "Pretty Woman," some Elvis song I cannot remember, as well as your best 50s, 60s, and 70s English, Spanish, and English-sung-in-Spanish classics. Marijke summed it up nicely with, "It was somewhat reminiscent of a bad after-wedding dance-off."
We even had the 30-somethings dancing around with the twist, country dancing, and a schmorgasboard or random and upbeat hoopla. We finished the evening with a rendition of "It's Raining Men" that made me remember my time at the drag show in KC.
So, yes, it was not exactly a "jazz trio" like I would have expected when I thought "jazz" nor was there a "trio" but rather a "duo." I suppose that the trio was supposed to show up but ran into an old friend or something and ditched the rest of us. Good news is a Beatles tribute is coming up in a few weeks!
On other brighter-side-of-the-news: we bought our plane tickets to the States yesterday! Bad news is that, while we are arriving in JFK airport on the 30th of May, we have not yet purchased anything from NY to KC. We found some tickets for that night but we arrive in NY at 7:30 and the flight we found leaves at 9:30 or so. I wanted to make sure that we would have enough time for plane exchange, customs, etc. so we are looking into some other venues. We'll keep you all updated.
Lastly, Kadelin will be arriving here in less than 3 days! AWESOME!
We found a club last night that advertised a jazz trio playing. Finally! we found live music within the confines of our town that doesn't involve a 10 minute car ride and 20 minute walk! And the place is just down the road, even.
So we showed up, ordered some drinks, and got busy with our sitting and listening skills. The band showed up and we rocked out with Spanish versions of "Pretty Woman," some Elvis song I cannot remember, as well as your best 50s, 60s, and 70s English, Spanish, and English-sung-in-Spanish classics. Marijke summed it up nicely with, "It was somewhat reminiscent of a bad after-wedding dance-off."
We even had the 30-somethings dancing around with the twist, country dancing, and a schmorgasboard or random and upbeat hoopla. We finished the evening with a rendition of "It's Raining Men" that made me remember my time at the drag show in KC.
So, yes, it was not exactly a "jazz trio" like I would have expected when I thought "jazz" nor was there a "trio" but rather a "duo." I suppose that the trio was supposed to show up but ran into an old friend or something and ditched the rest of us. Good news is a Beatles tribute is coming up in a few weeks!
On other brighter-side-of-the-news: we bought our plane tickets to the States yesterday! Bad news is that, while we are arriving in JFK airport on the 30th of May, we have not yet purchased anything from NY to KC. We found some tickets for that night but we arrive in NY at 7:30 and the flight we found leaves at 9:30 or so. I wanted to make sure that we would have enough time for plane exchange, customs, etc. so we are looking into some other venues. We'll keep you all updated.
Lastly, Kadelin will be arriving here in less than 3 days! AWESOME!
Sunday, February 3, 2008
for (HomeLinks; HomeLinks<=WTF; HomeLinks++) {blogger=Greg}
So you all should check out a couple of links.... Suzy and I have talked about apartments or houses, etc. so we've been skimming around for a bit and have found some sweet grants in MO as well as some other misc. links.
http://www.grants.gov/ - these are all of the government-sponsored grants for all sorts of things. Most notably in Missouri, for your first home (if you qualify), the federal government will pay up to $3000 for a down payment. Awesome!
http://first-time-home-buyer-s.com/first_time_home_buyer_grants.htm - this is a website with all state government-sponsored grants for first home buyers (scroll towards the bottom) as well as a mini-plethora of information.
http://www.hud.gov/local/mo/homeownership/buyingprgms.cfm - this is a collection of miscellaneous cities where you can apply for further home assistance from the government (also towards the bottom of the page). For example, Independence and Joplin will give you up to a further $5000 for your down payment; who doesn't want to live in Joplin?
http://www.govbenefits.gov - this is just a collection of government assistance programs (such as medicaid, heating/cooling assistance, among others) that I ran across that I decided to share with you all. It seemed like a pretty thorough collection...
On top of these grants to help you obtain your first home, it seems that every state also has a First Time Home Buyers Loan with a discounted interest rate. Those of nuestros amigos that are planning on moving to various other locales such as the west coast should definitely look into that avenue.
