in charge

Remember when you would go on vacation with your family and your mom would be overly enthusiastic about everything, making you want to visit the third historic graveyard of the trip even less? No? Maybe that was just our family then.

Remember when you had 8 people in your family scrunched in a hotel room meant for 4 with one lonely bathroom, making the shower schedule in the morning insane? Which meant you had to get up at the butt-crack of dawn so you wouldn't look like a grease ball, in order to visit yet another museum?

Or what about that time your family thought it was frivolous to rent a car to get from Plymouth Rock to the outdoor indigenous museum like 3 miles away, so you walked the whole way (still with your not-so-subtle family of 8) in intense heat? And don't forget about how you complained so much that your parents called a (yes, a as in one) cab for your entire family of 8 for the way back, so you all piled into the back seat as though it were Mary Poppin's purse. But that's fine. At least you didn't have to walk.

the "death walk" from plymouth to the museum. Sorry, ladies, I had to.

And who could forget the time Mom woke everyone up at 5:30 so you could get to early entry at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot or whatever, so you could ride Rockin' Roller coaster one more time?

Rockin' Roller Coaster, 7 am

I think everyone can relate with some ridiculous family vacation stories, because as kids (teenagers, really), there is nothing lamer than being seen with your parents. At 8 a.m. At a museum. With 5 siblings.

So would someone please tell me when I stopped being the complaining kid (grumble grumble, I can't believe Mom's making us do this, gripe complain, go back to texting my friends about how lame family vacation is) and became *gasp* my mom?

I have had plenty of experience traveling with friends and groups. I have even had a little bit of experience chaperoning a high school trip to Colorado, but it was with my best friend. And I was still a college student. Now here I am, overseeing 5 kids in a foreign country by myself. And I discovered a little something that may come as a shock to you:

teenagers have attitudes. 

True story. This specimen of human beings is a mystery to the rest of us, although we were at one point a part of this group. It is difficult, if not impossible, to predict what will make them crabby, what will excite them, and what will make them dissolve into tears. 

Just when I think we're about to do an activity that will change their outlook on life forever, they cross their arms, get a bored look on their face, and mumble something about it not being that amazing. While I may be grinning like a fool, in disbelief of the awesome life I'm living, I look over to find them grouchy and in need of a nap.

For awhile this really bothered me. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong to make their trip that forgettable. Did I plan boring activities? Am I already that out of touch with what teenagers like?

But after venting to my mother, she gave me 3 simple words that made me see the situation a little more clearly:

welcome to motherhood

I get it now, Mom. I understand the over-the-top optimism and cheerfulness. I get why you dragged us to every historical site. I know now why it was so important for you to experience everything a place had to offer. You wanted us to look back and realize what cool opportunities we had, and not regret missing out on something. You were trying to make the trip memorable, nay, unforgettable for us.

Which also reminds me that I was once that teenager, rolling my eyes and sighing. Pretending to not care about something that I may truly have been excited about. So maybe my students really are having a good time...it's just not cool to show it.

Whew. It's emotionally exhausting to be a leader. Thanks, Mom and Dad, for putting up with 6 teenage (or preteen...possibly worse) girls at once. We really do have great memories of our family vacations...I swear!

What is your most embarrassing family vacation memory?

Pura Vida, and keep dreaming, dreamers.

great expectations

This is actually not a review of the book by Charles Dickens, so if that's what you're looking for, I will now refer you to SparkNotes.

What I'm talking about is the expectations we have when it comes to big changes in our lives. After watching the "corto" or short movie El Mar in our Spanish class yesterday, it got me thinking about what we expect things to be like, and what reality actually brings.

In El Mar, a little boy wants to celebrate his birthday by going to the ocean. As he waits with his mother in the bus station, the camera pans to pictures little Nacho has drawn depicting what he imagines the ocean to be like. The pictures are full of vibrant color, the ocean is full of octopi and brilliant fish. In one picture, he even imagines the sea to be a bright yellow. He tells his mother that in school, they said that the earth is 70% water, just as a human being is comprised of 70% water. He believes we each have an ocean inside of us.

After waiting for hours in the bus station, a long journey to the coast, and a bus breakdown, Nacho and mother finally arrive at the ocean. By this time, it is dark outside, and the sea appears drab, gray, and lifeless to poor Nacho. The sea did not live up to the grandiose image he had in his mind's eye.

But isn't that life? Won't life be better when we have finally switched jobs? When we have finally purchased that one item? When we have moved to the perfect city? When we finally get to take that trip? And then we discover, life just keeps being life. One day at a time. Good and bad, up and down. We get sick of things, or they don't live up to our expectations to begin with. ¡Que decepción! What a disappointment!

