Broken Spanish, a toad and winter…..

So I have to admit I have struggled trying to get this blog started.  I feel like my life has become quite routine and not the crazy, exciting jet setting one it has been.  Every time I have sat down to write I think…Man this entry is going to be boring.  Today I finally realized that it isn't boring it is just real life now.  Not that the other stuff wasn't but it wasn't normal everyday stuff like this bit is.  I was also reminded by a good friend that these entries are just as good…they show that sometimes in the middle of a amazing adventure you need a bit of normal life too.  This lovely house I am staying in feels like my home and I am completely comfortable in it.  This amazing family makes me feel loved and a part of their daily life even when I am not working and I am finding my way more and more each day.  I am having to push myself

Home is where your heart is…mines here now.

out of my comfort zone with the language but I am feeling more and more confident.  This morning I think for the first time I felt like I had an actual, kind of, conversation with a group of ladies and felt like I was able to communicate beyond Hola, Que Tal (translation: Hello, How are you?)  and it felt amazing.  We got rained out of our padel match so we all walked over to a cafe to have a coffee and see if we could find another court.  I thought all the ladies spoke no english at all but as our conversation progressed I found out that 2 of them spoke english the way I speak Spanish (if not better) but they were nervous to use it.  It was in that moment that

The sun has set on summer…winter is here! 

I decided I needed to just use whatever Spanish I had regardless of how broken or grammatically incorrect it was so they felt comfortable to try out their english.  It worked out quite well.  I understand quite a bit, especially when I asked them to speak a bit more slowly and once I set my pride to the side and spoke my broken spanish an actual conversation was happening.  Before I knew it I was finding out about these ladies and they were asking me about myself.  There was even a moment where they were talking about a funny moment in spanish and I laughed at the same time as they did because I fully understood.  I know this may not seem like a big deal but it really was for me.  Just imagine weeks of not being able to be a part of normal daily conversations then have this moment where it feels like you are a part.  I think also this moment was so unique because these were 3 ladies who I don't really even know.  One I have played with 2 times but never said more then a couple words to.  To sit around the table with them at cafe and leave after an hour and a half knowing more about them then when we sat down and having found it all out by mostly using Spanish was a pivotal moment for me.  It made me realize

My flat mate…well he's trying to move in.

that even though my daily life has become routine it is definitely still a crazy adventure….just a bit different then it has been.   My pride is now definitely to the side and the broken Spanish is coming out more now. Flashcards are my new best friend.   Speaking of best friends I also have one who has been trying to move into my little flat.  He is quite small and wouldn't take up too much room but I still don't want to live with him.  I have this large toad who is on my doorstep almost every night (mornings too sometimes) trying to get in.  I am always so scared I am going to step on him.  So far I haven't and fingers crossed I never will.  I am pretty sure that as my mom, and maybe some of my friends, are reading this they have come up with the theory that he is my handsome prince in toad form however sorry guys I am not to the point of walking around and kissing actual toads yet to find my prince….just still kissing the human version of toads in my search.
One major change here that seemed to happen over

Wall of Love

night was the seasons.  It is now officially winter and I don't feel prepared.   It's is cold and I don't have enough cozy clothing.  Oh shoot…might have to do some shopping.  The cold and rain has meant we have spent more time inside which has led to lots of artwork which in turn has created my beautiful wall of love.  I can't tell you how loved these kids make me feel.  Luis is always drawing pictures of me, and Maxime is writing me beautiful cards.  I even have received my first christmas card of the season from her telling me how wonderful I am, that she loves me and that she hopes I have a lovely christmas.  Now I know

Love these little monkeys!

some of you might say well it is before thanksgiving, how can you be doing christmas stuff yet.  Well guess what guys…no Thanksgiving over here so that rule doesn't apply.  Made my first christmas playlist last week  and the kids and I have been singing Christmas carols at the top of our lungs in the car.  It has been amazing!!!  I can't believe my time here will be ending is just 2 weeks.  Seems like I just arrived….as they say time flies when you are having fun and I most certainly am!