Hello Friends! Happy Day-After Thanksgiving!!
Well, for all of you who know me well, I am not artistic nor poetic, it's just not my nature. I would rather do math problems or read science journals, but I feel this adventure in Europe is about trying new things.... reason #1 I joined a rugby team!! So, in accordance with trying new things, I sat down with a warm cup of tea and decided to write a poem about the holidays. I can't believe I am actually going to post this on my blog, but here it goes :)
Thanks again for taking the time to read it, and again, I hope you all had a marvelous holiday! Much Love!!!
Winter Wonderland
by: Chrissy Pepino
Pumpkin colored leaves gently fall to the ground,
As hot chocolate overflows mismatched holiday mugs.
Pink wool scarves and warm toasty mittens greet
The whistling wind as it welcomes the approaching storms.
Dawn and dusk are encompassed by total darkness, as daylight becomes scarce
While the sleeping sun wraps itself around a quilt of gray clouds.
Glistening frost sits upon the fences and rooftops
And puddles are as abundant as dripping umbrellas.
Chimney smoke signals the comfort of a home
As vibrant flowers and colorful landscape hibernate until spring.
We welcome the holiday season with much cheer,
Because rosy cheeks and bright smiles ignite happiness to warm the winter.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
A little bit o' NovemBURRRRRRR
Hello Amigos! I just got back from Spain on Sunday night and had a wonderful and relaxing weekend! Jess and I stayed at a really nice hostel in the heart of Madrid, near Plaza del Sol. Speaking of sol – it was so sunny there! We had great weather and took full advantage of it! The first day we walked all over the city for 7 hours, stopping at all the botanic gardens, parks and fountains. We also discovered some great little markets and got some cute Spanish purses and earrings. We went to the oldest temple in Europe, of course, took lots of Kite pictures to rep Theta! We went out that night until 6am the next morning, and we were also able to practice our Spanish with some locals! We ate LOTS of delicious food, my favorite being chocolate con churros – where we dipped them in thick chocolate, and after finishing with our dessert, they would pour warm milk into the remaining chocolate to make HOT CHOCOLOATE. Pretty much heaven! On the last day we went to the biggest market in Europe, over 300 stalls big. IT WAS HUGE! All the streets were closed off, and there were thousands of people there! That day I went to EL Prado, the very famous art museum, with their most famous piece from Goya. I had to sprint through the museum because I only had 2 hours, but it was definitely worth it! I am now very excited for Jess to come visit me in Belgium in 2 weeks!
I am also finalizing my Christmas vacation plans: Brussels to Bratislava to Vienna to Prague to Budapest to London to Dublin to Paris. WOOT WOOT!!!!! I am going to miss my family more than they will EVER realize, however, this is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have this much time off to backpack around Europe, so here I go! 7 countries should keep me busy enough so I just wont sit in my hostel and feel sorry for myself that I am away from my family for the holidays… but we’ll see!
The holidays are soon approaching and I am missing my friends more than ever, and thank you to Ashley who sent me a lovely letter in the mail! I finallyyyyyyyyyyy sent Craig and Ash letters back ~ sorry again for it taking me so long!
French class may be a hopeless cause; I really can’t speak it yet. I am starting to understand when people talk to me, but have a mental breakdown when I have to form a sentence in my head.
I am still obsessed with my Mac Computer!
Oh, and if anyone needs a reading recommendation, I just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini. I would definitely recommend it. It is just a small reminder of how much we take for granted, and how blessed we really are.
Well, this is somewhat of a short entry because I am now off to ‘Friday club’, where Hannah, Louise, Anna, Henrikka, and I all meet up for coffee and ice cream, and talk about the life of being au-pairs!
Also: 2 quick questions: I am terrible at blogging, because I don’t know how to post pictures with my blog text, and I don’t know how to follow people’s blogs so I have to stalk them on facebook and then go to their website link, does anyone have any tips for me? I need step-by-step blog instructions :) Thanks!