I am a daydreamer. There's no denying it. I am constantly looking up flights to exotic destinations. I am constantly scheming about how I can take my next trip. I imagine a romantical city with cute street side cafes, quaint houses, parks teeming with culture and picnics and life, art museums, vibrant markets, and sidewalk vendors with charming personalities. The history! The people! The culture!

This was the case on my second trip to Ecuador. The first trip had been magical, with one adventure after another. The jungle, the beach, horseback riding in the mountains, ziplining, volcanoes, and breathtaking scenery. 5 weeks. Still new and exciting.

Then I spent 4 months in the very same place, and it took on a new personality. One of routine and everyday life. I passed the same shops and people everyday on the way to school. I frequented (mostly) the same restaurants and bars. Sure, adventure was interspersed sporadically into our lives, especially on the weekends, but we were there to attend school. And guess what? School in Quito becomes a mundane activity, just like it does in America.

Did that stop me from daydreaming? I should say not. I still imagine romantic Paris, historic Italy, and quaint Germany. I still hope to become familiar with those places I can only dream of right now. For me, I guess, the lesson is to not let life be a series of disappointments. Find routines you love. Savor your daydreams while you have them. And when you fulfill your dreams, don't let your expectations get in the way of enjoying the reality. Sometimes, reality exceeds even the greatest of expectations.

Have you ever been disappointed by something you had dreamed about?

Pura Vida, and keep dreaming, dreamers!

alone

I love being alone. I love having time by myself to read, write, wander around and take photographs, or even just watch a movie. I feel my social battery recharging whenever I can steal a little time all for myself. It makes me a better conversationalist when I do have to go and socialize with the masses.

Traveling alone is a completely different story. As a chaperon for a high school trip to Costa Rica, I feel like I really am by myself, even though I am surrounded by students most of the time. I am at a host family by myself. That means no one to pick up the slack if I can't think of anymore small talk. That means no one to vent to about the 2 year-old child at my host family's house who keeps biting me (literally leaving teeth marks). It means being a little bit nervous to walk out anywhere by myself, and that I have to go out of my comfort zone to make new friends if I want to go out at night. And most of all, it makes me dependent upon my own Spanish speaking and comprehension skills.

When the tour guides give instructions that are crucial to our safety and well being, or when the school gives a time and place to meet, it is up to me to relay this information to my students successfully. A situation like this could either make someone shut down completely, or it could be an opportunity to grow as a person and as a Spanish speaker.

Since I am in the land of Pura Vida, it is difficult not  to be optimistic about everything. The people are incredibly kind and accommodating, the weather is hot, hot hot, then scenery is humbling, and the culture is one of contentment. How could I not smile, throw my shoulders back, and give it my best shot?

I am by no means a native speaker. I make tons of mistakes. I still get frustrated when I can't convey a particular thought, or when I forget a vocabulary word that I already know.

But I can have a profound conversation with a native speaker. I can finally understand Spanish in a loud bar (not an easy feat...try understanding a second language shouted over speakers pumping out deafening beats). I can make jokes in Spanish. I can easily circumlocute when I don't know the word I'm looking for. Most of all, I feel confident when I speak, and not many things slip past me when I am listening to a native speaker. No longer do I just smile and nod as I pick up one word here or there. I am working my way up the ACTFL inverted pyramid!

I give serious props to those people who travel completely by themselves, especially females. It requires courage, self confidence, and a positive outlook on life.

I hope to try traveling completely on my own at some point in my life. It would be a great opportunity for personal growth.

What are your tips for traveling alone? Would you ever try it?

Pura vida! And keep dreaming, dreamers.

decisions

Life is a series of decisions. You decide what to eat for breakfast. You decide how you're going to behave toward the people closest to you in your life. You decide to stay in a current job or to get a new one. You decide, and you live with the consequences. That is the beauty of our God. He gives us free will to make our life what we want it to be.

When it comes to travel, decision making plays a huge role. Do I have the money to take this trip? If so, is there a better way I could be using this money? Where should I stay? What kinds of activities should I do? How long will the trip last? Should I deliberately miss my flight and stay here forever?

Naturally, one of the largest factors in the decision making process is money, or lack thereof. Those of us who are blessed enough to have the opportunity to travel know that it is not cheap. So making the decision to go on a trip of any kind is a big commitment. So why do it? I could be putting that money toward student loans. Savings. A new wardrobe for work.

If you have read past posts, you know I am an advocate of Dave Ramsey. My husband and I are working to become debt free, and plan to create an emergency fund after that. Dave Ramsey, however, advises his readers not to spend any extra money until they are debt free. Great advice. And we follow it. Usually.