And furthermore! There is a program by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development entitled the Good Neighbor Next Door Program that is a really sweet deal for any of our friends or family that is a cop, EMT, teacher, or firefighter. You should really familiarize yourself with that because it can pay for 50% of certain qualified houses / mortgages.
It all sounds fantastic so I wanted to share it with all of you.
Oh! And we'll get some more pics up on our photobucket (link goes to our Christmas Vacation album) soon!
http://www.grants.gov/ - these are all of the government-sponsored grants for all sorts of things. Most notably in Missouri, for your first home (if you qualify), the federal government will pay up to $3000 for a down payment. Awesome!
http://first-time-home-buyer-s.com/first_time_home_buyer_grants.htm - this is a website with all state government-sponsored grants for first home buyers (scroll towards the bottom) as well as a mini-plethora of information.
http://www.hud.gov/local/mo/homeownership/buyingprgms.cfm - this is a collection of miscellaneous cities where you can apply for further home assistance from the government (also towards the bottom of the page). For example, Independence and Joplin will give you up to a further $5000 for your down payment; who doesn't want to live in Joplin?
http://www.govbenefits.gov - this is just a collection of government assistance programs (such as medicaid, heating/cooling assistance, among others) that I ran across that I decided to share with you all. It seemed like a pretty thorough collection...
On top of these grants to help you obtain your first home, it seems that every state also has a First Time Home Buyers Loan with a discounted interest rate. Those of nuestros amigos that are planning on moving to various other locales such as the west coast should definitely look into that avenue.
And furthermore! There is a program by the U.S. Housing and Urban Development entitled the Good Neighbor Next Door Program that is a really sweet deal for any of our friends or family that is a cop, EMT, teacher, or firefighter. You should really familiarize yourself with that because it can pay for 50% of certain qualified houses / mortgages.
It all sounds fantastic so I wanted to share it with all of you.
Oh! And we'll get some more pics up on our photobucket (link goes to our Christmas Vacation album) soon!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Be forewarned... this one is also political
BUT I'm not going to try to convince you to like a candidate that I like (check out Ron Paul) or ask you to laugh at Giuliani as he admits his race was entirely based on the premise that he was the mayor of a town that experienced a great tragedy (but you should also point at the screen when you read it or hear it on the news). I'm not even going to beg of you to not vote for Hillary Clinton solely because you want a woman as the president (you wouldn't buy popular brand X's fried won ton just due to the packaging, would you? Err... bad example). All I'm going to do is as you to check out this website if you have 5 minutes to kill:
http://glassbooth.org/
Really, as much as I like Ron Paul's ideals and credit, I want everyone to vote for the person that they think matches what they believe. Most of the time, there is the vague stretches of truth and great ideas that are used only for public persuasion. And I say this because everyone should at least look at their three top candidates that the test reveals just to draw whether the test is correct in pitting you with Candidate Y's crew. However, even a test like this one comes with its many shortcomings in its simplicity... but it is a beginning. Or a middle. Really, it could be just an affirmation or change, as well.
So, Spain is great; check out the website.
http://glassbooth.org/
Really, as much as I like Ron Paul's ideals and credit, I want everyone to vote for the person that they think matches what they believe. Most of the time, there is the vague stretches of truth and great ideas that are used only for public persuasion. And I say this because everyone should at least look at their three top candidates that the test reveals just to draw whether the test is correct in pitting you with Candidate Y's crew. However, even a test like this one comes with its many shortcomings in its simplicity... but it is a beginning. Or a middle. Really, it could be just an affirmation or change, as well.
So, Spain is great; check out the website.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Fantastically, Gigantically, Enormanic, Hugely Large Secret... of all time.
Suzy found out that she has to teach on Fridays again. Well, she taught on them for nearly ever until just after we returned back from our European extravaganza last week or the week before. She had a (cue Samir Nagheenanajar) horrible, horrible schedule (end Samir) that commanded her to labor through Fridays while the other three of us had three day weekends until a few weeks ago. But because we skipped out on a week and a half of classes, her Jefe de Estudios (think dean of school) asked one of her colleagues how Suzy was making her missed days up when her colleagues had previously decided that Suzy could just skip out on making it up. Due to boss' involvement, she has to come in for two hours every Friday for the next six weeks! Life is rough...
But that's not the secret.
