Day 17: Quevedo. It´s not a kind of cheese.

There are some things that Spain has that Canada doesn´t. Like roundabouts. And for good reason - with all the snow we get in winter, it would be piled up way too high to see oncoming traffic.
Roundabout. Rotonda. And when it´s in the city, glorieta. What a satisfying Spanish word. It´s got the soft g, it rolls, the penultimate syllable is stressed, it´s got the diminutive ending (not a gloria, a glori-eta). Glorieta. A much more attractive word than traffic circle. Yick.

In my neighbourhood, we´ve got a lot of glorietas, the closest being the Glorieta de Quevedo. You don´t have to look too far up to see Quevedo himself, who has been supervising the traffic from the center of the rotunda since 1902. This part of the city, today considered quite central, used to be on the outskirts of Madrid, on the road to France. I can´t get over how long that journey used to be. There also used to be a cemetery (nowhere in sight - ground space is a hot commodity in the metropolis).

the dashing agustín querol.

Anyway, back to the statue of the Big Cheese - Quevedo, born in 1580, forms part of Spain´s rich literary legacy. A Baroque poet and satirist, much of his work is timeless. Take the poem Poderoso Caballero es Don Dinero. Translation: What a powerful man Mr Money is. Still true today. These are the types of people who should be on the citizenship exam, not footballers who build tax shelters and aren´t even Spanish nationals !

quevedo. a hipster before his time.

A past mayor of Madrid, Alberto Aguilera (I´m learning so much today - that´s the name of one of the main streets in our neighbourhood) commissioned Agustín Querol to create a statue of Quevedo. Kind of neat that their names both start with Que (which). The statue moved around the neighbourhood glorietas before finally coming to its current home in 1963. 

Quevedo, a biography to be memorized in my university days, has come alive for me. He lends his name to the glorieta, the metro station, and numerous cafés in the neighbourhood. I give him a nod as I pass by, and think, what a great name for some Spanish cheese...

Day 3: Sky-high nose in a book

It was a beautiful day for taking pictures around Plaza de España, so we´re going to continue there for today´s post. From looking at Edificio España, we do a 180 and take in a monument dedicated to Miguel de Cervantes. Walking around to the far side, the monument features statues of Cervantes, Don Quijote, Sancho Panza, Dulcinea and Aldonza. This is the photo-op side, where you´ll often see busloads of tourists taking turns climbing up on the statues to get the perfect picture (as I´ve mentioned before, I am not a fan of climbing on statues. At least this one isn´t hundreds of years old and crumbling, but still...).

Back to the task at hand, looking up, but back to the other side of the statue first. The first figure we see is Lady Spanish Literature herself, dressed as a woman from Cervantes´ time. And what´s that in her hand? A book, of course! As we make our way around the statue, you´ll see that all the statues are reading. Each statue represents a continent, demonstrating the transcultural nature of Don Quijote. This is one of my favourite statues in the city - it probably has something to do with all the books. ;)

If you´re looking for some Spanish literature (and there´s lots of good stuff out there!), Don Quijote is a classic place to start, and the Plaza de España has lots of places to sit in the shade, or the sun, while getting lost in a great book. At ground level, it´s also an ideal location for people watching. Walking home from dinner one night, we saw an outdoor swing dancing class! Cultural festivals, shopping markets, tourists from all over the world... you really never know what you might see.

From reading too much, and sleeping to little, his brain dried up on him and he lost his judgement.

-Miguel de Cervantes

Day 2: The First Spanish Sky Crapper

(Of course I mean sky scraper. Sky crapper is a common EFL mistake here in Spain, one that I am slow to correct because it makes me giggle...)

Anyway, on to today's building. If you've been to Madrid, or seen any publicity for travel to Madrid, you've seen this building. It's not technically a sky scraper - there are only 25 stories - but in a city where the average building height is only six stories, it is indeed a visible landmark. The Edificio España, or Spain Building, was completed in 1953 and was the tallest building in the country at that time (it's now tied for number 22, 8th in the capital). 

