Hello everyone and welcome to my very last blog! In the past 4 and half months you all have been apart of the most amazing journey of my life and for that I thank you. Sometimes I thought that I would have lost my marbles if it weren't for all of the support. I thought that leaving Georgia would be one of the happiest moments of my time there, but in the end it turned out that it was as bitter sweet to leave as it was to go. I was very fortunate to meet some special people from all over the country who no doubt will be in my life forever. I will miss all of them. Of course the one person that I miss the most is the Texan. Finding him was like finding a needle in a haystack full of men! He continues to do well in his training and we are hoping to see each other in a month.
I ended Spanish just 2 points shy of a 90% which did not make me very happy. It was a personal goal that I had set, but all in all I was proud of the job I did. I don't really speak it all that well, but I guess that's what Rosetta Stone is for. This class was simply to give us a foundation to build off of.
I look back and realize that even through the lows and the frustrating parts, I had an amazing adventure. I did things that I didn't know I was mentally or physically strong enough to do and did them well. Through this I found my inner strength and have learned so much about the person I am. They say that everything happens for a reason and I truly believe that. This journey is proof.
The trip home was not without minor chaos. I was waiting for the 5am campus shuttle to the airport and watched it drive in the opposite direction. In a moment of panic I ran inside and had the clerk at the desk call the driver and have him come back. Apparently I wasn't on his list and he was about to leave without me. Oops!! My flight had about 9 other graduates on it so I didn't have to try and stay awake by myself. That's right, I am no longer allowed to sleep on airplanes! It took effort! Then my layover in Dallas was about 3 hours long, but that was at my request. I was able to have lunch with a friend I hadn't seen in a very long time. All in all, everything was perfectly smooth and I made it home on time.
I have now been at work for 3 days and all I have to say is holy craziness batman!! That place is busy. I am learning a lot and meeting tons of new people. Next week I start on my regular shift which will be nice. My supervisors are all very nice yet stern at the same time. I think I'm going to like it!!
Again, thank you for everything. Your support and love will never be forgotten. Adios!
xoxo
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
My last weekend in the South
I must say that I had a lot of fun this weekend. My new friend Beth and I hung out, did girl things, and had one late evening at one of the local pubs that resulted in me losing my voice. I'm just sorry I didn't meet her sooner. She's a great girl and we have one more night of fun this coming Thursday and then another good bye. This place is good if you like good byes.
This week should be an easy one. I have one exam on Tuesday and my oral presentation on Wednesday. I'm not too sure how that will go if my voice hasn't returned by then. I can whisper, but how do you effectively speak Spanish in an authoritative way with a whisper? Hmm, should be interesting.
Less than 5 days to go and probably only one more blog and then you all will have to google another one!! I do appreciate all of you who have kept up on my comings and goings. I called my dentist last week to make an appointment and the wonderful lady who handles the front desk asked a specific question that she could have only known by reading this. I was so surprised!! So, thank you all for being interested in my life and I will see you soon.
xoxo
This week should be an easy one. I have one exam on Tuesday and my oral presentation on Wednesday. I'm not too sure how that will go if my voice hasn't returned by then. I can whisper, but how do you effectively speak Spanish in an authoritative way with a whisper? Hmm, should be interesting.
Less than 5 days to go and probably only one more blog and then you all will have to google another one!! I do appreciate all of you who have kept up on my comings and goings. I called my dentist last week to make an appointment and the wonderful lady who handles the front desk asked a specific question that she could have only known by reading this. I was so surprised!! So, thank you all for being interested in my life and I will see you soon.
xoxo
Thursday, March 10, 2011
It was a big day
Today was the day that I passed the 700 point mark. I have officially passed Spanish! Of course there is one more test to take and the oral presentation to give, but I have the piece of mind that no matter what happens from this point on, I have completely made it through my training. So, to celebrate I went back to my room and packed my things! I know I have 8 more days here, but I really won't need all of the clothes I brought or bought, so I decided that they needed to get packed right away. I shared this happy moment with one of my dearest friends. Jennifer gave me her lunch hour to chat which I deeply appreciated. Girl talk is rare in these parts!!
That's it for now. Just a quick hello and some good news. See you all very soon!!
xoxo
That's it for now. Just a quick hello and some good news. See you all very soon!!
xoxo
Monday, March 7, 2011
A weekend away
This week was truly uneventful. I learned Spanish, I studied Spanish, and I was tested. Sound fun yet??? I'm happy to say that I did well on my exam and I am getting close to that 700 mark. I think my total after today's quiz is 597. Thursday is our next big exam and that will definitely put me in the 700 club which most of the native speakers will be at by tomorrow or Wednesday. Until then, I am living off of coffee and smiles.
The absolute highlight of this week came Friday night. My Texan flew in from Maryland for the weekend for a short and must needed visit. We spent two nights on one of the local islands that was recommended by one of my instructors. He thought we were going to walk around the historic downtown area and go into all of the little shops, but to his surprise I had an ace up my sleve. There is an fort on the island that was built back in the 1800's and the last time it was used was during WWII. On the first weekend of every month they have live reinactments and these role players tell you all about how life was back in those days. I had no idea that the woman who washed the men's clothes made $26 a month when a young private only made $12. Smart women!! We both enjoyed the history and he was happy that we weren't shopping. Although later that day we walked the streets of the historic downtown and enjoyed a great lunch and dinner. The weekend was perfect and we can't wait to have many more like it.
