I suppose enough excitement has passed to deserve another post.
A few weeks back I interviewed for a job in a hotel in the village. The interview had gone great, I thought they would surely offer me the job. They said they'd call with offers on Monday, start training Wednesday, etc. Monday came and went, no call. No offer. I gave up hope after a few days and moved on. I was offered a temp job and took it, started the next day. I was thrilled to have work and also have something to do during the day.
Then yesterday I got a phone call from the women who had interviewed me. She said they had an opening at another hotel and wanted to see if I was still looking for work. I went after work that day and told the temp agency my last day at the temp job would be Friday. I am excited!
This weekend is Christmas and I will be spending it away from my family for the first time ever. Instead of being home in Everett, I will be heading to Alta, Utah to spend the weekend with my friend Sam and his family. I am looking forward to having time with a family, even though it's not my family. Alta is supposed to be nice, too. Sam wants me to learn to ski. We'll see about that. Hah.
Today is Katrina's birthday. She and I went out to dinner at a Thai restaurant in town. We always have the best time when we go out together. Guys dig us, apparently. Having it be her birthday doesn't hurt either.
Also, she got a new dog and now we have a dog in the apartment! She is cute. Kind of big, but cute and happy.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
¿Qué talla es?
Big news: I got a temp job! It sounds like it will turn into a real, full time job. Not sure if it is seasonal or what, but they loved me today and I liked them. I work with a bunch of Spanish speakers. They were shocked that I speak Spanish, and I impressed the half Serbian girl with my knowledge of... "good morning" in Serbian. Hah!
Only one thing happened today that made me angry. I was talking to one latino guy and he was asking me in Spanish what size jacket I wear, and he spoke to me in "usted" (the formal you in Spanish). So the sentence could have been, "What size are you?" or, "What size is it?" And I automatically assumed he was talking about something else, why talk to me in the formal way? I don't know. In Spain no one uses "usted" so I was all thrown off. And looked at him like, "huh?" and felt like an asshole who doesn't actually speak Spanish very well at all. BUT I AM AMAZING AT SPANISH! It is one of the things that I am actually really, really, really good at.
Anyway, I am sure I'll have time to redeem myself and my Spanish skills.
The job is really easy, it is just processing online orders for this company that sells sheep skin and leather goods. It is not really my scene, but I like the people and I am not too terribly bored yet.
On an unrelated note, I hurt my knee last week. It seems okay, still really bruised and has a big bump on the side. The swelling has gone down mostly, but not completely. I did go snowboarding on it, and it feels mostly okay. I would go to the doctor and have it checked out, except I very much dislike going to the doctor.
Only one thing happened today that made me angry. I was talking to one latino guy and he was asking me in Spanish what size jacket I wear, and he spoke to me in "usted" (the formal you in Spanish). So the sentence could have been, "What size are you?" or, "What size is it?" And I automatically assumed he was talking about something else, why talk to me in the formal way? I don't know. In Spain no one uses "usted" so I was all thrown off. And looked at him like, "huh?" and felt like an asshole who doesn't actually speak Spanish very well at all. BUT I AM AMAZING AT SPANISH! It is one of the things that I am actually really, really, really good at.
Anyway, I am sure I'll have time to redeem myself and my Spanish skills.
The job is really easy, it is just processing online orders for this company that sells sheep skin and leather goods. It is not really my scene, but I like the people and I am not too terribly bored yet.
On an unrelated note, I hurt my knee last week. It seems okay, still really bruised and has a big bump on the side. The swelling has gone down mostly, but not completely. I did go snowboarding on it, and it feels mostly okay. I would go to the doctor and have it checked out, except I very much dislike going to the doctor.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Las agujetas
I am so sore. I feel like I got hit by a car.
I arrived Monday evening. Tuesday I saw the mountains, town and village. Wednesday, instead of trying to get a job, I went snowboarding. I suck at snowboarding.
Thursday I submitted resumes in person for a few job and even had an interview that lasted two hours. Today is Friday and so far I have sent three emails with cover letters and resumes. But I am so sore! I don't want to move. I am sure sleeping on the floor doesn't help the situation, but really: why are my shoulders and arms the most sore part from Wednesday's snowboarding adventure? Really? WHY???
Also, you may notice the blog name change. Dig it.
I arrived Monday evening. Tuesday I saw the mountains, town and village. Wednesday, instead of trying to get a job, I went snowboarding. I suck at snowboarding.
Thursday I submitted resumes in person for a few job and even had an interview that lasted two hours. Today is Friday and so far I have sent three emails with cover letters and resumes. But I am so sore! I don't want to move. I am sure sleeping on the floor doesn't help the situation, but really: why are my shoulders and arms the most sore part from Wednesday's snowboarding adventure? Really? WHY???
Also, you may notice the blog name change. Dig it.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Llegamos ya
I'm finally in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I arrived last night around 7PM. The drive was long and beautiful. I felt anxious and excited.