Neo-baroque in style, it reminds me of Stalin's 7 Sisters in Moscow. This makes even more sense when we look at the building's symbolic purpose - a testament to prosperity and modernity during Franco's regime.

Edificio España

Originally a hotel, the building's prime location across from the Plaza España must have afforded some wonderful views. Frances Mayes writes about visiting the restaurant on the top floor, with all of Madrid at her feet, in her book A Year in the World (by the way, if you love travelling, you should read this book!).  During the 80s movida, the hotel and neighbourhood became known for housing drug addicts and fell into decline. The building was sold and meant to be reopened, but after renovating the facade, the project fizzled out in 2010 and the building has been sitting empty, inviting speculation from everyone who walks by. I like to creep myself out by looking for lights in the windows at night. ;)

i sure hope that fire escape continues somewhere!

While the building has gone from being a sign of prosperity to a sign of economic collapse, it remains a beloved part of the Madrid streetscape by locals and tourists alike.  

I'm excited to say that the building was recently purchased (if you´re interested, by Dalian Wanda, a Chinese real estate group). Deciding to sell such an iconic building to foreigners created some controversy, but I say the real shame would be letting it fall into further disrepair. 

Plans to reopen Edificio España as a hotel, offices, shopping centre and luxury apartments are underway, with a timeline of just four years! Perhaps I'll be able to enjoy that rooftop meal after all... 


And in case you were wondering, sky scraper in Spanish is rascacielos.

May Days

check it out!

Does time go by faster the better things get? It sure feels like it - in the blink of an eye, my Teeny Little Super Guy has grown nearly ten centimeters and gained two kilograms, and gone from being a cute and sleepy newborn to being cute and bright eyed. He even smiles! May was a great month, and despite spending hours and hours staring at Super Guy, I did some other stuff as well.

my first mother's day flowers

This month I've been reading magazines and baby books. There was a great interview with David Suzuki about climate change in Reader's Digest and some good picnic-type recipes in Chatelaine.

What's Going On In There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life by Dr Lise Eliot is a great companion to The Wonder Weeks. It more fully explains the "leap periods" babies and children experience. I feel I can better support Super Guy now that I have a better idea of the changes he's experiencing. For example, a few days ago his nap pattern changed - he seemed to be sleeping poorly in the day and only seemed happy in my arms. I whipped out the brain books, and sure enough, Super Guy was due to experience a "leap" and would soon be able to recognize patterns and separate his interpretation of sensory experiences. I let him be cuddly and brought out toys and activities to support this leap during our play times, and voila - much less stressful for both of us.

super guy freaking out at the pacifier

Not everyone likes to read, and that's okay - with The Wonder Weeks, you can purchase individual chapters for e-readers, or download the app that sends a message to indicate the likely onset of a leap period. 

I've also been putting the rocking chair to good use, reading to Super Guy every night before bed. We finished When We Were Very Young and are now into Winnie the Pooh, by A.A. Milne. I'm aware that he's only seven weeks old and doesn't understand all the words, but I do think he picks up on tone of voice and I like that we're carrying on with our reading routine, which I started when I was three months pregnant and his ears were just developing. It's a lovely, cozy time of day that I hope he will come to treasure as much as I do, for the books and our time together.  

I've been watching a lot more than reading this month - seasons five and six of Friends (my favorite episodes are part of these seasons, including leather pants, crazy running, pottery barn and the triplets). I watch an episode or two while David and I have breakfast and some down time (we get up early, he eats, we play, then he eats again and I have breakfast while he has a little nap).