On a sad note, this past Friday, the father of one of my very best friend's died. They believe that he had a heart attack on the way to the hospital to seek treatment. Please keep her family in your prayers.
I miss you all.
xoxo
P.S. This is him....sorry about the squnity faces, it was bright out!
The absolute highlight of this week came Friday night. My Texan flew in from Maryland for the weekend for a short and must needed visit. We spent two nights on one of the local islands that was recommended by one of my instructors. He thought we were going to walk around the historic downtown area and go into all of the little shops, but to his surprise I had an ace up my sleve. There is an fort on the island that was built back in the 1800's and the last time it was used was during WWII. On the first weekend of every month they have live reinactments and these role players tell you all about how life was back in those days. I had no idea that the woman who washed the men's clothes made $26 a month when a young private only made $12. Smart women!! We both enjoyed the history and he was happy that we weren't shopping. Although later that day we walked the streets of the historic downtown and enjoyed a great lunch and dinner. The weekend was perfect and we can't wait to have many more like it.
On a sad note, this past Friday, the father of one of my very best friend's died. They believe that he had a heart attack on the way to the hospital to seek treatment. Please keep her family in your prayers.
I miss you all.
xoxo
P.S. This is him....sorry about the squnity faces, it was bright out!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The light at the end of the tunnel...
Phew! What a crazy and cranky week and a half. Spanish has continued to be challenging for me and I don't think I have ever in my life studied so much for anything. It has been a race to meet the passing 700 points so that just a little bit of pressure can be relieved. That's not to say that I can stop putting forth effort, it just means that I know that no matter what happens, I have passed. After today's exam my point total is 570 which means I will easily reach over 700 by this time next week. Until then it's all study study study!!
Last Saturday I ran a 5k with the academy led by Mr. K. It was all for one of the local PTA's and was a nice brisk jog around the island. I took my usual place in the back of the pack and noticed Mr. K looking around. He then says, "Ma'am what are you doing back there? Get up here!" With my usual yes sir, I moved my way to the lead position where I remained for the entire run. At one point Mr. K had me running with the guide(the agency flag) which was slightly more exhausting than I though it would be. Then as we were just a little past the half way mark, I tripped over some tree roots that were coming up from beneath the concrete. I scraped my elbow on the way down and all I could hear was one of the other PT instructors telling the guys to help me up. Little did that instructor know, this fall was not my first fall. Mr. K did not slow the group down nor did he stop. He knew I would catch back up to my spot in front and that's what I did. In true Mr. K fashion he looks over at me and says, "Nice tactical roll ma'am." Trying to hold back my laughter I answered with a quick thank you sir and finished the race strong. The best part about the whole thing was I made a new friend from one of the classes that started a couple months after I did. Her name is Beth and she is from Pennsylvania. We have already done one girl's day out and are planning another for next weekend. I'm just sorry I didn't make the effort to meet her sooner.
With that said, all work and no play makes me cranky! This weekend my Texan is coming into town for a short visit. We both have been looking forward to spending some time together and hitting that mental reset button. We are staying on one of the local islands that's full of history, cute shops, and great restaurants. It was one of the places that my instructor goes for a little R&R so I thought it would be right up our alley. Hopefully I can get some pictures of us to share with you all.
Well, I'm sorry for the boring blog, but there really isn't anything going on in this sleepy little town. The only good news is that I will be home in 15 days!!!!! See you all then!
xoxo
Last Saturday I ran a 5k with the academy led by Mr. K. It was all for one of the local PTA's and was a nice brisk jog around the island. I took my usual place in the back of the pack and noticed Mr. K looking around. He then says, "Ma'am what are you doing back there? Get up here!" With my usual yes sir, I moved my way to the lead position where I remained for the entire run. At one point Mr. K had me running with the guide(the agency flag) which was slightly more exhausting than I though it would be. Then as we were just a little past the half way mark, I tripped over some tree roots that were coming up from beneath the concrete. I scraped my elbow on the way down and all I could hear was one of the other PT instructors telling the guys to help me up. Little did that instructor know, this fall was not my first fall. Mr. K did not slow the group down nor did he stop. He knew I would catch back up to my spot in front and that's what I did. In true Mr. K fashion he looks over at me and says, "Nice tactical roll ma'am." Trying to hold back my laughter I answered with a quick thank you sir and finished the race strong. The best part about the whole thing was I made a new friend from one of the classes that started a couple months after I did. Her name is Beth and she is from Pennsylvania. We have already done one girl's day out and are planning another for next weekend. I'm just sorry I didn't make the effort to meet her sooner.
With that said, all work and no play makes me cranky! This weekend my Texan is coming into town for a short visit. We both have been looking forward to spending some time together and hitting that mental reset button. We are staying on one of the local islands that's full of history, cute shops, and great restaurants. It was one of the places that my instructor goes for a little R&R so I thought it would be right up our alley. Hopefully I can get some pictures of us to share with you all.
Well, I'm sorry for the boring blog, but there really isn't anything going on in this sleepy little town. The only good news is that I will be home in 15 days!!!!! See you all then!
xoxo
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