Much love always, and Happy Thanksgiving (soon)!!!
I am also finalizing my Christmas vacation plans: Brussels to Bratislava to Vienna to Prague to Budapest to London to Dublin to Paris. WOOT WOOT!!!!! I am going to miss my family more than they will EVER realize, however, this is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have this much time off to backpack around Europe, so here I go! 7 countries should keep me busy enough so I just wont sit in my hostel and feel sorry for myself that I am away from my family for the holidays… but we’ll see!
The holidays are soon approaching and I am missing my friends more than ever, and thank you to Ashley who sent me a lovely letter in the mail! I finallyyyyyyyyyyy sent Craig and Ash letters back ~ sorry again for it taking me so long!
French class may be a hopeless cause; I really can’t speak it yet. I am starting to understand when people talk to me, but have a mental breakdown when I have to form a sentence in my head.
I am still obsessed with my Mac Computer!
Oh, and if anyone needs a reading recommendation, I just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini. I would definitely recommend it. It is just a small reminder of how much we take for granted, and how blessed we really are.
Well, this is somewhat of a short entry because I am now off to ‘Friday club’, where Hannah, Louise, Anna, Henrikka, and I all meet up for coffee and ice cream, and talk about the life of being au-pairs!
Also: 2 quick questions: I am terrible at blogging, because I don’t know how to post pictures with my blog text, and I don’t know how to follow people’s blogs so I have to stalk them on facebook and then go to their website link, does anyone have any tips for me? I need step-by-step blog instructions :) Thanks!
Much love always, and Happy Thanksgiving (soon)!!!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
A Guide to a Happy Life
Hello friends!!
I received this small note card at the Presidential Scholar Luncheon last year, and have kept it in my wallet ever since. I constantly read it, and wanted to share it with others.
A Guide to a Happy Life (Anonymous)
No one will ever get out of this world alive. Resolve therefore, to maintain a core sense of values. Take care of yourself. Good health is everyone's major source of wealth. Without it, happiness is almost impossible. Resolve to be cheerful and helpful. People will repay you in kind. Avoid angry abusive persons. The are generally vengeful. Avoid zealots, they are generally humorless. Resolve to listen more and talk less. No one has ever learned anything from talking. Be careful about giving advice. Wise men don't need it and fools won't heed it. Resolve to be tender with the young and compassionate with the old. Be sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the wrong. Sometime in your life you will have been all of these. Do not equate money with success. There are many successful money makers who are miserable failures as human beings. What counts the most about success is how a person achieves it.
Success (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
To laugh often and much.
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.
To earn the appreciation of critics and endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty, weather in a healthy child, a garden path, or a redeemed social condition.
To know even one life has breathed easier because you lived.
This is to have succeeded in life.
Small Updates on my life:
I just got back from a weekend in Berlin with Dani, and it was wonderful! I took a bus ride there, arrived Saturday morning, and walked all over the city! It was beautiful and full of positive energy! We went to the Eastside Gallery where the remains of the Berlin Wall is still standing, covered in unique paintings and murals of the victory of peace between the East and the West. We then grabbed coffee and people-watched all afternoon. We went to some small "markets" to look at artwork and jewelery, and walked near the TV tower to see the "iconic" symbol of advanced technology. Dani and I also visited Checkpoint Charlie and walked around the rest of the city. That night, we went to a nice birthday dinner for Dani (YAY being 23!!) and retired early! The next morning we went back into the city and walked around, visiting and walking around more museums and historical landmarks. We then grabbed more coffee and walked around the beautiful parks of Berlin!!!!! We got some candy and hot "glow-wine" - mulled red wine - to keep us warm, and parted our separate ways. It was a short but sweet weekend!
Next stop: Madrid!
ALSO: I just found out Amy Buchmann is coming for New Years!! YEAHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Jessica is coming the 4th of December, Amy the 28th of December, and JP the 13th of January! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!
