phobias. and other news. UPDATED

Whew, life has been busy lately. I don't even know what I've been busy with, but I feel like I haven't had time for much of anything! Wait, I know what I've been busy with. School. And work. And couponing...

Have I mentioned that my sister is the queen of bargain shopping? Well, she taught me some of her tricks. So I've been printing coupons, scouring the internet for sales, and shopping like a crazy woman. And paying barely anything. I love Rite Aid. I've bought probably $100 + worth of items there in the last few weeks but have only paid like $20ish dollars for it all. Lovely. Now I'm running out of room to store my stockpile of toiletries, medicine, etc. Anyway, if you want to learn the secrets, check out the Krazy Coupon Lady, Frugal Living NW and Hip2Save, some of my new favorite websites.

I've also been doing more cooking, although not as much as I had been doing. But with my new bargain shopping tricks, maybe I'll be able to afford to buy a whole ton of food now so I can cook my little heart out. But along with cooking came the realization that I have some really weird, irrational fears. Just because I'm weird like that, I decided I would share them. The first two have to do with food. The rest are just craziness.

1.) I have a fear of onions. I am slowly conquering this fear, in fact I have even bought onions and used them recently. But I can only make myself buy the sweet onions and have to wrap leftover onions in a ziplock bag inside of a tupperware container before putting it in the fridge, for fear that it will contaminate everything else inside the fridge with oniony grossness.

2.) I am terrified that I will give myself food poisoning. Or salmonella or some other form of food-borne illness. For this reason, I wash my hands about a million times each time I cook. And I don't taste much while I am cooking because I'm afraid of...something. I don't even know. So that leads to sometimes under-seasoned dishes. But that's (almost) always fixable. I'd rather have under-salted macaroni (as was the case with yesterday's dish) than food poisoning.

3.) Ants. I hate them. More than any other insect. I know they are tiny, I know they are practically harmless. I also know that they infest my living space in droves and are impossible to get rid of. My roommate found ants inside her cereal a while back. So I bought some ant trap things that are supposed to kill them. Well, they are still around. Not as many as I used to get in my CA apartment (where I would call my parents crying, asking how to get rid of them), but enough to be gross. Sometimes I'll be sitting on the couch studying and find an ant crawling on my hand. Or I will be sitting in class and find ants on my notebook. Or there will be a little parade of them in the kitchen. I hate them. It makes me want to scream. I might have to buy some Raid and go on a killing spree soon...

(I was going to put a picture of ants on here. But I threw up a little when the Google images page came up with thousands of pictures of ants, so I quickly closed it. You know what they look like. If not, come on over to my apartment and I'll gladly let you take some home with you.)

4.) I don't know how my siblings and I have made it our entire lives without ever getting lice. But I am terrified of getting them. Maybe I should rethink wanting to be a teacher...Every time I have to itch my scalp I'm certain that lice are the culprit of the itchyness. And every time I go to the hair salon, I'm afraid they'll be like, uhhh, I'm not going to cut your hair, you have lice. How weird is that?! I know, but I'm still so scared. Probably, if I had had lice before, I wouldn't be as scared because I'd know what to expect. Or maybe I'd be more scared. Don't tell me the answer to that if you have had lice. Also, stay away from me if so. Maybe you still have them and will infect me.

(I didn't even try a Google search of lice. Grossss.)

5.) Now, the previous 4 things are pretty weird. But this one just comes out of nowhere. I have a fear of certain bodies of water. I love the ocean. LOVE it. I will swim all around all day in it, doesn't bother me a bit. But when the body of water has gross plants growing in it, and the bottom is all slimy, and the sea-plants brush up against you, I will FREAK OUT (I get the heebie-jeebies just writing about this). So most lakes and rivers are just out of bounds for me as far as swimming goes. And boating is fine, as long as I'm in the boat. But if the boat starts veering towards the gross plant-ness on the banks, I will start secretly freaking out a little, being just sure that I'm going to fly out of the boat and land in the marshy area and THEN WHAT WILL I DO?!?!?! That may sound like a (somewhat) reasonable fear. But I should mention this also applies when I am in a car. If I am driving by a body of water, and there is no guardrail (or even if there is) and very little land in between my car and the water, I get all nervous. I grip the steering wheel with both hands, palms sweaty, and I can't look at the water or I will probably drive right into it. Or that's what my mind thinks anyway. I have to look straight ahead-but even then, I have terrible images in my head of driving into the murky, gross water, and having to either stay trapped in my car or somehow get out of the car and swim through grossness. Although even if the water doesn't appear that gross, I still prefer to not drive by it as I'm afraid I'll drive in and drown. I don't have any idea where this comes from. Just don't try to talk to me while I'm driving by water. I might freak out and accidentally drive us both into the water and we'll drown in the murky depths. Please don't make this happen.