I'm also nearly done the last season of Mad Men. It seems like things are in motion for some good wrapping up of various story lines. I hope so, because I'm in it for more than the fashion at this point. 

a beautiful rose in parque santander

Tall Guy and I watched Fargo, a very well-done miniseries related to the movie. There are lots of big-name actors, including Colin Hanks, who looks so much like Tom! Good writing, good acting, filmed in Calgary, so great scenery (go Canada!). Billy Boy Thornton was so creepy Tall Guy and I both did a little shiver when a guy with a similar haircut to his character passed us on the sidewalk. We're looking forward to the next season, which will also air in the format of a miniseries, with a whole new cast, thirty years before this season.

May was a big month for celebrations - two babies made their entrance (one was due the same day as Super Guy, and the other was due three weeks before), my brother, father, grandmother, and four friends had birthdays, there were two wedding anniversaries, and I celebrated Mother's Day twice, once on the Spanish date and once on the Canadian date, and my mom was even here for that one. Also, my brother and his fiancee will be moving back to Canada to go to teacher's college!

capturing super guy's hand and foot

I've been out and about with Super Guy quite a bit. It was great to have my mom here - we went out for lots of walks and even some shopping and a haircut (for me, for 99 cents, an opening special at an Oh My Cut! next door!). We went to Las Vistillas, a park I had never been to, for some live music during the San Isidro celebrations, and went on my favourite Madrid walk a few times (from our place to the palace, passing through Plaza Espana and Sabatini Gardens, returning through Parque del Oeste and the Templo de Debod). We ran errands, organized the nursery, and restocked the freezer.

I take Super Guy to Parque Santander a few times a week, sometimes just the two of us, sometimes with a friend. The water feature, complete with a wooden deck, provides a seaside simulation, complete with people tanning in swimsuits, that will do when you can't get to the actual sea. We've been sticking to the path through the gardens rather than running, and thousands of roses are in bloom and the lavender is about to come on. A feast for the eyes and nose. 

We made it to church twice this month, once with my mom for Mother's Day, and then today with a friend and her four-month old daughter. It was great to have three generations at the Mother's Day service, which focused on Julia Ward Howe and the original intent behind the holiday, and we sang a song she wrote, Battle Hymn of the Republic. As Canadians, we knew the song but had never sung it before. It's a song that makes me think of Elvis. 

the first balcony meal of the season

Lots of good eats during May - we went to El Barril on Andres Mellado, a very good tapas choice if you're in Madrid (and if you go later on at night, the fresh seafood is half price). Although it is well-known because of the fresh seafood, I highly recommend the roasted artichokes. They were amazing! Such a clean, springy flavour, light on the oil and a nice pinch of salt.

I met some friends for lunch at La Nicoletta, an Italian chain I'd been interested in trying for a while, since Tall Guy often mentions it (there is one near his work and they have a lunch menu). I had a truffle and mushroom pizza. It was enormous and tasty and I ate the whole thing.

a really good burger. i made it.

On the home front, my mom brought me some new recipes. I love the gluten free mug muffins (I am so boring, my favourite is the plain one), and she made a giant batch of giant meatballs (the sauce gets a taste boost from Bragg Liquid Aminos).

I tried a Chatelaine burger recipe that is going in the remake pile - you just shape nice, fresh ground beef into patties and sprinkle with salt. Easy and very tasty. 

really, who needs to make snacks when you can just have these?

We scarfed down a batch of the best gluten and sugar free brownies I have made to date, thank you, comfy belly. I followed the recipe, but mine turned out more cake-like than fudge-like, which I like better anyhow. I also read a review of someone who used date paste instead of honey. I bet that was good, too!

Finally, cherries are in season. Hooray!