All my love ~ Chrissy
I received this small note card at the Presidential Scholar Luncheon last year, and have kept it in my wallet ever since. I constantly read it, and wanted to share it with others.
A Guide to a Happy Life (Anonymous)
No one will ever get out of this world alive. Resolve therefore, to maintain a core sense of values. Take care of yourself. Good health is everyone's major source of wealth. Without it, happiness is almost impossible. Resolve to be cheerful and helpful. People will repay you in kind. Avoid angry abusive persons. The are generally vengeful. Avoid zealots, they are generally humorless. Resolve to listen more and talk less. No one has ever learned anything from talking. Be careful about giving advice. Wise men don't need it and fools won't heed it. Resolve to be tender with the young and compassionate with the old. Be sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and the wrong. Sometime in your life you will have been all of these. Do not equate money with success. There are many successful money makers who are miserable failures as human beings. What counts the most about success is how a person achieves it.
Success (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
To laugh often and much.
To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children.
To earn the appreciation of critics and endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty, weather in a healthy child, a garden path, or a redeemed social condition.
To know even one life has breathed easier because you lived.
This is to have succeeded in life.
Small Updates on my life:
I just got back from a weekend in Berlin with Dani, and it was wonderful! I took a bus ride there, arrived Saturday morning, and walked all over the city! It was beautiful and full of positive energy! We went to the Eastside Gallery where the remains of the Berlin Wall is still standing, covered in unique paintings and murals of the victory of peace between the East and the West. We then grabbed coffee and people-watched all afternoon. We went to some small "markets" to look at artwork and jewelery, and walked near the TV tower to see the "iconic" symbol of advanced technology. Dani and I also visited Checkpoint Charlie and walked around the rest of the city. That night, we went to a nice birthday dinner for Dani (YAY being 23!!) and retired early! The next morning we went back into the city and walked around, visiting and walking around more museums and historical landmarks. We then grabbed more coffee and walked around the beautiful parks of Berlin!!!!! We got some candy and hot "glow-wine" - mulled red wine - to keep us warm, and parted our separate ways. It was a short but sweet weekend!
Next stop: Madrid!
ALSO: I just found out Amy Buchmann is coming for New Years!! YEAHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Jessica is coming the 4th of December, Amy the 28th of December, and JP the 13th of January! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!!
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!
All my love ~ Chrissy
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
A Breath of Fresh Air!
HELLO NOVEMBER!!!! Well, I guess the statement “time flies when you’re having fun” must be true! I cant believe it is approaching the holiday season already! I have been living in Belgium for 10 weeks and am thoroughly enjoying myself. I have finally found a great network of friends here, and planning trips around Europe is so exciting!
For updates in my life (I try to do bullet points to make it an easier read…)
Brugge – I went to Brugge by myself for just a night to experience the “Venice of the North” and it was absolutely perfect. I got an 8 Euro train ticket (round-trip) and just went up there spontaneously. I didn’t know where I was going to stay, or what I was going to do. I found a great little hostel for cheap, and grabbed dinner and walked all over the city admiring the pretty canals and the autumn leaves. The next morning I woke up early and ordered pancakes by the kilo ( for those of you who are not good with the metric system – which apparently I am not good at either, that is equal to 14 pancakes – it was QUITE a surprise when they arrived at my table), and then biked to the beach. I did some shopping at H&M and then came home. Joy’s 8th Birthday Party was the following day so I was the designated “photographer” for the day. It was absolutely priceless!
Amsterdam – I went to Amsterdam with Hannah and Louise (2 other au-pair girls that are SUPER) for Halloween weekend. We stayed 2 nights and had just a BLAST! We took the bus up, it was a 4 hour ride, stayed at a really nice hostel, and enjoyed the scenery. We took a 4 hour walking tour around Amsterdam looking at all the historic landmarks and learning about the background of the city. We got great hot chocolate at a cute café, and then went back to our hostel to get ready for the “Ultimate Party” pub crawl. It was 5 clubs, 8 hours, and 400 people. SO MUCH FUN!!!! The next day we went on a Canal Cruise and then got the bus back home!