Ay, yi, yi this gives me nightmares just looking at it!

(On a side note, I really am a good driver. I don't know why I doubt my driving abilities so much that I worry about driving into water. I guess that's where the "irrational" in "irrational fears" comes from. Don't judge me.)



UPDATE: I have recently realized some more phobias. Here you go, just for your enjoyment:

6.) Revolving doors. I don't know what it is. I have a little panic attack every time I have to go in one. The airport, the library at PSU, other random places where they have revolving doors. Why would they put those in anywhere?! Why not just an automatic door?! I am always afraid I am either going to get caught in door while it is revolving. Or I will walk too slow or too fast and get hit by the door. Or something. I don't even know what. But I always feel like that scene in Elf when Buddy is trying to get on the escalator. So scared. Trying to drum up the courage. Just going for it. Fortunately I haven't got stuck or had to do the splits while getting in a revolving door. I'm just waiting for when it happens though. Then I'll feel like Ron Burgundy in Anchorman when he is in the phone booth. Stuck in a glass case of emotion. (I don't know why these movie scenes are in my head. But they seem appropriate).

7.) Bicycles. Oh how I hate them. It has been a few years since I've been on a bike. My mom tried to re-teach my sister and I how to ride a bike a few years ago. We also all tried to learn to rollerblade. We went to the same park where we originally learned to ride bikes and rode around in circles and that was enough for me. I don't know what it is, but it just terrifies me. I just feel certain that I am going to fall off. Or run into a car. Or a tree. Or something horrific like that. I prefer my own two feet, where its not all wobbly. (Usually.) Its been probably fifteen years since I actually rode a bike-like, went on a bike ride. I didn't much like it then, and it never grew on me. Soooo I have avoided bikes since then. Don't try to talk me into a bike ride. Unless you have a grown-up sized tricycle. Then I might think about it.

how coupons saved my life. maybe.

Apparently my eye has a cyst or some sort of growth on it. Soooo I have to go get an ultrasound of my eyeball tomorrow. That doesn't sound at all pleasant. It took me a while to realize that they can probably do that with my eye closed, so that doesn't worry me as much. But still hope that it will be quick, even if they don't have to like tape my eye open or something.

There are two things that led to this discovery. One is that my vision has started getting a little worse. The other is I had a coupon (thanks to my sis) for a free pair of glasses. A coupon code which could only be used on one certain day. I had noticed for about a month that my vision was just a little worse than it used to be. But because essentially I can still see just fine, things are just a little tiny blurry when they are at a long distance, I wasn't in a rush to do anything. Then I realized I could get a free pair of glasses, so I called the doctor and made and appointment for the same day so I could also order my glasses that day.

After being told that my prescription for glasses is "between nothing and the smallest amount," and having my pupils dilated to the size of saucers which meant I could see nothing up-close (finding the right credit card to pay the bill was quite a challenge), she also told me there is something funny on my eye. So she referred me to the Casey Eye Institute (conveniently located about one minute from my apartment) to have an ultrasound of my eye.

Now, I'm sure that it is nothing. But...if it turns out to be, like, a brain-eating parasite that is currently living in my eyeball, then I will have coupons (and my worsening vision...) to thank for discovering it. If I hadn't had the chance to get free glasses, I would have put off that eye exam for a very long time.

See, coupons save lives. End of story.

More to come on the results of my brain-eating parasite test.

another post about food....

