I just had to post this following story... thanks to madmd, I appreciate this wise message and it's raw truth. As we have just approached the new year, lets all be watchful of our words...

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said:

"Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied.

"Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test.

It's called the Test of Three."

"Test of Three?"

"That's right," Socrates continued.

"Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say.

The first test is Truth.

Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

No," the man said, "actually I just heard about It."

"All right," said Socrates.

"So you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness.

Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness.

Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True, nor Good, nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

TRUTH, GOODNESS, USEFULNESS... TAKE A MOMENT

back to bcn

Back to Barcelona and back to (optimistically) maintaining an active blog … a personal ambition to produce a bit of writing and reflection, as well - it provides a slight dose of what is going on in my world abroad …. Dedicated to those who do have it starred as a “favorite”

Just short of a week upon arrival, roughly acclimated to the time-difference, in the midst of organizing my classes and already scheming European adventures. It was such a strange feeling waking up in Barcelona the first day and feeling like I had never left, however simultaneously having the sensation that I could easily open door leading me with one step back in to my world in Seattle. Soon enough winter wonderland in Seattle will be around the corner so I must not get too ahead of myself… moment by moment is how I like to function with a thoughtful awareness of the future – I just have to remind myself not to obsess over it. If you know me well, you know that as one of my battles, preoccupying my mind 5 steps ahead of the present moment and obsessing over making the right decision. “Who knows!?” Seriously! Who does know what is in store? I sure don’t, but a little bit of patience and contentment then something great always seems to appear – and that’s what we go with!

So the highlights of the moment I am in presently…. The Mediterranean
I am now living on Carrer Villarroel 259, 5-3, Barcelona 08036

I’ve painted my room – it is tiny so I thought yellow would be a good way to open it up! I will be making a trip to Ikea trip to see what kind of odd furniture I can configure in the little space that my bed does not occupy.
… photos to come

I also spent all day teaming up with Kimmie painting in our living room a deep red-rosy color and helping her paint her room.
Whew! Painting is work!
Between that and heavy lifting, I am sore!

Poc a poc as they say in Catalan, and there will be more to come…

ok, get ready for some pics...
here are links to a few albums i have created!
you will see barcelona, paris, ireland and many friendly faces
enjoy!

(you should be able to just highlight, copy and paste the link in the address bar to see the pictures, if you cant click on it)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166570&id=25902907&l=cdfb3a7383

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166566&id=25902907&l=aaad8293b8

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166563&id=25902907&l=1845b8a2a7

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166494&id=25902907&l=76d611a6b5

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2166560&id=25902907&l=d256639c29

And now it is now spring ... or is it?

April 25, 2009 … My initial intentions were to keep an ongoing journal upon setting up my blog, but as we can see, my last entry was 2 months ago

… Since February, I have been graced with dear visitors - Danielle, Yossy, and Sarah (in may) Kerry, Tom and Kirstin (in April) ...I have been continuing to work my butt off, juggling my students – some very ambitious, and others completely lacking motivation, and many at various points in between… A weekend trip to Paris, a camping adventure in Ireland, experiencing the traditional Catalan calzotada (one of the most delicious BBQs ever!) ... continuing to explore the many barrios of Barcelona, taking classed twice a week - still trying to speak this foreign language and express myself as naturally as possible, but I find myself tangeled up in the the lack of vocabulary, and stumbling around correct grammar structures - oh how easy I find myself in a world of self impatience - but hey i have to remind myself that i am doing the best I can! …Day to day, week to week ... my inspirations change ... at one moment feeling 100% interested in continuing life here, continue my growth at an English teacher, Spanish language learner, and traveler - there are still so many places I am craving to explore... and then I am hit with a complete 180 switch where I find myself filled with desire to be home, get back into my Seattle life that awaits me. I know at this point I am young – although I have just completed a quarter century of life - and I need to go with my gut, but how do I follow my instinct when I cant quite keep up with it? well I guess I will just put the goal out there of being at peace with the moment ...