Berlin – I am going to Berlin for Dani’s 23rd birthday, and also to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall! I am really excited to see Dani again since we had such a great time at Oktoberfest in Munich, and am looking forward to seeing another part of Germany!
Madrid – In 2 weeks I am going to visit Jessica in Madrid, one of my amazing sorority sisters that is studying abroad there! I have never been to Spain, but am really looking forward to meeting up with her and experiencing new culture, food, and people!
Autumn – The leaves here are all vibrant yellows, oranges, and red. A few weeks ago when the children had “holiday” we went out to the garden and raked up a lot of leaves and jumped in them! Europe in the fall is just breathtaking (but cold)!
Week off of School – When the children had a week break, I helped them carve pumpkins and pick out Halloween costumes. Overall, it was a really nice week! The kids are super funny and they make me feel young again. It is SO refreshing to just be surrounded with children. The best part: you can be 100% yourself, and they don’t judge at all.
Harry potter – I am only reading 15 pages a day so it will last longer….
Volleyball tourney – Tonight my volleyball tournament begins: single elimination, 2 games a night. I am really excited about this! I love my team and it is so fun to be a part of an adult league! And not to brag or anything (haha, well kind-of) but we are still undefeated! WOOT WOOT!
Mail – My mom has sent me 2 packages and my sister has sent me 2 as well, and I just love getting mail!! Craig sent me a 4 page letter which made my day, and overall, it just makes me REALLY excited when the mailman comes to the door! SO… THANK YOU!
Photography – One (of the many) benefits of living here is the opportunity to take photos of such wonderful places. Traveling around has provided some great photos, and being with 3 ADORABLE children makes taking photos so rewarding! I love it here ; )
Rain boots – I finally gave in and bought rain boots.
Thanksgiving and Christmas – For the first time in my life, I will not be home for the 2 greatest holidays of the year. This makes me sad, but it also makes me really happy to look back on all the great years we have had as a family. Being away from home is a good way to remember to be thankful for all the good times!
Nikkies wedding – Nikkie P just got my bridesmaid dress for me! I am really excited for her and her big day, I will be flying back to the states on June 5th to make it in time for her WEDDING! awwwwwwwww
Skype – thank God for Skype. For those of you who I have not skyped with yet, lets set up a time. SERIOUSLY! Skypename: chrissyjopepino
Thailand – I think moving to Belgium was 100% the right decision. First of all, I remember Dani telling me that whatever you choose to do with the year after you graduate, it will set the tone for the rest of your life. I am finding that to be very true! I have gained a lot of confidence by being here, by moving to a new country, learning to get adjusted to the differences, and making new friends. I am strongly considering doing a year-long program in Thailand to teach English. I had a phone interview with the program, and am now working out logistics. I really do want to teach (as previously shown with applying to TFA) and think this may be a good option.
Anyhow, thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and please (as always) provide me with updates on your life! My email is chrissyjopepino@gmai.com And just a small reminder, you are all welcome to visit AT ANY TIME!
All my love ~ Chrissy
For updates in my life (I try to do bullet points to make it an easier read…)
Brugge – I went to Brugge by myself for just a night to experience the “Venice of the North” and it was absolutely perfect. I got an 8 Euro train ticket (round-trip) and just went up there spontaneously. I didn’t know where I was going to stay, or what I was going to do. I found a great little hostel for cheap, and grabbed dinner and walked all over the city admiring the pretty canals and the autumn leaves. The next morning I woke up early and ordered pancakes by the kilo ( for those of you who are not good with the metric system – which apparently I am not good at either, that is equal to 14 pancakes – it was QUITE a surprise when they arrived at my table), and then biked to the beach. I did some shopping at H&M and then came home. Joy’s 8th Birthday Party was the following day so I was the designated “photographer” for the day. It was absolutely priceless!
