I’m a few days behind on this one, but I’m still considering this Thanksgiving weekend. Even though Thanksgiving isn’t really a thing here, we still managed to celebrate it relatively right.
We had a big ol’ hunk of turkey (because the entire bird was unavailable), mashed potatoes with gravy, green been casserole, sweet potatoes, carrots, corn, apple pie and ice cream. I had to work Thursday and Friday, but that consisted of giving presentations about Thanksgiving and singing songs to babies. This is a new side hustle I have going on that will probably deserve its own blog because if you know me, you know I’m not really the best with children.
Anyways, in light of the holiday, I wanted to make note of all the things I am thankful for this year. Every year feels significant, but this one especially because it’s so different.
1. My supportive family
I realize how lucky I am that my family supports me as I chase down my own version of happiness. Not every family could get behind someone quitting her job, moving to a new country and taking on work that isn’t necessarily ‘a career’ … especially when it pays peanuts.
I’ve been the one to question whether it’s a responsible decision – not my family. Across the board, they have been excited for me and believe in my dream.
And it’s a great feeling to realize that when I come back, I can spend a Thanksgiving dinner (or a 4th of July hot dog, more likely) with them and completely catch up on all the things I’ve missed in my absence. I seriously have one of the most positive, warm clans there is. Not the mention the fact that they’re all hilarious.
2. This adventure
Next up is the fact that I’m here – living in Spain and teaching English. It’s definitely had its challenges. My apartment isn’t perfect and neither is my Spanish. I’m still working on gaining my independence from Chris by learning the language and constantly embracing every new ‘first.’
I’m realizing how difficult teaching is, keeping the material interesting for students while also ensuring they are getting real value out of it, connecting with them while commanding respect and order.
But every day, I’m glad to be here facing those challenges and learning to become more flexible and making this dream a reality. I’m happy to be learning so much and broadening my horizons instead of stiffening up into a rigid routine at the ripe old age of 27.
3. The kindness of strangers
I don’t know if I can concisely express how much I appreciate the small gestures people have made toward me. The woman in the bakery who apologized because she didn’t understand me, saying the noise in the street made it difficult to hear my order. When most people would have scrunched up their noses and said “Qué?” impatiently.
Or Maria from Colombia, the woman we stayed with in Madrid who kindly offered corrections when I tried to say more than “Hi, my name is Lauren. I’m an English teacher from the United States living in Logroño.”
It’s these types of exchanges that motivate me the most to learn Spanish. I can’t wait to be back home in the United States and be able to hold conversations with Native Spanish speakers with the hope that a small taste of familiarity, a little less struggle, could be the same kindness returned.
4. The kindness of not-so-strangers
From the moment we arrived in Logroño. OK, from the moment we arrived at our hostel in Logroño, we were greeted by friendly auxiliares Jessica and Valerie. This initial connection gave me the sense that I wasn’t alone in this. And that first impression was accurate. Since then, I’ve met even more people who are smart, spontaneous and kind.
Because of this network, I’ve been lucky to receive invitations from these people to do things I might not have done on my own. And for that, I’m very thankful.
5. My friends who put up with me even though I’m a crazy gypsy
I was thinking back the other day, and it’s strange to realize that I’ve been away from Colorado for longer than I was there with the people who I still consider my best friends. We met in high school and I left home for Virginia Tech at the end of my sophomore year. That gives me six years with them, and I’m going on seven years away. I know time has a way of changing all things, and we’ve all grown into new and improved versions of ourselves, but I couldn’t be more grateful that they welcome me back with open arms every time I return. They ground me and give me a sense of identity that permeates any city, job or country I’m in.
I’m also extremely grateful for all the people I’ve met throughout the years, and especially those who have taken me in for Thanksgiving, like Kasey Garito-Riley, the Rothstein-Mazes, the Beers, the Yorks. For some people, the holiday is all about family tradition. For me, it’s about learning what other peoples’ traditions are and seeing what makes them a family.
And I feel so fortunate to have met so many amazing people along the journey. It can be hard to build lasting friendships when you move somewhere for a few years and then leave, but I’ve been super lucky to meet wonderful people who have left a lasting impact on me.
6. Having the basics
When I was in Madrid last weekend, I walked under an overpass around 10 p.m. There were a dozen or so people sleeping there, splayed out on makeshift beds and covered in dirty blankets to keep them warm on a chilly night. One was a women. She was wearing a hijab.
I don’t always have the most empathy toward homeless (I know this seems harsh and is a shortcoming on my behalf) because the experiences I’ve had with them is that they are people who have burned their loved ones to the point where they have no other options.
But there was something about this woman sleeping outside that really got to me. Maybe it’s the refugee crisis, and thinking about these people having nowhere to go. I’m imaging what it would be like for me to move to Spain, to take a chance on a new life because I felt like it was my best option, and have limited resources available to me when I arrive. What if that did make you homeless? What if your best option was to be a woman sleeping on the street while the late-night crowd meandered drunkenly past?
It made me grateful for what I had, forgetful of what I don’t have, and anxious to do more to help people in need.
7. The $1 wine
This is probably extremely inappropriate following the above, but it’s true. And blogs are where you’re supposed to be honest. So, there it is, I’m super appreciative that I live in a place where I can buy legit wine for around 2 Euro, and an even better bottle for less than 5.
I’ve never really been THAT much of a wine lady myself. I have bourbon taste on a beer budget, but I’m embracing the natural bounties of La Rioja. And you know what they say, red wine is good for your health. So … this is pretty much my life.
Image may be NSFW.
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8. Having a great travel partner
Sometimes, it’s hard to stay front-of-mind conscious of how lucky I am to be on this journey with my best friend. The days are so fun and effortless that it’s easy to forget what things would be like if I were doing this alone or in a less-awesome situation. I have someone with me who makes every day more fun, each challenge less difficult. And for that, I can hardly express how glad I am without getting all sentimental. So I’ll spare you.
On a final note! Thank you for being in my life and thank you for reading my blog! If you want to share with me what you’re thankful for, you sure can.