For example, when the opportunity arose to go to Las Vegas with my best friend before her wedding, I didn't even hesitate. Granted, I knew I could get my plane ticket for free (thanks, credit card rewards points!), the hotel was cheap, and I did a lot of extra substitute teaching at the end of the year. Do I want to have a comfy retirement fund when I'm old and gray (if, God willing, I make it to be that old)? Of course. But I don't think I'm willing to sacrifice unforgettable experiences with those I love to get there. I want to have wonderful memories and pictures to look back on when I'm older, not just a stack of money.

I'm normally one to make rational, beneficial decisions. I believe in "everything in moderation," living a healthy lifestyle, and being cheap frugal. But I guess if my parents taught me to be smart with my money, they also taught me to experience and enjoy life, to follow my dreams, and to see the world. As long as it doesn't put me further into debt. 

Plus if I had turned down Vegas, I would have missed out on all this:

Happy hour!

Happy Hour at the Stratosphere - dos por uno!

Delicious martinis and the best view of Vegas!

 Incredible food.

This roasted tomato fondue changed my life.

These nachos had vegetables on them, so they were healthy. It's science.

Walking the entire Vegas strip in one day(and I mean the whole 4 miles), because our bus passes expired, and who wants to pay for a taxi when you can walk?

Right around the time we realized walking 4 miles in 100 degree heat was a bad idea.

M&M store. A candy lover's dream.

I'm taking him home with me :)

This is real. My mecca.

Hoping to catch a showing of "Bite." A risque show about vampires. We never did get around to it...

Get bitten.

And don't forget...Vegas night life! I accomplished one goal from my life list: #54 - take a shot in Vegas. 

Done and done.

And don't forget! I gambled $2! I'm a high roller!

We only played this one because the lever we got to pull on the side was huge!

Vegas 2011. You rocked my socks off.

Do you ever make exceptions to your budget? What do you find to be the pleasures in life worth splurging on?

Keep dreaming, dreamers!

let's see how it goes

So there I was, waiting for my little red suitcase to show its face at the baggage claim. The lines from The Hangover playing through my mind: "Ahem. So how bout that ride in? I guess that's why they call it Sin City. Haha."

My vision was bombarded with advertisements for Celine and David Spade, among other less than savory shows. The Vegas ambiance was in the air. But I had other things on my mind. What mode of transportation would get me to where I needed to be? Would I be able to check into my hotel? The evening was full of uncertainties. You see, I'm not what you'd call a "planner." Sure, when it's absolutely necessary, especially when others are relying on me, I'll make the effort to put a plan or two in place. If it's just me out there, well, it's more fun to just "see how it goes."

Now, the reason I was uncertain of whether I would be able to check in was because the hotel was not booked under my name, my name was not listed under the room, and my people's flight didn't get in until after 10. 'Meh,' I thought, 'if I can't check in, I'll just gamble.' (side note...I don't really know how to "gamble" per se...but the penny and nickle slots sure are fun...especially the ones where you get to pull the lever!). The reason I was uncertain of how I'd get to the hotel was because I just simply didn't make plans. It was time for an adventure.

I meandered outside the airport with my little red suitcase with that same newbie grin on my face, just figuring that some kind soul would point me in the right direction. Sure enough, a kind worker noticed my questioning countenance, and guided me to the booth that read "Shuttle to Las Vegas Boulevard." Aha. Just what I needed.

Once I checked in with my ticket, I asked the employee which shuttle I was to board. Here was our conversation:

"Hi! My ticket is with Bell Transportation. Where should I go?"

"Go across the street, and find the gentleman standing beside the black limo. He'll help you out."

*Chuckle* "Oh no, I only paid for the shuttle, not the limo. Maybe when I'm rich, though. So where should I go?"

*Not amused* "Seriously. The black limo."

The employee knew her stuff! Sure enough, the shuttle was actually a black limo. Now, I'm sure hundreds, even thousands of people take this limo shuttle each week. It's really just another vehicle. It's not that big of a deal. There were dozens of limos outside the airport. So why did I feel so cool riding a limo on the Vegas strip? Because it felt like a scene in a movie, that's why.

Instead of curling up awkwardly with my backpack on my lap in a crowded shuttle bus, I cruised in style with plenty of space and great music, not to mention interesting travel companions. I met a nice couple from Canada who was headed over to Germany after Vegas. The wife spoke 5 languages. I also met a pilot who was only in Vegas for 36 hours, but who cares? The first class flight only cost him $30.

And if you're wondering how my mystery check in went, I will tell you this. A genuine smile coupled with a positive attitude and a humble request goes a long way. The employee at the check in counter faltered at first when I asked if it would be possible for me to check in. When it seemed clear to me that it might be a hassle, I smiled and assured him not to worry, that I would find something to do. Suddenly, he decided to check with his manager and... voila! I was power napping in a hotel room in Vegas.