Amsterdam – I went to Amsterdam with Hannah and Louise (2 other au-pair girls that are SUPER) for Halloween weekend. We stayed 2 nights and had just a BLAST! We took the bus up, it was a 4 hour ride, stayed at a really nice hostel, and enjoyed the scenery. We took a 4 hour walking tour around Amsterdam looking at all the historic landmarks and learning about the background of the city. We got great hot chocolate at a cute café, and then went back to our hostel to get ready for the “Ultimate Party” pub crawl. It was 5 clubs, 8 hours, and 400 people. SO MUCH FUN!!!! The next day we went on a Canal Cruise and then got the bus back home!
Berlin – I am going to Berlin for Dani’s 23rd birthday, and also to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall! I am really excited to see Dani again since we had such a great time at Oktoberfest in Munich, and am looking forward to seeing another part of Germany!
Madrid – In 2 weeks I am going to visit Jessica in Madrid, one of my amazing sorority sisters that is studying abroad there! I have never been to Spain, but am really looking forward to meeting up with her and experiencing new culture, food, and people!
Autumn – The leaves here are all vibrant yellows, oranges, and red. A few weeks ago when the children had “holiday” we went out to the garden and raked up a lot of leaves and jumped in them! Europe in the fall is just breathtaking (but cold)!
Week off of School – When the children had a week break, I helped them carve pumpkins and pick out Halloween costumes. Overall, it was a really nice week! The kids are super funny and they make me feel young again. It is SO refreshing to just be surrounded with children. The best part: you can be 100% yourself, and they don’t judge at all.
Harry potter – I am only reading 15 pages a day so it will last longer….
Volleyball tourney – Tonight my volleyball tournament begins: single elimination, 2 games a night. I am really excited about this! I love my team and it is so fun to be a part of an adult league! And not to brag or anything (haha, well kind-of) but we are still undefeated! WOOT WOOT!
Mail – My mom has sent me 2 packages and my sister has sent me 2 as well, and I just love getting mail!! Craig sent me a 4 page letter which made my day, and overall, it just makes me REALLY excited when the mailman comes to the door! SO… THANK YOU!
Photography – One (of the many) benefits of living here is the opportunity to take photos of such wonderful places. Traveling around has provided some great photos, and being with 3 ADORABLE children makes taking photos so rewarding! I love it here ; )
Rain boots – I finally gave in and bought rain boots.
Thanksgiving and Christmas – For the first time in my life, I will not be home for the 2 greatest holidays of the year. This makes me sad, but it also makes me really happy to look back on all the great years we have had as a family. Being away from home is a good way to remember to be thankful for all the good times!
Nikkies wedding – Nikkie P just got my bridesmaid dress for me! I am really excited for her and her big day, I will be flying back to the states on June 5th to make it in time for her WEDDING! awwwwwwwww
Skype – thank God for Skype. For those of you who I have not skyped with yet, lets set up a time. SERIOUSLY! Skypename: chrissyjopepino
Thailand – I think moving to Belgium was 100% the right decision. First of all, I remember Dani telling me that whatever you choose to do with the year after you graduate, it will set the tone for the rest of your life. I am finding that to be very true! I have gained a lot of confidence by being here, by moving to a new country, learning to get adjusted to the differences, and making new friends. I am strongly considering doing a year-long program in Thailand to teach English. I had a phone interview with the program, and am now working out logistics. I really do want to teach (as previously shown with applying to TFA) and think this may be a good option.
Anyhow, thank you for taking the time to read my blog, and please (as always) provide me with updates on your life! My email is chrissyjopepino@gmai.com And just a small reminder, you are all welcome to visit AT ANY TIME!