Today I was stitting at the beach, weathering the wind. Lately, the days have been filled with sunshine then the dark clouds roll in, although we have gotten some pretty impressive rainbows ... the weather hasnt quite made up its mind yet - so I find myself, saturday morning, doing my best to pull out that sunshine, and convince the clouds to pass, but the sun is a bit shy today, and the wind is taking over. To say the least, the waves are beautiful and I am taking advantage of the best natural therapy : ocean, fresh air, music - but most of all, some time to myself!

FABULOUS FEBRUARY

yet again, another month has flown by...
a lot of activity - parties, serious decision making ("should I stay or should I go... da da da da da da?!"), teaching, Spanish classes, and lots of and lots of planning - the works!

I am planning an adventure to Ireland in April, i have officially rented a Volkswagen, fully equipped orange and white camper van to entertain a complete Irish tour - so that is a highlight I am anxioulsy awaiting!

As well, I have three special visitors this coming week and the week after - so that will be busy and fun of course!
I get to take a weekend in Paris with Yossy and Danielle, and then some time with my cousin in :)

so lets see - the favorites from February...

Kims cousin came for a weekend visit
and showed off his juggling skills on a beautifully sunny Sunday
We had a fun time exploring the city and taking it easy



Kim and i went to the "Obama world tour concert"
It was a fun reggae party! great music and good vibes!




Then it was crazy carnival celebrations!
we took off for Sitges for the evening / early morning festivities in pirate gear...





i am really enjoying the company of a wonderful
from bellingham - michelle reciently moved to the
city!








Then to wrap up the excitement I went off hit the French Pyrinese for a bit of skiing !


my friend gemma - she is acutally a student of mine...
we do private classes - she has been a wonderful
friend too!
we went to her house just across the french / spanish
border near the mountains for some spring skiing!









crazy rope tow i have never seen one like it...

Final decision: I am planning a summer quest to obtain a visa so I can continue to work here next year... get ready to see me boppin around seattle this summer!
so excited!!!

so now I am off to kick a sinus infection out of my system...off to dream land
sending love to all

Oh the rain in Spain not only falls on the plains... I feel as if i am back in my lovely rainy city of Seattle... what a trick! my first week back here was so blissfully sunny with the impression that the days had begun warming up in preparation for springtime - but to my surprise the last week has brought chilled gusts of wind, gray and wet days - yuck!, i am ready for the sun to shine on down!
Along with the endless raindrops, i am battling some foreign virus, which all the kids have been oh so freely spreading around the mini town of Cabrils, needless to say my very intimate classroom - yuck ! once again. Those snotty kids - in more ways than one - have however are growing on me. All the hugs and smiles, and undeniable big brown eyes... they do melt my heart, so enough complaining.

I have enrolled in Spanish classes - yay! I have been meaning to do that ever since i moved over here, however it was impossible with my work schedule druing the fall. I had decided that when i cam back after the holidays I would rearrange some classes so I could sllow for a life outside of teaching English - goal accomplished! ... at least one checked off the endless list i behold
... so the Spanish classes? Indeed I did study in college - must I explain that languages are not simple, and I have to remind myself so I dont get bumbed out about not being "fluent" yet... it takes constant practice, and it can be discouraging... sometimes the words I want just dont come out - and with the majority of my days filled with the English language, Spanish classes are just what I have been craving... i have already met some wonderful people to say the least, Germans, English, French, Finish, Japanese... and it is such a nice change of pace! sitting facing the whiteboard instead of standing infront of it! Putting the grammar, vocabulary, and countless hours studing this language back into practice is very refreshing!
I have also added yet another highlight ot my weeks - samba reggae dance! instructed by my dear roommate kimmie! I love it, I love it! and that's all i need to say about that for now - it is just simply great.
Although my classes are still challenging and time consuming... I have found a steady rhythm, and it is so cool being a whitness to their great progress! Viva la vida
... once again, I am still missing everyone at home - you all fill my heart daily