I never used to buy sweets. I would eat them occasionally, but just never really craved them. Then I went to Spain. I actually didn't really eat sweets much there either. My host mom never had them in the house. We always ate fruit for dessert. Which I love, usually that's what I'd rather have anyway. But for some reason, while I was there, I started wanting goodies all the time. I'm gonna go ahead and blame that on the 1 euro bags of gummy candies that were sold on every street corner. Anyway, it wasn't too bad while I was there because normally I was too cheap to buy a bunch of sweets.

But then I got back to the US. And then I started getting things for free with coupons. I cannot stop eating. In the last couple weeks, I have bought potato chips, fruit snacks (basically fruit-flavored sugar), candy bars, cookies, more potato chips....and then my roommates keep giving in to the adorable girl scouts and bringing home cookies. I'm surrounded by sugary goodness and I can't resist! Guess that means I'm really gonna have to get better about going to the gym...

All this goodness made me think of something though. I've learned in recent classes that people who live in poverty have poorer health and eat worse than other people. They teach that in poor, low-class neighborhoods, the only kinds of stores that are available are fast food restaurants. Which is true. People who live under the poverty level usually live in a certain area of town where there aren't a lot of fresh food options. Often buying McDonald's for the family is cheaper than buying something from a grocery store and making it.

But I've decided there is another reason, prompted by my recent couponing obsession. You see, you can get a lot of stuff for free with coupons. I mean a LOT of stuff. For FREE. Buuuut, the kind of stuff you get for free isn't really the best stuff. Well, some of it is. I've gotten 8 full-sized nice, name-brand face-washes for free in the last couple weeks. And enough medicine and other necessities to last me a very long time. But when it comes to food, you don't get fresh fruits and vegetables and meat for free. You get Betty Crocker fruit snacks (4 boxes for free...what, am I 10?). You also get Lay's Stax (Lay's version of Pringles. Amazing. And Disgusting, all at the same time. Two canisters. WHY?!). And Snickers candy bars. So these people who have hardly any money and want to make every dollar stretch, use coupons I'm sure. And with those coupons, they get junk. And because its free, they opt for those things instead of healthy stuff. Kind of sad. Why can't they make things easier for people that need help?

Anyway, I usually get the junk AND the fruits and vegetables. So I'm eating the crap, but also good stuff. It cancels out the fruit snacks and candy bars, right?!?!

raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens....

These are a few of my favorite things right now:

* Reese's "Fast Break" candy bars. They are peanut-buttery and chocolatey and nougaty. And so. good. I seem to be unable to resist the urge to buy one every day I'm at school. Addicted. I'm drooling just looking at this picture:

* Teavana tea shops. I bought some amazing loose-leaf peppermint tea there the other day. While gazing longingly at the million other kinds of delicious loose-leaf tea blends they had. (Another favorite thing: loose-leaf tea, in general. I don't know what it is, I just adore it!) I could spend way too much money there if I didn't have more self-control. Also, if anyone wants to buy me the "tea of the month" subscription, I wouldn't say no...

* The Pioneer Woman. Her recipes are so amazing. And easy-to-follow. And I can't stop making them. My roommates have also come to appreciate her and my "Pioneering" obsession. As in, "Amy, were you Pioneering again today? Can I have some....?" Some of my favorite recipes so far?

Mulligatawny soup (I heart curry powder. Deeeelish!)
Pear Crisp (YUM. Definitely making that again. This weekend...)
Cauliflower soup (I love soup, period.)

* Safeway's website. More specifically, their coupon website, "Just for U." I made my sister teach me some of her bargain-shopping ways and am trying to learn to use more coupons like she does. If I'm gonna be cooking all these Pioneer Woman recipes, I'm gonna need to learn to shop wisely or I'll spend all my rent money on groceries. Their website makes it so easy and all you do is "add" coupons to your Safeway club card, so you don't actually have to bring the Safeway coupons into the store. They automatically ring up when you buy the qualified item. Granted, you still have to bring in any manufacturer's coupons you want to use. But I got 2 packages of Kraft shredded cheese for $3.98 instead of $7.98 thanks to this deal :) A whole $4 savings!!!!