All my love ~ Chrissy
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Updates (Attempt #2)
UPDATES IN MY LIFE VIA CATEGORIES: Germany: I am now back from Oktoberfest in Munich, and had just a marvelous time! I met up with Dani, another Psychobiology major from Chapman University, and we just had a freaking AWESOME time! We Couch Surfed with some amazing people and met some fantastic friends! It was overall a very positive experience, and I will be going back to Germany, but this time to Berlin, to celebrate Dani’s 23rd birthday with her! YAY!
Harry Potter: I am now on the 7th and Final Book of Harry Potter, and oh my gosh I don’t want it to end!!! If you have any recommendations on the next series I should read, please let me know. My host family says Twilight, any thoughts?
Fresh Fruit: There are fresh apples and grapes that grow in our yard here. Pretty cool!
Host Family: I have been here almost 2 months and am acclimating quite well. I am getting along with the family, and the children really are wonderful. They all go to school and are very smart, and I am just really proud of them!
Swimming: There is a swimming pool at the Castle Club, and the children LOVE to go swimming. I took them swimming a few weeks ago, and it was probably the funniest experience I have had here. Long story short, we were in the pool for 3 hours, and I was exhausted by the end!!!
Au pair club on Fridays: A few good friends and I meet at a cute little coffee/ice cream parlor on Fridays and visit for a couple hours called Mont Blanc. It is wonderful to meet such a nice variety of people from all over the world, such as Finland, Sweden, and the U.K. Overall, I am very excited to have met these wonderful gals, and am happy to be here!
Volleyball Team: I am so grateful to have met Kerry and Kathleen, they are 2 American girls that live on the estate, and are kick-ass at volleyball. They asked me to join the adult league and the games are so fun! It is just nice to be back on the court and smiling again, even though I am out of shape and cant jump serve to save my life. We had a match vs. a team from Lithuania and WON! Heck yes!
French Class: Updates on that – I am enjoying French, but cant speak a lick of it. Patience I guess.
Parallel parking: Parallel Parking with a Stick Shift Car in EUROPE gives me ulcers. End of story on that one.
Visitors: I am delighted to say that Jessica, who is living in Spain, is coming to visit me the first weekend of December, and JP is also coming to visit me in January before he starts his amazing adventure studying abroad in the Netherlands.
MISSING YOU: I miss my friends and family and get super home-sick sometimes. Thank God for Skype, because it really helps me still feel connected with most of my friends and family. I still have not skyped with a few close friends back in AZ and CA, but it is either because a) they don’t have a good comp, or b) our schedules are way too opposite, but I am not giving up hope!!! However, I know I will (God willing) be reunited with everyone very very soon when I get back to the states! ORRRR, when you come visit me here : )
Teach For America: I was offered another final interview (in person) for TFA, but was actually able to defer my final interview until March since I am considered an international applicant. This is good in a variety of ways, now I can really think more about this decision and commitment, as well as buy a cheaper ticket to New York (or where ever my final interview will be).
Possibly teaching in Thailand: I applied to teach English for 1 year in Thailand. Carpe Diem. Right?
Cake Decorating: I have taken 3 cake decorating classes already, and to be honest, I am terrible. I don’t have patience for that kind of stuff, but it is hilarious and I am enjoying the ‘attempt’. It took me 2 hours to make rose petals out of icing, and another 2 hours to dye them the proper color. I just wanna eat cake, lets be honest. Who cares what it looks like?!?
Future Travels: I would really like to go visit Jessica in Spain, Vanessa in England, JP in the Netherlands, and also take a trip to Ireland, Switzerland, and Greece, but will be saving some of those destinations for when my mom comes to visit, or take a bit longer to explore and do it over Christmas break, not sure yet… Overall, Belgium really is the ultimate location for traveling!
Markets: Here they really support local farms and businesses, and each Friday there are markets in Stockel, Tevuren, and Leuven and you can buy any thing you want! Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, meats, and of course, baked goods! I love to just go and walk around, it is a nice atmosphere!