There's a kid in my terceros... err... third grade. He's got a problem. And it's not of the cowbell variety. His is more serious than gold records and the like. Every time that I am teaching his class, he's kin to hit a girl. Now this kid is in third grade and I'm his teacher so it's not like I could or would treat him as if I saw some pierced up slimeball hitting his Kate Moss cokehead baby mamma girlfriend. I had to approach the situation with class. So after he hauled off and whacked a girl on the head with a notebook, he spent the remainder of the hour in the corner with sans speaking. What's really troubling though is that the teacher doesn't really discipline him other than a brief scolding. No wonder he goes around hitting all the niñas!
But that's not the secret either.
Suzy and I decided to tell you about the Paris adventure. We had an overnight layover that put us in the middle of the City of Love. Instead of booking a hotel like sane people, Suzy, Emma and I decided to venture out into the downtown Paris nightlife. Now, if this had been New York or Chicago there's no way we'd have walked around in the cold and dark just to see the sights. But, hey, we're foreigners. We don't know any better. So, we hit up all the main sights: the Notre Dame, the Pont Neuf, the Louvre and it's gorgeous glass pyramid, up all the way to the Chans Elysee (Aux Chans Elysee, Au soleil, sous la pluie...). But much to my behest (is that even a word?!), we were not able to make it up to the Eiffel Tower; which was fine because it was dark and as everyone saw in the pics (and if not, why are you not checking them out, Rob?!) that it was not lit up. And, really, at 5 o'clock in the morning, we were high enough on caffeine and lack of sleep that it really didn't matter at the time.
And we may or may not have been looking around for apartments here.
But that's not the secret.
There's a kid in my terceros... err... third grade. He's got a problem. And it's not of the cowbell variety. His is more serious than gold records and the like. Every time that I am teaching his class, he's kin to hit a girl. Now this kid is in third grade and I'm his teacher so it's not like I could or would treat him as if I saw some pierced up slimeball hitting his Kate Moss cokehead baby mamma girlfriend. I had to approach the situation with class. So after he hauled off and whacked a girl on the head with a notebook, he spent the remainder of the hour in the corner with sans speaking. What's really troubling though is that the teacher doesn't really discipline him other than a brief scolding. No wonder he goes around hitting all the niñas!
But that's not the secret either.
Suzy and I decided to tell you about the Paris adventure. We had an overnight layover that put us in the middle of the City of Love. Instead of booking a hotel like sane people, Suzy, Emma and I decided to venture out into the downtown Paris nightlife. Now, if this had been New York or Chicago there's no way we'd have walked around in the cold and dark just to see the sights. But, hey, we're foreigners. We don't know any better. So, we hit up all the main sights: the Notre Dame, the Pont Neuf, the Louvre and it's gorgeous glass pyramid, up all the way to the Chans Elysee (Aux Chans Elysee, Au soleil, sous la pluie...). But much to my behest (is that even a word?!), we were not able to make it up to the Eiffel Tower; which was fine because it was dark and as everyone saw in the pics (and if not, why are you not checking them out, Rob?!) that it was not lit up. And, really, at 5 o'clock in the morning, we were high enough on caffeine and lack of sleep that it really didn't matter at the time.
And we may or may not have been looking around for apartments here.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Master Degree Completed
Suzy:
Got news from Dad a few days ago that my degree came in the mail. You all may now call me Master Suzy. That's a MA in education, baby, to follow my BA in Spanish, so now it's time to sit back and watch the dollar signs roll in. Er...
Got news from Dad a few days ago that my degree came in the mail. You all may now call me Master Suzy. That's a MA in education, baby, to follow my BA in Spanish, so now it's time to sit back and watch the dollar signs roll in. Er...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Around Europe in 29 Days! Updated
So, really, I'm just posting to let you all know we made it back to the slightly safer confines of our sunny Aguadulce-ian flat. I sent Suzy off to the beach while I started laundry (a month's worth of dirty clothes is not refreshing at all!) and found myself a quick minute after plugging in all appliances to charge and refresh to relax with a sigh and boot the ol' computer back up. You see, despite however many times my wife will stress that she hates being connected through a virtual plugin to things, I love it. I thrive on it. Honestly, I'm not sure how people made it through the depression without the internet. I suppose that's how it must've started...
We're back, we're sick of traveling, and we are so incredibly grateful that we got to see all of the places that we did. Now it's time to go back to work like the rest of 'em.