Saying bye to my family and friends on Sunday morning was sad, like always. But once I left I began to feel enthusiastic about the upcoming adventure.
Sunday afternoon I got to Spokane and stayed with Julianne and Bjorn. They fed me and showed me around town. I even had a nice bed to sleep in that night.
Monday morning I got up, had a yummy breakfast prepared by Julianne and hit the road. It took about 10 hours to get to Jackson, but I saw beautiful scenery along the way and spirits were high.
Reaching my destination was exciting, as was seeing Katrina. We had a celebratory dinner of Thai food and local beers. The apartment is warm, but outside is cold.
Today I will set out and see the city, scope out possible job opportunities and see more outdoor beauty.
Saying bye to my family and friends on Sunday morning was sad, like always. But once I left I began to feel enthusiastic about the upcoming adventure.
Sunday afternoon I got to Spokane and stayed with Julianne and Bjorn. They fed me and showed me around town. I even had a nice bed to sleep in that night.
Monday morning I got up, had a yummy breakfast prepared by Julianne and hit the road. It took about 10 hours to get to Jackson, but I saw beautiful scenery along the way and spirits were high.
Reaching my destination was exciting, as was seeing Katrina. We had a celebratory dinner of Thai food and local beers. The apartment is warm, but outside is cold.
Today I will set out and see the city, scope out possible job opportunities and see more outdoor beauty.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
El siguente capricho
I got home from my bike trip four weeks ago. The end was a whirlwind of transportation, traveling miles and miles to get home. I thought being home would be wonderful and great, but it feels the same as before I left. I am realizing that no amount of self discovery can make me want to stay here.
Over my birthday my parents, sister, Leon and I flew to Puerto Vallarta for a nice beachy vacation under the sun. It was lovely and warm. Laying by a pool and reading all day was great. But one week is definitely enough.
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and then I am leaving again. Destination: Jackson Hole, WY. Return date is undetermined. I hope it is a long, long time from now. Why am I going to Jackson? No reason not to!
Over my birthday my parents, sister, Leon and I flew to Puerto Vallarta for a nice beachy vacation under the sun. It was lovely and warm. Laying by a pool and reading all day was great. But one week is definitely enough.
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and then I am leaving again. Destination: Jackson Hole, WY. Return date is undetermined. I hope it is a long, long time from now. Why am I going to Jackson? No reason not to!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Se acabó
I'm in San Diego! Currently I'm on the sailboat with Monica, listening to funny stories about her childhood from her father. It is all quite hilarious.
My body is happy to be done with the trip. I am feeling a bit restless already though. My return date is unclear, the mode of transportation is also undetermined. I have 9 more days here to play, hang out at the beach and relax and enjoy the time with Monica.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing everyone back home. I miss being home.
My body is happy to be done with the trip. I am feeling a bit restless already though. My return date is unclear, the mode of transportation is also undetermined. I have 9 more days here to play, hang out at the beach and relax and enjoy the time with Monica.
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing everyone back home. I miss being home.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
La lluvia
I have been lucky in many ways on this trip. Today was the first day I had to ride in the rain. Sure, it misted on me a bit in Washington and the fog in Oregon was almost like riding in the rain, but today it poured.
I didn't have to ride in the rain. I could have stayed in the apartment here in Venice Beach and stayed totally dry, warm and cozy. But what's the fun in that? Also, I was hungry.
I took my bike down to the street, wearing my rain coat and jeans (jeans were a terrible idea), and set out to the grocery store. I decided I would go to Whole Foods about three miles away. Why would I choose the sort of far away and most expensive grocery store around? I do not know. I found it with no problems, my fenders kept me from getting dirty water in my face and I bought lots of yummy fruit and yogurt... and two cookies. I have this insane cookie addiction.
After Whole Foods I spotted a farmers' market and decided to ride through and check it out. I bought some more fruit and then headed back to the apartment.
All in all I only cycled 7 miles, but the experience helped remind me how lucky I am to have had a rain-free trip all the way from Seattle to LA. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny again! Then, on Saturday or Sunday, I will head south to San Diego to meet Monica. Woo!
I didn't have to ride in the rain. I could have stayed in the apartment here in Venice Beach and stayed totally dry, warm and cozy. But what's the fun in that? Also, I was hungry.
I took my bike down to the street, wearing my rain coat and jeans (jeans were a terrible idea), and set out to the grocery store. I decided I would go to Whole Foods about three miles away. Why would I choose the sort of far away and most expensive grocery store around? I do not know. I found it with no problems, my fenders kept me from getting dirty water in my face and I bought lots of yummy fruit and yogurt... and two cookies. I have this insane cookie addiction.
After Whole Foods I spotted a farmers' market and decided to ride through and check it out. I bought some more fruit and then headed back to the apartment.
