Ray laughs and says everyone will ask you what you did when you were home, and what are you going to tell them? You slept?
While yes, sleeping was and continues to be one of my favorite hobbies, I did manage to do a few more things than just snooze. Maybe never before noon, but I did do a lot of fun things.
Returning home took forever and my anxiousness was killing me. The roommates left a day before me and being alone in the city was very lonely. Packing took up most of my time, as well as watching How I Met Your Mother online. I took the 10:30pm bus to Madrid. A sold out eight hour overnight bus is not fun. What was I thinking? I was crammed into the very back of the bus after an embarrassing moment of being told by the conductor that there were assigned seats.
I arrived to the airport at 6:30am and had to sit and wait for the Delta counter to open at 8. Madrid's airport is a very good place to people watch. And I get really confused why so so many people have 2932 bags. Where are they all going? I tried to make friends with a small university group that was waiting with me but no one seemed interested. Either they were snooty or I just looked that rough.
I finally hopped on my 11am flight and made the 10hr trip home. Ray picked me up from the airport and I was absolutely so happy to see him. I always think I am going to cry but I am always just too busy smiling and smothering him with kisses. We met my family for dinner at Carrabba's. It was so nice to see them and felt so good to finally be home. Mama went all out for Christmas this year and the Hopkin's house was beautiful. She had made a large framed chalk board with a welcome home note on it. So sweet! Then, when Ray and I got to the house I saw my Charlie Brown Christmas tree he had put up for me. He of course, made himself a Festivus Pole, which was hilarious. It was really thoughtful of him to do that and I appreciated it so much. I thinnk our little Christmas decorations should be an annual thing. Though if you know the story of Festivus (Wikipedia it), the holiday doesn't end until someone beats the head of household in wrestling...so it's not looking good for me!
The next night Ray and I went with Amy and Tim to see The Band Perry at Atlantic Station and then to see Corey Smith at Wild Bill's. We grabbed a few pitchers at the Mexican restaurant across the street from WB so I could get my domestic beer/chips and salsa fix. I was the happiest girl! The concert was a great time and even Colt Ford made a surprise appearance.
Christmas was amazing. I really enjoyed spending time with my family and Ray's. Ray surprised me with flowers and a note that said Merry Christmas Baby. I enjoyed waking up to those every morning. Everyone got me really thoughtful gifts that I love and appreciate so much.
Christmas Eve was spent at Dad's, he even fried up some pickles for me! That night was Christmas service and over to Mama's for our annual PJ's exchange. Christmas morning was breakfast with my adorable Memaw and family at my aunt and uncles then over to lunch at my Grandparents. The cousins and their men played the white elephant game. I got an awesome gift that Amy put in but Ray stole it from me. But like karma, Adam stole it and ended up with the best prize of the day. After spending time with my family, Ray and I headed to his mom's for dinner. We all unwrapped gifts and had an amazing dinner. I always have fun over there and feel at home. That night, everyone got together for a movie. War Horse put me to sleep but it was nice to see everyone and a great way to end the holiday.
While I was home I enjoyed seeing Hayley, EB, and Emily. I loved catching up with them and exchanging stories of the past few months. I'm bummed I didn't get to see everyone, the holidays can be hectic.
One night Ray took me down to his hunting camp and we hung out by the fire and drank a few beers. It was cold, but the sky was crystal clear and beautiful. The next day we went on a long ride on the 4-wheeler and he taught me how to shoot a few guns. I was intimidated at first but it was so fun and I can't wait to get back home and keep practicing.
That night was New Years Eve and everyone got together at Adam and Lindsay's for the Annual Let's Blow Stuff Up Party. Fireworks and Apple Pie Moonshine don't mix but give you great stories for the rest of the year!
On New Years Day we slept in until 2! Then we rode by a Christmas tree donation so Ray could steal a few trees so set on fire over at Buddy's. Holy cow, Christmas trees doused in gasoline go quick! Card games ensued and I ended up winning $15. Guess eating grapes and wearing gold undies on New Years really works!
One night Ray and I had dinner with his mom and Ansleigh. We played cards like we always do and Brenda and I actually LOST in Spades! We were undefeated last year. Looks like I need to teach my friends over here how to play so I can get some good practice in.
I enjoyed a last minute dinner with Mama, Mark, and Lindsay. I didn't know my margarita was gonna hit me like that, but man I enjoyed the food and the company!
On Saturday, the 7th Ray and I went to his coworker's, Knobs, house to hang out. Everyone was so friendly and asked me all about my trip. I am so surprised they remembered me, how nice. We drank a few beers and ate some amazing fried turkey. I couldn't stop eating all the skin! I hate that we missed Amanda and Colin, but there's always the summer time!