* Stacy's "Simply Naked" Pita Chips. I could eat a whole bag of these in one sitting. Actually, I just ate about half a bag in one sitting. They are amazingly delicious and salty and yummy.


* My TomTom. This thing is genius. I don't know how I ever survived without one before. Tom's smooth, calm voice directs me wherever I need to go. I love him.

* Flashcards. These are the greatest study tool ever. Too bad I didn't use them for the Spanish midterm I failed......




Here is one thing that used to be my favorite, and would still be if I had it:
* The Sandisk Sansa Clip mp3 player. I loved this thing, loved it so much. So tiny and user-friendly and with so much memory. But I left it on the plane from Madrid to Philadelphia. Either that or the girl sitting next to me stole it when I went to the bathroom (another reason why you should avoid using airplane bathrooms at all costs). Whatever happened, US Airways, or some US Airways passenger, now has my Clip. I hate US Airways after that flight anyway, so we'll just blame it on them. I should demand they give me a replacement. Anyway, if you ever need a little tiny mp3 player, go with this. I still think it's better than the Apple's Shuffle, even though they finally redid the tiny iPod and put buttons back on it. More memory, a screen, and you have more than just the "shuffle" function (including FM radio), for less money. Sigh. I miss you, my dear friend.

Also, I now have this song from the Sound of Music stuck in my head. I hope you do too.

P.S. I just realized all but one of those has to do with food. That's kind of pathetic.

Need-to-know basis: Sevilla.

Ok, let's get back to Sevilla information :) (For more basics, see here.)

A lot of people in Spain, and in Sevilla, speak English. But they will appreciate it so much if you at least try a little Spanish from time to time. Even if you know Spanish already, there are some words/phrases that are used in Spain that are different from other Spanish-speaking areas. Here are some things to know:
- "Hola." Obviously. If you've never heard a single Spanish word before, this means "hello." You will also hear "Buenos días/buenas tardes/buenas noches" (good morning/afternoon/night) or, just simply "buenas."
-"Gracias." Thank you. Or, as the Spaniards say it, "grathiaaah."
- "Adios," or "goodbye." Again, with the Spanish accent, they pretty much drop the "s" so they say it more like "adioooo." You may also hear "Hasta luego," or simply "hasta" (see you later).
- "¿Qué tal?" which means "how are you?" They teach you in Spanish class that this means "what's up?" to which you would think you should respond "nada" or "nothing" like we would in English. Whatever the actual translation is, the response is always "bien" (good). Well, unless you're not bien. But no one really wants to hear that. You may also hear "¿Cómo estás?" or "¿Qué hay?" Same response all the way around.
- "Por favor" and "de nada" (please and thank you, respectively).
- "Dónde está....." which means "Where is....." The most important one of course is "¿Dónde está el servicio?" (Where's the bathroom?). You can ask for the "baño," but Spaniards don't really use that word. Signs will either point to "servicios" or "aseos," never "baños." Women's bathrooms will either have "mujeres" or "doñas" on it. Men's usually will have "cabelleros" or "hombres." Just say "SERVICIOS?!" if you are in desperate need and can't remember the whole sentence.
- "Vale." You will hear this word more than anything. It means "OK." They say this at least once per sentence, I'm pretty sure. If someone asks you a question, you can just respond with "vale." Well, first you should make sure they aren't asking you to do something crazy. Just don't say "OK." That makes it obvious you are American.
- "¿Cuánto es?" or "¿Cuánto vale?" means "How much is it?" You are always taught in Spanish class to ask "Cuánto cuesta," or literally, "How much does it cost?" You will never hear a Spaniard say that. "Cuánto vale" can be used for things that are more valuable or precious. If you are asking how much a rosary is in a convent, for example, use "cuanto vale" to show respect for the item. But "cuanto es" will get the point accross!
- "Cerveza."