All in all I only cycled 7 miles, but the experience helped remind me how lucky I am to have had a rain-free trip all the way from Seattle to LA. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny again! Then, on Saturday or Sunday, I will head south to San Diego to meet Monica. Woo!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
La odisea
I'm in Venice, CA staying for a little while with friends. My ultimate destination is Monica's dad's sailboat in San Diego. She doesn't fly in until October 10, so I'm killing time and hanging out on the beach in LA until she gets there.
The entire trip has been filled with awesome, some highlights... drinking, cycling, eating baked goods, meeting lots of cool people, seeing lots of friends I normally only get to see once a year or so, and drinking. There's been a surprising (and awesome) amount of drinking on the trip.
I've gotten only one flat tire. Nothing else has broken. My bruise count is up in the hundreds by now, but otherwise my body has been pretty good to me. There haven't been any animal attacks, or crashes, or thieves/murderers/rapists. However, there have been many crazy people, including a former cult leader, and a guy whose claim to fame was that he gives "the all star massage".
I'd say the closest I got to a potential animal attack was the rattlesnake outside my tent the other night. That was a bit unnerving.
My favorite part of the trip was probably the Oregon coast. The other cyclists I've met and rode with were some of the coolest people: Emily from Arlington, WA, Jan and Ron from Vancouver, BC, Karla from Alaska, Daryl and Cliff from Mercer Island. I feel really lucky to have met such wonderful people. It's made the entire trip much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Sometimes when I sit and think about it I realize how crazy it sounds that I've traveled this far on my bicycle. But having done it, it doesn't seem crazy at all. It was actually really easy. I've only cried a handful of times, and I've only felt unsafe maybe once or twice. People in general have been so good and so kind to me. I hope I'm able to inspire people to cycle more or at least take better care of cyclists they see on the road.
The entire trip has been filled with awesome, some highlights... drinking, cycling, eating baked goods, meeting lots of cool people, seeing lots of friends I normally only get to see once a year or so, and drinking. There's been a surprising (and awesome) amount of drinking on the trip.
I've gotten only one flat tire. Nothing else has broken. My bruise count is up in the hundreds by now, but otherwise my body has been pretty good to me. There haven't been any animal attacks, or crashes, or thieves/murderers/rapists. However, there have been many crazy people, including a former cult leader, and a guy whose claim to fame was that he gives "the all star massage".
I'd say the closest I got to a potential animal attack was the rattlesnake outside my tent the other night. That was a bit unnerving.
My favorite part of the trip was probably the Oregon coast. The other cyclists I've met and rode with were some of the coolest people: Emily from Arlington, WA, Jan and Ron from Vancouver, BC, Karla from Alaska, Daryl and Cliff from Mercer Island. I feel really lucky to have met such wonderful people. It's made the entire trip much more enjoyable and rewarding.
Sometimes when I sit and think about it I realize how crazy it sounds that I've traveled this far on my bicycle. But having done it, it doesn't seem crazy at all. It was actually really easy. I've only cried a handful of times, and I've only felt unsafe maybe once or twice. People in general have been so good and so kind to me. I hope I'm able to inspire people to cycle more or at least take better care of cyclists they see on the road.
Monday, August 22, 2011
La resurrección
I suppose it's time to blog again.
This evening I said bye to my friends Julianne and Bjorn as they start their bicycling trip to Whitefish, Montana. Their eventual destination will be Spokane where they are moving so Julie can attend PT school. It was sad to say goodbye, but I am excited for their awesome trip.
And I am excited for my own trip which starts on Sunday. Yes, Sunday! I am leaving Everett to cycle all the way down the coast, ending in San Diego by October 10. I am planning to stay a few days along the way with friends in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. I've also got friends living in Northern California (Mikey), Sunnyvale, Monterey and San Luis Obispo. I am looking forward to visits with people as well as lots of alone time as I'm doing this trip solo (¿sola?).
Kiki likes my bike.
Maybe it's time to change the name of this blog, but "La aventura de la costa oeste" just doesn't sound as nice. Maybe something more like, "Aventurando en bici". Whatever.
This evening I said bye to my friends Julianne and Bjorn as they start their bicycling trip to Whitefish, Montana. Their eventual destination will be Spokane where they are moving so Julie can attend PT school. It was sad to say goodbye, but I am excited for their awesome trip.
And I am excited for my own trip which starts on Sunday. Yes, Sunday! I am leaving Everett to cycle all the way down the coast, ending in San Diego by October 10. I am planning to stay a few days along the way with friends in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. I've also got friends living in Northern California (Mikey), Sunnyvale, Monterey and San Luis Obispo. I am looking forward to visits with people as well as lots of alone time as I'm doing this trip solo (¿sola?).
Kiki likes my bike.
Maybe it's time to change the name of this blog, but "La aventura de la costa oeste" just doesn't sound as nice. Maybe something more like, "Aventurando en bici". Whatever.
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