Green Pants Envy.

Hello,

So, I haven't done one of these yet, so I am going to give you some general thoughts that I have been having the past couple of days.  Please, enjoy.

1)  I have green pants envy.

You're probably wondering what this really means.  I shall tell you.  It means exactly what it says.  I love green pants, and apparently so does everyone in Spain.  My friend Leah coined this term and it basically means the more I see green pants the closer I am to buying a pair.  I don't know what it is.  I just love them so much, and Spain is so stylish that it just adds that much more of a "cute factor".  Sheesh.


2) I have such a cool host mom.

My host mom's name is Puri.  She is really cool.  Even though I may not be able to have a full on conversation with her, we still understand each other pretty well.  One night when she was teaching me how to cook a Spanish tortilla, she pulled out the big coke bottle and it had a little bit left.  She asks if I want some.  Of course I say yes.  She says we should just finish it and keep it a secret from everyone else.  BAM.  Best friends.  She also made me some really cute (green) earrings.  Yeah, she's cool.

3) I don't like the rain.

I already knew this about myself, but the fact that it has been raining almost nonstop the past three weeks confirms my dislike for that form of the weather that much more.  Yes, I know that it is necessary and what not.  But still.  Rain for weeks?  Come on.

4) I miss my guitar.

I didn't realize how much I missed my guitar until I heard a song the other day and wanted to learn it on the guitar and play it.  I mean, I play my guitar everyday when I am home.  Note to self: bring some form of instrument on next international adventure.

5) I am so happy I came to Spain.

I can't tell you how many times I have to pinch myself to remind myself that this is reality.  I knew I was supposed to come here and I am so glad that I did.  It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I would advise anyone who is considering study abroad to just do it.  It has been amazing.  And I'm not just saying that.

6) I feel so refreshed.

Coming here you really get to push the reset button and really just start over.  I know that I will have to return home and go back to the "real world", but I know that this refreshing feeling will also come back with me.  I am ready to conquer the next step in my life.

7) We serve an amazing God.

I can't tell you how many things have gone wrong whether it was with me or someone else I know.  It can be anything from crazy big blisters to being allergic to mosquito bites and having to go to the hospital.  In every situation, the Lord still provides and takes care of what is going on, whether we recognize it or saw it coming.  He truly does care about what we're going through and isn't going to leave us hanging.  I love that.  Man, what a cool Guy.  With that said, it is a two way street.  Just sayin'.

8) I am so excited for Christmas.

Yes, I am one of those people who listen to Christmas music way before Thanksgiving and I don't care who knows it.  To each their own.  I do what I want, yo.  But seriously, Christmas lights are beginning to go up around the city and the nativity scene stores are comin' out.  I am so extremely pumped.  Can you tell me you're not excited for hot cocoa, monkey bread, Christmas music, candy canes, family, and parties?  Seriously.  Also, all of you who can buy gingerbread oreos, go buy them right now and eat them in my honor.  Please.  Then write me a message telling me how great they are.  I'm being serious.

9) The Civil Wars broke up.

I still can't get over it.  I'm sorry.  I am sad.  Therefore, I need to vent.

10) I have the best family.

I mean, I know that everyone says that.  But I'm sorry to tell you that you are wrong.  I'm sorry.  But seriously, my family is the coolest.


Until next time I come up with something, hasta luego.

Love Always,
Angela

We Must Be Somewhere in London.

Dear Family and Friends.

This week has gone by so fast and the day has come for me to hop on a plane and take Europe on by storm.  It is a strange feeling to feel like you are waiting forever and then suddenly you don't have to wait anymore.  The time has come, and boy am I ready.  My bags are packed.  My room is clean.  And my traveling gnome is more than ready to make this journey.

The past couple of weeks I have been begging my dad to cook my birthday meal and birthday cake, since my birthday is in October and all.  In my family, it has been a tradition where the birthday boy/girl  gets to decide what meal is cooked that evening.  It has also been a tradition for me to have my dad bake me banana cake.  Because let's be honest, it is the best cake in the entire world.  So, because I was going to be abroad in October, I decided that I would highly suggest to my dad to make me my birthday meal.  I didn't need presents or a big shabang, I just wanted some comfort food.  And comfort food is what I got.  I got the best BBQ brisket ever and probably the best banana cake he has made yet.  MMM.  I am salivating as I type.  But I must continue to tell the story.  So, for dinner, we had some rockin' good food, and not only was my family there to enjoy the deliciousness, some friends that live in the neighborhood came over and delighted their bellies with the goodness.  It was an awesome time of fellowship and good eatin'.  Man, my dad can cook.  My mom chose well.

For my last night at home, my dad had to go to an important meeting in San Antonio, so it was just us girls at home.  Our friends across the street decided that we should have a tea party, and that we did.  We have had one before, but this needed to be a proper tea party.  And let me say, it was awesome.  We brought our tea cups and saucers and we even had sweets to go with it all.  It was a great time.  Here's proof.

After the tea party, we had some more friends from the neighborhood come by and say goodbye.  We just sat and talked while I painted my nails and my mom was being crafty.

It has also been nice to be able to catch up with friends during the week via phone, skype, or whatever mode of communication that was available.  Geez, technology is awesome.

I just sit here and am so thankful for those in my life and the opportunities I have been gien.  I am excited to embark on this journey and I am just beyond blessed to have such amazing friends and family in my life.  Clapping for everyone!

As I travel to London, I can't help but think of The National's song "England".  Here is an awesome cover of the song.  It has a banjo and all.  You knew I had to plug in folk music.

Hope everyone has a splendid weekend and the next time I write, I will be in another country.  No big deal.

Sincerely,

Ang