Now, here are some do's and don'ts for Sevilla.
DO carry a map with you. At all times. But,
DON'T carry it around in plain sight and rely on it too much. Nothing points out "tourist" like walking around with your nose in a map or guide book. Also,
DO know how to read a map. I'm not sure why this is so difficult for most people.
DO be prepared to do a lot of walking. I mean a lot. On that note,
DO bring super-comfy walking shoes. This will probably make it obvious that you are a tourist, as Spaniards don't wear tennis shoes or Tevas, etc. But you don't want to be in agony from all the walking. Sometimes comfort really is more important than being fashionable.
DO expect to do a lot of walking. I know I already said that. I want you to understand.
DON'T expect dog owners to pick up after their dogs. So,
DO expect there to be poop everywhere. Watch your step.
DON'T take your eyes off the road. Besides the poop everywhere, the cobblestone streets are uneven and easy to trip on. Also,
DON'T listen to music while walking. The streets are very narrow. You need to be able to hear if a car is coming (or a bike) or you will get run over. If you have headphones in, you won't know what's coming behind you.
DON'T expect a stranger to volunteer to help you out if you are lost. They think they will be insulting you if they come up to you and say, "do you need help?" So:
DON'T be afraid to ask for directions/help. They have probably noticed you are struggling and look lost. They will be more than willing to help and are super friendly if you just say "Perdona, ¿dónde está....?" (excuse me, where is....?).
DO try tapas. Try a lot of them. Also,
DO try jamón iberico. Even if it looks gross, just try one little taste. You cannot miss the country's most iconic food (see here for more).
DO see a flamenco show. It's amazing. In my opinion, anyway.
DO see the main sights: the Cathedral, Alcázar, Museo de Bellas Artes and Plaza de España. (There are plenty more to see!)
DON'T eat while walking around. Just don't do it. If you must eat out in public, at least sit on a bench or something. The Spaniards will scoff at you if you are eating while walking in public.
DON'T expect spectacular service from waiters, salespeople, etc. They don't get tipped, so they don't feel the need to impress you. On that same note,
DON'T tip. Unless it was spectacular service. I mean, really outstanding. Also,
DON'T let someone convince you it is "normal" to tip. Tell them you know they are lying, take your money and run. Not really, but...kind of. (I have a terrible history with taxis. See my Madrid story.)
DON'T pick things up and touch everything in stores. Clothes, fine. Everything else, just look. If you really want it you can pick it up. But you'll usually get some nasty glares or comments if you are too touchy.
DON'T get drunk and rowdy in public. Or in private, but mostly in public. It's fine to drink. And drink a substantial amount. But do so slooowwwly, over the entire night. While hanging out with friends. Not because you want to get wasted and hit on Spaniards. Or Americans. Or anyone.
DON'T talk about bullfighting or about either Sevillan fútbol team (Betis or Sevilla). You will inevitably insult someone who is on the other side of the issue.
DON'T expect to blend in. Every local will know you are a tourist. No question.
DON'T let the gypsies hand you their bundle of herbs or spices or tree branches or whatever they are. They are trying to get money out of you. Don't talk to them, just keep walking. Avoid them at all costs. (Or else it will cost you. baahahaha).
DO buy nun goodies.
DON'T miss the nun goodies.
DON'T expect huge, super-fancy hotels. These buildings are old. Like, older-than-the-USA old. They don't have giant rooms or super updated bathrooms. But they are nice and well-kept (for the most part). Just don't complain if its not 3000 square feet. You don't need that much room, you should be spending your time out in Sevilla anyway. Also,
DON'T expect HBO and ABC and English-speaking television. In Franco's time (we'll have a history lesson later. Maybe.), English TV/movies were not allowed. Everything was dubbed. While Franco's no longer around making everybody miserable, it is pretty impossible to find any English-language TV shows. And there are only one or two theaters which play "original-format" films. Again, you should be out exploring the city anyway, and not watching TV. So don't complain if you can't watch your favorite shows because they are in Spanish.
DON'T eat the oranges off of the trees lining the streets. They weren't planted for food, they were planted so they'd look pretty and smell nice.
DO try all kinds of food. Even if it looks weird or you aren't really sure what it is. Even if it involved sea snails or fried squid eggs. (But NOT if it includes mayonnaise soup.)
DON'T expect gigantic eggs-bacon-and-hashbrown breakfasts. Have some toast and coffee and fruit and you'll be fine until lunch. Where you should expect a giant meal.
