When in Madrid.

When in Rome is how it’s supposed to go but WHEN IN MADRID works just as well. What a day it has been, oh my gahd. UNQUESTIONABLY slept in this morning. Set the alarm for 10, slept til 12. Skipped breakfast and went out the door on a European blow dryer/ straightener mission- accomplished that after about 3 floors of searching in the El Corte Ingles. Found the local doctors office after talking to a pharmacy lady on what I needed to do in order to get some freaking antibiotics, thank God she spoke enough English to help me. Set up an appointment for 19:15-tiempo de Madrid- or 7:15 pm in the US. Being that it was only 1pm, Candra and I took ourselves back to the hostel to test out our handy dandy European blow dryer along with a nice refreshing shower. SO GLAD I WALKED OUT ONLY IN A TOWEL TO MEET OUR NEW HOSTEL NEIGHBORS… NOT. Had a conversation with “Que” or so that’s what he told Candra his name was. Pretty nice fellow- I’d say about 60ish or so- from New York just chillen on vacation in Madrid. Shoot I hope I have that kind of money to just chill in Madrid when I want for vacation because I can.

The blow dryer ended up doing wonders, no straightening the hair needed- my hair is going to be SO incredibly healthy by the end of summer that’s for sure. Got actually somewhat presentable even with a slight makeup addition to the face for the day instead of staying sick nasty- just glad I’m finally feeling better today. I never want to repeat the beginning of this week ever ESPECIALLY on my birthday again because that was seriously MISERBALE.  Walked over 20 miles today no joke. On a side note- people in Spain really are obsessed with blonde hair- I swear Candra gets so much attention everyday and then there's me- just passing through haha. Found this BEAUTIFUL park with all sorts of fountains and statues and flowers, oh man it’s incredible. Spain is seriously so beautiful it’s unreal. Went on another mission for hair spray, lotion, and razors within el Corte Ingles once again. Candra ended up getting so excited over the existence of hairspray that she bought a can of redkin costing about 30 american dollars… YES 30 AMERICAN DOLLARS… only to find out that just a few floors down they had hairspray for just 4,50 euros haha. Returning that bad boy was not the most fun- they weren’t very happy. Found the razors and lotion along with a cutesy hat that Candra bought for the beach. Mission accomplished again.

Stopped into H&M and had a little fun- being that it was 4 stories and all- and splurged a little on European pants. They’re SO cool, I can’t wait to rock them EVERYDAY in America! Came up with a brilliant idea that buying a HUGE jug of water and Gatorade would be less expensive than continuously buying water bottles everywhere we went so we stopped at the convenient store just down the street from “home”. That was of course after the LOVELY doctors visit costing me about 90 American Dollars because I didn’t have stupid insurance. And you know how much my actual prescription cost? 6,20 freaking euros! That’s it. What a rip, seriously. But better safe than sorry- I needed to get better so I guess 90 American dollars is worth it. Took a quick breather to skype check in with our parents and headed back out for dinner. It was good, I liked it, Candra on the other hand was disgusted by her plate, so I traded her mine knowing she’d eat it.

Talked to some Spaniards for a good 45 min about everything which was kind of cool because they knowing just enough English and us knowing a good amount of Spanish could communicate but really had to use what we’ve learned because it wasn’t enough to make it easy. Now currently I am lying in bed just about ready to pass out from all of the exploring from the day but hey what would life be without exploring? It’s been a marvelous- as they say in Spain- adventure thus far and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. Even said chao in Spanish today with the customs and all- I think I could get used to this. As for everyone else, I challenge you to do something adventurous in your life, no matter what it is, so that one day you can say hey, I stepped out of my comfort zone and it was incredible. I’m learning so much already, it’s beyond belief.

Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.
- Raymond Lindquist

Life throws you curve balls.

Well, today Is June 12^th so that only means two things… SPAIN & MY 20^TH BIRTHDAY!!!

So I thought when I woke up this morning that I was going to have this incredible day being my birthday and all but life threw me a curve ball and I ended up sick. Once again I woke up at about 6:40 am so that I could get ready to go to church with my grandfather and dad by 8:15. I HATE mornings so call me crazy for getting up that early because usually that never happens.  I had a long day ahead of me so church was definitely the perfect way to begin- just a nice long talk with God, and the presence of my daddy and grandfather, that’s all I needed. Come to realize I was freezing the whole time with chills in church and aches and pains in my joints and down my spine and all over my back when we got home. Growing up with two brothers I’ve never been a sissy about stupid stuff and being the stubborn person I am I decided that I was just gonna stick it out, repack my stuff, get ready for the day, and that hopefully it would go away. THAT WAS A JOKE. I’ve been completely miserable from that point and it all started with a simple headache. Thankfully I got all my materials for Spain packed and had just enough time to lay down for an hour before leaving for the airport. It sucks so bad. I’ve probably cried 8 times today because I feel like the flu hit me and ran back over me again and again- high fever and all. Justttt great. EXACTLY what I needed and wanted for today and ITS MY BIRTHDAY, that’s the worst part. This one definitely goes down in history as the worst birthday ever, although I guess going to Spain counts for something.