And keep those gym comments coming if you would guys; I'm really digging them!
So it's back off to the quiet paced role of our former selves with a reminiscent touch of salt in the air.
Love you all,
Greg and Suzy
Update:
I just wanted to explain the new Brussels pic we used to your immediate left in the browser window.
There are some statues that are within Belgium (they're not sure which is the oldest but they argue it's either the one in Brussels or in Geraardsbergen and the others would just be replicas) called the Manneken Pis. It is a boy (the statue is only a foot tall or so) urinating into a fountain. Those that know Chan and Bastian might remember a cork screw of a naked young boy (a present Bastian sent over a few years ago)? Sometimes, they dress the statue, and apparently they at one time used a liquor for the boy to urinate into the fountain (sometimes, if there was a buildup within the piping, so to say, the bystanders would receive a bit of a splashing).
The legend is that the 2 year old Duke Godfrey II of Leuven was hung from a tree during a battle against the Lords of Grimbergen. The baby Duke then urinated on the opposing troops before losing the battle. Way to stick it to the man.
We are in front of the girl, Jeanneke Pis. She's much newer having been placed there in the late '80s whereas the boy was placed (and stolen, then replaced, re-stolen, etc.) as early as the 14th century. I'm imitating the boy while Suzy is imitating the girl. Kudos.
We're back, we're sick of traveling, and we are so incredibly grateful that we got to see all of the places that we did. Now it's time to go back to work like the rest of 'em.
And keep those gym comments coming if you would guys; I'm really digging them!
So it's back off to the quiet paced role of our former selves with a reminiscent touch of salt in the air.
Love you all,
Greg and Suzy
Update:
I just wanted to explain the new Brussels pic we used to your immediate left in the browser window.
There are some statues that are within Belgium (they're not sure which is the oldest but they argue it's either the one in Brussels or in Geraardsbergen and the others would just be replicas) called the Manneken Pis. It is a boy (the statue is only a foot tall or so) urinating into a fountain. Those that know Chan and Bastian might remember a cork screw of a naked young boy (a present Bastian sent over a few years ago)? Sometimes, they dress the statue, and apparently they at one time used a liquor for the boy to urinate into the fountain (sometimes, if there was a buildup within the piping, so to say, the bystanders would receive a bit of a splashing).
The legend is that the 2 year old Duke Godfrey II of Leuven was hung from a tree during a battle against the Lords of Grimbergen. The baby Duke then urinated on the opposing troops before losing the battle. Way to stick it to the man.
We are in front of the girl, Jeanneke Pis. She's much newer having been placed there in the late '80s whereas the boy was placed (and stolen, then replaced, re-stolen, etc.) as early as the 14th century. I'm imitating the boy while Suzy is imitating the girl. Kudos.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Going to Brussels
Greg:
It's 2:22 in the afternoon on a fresh Monday afternoon in a soft orange colored Valenciennes train station. We're waiting for our train to Brussels. A man keeps pacing around the center circle of seats where Suzy, I, and a handful of french 20-somethings are sitting. Catty-cornered to us are a couple of France's notoriously naive teenagers toying around with something.
You see, Caitlin and Kade graciously pointed out to us that the kids received new mobiles from Santa this year. It's now of the fashion to tuck your tight jeans (or your MC Hammer parachute pants) into your white socks, tilt your bright A-Ha-esque ball cap (think random neon colors) to any direction other than forward, and strut around with your cell phone in hand.
This last one is most important. You cannot effectively entertain the unfortunates around you with your tinny, synthesized last year's dance hit unless you blast the 8 bit sound from your palm.
On the tram, I was convinced that the popularity of the NES quality abomination was due to a more familiar concept: gangs. While we were riding from Danain to Valenciennes, we noticed that one individual had maxed the volume on his cell phone until the conductor finally spun around with an aggravated look and forced him to turn his Dr. Dre down. Upon this, another youth promptly and indiscreetly pumped his one hit wonder dance hit up, thus stealing rapper youth A's market share of sound. In a sense, dancer youth B just recruited all of Dre's previous following. All the while battling a third gang of two middle teenager girls promoting their dated pop music that sounded reminiscent of banging on a paint can and styrofoam plate.