DON'T eat lunch before 2pm or dinner before 7pm.
DON'T expect to get any really great beer. You will have one option most of the time. Cruzcampo. And it's not real great. You might be able to get some other variations in a few places, but don't expect it. Wine, on the other hand, you'll have a million options.
DO expect to hear some "piropos" (cat-calls) from Spanish men on the streets.
DON'T respond-you will only make it worse. Just keep walking. They are harmless and only want to get a reaction.
DON'T expect air conditioning or central heat. I guess maybe some nice hotels have it. Not many other places though.
DON'T be afraid to take photos. I know this may contradict everything I've said about trying not to seem touristy. But you will want to have photos of everything. Just take them. BUT,
DO respect places of worship, other people, etc. when taking photos. Turn the flash off when its not completely necessary, don't take pictures of strangers without asking them, don't think you deserve to be the front of the line or have the best view just because you are taking a picture. These things are common sense, people. If you are going to be a tourist, then:
DO be a considerate tourist, one who gives your home country a good name.
DON'T expect to be able to buy anything during the siesta (about 2-5pm every day) or on Sundays. Nothing will be open.
DO take advantage of the siesta. Nothing like the city closing down to prompt you to take a nice nap.
DO go to Triana to see all the ceramics. There are so many stores with so many beautiful things.
DON'T think someone is going to rob or rape or kidnap you. Sevilla is pretty safe. As long as you are not dumb. But, on that note:
DON'T completely trust strangers. If a bunch of people come up and try to talk to you, keep a close eye on your stuff. I don't see this happening in Sevilla, but you never know. I had a friend who almost got robbed by a 3-person team in Barcelona because they were all distracting her in different ways (including discretely spraying liquid makeup all over her, offering to help clean up, asking for directions, etc.). She's smart so she didn't get robbed. But many people are way too distracted to notice what's happening. Also,
DON'T take your eyes off your stuff when you are in a crowded bar. Don't take with you more than you need, and keep it close to your body. Don't set your purse on a table, etc. If you do that, you deserve to get robbed. That's just foolish. Finally,
DON'T walk around all by yourself late at night. I'm not gonna lie, I did this a few times and was just fine. But its pretty stupid. Just stick with your group or take a taxi (they are easy to hail and pretty cheap within the city center).
DON'T try to bring back something prohibited to the USA. Including plants, fruits, etc. Go here to see what is allowed and not (more to come on this later).
DON'T expect super-clean public bathrooms. Well, actually, don't expect public bathrooms at all, really. If you are out walking around and need the toilet, find a Corte Ingles supercenter and find their bathroom. Or go into a local bar, order a cerveza and use the toilet. But they are usually pretty gross. There is very rarely toilet paper and often no toilet seat. Bring kleenex with you (you can buy it for cheap at the chino stores) and get used to hovering over the toilet...
DO pack to take with you:
-comfortable walking shoes. I know I mentioned this a million times. My poor feet hated me for not taking more comfortable shoes.
-If you are going in summer, take very light, breathable clothing. It's freaking HOT.
-a good camera. So many beautiful things to take pictures of!
-sunglasses. With all the walking you'll be doing outside, you'll want some.
-if you will be there for a long time, bring some comfort foods that you can't live without. Some people freak out when they find that peanut butter is not available or is super expensive overseas. If you can't live without it, bring some with you.
-a nice going-out outfit. Spaniards like to dress up to go out. If you are trying to get into a club, you will not make it in in jeans and sneakers. Bring a cute dress and heels (or flats...) if you're a girl and some slacks and dress shoes if you're a guy.
DON'T bother bringing:
-too much! Pack light. I am terrible at this, but just know that you will most likely buy a lot of souvenirs. So you want room to bring them back. My recommendation is to pack some toiletries and snacks that you will use up while you are there. Then, you will have the room that was taken up by those things to fit souvenirs. Plus you won't have to spend travel money on those things.
-a computer, if you are taking a shorter trip. You don't want to have to worry about losing it, breaking it, lugging it around, getting it stolen, etc. But if you are studying or will be there for a longer period of time, it will be nice to have.