Arrived at the airport with daddy and got everything taken care of for a successful trip abroad, got through customs and to the gate in good timing, and finally met up with Candra. Bought a really big water- what’s new, blue Gatorade, and a pack of gum. Boarded the huge 767- or so I think that’s what it was but I’m probably wrong considering I don’t know that much about planes- successfully stored away our luggage on top and got ready for the 9 hour and 30 some odd minute flight. Was served a dinner and breakfast, which looked like hospital food but actually tasted decent, and drank plenty of orange juice and water. I think more than half the people on that plane thought I had a bathroom problem because going about 10 times on a 9 hour flight is unusual right? Or so they thought but I could care less, I needed to be constantly drinking fluids so I did haha. Sidenote- always be careful where you choose your seats because you don’t want to get stuck behind a guy that has some serious gas issues like we did- straight nasty. 

Finally landed in Madrid and still didn’t believe we were actually in a foreign country but was more than happy to get off that plane. Found our luggage, found the store away, and had to buy two tokens because I would accidently lock the locker before it was actually shut- stupid. People without doubt know that we’re Americans, no matter how we try to hide it. Took a cab to our hostel because there was absolutely no way we were gonna make it on foot and ended up costing us like 30 euros! Ridiculous. Once we were actually in our hostel, we could now relax and get ready to go explore around the city a little bit. Had an interesting lunch at a place called Café Te and a nice dinner at the whopping KFC. Yeah yeah its American but it was getting late and we wanted to get something quick so we did, chicken strips it was. Our hostel guy is extremely nice and we can actually communicate with him in Spanish for the most part. Made us coffee with a variety of crackers and breads when we got in. I’m already in love with SIESTA- they weren’t joking when they taught us in class that everything closes down and everyone gets off work to eat lunch and take a nap before going back to work. It’s AWESOME.

 

Everything here is so pretty. It reminds Candra and I of New York but just the Spanish version. It’s been one heck of a long day including sickness and all so sleep is probably something I should look into at this point. Planning on hitting up the pharmacy for some antibiotics tomorrow because I’m almost 90% sure I have strep- not to stress anyone out and mom if you’re reading this I promise I’ll be okay- don’t stress. Oh and by the way it’s the 13^th here soooo kinda didn’t get a full birthday BUT we’re planning on having a nice dinner and what not as soon as I feel better so I guess that’s okay as well haha. Life throws you all sorts of curve balls and this is just one- in any and every case trusting that everything’s going to be alright is what helps the most and taking one step at a time to figure out the best way to solve the problem is smart. Stressing isn’t healthy, so there’s no point to it. It is what it is so now it’s taking the right measures to get better! For everyday is a blessing whether good or bad happens.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Chances.

To be honest, It's hard to find words to write down for several reasons- 1) I'm not physically in Spain yet 2) This hasn't really set in yet 3) It's a dream thats almost here- so surreal. SURREAL- thats a good word. Dictionary. com: 3 meanings- thats a good sign. 

— adj
1.	suggestive of surrealism; dreamlike.

Dreamlike. How many times can I say that until I overuse it because I think I've already use it one way too many, I just don't know what other word describes this feeling or vision more perfectly.