Can you follow? I'm facing backwards in the first car and we have Dr. Dre 3 feet away to my 7 o'clock, dancer youth B 2 feet away to my 9 o'clock, and mad battling girl duo to my 12 o'clock with pop... ALL IN THE SAME CAR.
On a completely different note, I've been struggling about the gym idea. Don't misunderstand! I still have a few things on track: get the personal trainer certificate when I get back to the States, talk with people regarding what they would like in a gym, etc., and look to go part-time (at least) at a gym to get some hands-on experience while I further build something.
I think I had an epiphany an hour ago. I think that I've been confused and doubting the gym is because I really want to go that route, but it's not financially sound. In fact, the first 3-5 years for opening a gym is statistically unprofitable. No money. No cash flow. Lots and lots of debt. We can survive that; I'm postive. It's the starting a family, getting a house, future thing that I'm concerned about. And I knew this but I've been trying to figure out how to get by it with a minimum of that in-the-red stuff...
I suppose I bring this up because I would like some ideas from you all. Any of you that do that gym thing... why? What is it that you look forward to or do you hate about gyms? How often do you go? Why so much or so little? What do you prefer to do (ie, running/jogging/bike, tae kwon do/aerobics/other classes, lifting weights/machines, swimming, basketball, etc.)? How much do you expect to pay each month or each day you go?
If any of you would rather not comment as to why, would you email to me? You should have my address but for the sake of it all, it's greg.beitling@gmail.com. I would really appreciate any comments as I am soul searching.
Our train should finally be arriving so I will leave you all with adieu. We'll see you all in 4 1/2 months or so. :)
It's 2:22 in the afternoon on a fresh Monday afternoon in a soft orange colored Valenciennes train station. We're waiting for our train to Brussels. A man keeps pacing around the center circle of seats where Suzy, I, and a handful of french 20-somethings are sitting. Catty-cornered to us are a couple of France's notoriously naive teenagers toying around with something.
You see, Caitlin and Kade graciously pointed out to us that the kids received new mobiles from Santa this year. It's now of the fashion to tuck your tight jeans (or your MC Hammer parachute pants) into your white socks, tilt your bright A-Ha-esque ball cap (think random neon colors) to any direction other than forward, and strut around with your cell phone in hand.
This last one is most important. You cannot effectively entertain the unfortunates around you with your tinny, synthesized last year's dance hit unless you blast the 8 bit sound from your palm.
On the tram, I was convinced that the popularity of the NES quality abomination was due to a more familiar concept: gangs. While we were riding from Danain to Valenciennes, we noticed that one individual had maxed the volume on his cell phone until the conductor finally spun around with an aggravated look and forced him to turn his Dr. Dre down. Upon this, another youth promptly and indiscreetly pumped his one hit wonder dance hit up, thus stealing rapper youth A's market share of sound. In a sense, dancer youth B just recruited all of Dre's previous following. All the while battling a third gang of two middle teenager girls promoting their dated pop music that sounded reminiscent of banging on a paint can and styrofoam plate.
Can you follow? I'm facing backwards in the first car and we have Dr. Dre 3 feet away to my 7 o'clock, dancer youth B 2 feet away to my 9 o'clock, and mad battling girl duo to my 12 o'clock with pop... ALL IN THE SAME CAR.
On a completely different note, I've been struggling about the gym idea. Don't misunderstand! I still have a few things on track: get the personal trainer certificate when I get back to the States, talk with people regarding what they would like in a gym, etc., and look to go part-time (at least) at a gym to get some hands-on experience while I further build something.
I think I had an epiphany an hour ago. I think that I've been confused and doubting the gym is because I really want to go that route, but it's not financially sound. In fact, the first 3-5 years for opening a gym is statistically unprofitable. No money. No cash flow. Lots and lots of debt. We can survive that; I'm postive. It's the starting a family, getting a house, future thing that I'm concerned about. And I knew this but I've been trying to figure out how to get by it with a minimum of that in-the-red stuff...
I suppose I bring this up because I would like some ideas from you all. Any of you that do that gym thing... why? What is it that you look forward to or do you hate about gyms? How often do you go? Why so much or so little? What do you prefer to do (ie, running/jogging/bike, tae kwon do/aerobics/other classes, lifting weights/machines, swimming, basketball, etc.)? How much do you expect to pay each month or each day you go?