All's well that ends well.

a lone traveler

I would consider myself a somewhat to moderately experienced traveler.

I remember the days when you could get into Mexico without a passport.

I survived getting frisked and questioned about a bottle of Elmer's glue in Moscow, not to mention figuring out that the arrivals and departures took place at two different airports about 15 minutes apart. Good to know.

I learned the hard way to be vigilant about checking visa laws (I guess sometimes they change without telling you), and had to miss and rebook a flight for the next day in order to take care of some paperwork, paying hundreds of dollars of fines in the process.

I figured out the bus system in Panama because it was cheaper than a taxi. No small feat, let me tell you. (Don't even get me started on bus systems...how is one supposed to know where their stop is if they have never been there before?)

I fended off a would-be mugger who threw me to the ground in an attempt to steal my bag in Panama, in the rain.

But I have never, until now, flown by myself.

Let me explain. I am no stranger to group travel (mission trips, immersion trips, etc.) I have been to 5 countries with my bff April. I studied abroad with Emily 2. But I have never been comfortable as a young female traveling alone.

Recently, however, I had the opportunity to join previously mentioned bff April in sunny Las Vegas, NV for a bachelorette extravaganza. We no longer live in the same state, so planning the trip proved to be a difficult task. She and her sisters booked a flight and hotel, and it was up to me to find my own flight. This suited me just fine, since I had saved up my credit card reward points for just such an occasion. (Free flight...winning).

I honestly didn't even think about what it would be like to travel alone until my husband dropped me off at the airport. And there I was. Alone. An experience that had always seemed so simple and mundane before suddenly had me second-guessing myself. I wandered through the big glass doors of the airport with an awe-struck and slightly dazed expression. The expression of a first-time flier. Smartly dressed business people and seasoned travelers smiled comfortingly in my directing, as if to offer encouragement and support to the obvious newbie.

Not to be discouraged, I took a deep breath, pasted a huge smile on my face, and marched up to the Delta baggage check, ready to take on MSP airport. Just as though I was riding a bike, it all came flooding back to me. Once again comfortable in my own skin, and ready to join the in-transit masses, I allowed myself to relish my favorite airport past times. I treated myself to a new magazine and some McDonalds. I chatted with my fellow passengers. I even enjoyed the in-flight movie when the snores from the elderly lady with the neck pillow seated beside me weren't distracting me.

"All in a day's work." I thought confidently as I disembarked the aircraft. "What was I so worried about?" That is, until I got my luggage, looked around, and realized I had no plan for getting to the hotel. But that, my friends, is a story for another time...

oh hey, blog

So. I guess it has been awhile since I have written a blog post. I honestly have no idea when the last one was written...3, maybe 4 weeks ago?

It started out as taking a few days off for lack of inspiration. School was winding down, summer was drawing nigh, and I had so much to accomplish. I put the blog on the back burner to finish getting final grades in, attend meetings, and wrap up end-of-the-year things.

Then the first week of summer rolled around. And it felt so nice to not have a schedule. I'm sure I am not alone in saying that I am way more productive when I am busy, because I have a sched. and stick to it! Needless to say, I got lazy, I started eating ice cream for dinner, and I avoided the blog some more.

Next, you see, we got a puppy. And suddenly my days were devoted to catering to Pablo's every whim. (Pablo is a yellow lab, btw). Obviously, no time to blog when puppy wants to help you type, then chew your power cord, then lick your computer screen, then have an accident on the carpet.

Hi, I'm Pablo. Aren't I cute?

Before you know it, I was in Las Vegas, NV. Not only was I super busy basking in the sun, walking the strip, and enjoying the nightlife, but I also didn't want to pay $12 per day for internet! Say what?!?! Welcome to 2011, Stratosphere Hotel.  Everyone has free wifi! Get with the program! Needless to say, the blog was put on hold for another week.

When the weekend rolled around, it was Wedding City, baby! Two of my dear friends got married in the same city this past Friday and Saturday! Celebrate, recover, celebrate, recover. I barely had time to open my computer! How could you expect me to write about anything?

Husband and I at a wedding.

There is so much to catch up on! A few bucket list items to check off! Some life lessons learned. This will all be coming to you in the next few days...along with plenty of pictures and stories.

Ah. That felt good. You know how you take a break from working out one day. Which leads to an entire weekend of slacking. Then suddenly you can't imagine even putting on a pair of tennis shoes. And before you know it your muscles have atrophied and you are just a puddle of skin and bones and fat? That's what it felt like to stop blogging. I didn't even know where to start. Didn't know how to jump back in. Finally, I just had to plug my nose, close my eyes, and cannon-ball into the deep end. Refreshing.

Now it's time to see how many unread items are on my Google Reader...yikes.