That night Lindsay and Adam also had their Engagement Party. It was beautiful. Mama and Lori did and amazing job. I enjoyed hanging out and talking with my family and getting to meet a few people from Adam's side. We are all so happy they are tying the knot, I can't think of two people who are more deserving of such great love and who fit so well together.
The last night Ray and I hosted a small BCS Championship get-together. Adam, Lindsay, Crystal, Jeremy, John Michael, Justin, Amanda, Hayley, Jack, Daniel, Mama, Mark, and Mike all got together to root against me and my LSU Tigers. We had a great time and it was nice to see everyone one more time.
All of my nights were spent with my best friend. We had some fun dates going out and some fun dates staying in. We caught a couple of movies, ate a some awesome restaurants, and even went for a long motorcycle ride. That's usually what we designate Sunday's for... motorcycle rides, laziness, and Chinese take-out. Time with him is unmeasurable and my love for him is unconditional. I am so lucky to have such an amazing person in my life!
Oh man we were livin’
Didn't waste one minute
We talked and drank and danced and said goodbye
We laughed until we cried
... And I'm Back....
Ray dropped me off at the airport. Saying bye to him was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But knowing I have a great support system while I am over here and a great love waiting on me at home reassures me that I'll be okay. Being this far from home and all of my loved ones is a challenge unexplainable but I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that they love me just as much in return.
My flight back I slept for 30 mins maybe out of the 9 hours.
Took a public bus from the Madrid airport to the train station.
Took the 2.5hour train to Seville.
Took a taxi to the bus station.
Took the 1 hour bus to Huelva.
And I was finally back. Whew.
My first day back to school was so sweet. I hugged and kissed all my favorite teachers hello and my students were so happy to see me! Listening to all the kids say, "Mees Yackson, happy new reyear," was so adorable. It felt so good to be back in the classroom and feel missed and loved. It reminded me why I am here and how happy my job makes me.
I was so happy to see my roommates, and the rest of the girls. Last night we went over to Sara, Anna, and Lisa's Apartment and played Never Have I ever. Ale was the only boy, and the only native Spanish speaker, but he was a good sport! We had a great time catching up and gabbing like girls do. I am so happy to be surrounded by great girls in my city!
Tomorrow begins my first full week of classes. I hope to find some intercambio to work on my Spanish and get this ball rolling on my lifetime goal to be fluent. I also start working out again tomorrow. Goodbye holiday weight. Hello beach season!
While yes, sleeping was and continues to be one of my favorite hobbies, I did manage to do a few more things than just snooze. Maybe never before noon, but I did do a lot of fun things.
Returning home took forever and my anxiousness was killing me. The roommates left a day before me and being alone in the city was very lonely. Packing took up most of my time, as well as watching How I Met Your Mother online. I took the 10:30pm bus to Madrid. A sold out eight hour overnight bus is not fun. What was I thinking? I was crammed into the very back of the bus after an embarrassing moment of being told by the conductor that there were assigned seats.
I arrived to the airport at 6:30am and had to sit and wait for the Delta counter to open at 8. Madrid's airport is a very good place to people watch. And I get really confused why so so many people have 2932 bags. Where are they all going? I tried to make friends with a small university group that was waiting with me but no one seemed interested. Either they were snooty or I just looked that rough.
I finally hopped on my 11am flight and made the 10hr trip home. Ray picked me up from the airport and I was absolutely so happy to see him. I always think I am going to cry but I am always just too busy smiling and smothering him with kisses. We met my family for dinner at Carrabba's. It was so nice to see them and felt so good to finally be home. Mama went all out for Christmas this year and the Hopkin's house was beautiful. She had made a large framed chalk board with a welcome home note on it. So sweet! Then, when Ray and I got to the house I saw my Charlie Brown Christmas tree he had put up for me. He of course, made himself a Festivus Pole, which was hilarious. It was really thoughtful of him to do that and I appreciated it so much. I thinnk our little Christmas decorations should be an annual thing. Though if you know the story of Festivus (Wikipedia it), the holiday doesn't end until someone beats the head of household in wrestling...so it's not looking good for me!
The next night Ray and I went with Amy and Tim to see The Band Perry at Atlantic Station and then to see Corey Smith at Wild Bill's. We grabbed a few pitchers at the Mexican restaurant across the street from WB so I could get my domestic beer/chips and salsa fix. I was the happiest girl! The concert was a great time and even Colt Ford made a surprise appearance.
Christmas was amazing. I really enjoyed spending time with my family and Ray's. Ray surprised me with flowers and a note that said Merry Christmas Baby. I enjoyed waking up to those every morning. Everyone got me really thoughtful gifts that I love and appreciate so much.