If any of you would rather not comment as to why, would you email to me? You should have my address but for the sake of it all, it's greg.beitling@gmail.com. I would really appreciate any comments as I am soul searching.
Our train should finally be arriving so I will leave you all with adieu. We'll see you all in 4 1/2 months or so. :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
The Nephew Has Been Borne!
Two days ago (January 11th), our new nephew was born at 8-ish in the morning. So, first and foremost, I would like to welcome Gavin Thortin (sorry if I spelled it wrong) to the world!
Secondly, Maddie's birthday was the other day so a special shout out to her turning three! Happy Birthday, Maddie, from Aunt Suzy and Uncle Greg!
Thirdly, things are moving quite smoothly here. Well, minus the incredibly annoying car alarm that has been going off every 10 minutes here for the last 5 hours. Kade and Caitlin are doing well and have been showing us the ropes of the French life. Or as they say in French: Ze Franch leefe.
I can't really mention too many other things (Suzy will castrate me). Really, what I can mention isn't too interesting and would really just be written to give you all another 20 seconds to pass up on real work with :)
We're in the north of France now about an hour east of Lille but will be heading out of here to Belgium by tomorrow. Sidenote: If you are all curious as to what Lille / Danain looks like, you should check this out. It's a video of some of the graffiti that roams around this area that Kade did and it's really well done. End sidenote. After that we head back to sunny Spain to slave our 12 hours a day on the Mediterranean coast.
Have you figured out what happened in Paris yet?
Secondly, Maddie's birthday was the other day so a special shout out to her turning three! Happy Birthday, Maddie, from Aunt Suzy and Uncle Greg!
Thirdly, things are moving quite smoothly here. Well, minus the incredibly annoying car alarm that has been going off every 10 minutes here for the last 5 hours. Kade and Caitlin are doing well and have been showing us the ropes of the French life. Or as they say in French: Ze Franch leefe.
I can't really mention too many other things (Suzy will castrate me). Really, what I can mention isn't too interesting and would really just be written to give you all another 20 seconds to pass up on real work with :)
We're in the north of France now about an hour east of Lille but will be heading out of here to Belgium by tomorrow. Sidenote: If you are all curious as to what Lille / Danain looks like, you should check this out. It's a video of some of the graffiti that roams around this area that Kade did and it's really well done. End sidenote. After that we head back to sunny Spain to slave our 12 hours a day on the Mediterranean coast.
Have you figured out what happened in Paris yet?
Thursday, January 10, 2008
What Emma Taught Us
Suzy:
We met up with Emma in San Sebastián in the north part of Spain for New Year's Eve and traveled with her by train across France to Amsterdam for a weekend with Kade and Caitlin. During this trip we had about a seven hour layover in Paris, and while trying to keep the conversation going I realized that all of our good stories were online and Emma had already heard all of them. So, my New Year's Resolution is to stop running my mouth. If you really wanna know, you gotta come visit. Or just offer me some drinks when I get home. Or you could guess what we did by looking here.
And since Greg wouldn't stop complaining until I finished it, here is the much delayed video from Seville. Enjoy.
We met up with Emma in San Sebastián in the north part of Spain for New Year's Eve and traveled with her by train across France to Amsterdam for a weekend with Kade and Caitlin. During this trip we had about a seven hour layover in Paris, and while trying to keep the conversation going I realized that all of our good stories were online and Emma had already heard all of them. So, my New Year's Resolution is to stop running my mouth. If you really wanna know, you gotta come visit. Or just offer me some drinks when I get home. Or you could guess what we did by looking here.
And since Greg wouldn't stop complaining until I finished it, here is the much delayed video from Seville. Enjoy.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Everything is still kosher
It's been a while since the last post... Since then, we've had New Year's eve, New Year's day, driven around, and even watched some tv. Probably the coolest thing we've done has been traveling from Zaragoza, Spain to San Sebastian, Spain (like we mentioned), up through France, met up with Kadelin Sapphorn (the "Bennifer"-esque name for Kade Schemahorn and Caitlin Sapp) and are now in Amsterdam. It's been fantastic but we don't have much time as we've been parading through shops and cafes. Really, the only reason why I'm posting is to tell you all that we're still alive.
I mean, if we tell you everything on this trip, what will we have to reminisce on when we get back to the States?
I mean, if we tell you everything on this trip, what will we have to reminisce on when we get back to the States?
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