Why are skinny jeans really called skinny???

Shopping in Spain

Let me first start off by saying 1. I have no fashion sense (and I own it). 2. The idea that some Jeans are called skinny kind of weird’s me out. And 3. Because I only have 3 pairs of pants and 3 T-shirts here in Spain I have already disqualified myself from writing this blog, but I will continue any way.

Kristyn has very delicately communicated to me over the last few months that it may be time to update my wardrobe, but I didn’t know how bad it was until I realized that she was hesitating to walk beside me when we left the house. To her credit I was wearing “what I thought was a very creative ensemble” of random mismatched clothes. But as I look back, it might have been over the top.

Because of these ever increasing “creative expressions” we decided to go out and try to update/replace some of my clothes. I quickly learned that my typical way of shopping would not be useful. For me, I consider it a successful shopping trip if I can spend less then 15 minutes in any one store, this includes waiting in line and paying for the garment.

So, after I made the switch in my mind I proceeded to let Kristyn help me pick out some jeans. We both decided that this was the most pressing need. As we began to look around and grab different jeans to try on I soon headed off to the changing room to see what treasures we had found. As I tried on the first pair I realized that this was going to be harder then it looked. For one, Europeans love very tight clothes and finding a pair of jeans that were not labeled skinny proved to be challenging.

I should say that it was around this time that I began to realize what “skinny jeans” actually were and why they were called skinny! I will spare you the details and simply say that it wasn’t a fun experience trying to get in and out of these torture devices.

The hardest part was then finding a pair of jeans that would pass both of our criteria. For Kristyn they needed to look like they were European jeans purchased in Spain. For me they needed to fit! After what seemed like an eternity (45 min.) we finally left the store with jeans in hand. Though we did end up paying an extra 10 euros because of a labeling mistake. All in all it was a very educational experience and one that will remain ingrained on my mind for years to come.

Kristyn's Birthday

This last week was Kristyn's birthday so we decided to celebrate. The day started with Kristyn's world famous French Toast. Really, it is that good!

After that we went on a gondola ride over the city of Madrid and landed at Casa de Campo. While there we went for a hike and then sat down under some trees for a picnic lunch.

After lunch we ran to a art museum just down the street from our apartment and took in art from the "Romantic Era" After this we headed to a new coffee shop that we have been wanting to try for sometime, while there we both enjoyed a coffee con leche (coffee with milk) and spent some time taking in the atmosphere.

We finished the night be stopping at a pizzaria down the street from our apt. and getting a barbacoa pizza and renting a movie. All in all and it was a very good day.

Kristyn's Birthday pictures

A video of us on you tube

click on this link to see the fireworks show at the end of the three kings parade January 5, 2010 in Madrid, Spain

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OefJsb1Q5eE

Thoughts on January/The New Year

Every year when January arrives there are inevitably a few more things that somehow seem to sneak into the picture, no matter how hard I try and keep them away. Like the rude awakening of that first day back to work, somehow you are never quite ready after the break to start back up and begin a new year. There seems to be something daunting about it, knowing that you have 365 more days to get through before the next 2 weeks of bliss.

For us, this feeling wasn’t quite so bad as it could have been as teaching is going well and we are only working part time. But there always seems to be something else that we would rather be doing with out time, and work, always seems to be keeping us from these things.

Another thing that always seems to catch me off guard is the cold weather. Coming to Madrid I thought things like dessert climate, sun 200 days of the year, etc. But for some reason this January in Madrid has been a rough one, even by the locals standards. We haven’t gotten as much snow as I have been use to in the past, but the cold rain is almost just as bad, if not worse. Today is the first day in a long time that the sun has finally taken back control of the sky in what seems to be a constant battle between the clouds and sunshine. We can only hope that today marks a turning point in this little war that is being waged in the heavens.

The last area that always seems to sink into my subconscious, even when I purposefully try and keep it out, are plans of the future. For me (a planner) it is so hard to keep out the thoughts of what comes next or what we should be doing to get ourselves ready for the next transition. Instead, I would love to just sit back and enjoy where I am right now, instead of planning or strategizing for things to come. To be able to live in the moment, to breath and enjoy what you have around you. It can be very hard to do, but I guess it is something to strive for. A New Years resolution of sorts, but then again that is another thing (just like the cold) that I don’t really like about January.

Different trips we are trying to get ready for:

1. Avila

2. El Escorial

3. Valencia (that is for your Jonny)

** If any of you have any thoughts on things to see in these places, where to stay, or what order we should try and do these trips free to let us know.

Christmas in Southern Spain

Here are some of the gardens off of the Alcazar in Seville. Orange trees everywhere!

This is me in the Alcazar of Seville. The detail was amazing!

The sunset in Marbella

Kristyn and I enjoying the sunrise on the beach!

This is us together in Ronda enjoying the stunning views!

The Bollig family picture in Retiro Park

The Ronda cliffs

Segovia, Spain

December has arrived and besides enjoying 50 degree weather we also enjoyed having one of Kristyn's friends (Sarah) come out and visit us for a week. During this time we went to Segovia (just N. of Madrid) and saw the sights. We also got to show her Madrid. This is a lot easier now that we have lived here for more then a few weeks! The trip to Segovia was great, with the highlight being a Roman Aqua Duct that is over 2000 years old. They say it still works but I didn't see any flowing water so I have my doubts.

My English classes are still going well and i just added two more lessons, so I am up to 10 a week now. This allows for a great amount of down time but also gives me something to look forward to throughout the week. Here are a few pictures from Segovia.