Transportation: The Metro here ROCKS! I love well planned out cities! And everyone here walks and ride bikes too! COOL!
Mi Casa: Living on an Estate is pretty nice!! This house is just picture-perfect and I love being surrounded by green grass, big trees, and a little stream full of ducks!
My Comfort Zone- GONE: This whole experience has forced me out of my comfort zone. I am beginning to look at this as an opportunity instead of a hindrance. Life is all what you make of it.
Time for Myself: Time to relax is a change of pace! (I am learning how to do this…. )When the children are at school and the grocery shopping and laundry is done, I can just sit and relax. I read, listen to music, go for walks, go work out, or just sit and mediate. In college, I never had time for myself, so this is a nice change in routine.
Congratulations to the Pepino Family: My mom and dad just got a new dog, Munchkin, a 3 year old boy from the Humane Society, and I am happy that they now have a new companion at home. Of course, no dog will ever replace my best 4-legged friend, Benji, but I am happy that we have a new member of our family. I just wish I could be there to help celebrate in my mom’s happiness. I also really miss my sisser. She can always make me laugh when I am having a not-so-good day.
The Weather: I miss nice weather!!! Belgium is great location in Europe, and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to live here, but the weather is just a whole different experience that I have never been through. RAIN RAIN RAIN!!! Coming from Arizona then moving to California, I really have no idea what “winter” is, but will be experiencing COLD weather from about November to March. Heating blanket anyone???
I am not trying to sound materialistic but….. I miss having more than 7 outfits to choose from. I only took one big suitcase here full of clothes, then a smaller suitcase full of cosmetics/vitamins. Long story short: living with one suitcase full of clothes for a year is also a new experience, and a humbling one as well!
Pardon???? I miss being able to read road signs/ingredients/maps/instructions etc. Not much English is spoken or written here…..
The Fat Kid in Me: I miss In N Out and Taco Bell. Yes, this did just make my blog. Don’t judge me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, and again, please
PLEASE up date me on your life, you can e-mail me at chrissyjopepino@gmail.com
MUCH LOVE ALWAYS!
Harry Potter: I am now on the 7th and Final Book of Harry Potter, and oh my gosh I don’t want it to end!!! If you have any recommendations on the next series I should read, please let me know. My host family says Twilight, any thoughts?
Fresh Fruit: There are fresh apples and grapes that grow in our yard here. Pretty cool!
Host Family: I have been here almost 2 months and am acclimating quite well. I am getting along with the family, and the children really are wonderful. They all go to school and are very smart, and I am just really proud of them!
Swimming: There is a swimming pool at the Castle Club, and the children LOVE to go swimming. I took them swimming a few weeks ago, and it was probably the funniest experience I have had here. Long story short, we were in the pool for 3 hours, and I was exhausted by the end!!!
Au pair club on Fridays: A few good friends and I meet at a cute little coffee/ice cream parlor on Fridays and visit for a couple hours called Mont Blanc. It is wonderful to meet such a nice variety of people from all over the world, such as Finland, Sweden, and the U.K. Overall, I am very excited to have met these wonderful gals, and am happy to be here!
Volleyball Team: I am so grateful to have met Kerry and Kathleen, they are 2 American girls that live on the estate, and are kick-ass at volleyball. They asked me to join the adult league and the games are so fun! It is just nice to be back on the court and smiling again, even though I am out of shape and cant jump serve to save my life. We had a match vs. a team from Lithuania and WON! Heck yes!
French Class: Updates on that – I am enjoying French, but cant speak a lick of it. Patience I guess.
Parallel parking: Parallel Parking with a Stick Shift Car in EUROPE gives me ulcers. End of story on that one.
Visitors: I am delighted to say that Jessica, who is living in Spain, is coming to visit me the first weekend of December, and JP is also coming to visit me in January before he starts his amazing adventure studying abroad in the Netherlands.
