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.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
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!
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