Costa Rica...?

It's all Carly's fault. Carly and I were stuck in Spanish class together every day this past summer. So when I saw her in my psychology class this term, I said hello. Kind of weird that we both happened to be in this psychology class since it isn't a Spanish major requirement. Anyway, we've been sitting together in class and studying together. Not only did we find out that we share a faith in Jesus, but today she started talking about Costa Rica. She has been there before and really liked it. But this time, she was talking about doing her Senior Capstone in Costa Rica this summer.

Whaaaaaatt??? I immediately asked for more information. You see, to graduate from PSU, you have to do this "Senior Capstone" which is basically like a volunteer/service-learning class. There are all kinds of options. Including some international options. The funny thing is, I had just this morning been thinking that maybe I should try to get my senior capstone class out of the way this summer. I hadn't really looked into what the options were yet, until Carly piqued my interest. She showed me the information on the program and said that the applications are due March 5th. I just now this very second, while typing that, realized how soon March 5th is. Yikes. Anyway, after doing a little more research, I'm very seriously considering this.

You spend 2 and a half weeks in Turrialba, Costa Rica, working with schools or sustainable agriculture practices or homes for the elderly. Plus you do some sight-seeing. AND you get 6 credits for it. Hmmmm Let's not talk about the fact that it costs $3000+.

Actually, yes, let's talk about that. See, I was planning on taking at least 12 credits this summer anyway, which means that I would be spending about $1500-2000. But it doesn't look like there are very many classes that I would actually be able to take, according to the summer class schedule that's online right now. So, I'm thinking that if I just do the capstone instead of 12 credits (3 classes), I won't be spending a whole ton more. Plus, I will have all summer to work since I won't be in class every day, so will be able to make a lot of the money that I will need anyway. Hmmm...I'm quite convincing, aren't I? I'm convincing myself, anyway.

If you aren't convinced for me, here are some photos of Turrialba.




I'm now accepting applications for sponsors.......

more food...

As previously stated, I love food. For that reason, I have been cooking a lot more lately. Actually I think there are a few reasons for that. First of all, I watched Julie and Julia with one of my roommates. Not that it is the greatest movie ever, but it made me want to cook! Also, I have roommates. It is much more fun to cook when there are people who can enjoy the food you've made! (Plus I don't want them to think I'm a slob who survives off of like frozen meals or anything.) So I cook. ;)

I brought some fun stuff home from my time in Europe. Some couscous spices from Morocco, curry powder from Switzerland (not that curry has any relation to Swiss food at all), cinnamon from Morocco. And some delicious meal ideas from Spain.

I tried making a tortilla española, which is a typical Spanish dish. It's eggs, onions and potatoes. Pretty hard to mess up, right? Not for me. Its all about the heat-you have to let it sit and cook for a while, and if its too hot the bottom will burn before you flip it. Too low and it will never cook. So my first attempt didn't turn out all that great. Although it tasted good, it just didn't look real pretty. See the evidence.


I also used my Moroccan couscous spices. AMAZING. The couscous I had in Morocco was one of the best meals I think I've ever had. So much couscous. So many delicious veggies. And amazing chicken. So I tried to replicate it: I steamed some veggies, cooked some chicken with the spices, mixed some spices into the couscous (which I had made with chicken broth), then put it all together. I used zucchini, carrots, potatoes, green peppers, garbanzo beans and a little bit of onion. So good. Good thing the spices will last me the rest of my life, cuz I will definitely be making that again.

Next up I made some soup. I love soup. I also love the Pioneer Woman. So of course her cauliflower soup was amazing. I only made half the recipe, and it was still enough to feed me and my roommates for a few meals. I used more veggies than the recipe called for, since I had things I needed to use (zucchini, potatoes, carrots, corn). Also, Trader Joe's sells this soup veggie stuff ("mirepoix" is the technical term), that is genius. I have an irrational fear of onions. I don't like them anyway, but sometimes you just need a few in a soup. But I can't make myself chop one up. So this mix came with diced onion, carrot and celery. Perfect for soup. More perfect for not having to chop an onion yourself. Turned out delish!




What's next, you ask? Why, this is!