Americans who live in Spain, when dealing with a cultural difference, call it “Getting Spained.” Arrive at the town hall to pay a bill, only to find the entire office closed due to the ten am coffee break? You got Spained. Running late to work because you were behind a wagon-load of carrots, (powered by … More The Expat Apology Tour
Information surrounds me. I wear a Fitbit, meaning I know at any given moment my heart rate, my steps, stairs ascended, and calories burnt. Once at home, I can also track my sleep, water consumption, calories, weight loss, and compare my results to friends in my Fitbit Tribe. I have access to my older son’s … More On Mopeds and Motion
I’ve been told that I am more meticulous than normal when it comes to the condition of my home, which is not entirely true. While I am obsessive about sparkling counter-tops, crisply-made beds, and perfect summits of folded t-shirts, it’s all surface. Open a drawer, and Tupperware attacks. Paperwork festers. A tsunami of towels await. … More On Cleaning
My kids transferred back to American school this year, after three years in the Spanish public school system. It was not an easy decision to make, but we ultimately decided it was time. In the event that we return to the states next year, I would like my children to be prepared, especially the oldest, … More Back to School, Ring the Bell
I bought another skirt from the cult known as LuLaRoe, the diabolical Latter-Day-Saints company that takes all my money on the regular. This skirt is purple, and dotted with images of parachutes, drifting from the clouds to the earth. I bought it to support a friend’s business, to look cute, and because I kinda need … More Seguimos Amando
After acquiring a few demijohn glass bottles from the antique market, we have renewed our desire to collect things—wine corks and sea glass, specifically. It’s alarming to see that we are closer to filling our cork bottle than our sea glass bottle, but I chalk that up to density and science. And the fact that … More Collections, Toilets, and Philosophy
In an abrupt leap from eighteen years of prior behavior, my husband signed himself up for Sevillanas classes. Sevillanas are the traditional dances done at ferias here in Southern Spain, often referred to as “flamenco dancing.” They involve grace and drama and stylized footwork. Basically, my worst nightmare. I also signed up for classes, because … More Pasos