MISSING YOU: I miss my friends and family and get super home-sick sometimes. Thank God for Skype, because it really helps me still feel connected with most of my friends and family. I still have not skyped with a few close friends back in AZ and CA, but it is either because a) they don’t have a good comp, or b) our schedules are way too opposite, but I am not giving up hope!!! However, I know I will (God willing) be reunited with everyone very very soon when I get back to the states! ORRRR, when you come visit me here : )
Teach For America: I was offered another final interview (in person) for TFA, but was actually able to defer my final interview until March since I am considered an international applicant. This is good in a variety of ways, now I can really think more about this decision and commitment, as well as buy a cheaper ticket to New York (or where ever my final interview will be).
Possibly teaching in Thailand: I applied to teach English for 1 year in Thailand. Carpe Diem. Right?
Cake Decorating: I have taken 3 cake decorating classes already, and to be honest, I am terrible. I don’t have patience for that kind of stuff, but it is hilarious and I am enjoying the ‘attempt’. It took me 2 hours to make rose petals out of icing, and another 2 hours to dye them the proper color. I just wanna eat cake, lets be honest. Who cares what it looks like?!?
Future Travels: I would really like to go visit Jessica in Spain, Vanessa in England, JP in the Netherlands, and also take a trip to Ireland, Switzerland, and Greece, but will be saving some of those destinations for when my mom comes to visit, or take a bit longer to explore and do it over Christmas break, not sure yet… Overall, Belgium really is the ultimate location for traveling!
Markets: Here they really support local farms and businesses, and each Friday there are markets in Stockel, Tevuren, and Leuven and you can buy any thing you want! Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, meats, and of course, baked goods! I love to just go and walk around, it is a nice atmosphere!
Transportation: The Metro here ROCKS! I love well planned out cities! And everyone here walks and ride bikes too! COOL!
Mi Casa: Living on an Estate is pretty nice!! This house is just picture-perfect and I love being surrounded by green grass, big trees, and a little stream full of ducks!
My Comfort Zone- GONE: This whole experience has forced me out of my comfort zone. I am beginning to look at this as an opportunity instead of a hindrance. Life is all what you make of it.
Time for Myself: Time to relax is a change of pace! (I am learning how to do this…. )When the children are at school and the grocery shopping and laundry is done, I can just sit and relax. I read, listen to music, go for walks, go work out, or just sit and mediate. In college, I never had time for myself, so this is a nice change in routine.
Congratulations to the Pepino Family: My mom and dad just got a new dog, Munchkin, a 3 year old boy from the Humane Society, and I am happy that they now have a new companion at home. Of course, no dog will ever replace my best 4-legged friend, Benji, but I am happy that we have a new member of our family. I just wish I could be there to help celebrate in my mom’s happiness. I also really miss my sisser. She can always make me laugh when I am having a not-so-good day.
The Weather: I miss nice weather!!! Belgium is great location in Europe, and I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to live here, but the weather is just a whole different experience that I have never been through. RAIN RAIN RAIN!!! Coming from Arizona then moving to California, I really have no idea what “winter” is, but will be experiencing COLD weather from about November to March. Heating blanket anyone???
I am not trying to sound materialistic but….. I miss having more than 7 outfits to choose from. I only took one big suitcase here full of clothes, then a smaller suitcase full of cosmetics/vitamins. Long story short: living with one suitcase full of clothes for a year is also a new experience, and a humbling one as well!
Pardon???? I miss being able to read road signs/ingredients/maps/instructions etc. Not much English is spoken or written here…..
The Fat Kid in Me: I miss In N Out and Taco Bell. Yes, this did just make my blog. Don’t judge me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, and again, please
PLEASE up date me on your life, you can e-mail me at chrissyjopepino@gmail.com
MUCH LOVE ALWAYS!
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