What a wonderful day it's already been. I woke up by 7:30- Probably the earliest I have woken up all summer long and actually started being productive at that hour. I don't know why so early because usually I can sleep til 1 or 2 pm, ESPECIALLY in Dallas at my cousins’ house, but that was not the case this time. Lately I’ve been waking up decently early everyday for like the last 4 or 5 days and going to bed kind of laterish if that even makes sense. I started writing a new blog while listening to some good ol Dave Matthews pandora and cuddled slightly with my aunt Jeanne while my wonderful cousin Betsy made muffins for breakfast- Lemon poppy seed mmmm so good! From there I did some more dilly dallying around the house, took a shower, which felt so nice, and got ready for the day! My dad and grandfather came over and of course we all listened to some classic stories of the 'Paine Clan' growing up back then. CLASSIC. Aunt Jeanne and Betsy took me out to get my toes and nails did at this amazing nail salon in Dallas called upscale nails. My lady didn't really speak english but that didn't matter because the inside of this place was gorgeous and I was completely fascinated by it. I'm telling you like no normal salon here- the inside was huge with about 50 pedicure chairs and these two extremely large nail tables so that about 15 customers could sit down at one and get their nails done, I’d have to say over 25 employees worked there, large flat screen TV’s on the walls, every color nail polish, we didn't have to be cramped while waiting but instead were seated right away in our pedi chairs, they served wine, margaritas, all kinds of stuff, but most importantly the best part and my absolute favorite part was the super relaxing back massager in the chairs that was on ALL while we waited to be worked on, throughout the mani/pedi, and while we were drying- straight up amazing. About an hour later, lilac purple toes and a neutral pink color nails and all, we were walking out that door feeling spoiled to the max. 

We stopped by Marshalls then off to a bakery/cafe called Celebrity. If you're ever in Dallas you must go there and order their cranberry chicken salad on rye bread- delicious. The place is so super girlie with pink everywhere inside, even the straws. A couple stops later and last minute list check offs we we're back home getting ready for our father's day/birthday’s/family celebration. Cooked bbq chicken with corn and green chiles dish with homemade potato salad, beans, oriental salad, and of course the sweets. Needless to say it was a perfect pre-birthday and the countdown til Spain is almost officially over! Can’t wait for tomorrow- it’s going to be the start of an amazing adventure and the best birthday present ever. Much love! Xoxo

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

- Helen Keller

A Dream of a Lifetime.

It's way past midnight and I still have not made any progress on actually packing- the one thing I was suppose to be doing all week yet have managed to somehow find my way out of doing it ALL WEEK. I cannot believe I leave tomorrow for Dallas and in 3 days for ESPAÑA! You know when you wait a lifetime for something that means so much and it finally happens you're like in shock?.. whelp that's definitely me at this moment. Oh how beautiful life really is, I am so beyond excited to experience the world and travel and JUST BE. It's going to be one heck of an experience and I think I'm actually ready to take it on- scratch that, I know I am. I am by far the worst writer you will probably ever meet in your entire life, but I think it's important to record your dreams and this is most definitely one of the greatest dreams I've ever imagined in this head of mine, so this is my attempt. 


My week has been filled with so much activity it's almost overwhelming, but staying busy keeps me sane so in a way I'm thankful. My summer has been so good so far- consisting really of just working and hanging out with my family and friends. And although my REAL summer is about to begin, I really am going to miss my home summer while I'm in Spain and all the friends and family that mean so much that I don't ever get to see enough of. Good thing there's skype - apaine3. Today I woke up early in hopes of getting things done around the house before going to the river with a bunch of my random friends but instead made katie p an omelet to get her out of bed.... just after brandi baby came over with a fresh bag of doughnut holes that did the trick pretty quick. Let me just say that having a wide variety of friends is so amazing because it NEVER gets boring and that a car ride down to the comal river for an early birthday celebration with a variety of random friends is far past entertaining. If there's one thing I really enjoy eating, it's sushi. Thank you mom and dad for taking me to Mamijis Sushi for dinner- it was delicious. German chocolate cake is ALWAYS the perfect ending to a birthday celebration- I've only been begging for a german chocolate birthday cake for mmmm almost 12 months now. I have so much to do in so little time, one including sleep! 


It's the simple things in life that mean the most though- like laying in bed with your best friends, or writing your thoughts down on paper to create a poem, or sitting on top of a jeep in good company just because you can, or watching the stars at night because it's so peaceful, or chillaxing to music because it soothes your soul, or just talking to God, or attempting to teach yourself to play the guitar and having some success, or riding with the windows down to feel the air on your face, or laying out by the pool because you have the most horrendous lifeguard tan lines, or country dancing until you can't feel your legs anymore - dancing in general, or laughing so hard your gain a 6 pack instantly, or being a completely ridiculous goof because it makes you happy and you just don't care, making others smile, or just being and letting life take you. So I guess I'll be thankful again for this wonderful wonderful day no matter what good or bad happened within it and all the people that made that possible <3, for all the opportunities I am continuously blessed with, along with the ability to dream, to reach for the biggest and best because it's possible if you let it, and leave y'all with this thought of encouragement-




Life is a song - sing it.
Life is a game - play it.
Life is a challenge - meet it.
Life is a dream - realize it.
Life is a sacrifice - offer it.
Life is love - enjoy it.
- Sai Baba

Live it to your fullest as cliche as that sounds because seriously it goes by so fast.