Christmas Eve was spent at Dad's, he even fried up some pickles for me! That night was Christmas service and over to Mama's for our annual PJ's exchange. Christmas morning was breakfast with my adorable Memaw and family at my aunt and uncles then over to lunch at my Grandparents. The cousins and their men played the white elephant game. I got an awesome gift that Amy put in but Ray stole it from me. But like karma, Adam stole it and ended up with the best prize of the day. After spending time with my family, Ray and I headed to his mom's for dinner. We all unwrapped gifts and had an amazing dinner. I always have fun over there and feel at home. That night, everyone got together for a movie. War Horse put me to sleep but it was nice to see everyone and a great way to end the holiday.
While I was home I enjoyed seeing Hayley, EB, and Emily. I loved catching up with them and exchanging stories of the past few months. I'm bummed I didn't get to see everyone, the holidays can be hectic.
One night Ray took me down to his hunting camp and we hung out by the fire and drank a few beers. It was cold, but the sky was crystal clear and beautiful. The next day we went on a long ride on the 4-wheeler and he taught me how to shoot a few guns. I was intimidated at first but it was so fun and I can't wait to get back home and keep practicing.
That night was New Years Eve and everyone got together at Adam and Lindsay's for the Annual Let's Blow Stuff Up Party. Fireworks and Apple Pie Moonshine don't mix but give you great stories for the rest of the year!
On New Years Day we slept in until 2! Then we rode by a Christmas tree donation so Ray could steal a few trees so set on fire over at Buddy's. Holy cow, Christmas trees doused in gasoline go quick! Card games ensued and I ended up winning $15. Guess eating grapes and wearing gold undies on New Years really works!
One night Ray and I had dinner with his mom and Ansleigh. We played cards like we always do and Brenda and I actually LOST in Spades! We were undefeated last year. Looks like I need to teach my friends over here how to play so I can get some good practice in.
I enjoyed a last minute dinner with Mama, Mark, and Lindsay. I didn't know my margarita was gonna hit me like that, but man I enjoyed the food and the company!
On Saturday, the 7th Ray and I went to his coworker's, Knobs, house to hang out. Everyone was so friendly and asked me all about my trip. I am so surprised they remembered me, how nice. We drank a few beers and ate some amazing fried turkey. I couldn't stop eating all the skin! I hate that we missed Amanda and Colin, but there's always the summer time!
That night Lindsay and Adam also had their Engagement Party. It was beautiful. Mama and Lori did and amazing job. I enjoyed hanging out and talking with my family and getting to meet a few people from Adam's side. We are all so happy they are tying the knot, I can't think of two people who are more deserving of such great love and who fit so well together.
The last night Ray and I hosted a small BCS Championship get-together. Adam, Lindsay, Crystal, Jeremy, John Michael, Justin, Amanda, Hayley, Jack, Daniel, Mama, Mark, and Mike all got together to root against me and my LSU Tigers. We had a great time and it was nice to see everyone one more time.
All of my nights were spent with my best friend. We had some fun dates going out and some fun dates staying in. We caught a couple of movies, ate a some awesome restaurants, and even went for a long motorcycle ride. That's usually what we designate Sunday's for... motorcycle rides, laziness, and Chinese take-out. Time with him is unmeasurable and my love for him is unconditional. I am so lucky to have such an amazing person in my life!
Oh man we were livin’
Didn't waste one minute
We talked and drank and danced and said goodbye
We laughed until we cried
... And I'm Back....
Ray dropped me off at the airport. Saying bye to him was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. But knowing I have a great support system while I am over here and a great love waiting on me at home reassures me that I'll be okay. Being this far from home and all of my loved ones is a challenge unexplainable but I am overwhelmed with joy knowing that they love me just as much in return.
My flight back I slept for 30 mins maybe out of the 9 hours.
Took a public bus from the Madrid airport to the train station.
Took the 2.5hour train to Seville.
Took a taxi to the bus station.
Took the 1 hour bus to Huelva.
And I was finally back. Whew.
My first day back to school was so sweet. I hugged and kissed all my favorite teachers hello and my students were so happy to see me! Listening to all the kids say, "Mees Yackson, happy new reyear," was so adorable. It felt so good to be back in the classroom and feel missed and loved. It reminded me why I am here and how happy my job makes me.
I was so happy to see my roommates, and the rest of the girls. Last night we went over to Sara, Anna, and Lisa's Apartment and played Never Have I ever. Ale was the only boy, and the only native Spanish speaker, but he was a good sport! We had a great time catching up and gabbing like girls do. I am so happy to be surrounded by great girls in my city!
Tomorrow begins my first full week of classes. I hope to find some intercambio to work on my Spanish and get this ball rolling on my lifetime goal to be fluent. I also start working out again tomorrow. Goodbye holiday weight. Hello beach season!
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