April Roundup

My latest post is from Friday, April 10th. For some reason that day I felt I needed to get it done, otherwise I wouldn't. A pricking in my thumbs, mother's intuition, call it what you will - that night my precious star was born, and I haven't been on here since then. I've been changing diapers (about 158 so far), cuddling, singing, taking pictures, napping, crying happy tears, and just enjoying being a mom. April is my birthday month, and now it's also my son's birthday month - extra special!

going to church

After a bit of a hiatus on the linkup, I'm back with Leigh to share what I've been into this month (a heads up - it's mostly baby-related):

Reading: I reread my Hypnobirthing book. It's so calming, and I found it helped me stay relaxed and focused during pregnancy as well as birth, helping me to see the process for what it is - a natural, normal, albeit amazing part of life. It was a good tool for helping me stay calm and open minded during the actual birth (more about that later).

Bringing Up Bebe, by Pamela Drukerman. This was a gift from a friend, and a great read for during Baby's first days at home. Ms Drukerman is an American living in France, and her observations about French parenting are useful and in line with my style, An example - there is no separation between "kid food" and "adult food". Kids should be allowed and encouraged to enjoy lots of flavours from childhood. Some ring true for Spain, such as snacks are for snack time, and snack time happens once a day. If you eat properly at meal times, there is no need to have a bag of squashed cereal floating around in your purse or diaper bag (phew! I hate crumbs). Her comparisons of French and American parenting styles are often humorous, and anecdotes aren't long or rambling, an easy book to pick up for a few minutes here and there when I had time/was awake.

What to Expect in the First Year. Given to me by the same friend, this is a nice book to reference, with lots of lists and good information to use as starting place. I also just like reading about babies, and found this one kind of fun just for that.

Eat, Pray, Love. Elizabeth Gilbert. A reread, but I do love me some armchair travel! I love Italy, and India is on Tall Guy's and my to-visit list. Indonesia's relaxed pace and reverence for children is extremely appealing (what, babies are carried until they're a year old? And it's socially acceptable? I could totally go for that; I never want to put my little one down!). 

Chatelaine and Reader's Digest. Thank goodness for magazines! It's great to start and finish something in one sitting. I have a stockpile of RD which I had been saving for during labour (reading light, funny articles is supposed to be relaxing), but it was over so quickly there wasn't time. As for Chatelaine, can I just say that the weekly grocery shop and meal planner is fabulous, especially at this stage of our lives? 

Be Family to Your Friends, a lovely post by Fiona Lynn that will ring true for anyone living abroad, but especially resonated with me this month.

Going: There were lots of changes in this month's schedule thanks to our early arrival - all of them worth it. 

fragrant lilacs in the park

During Easter holidays, we went to "de billidge" (the village, specially to Tall Guy's family farm) and went on a few lovely day trips, which you can read about here.

My next big excursion  (big as in life-changing, not far or exotic) was to the hospital! In Spain, mothers and babies stay for 48 hours after birth. Since that would have brought us to a Sunday, we stayed an extra day (no discharges on Sundays). They don't call babies bundles of joy for nothing - I am so in love! And the hospital stay was very positive - my doctor and midwife were of course on hand (one or both of them checked in on us every day), and the nursing staff were lovely. There was a sofa bed in my room for Tall Guy, and of course we had our newest family member to keep us company.

Since our homecoming, our trips have been mainly to Parque Santander here in Madrid, where until only a few weeks ago I was running on the track. I had no idea that around the outer edge of the track, there is a beautifully landscaped walking path! Lots of fragrant, colourful plants and flowers, benches to sit down, water fountains, and even a cafe. 

We did get to church on my birthday, and also out for lunch. We went to Sagaretxe, a pincho bar in Madrid. Pinchos are rounds of baguette with different toppings, and also great baby food. Not for the baby, of course, but when you have one - they're already made, so you just pick the ones you want from the bar, and you can eat them with one hand.

pinchos. my favourites are brie and jam, and baby eel and pepper.

We also went out for hamburgers one night at New York Burger. A good burger, but really slow service. REALLY slow. So slow, Baby ate twice before we ate once. And while it was a good burger, it wasn't better than The Good Burger, which is faster and has frozen yogurt for dessert, so...

Eating: I really didn't feel the need to "eat for two" during my pregnancy. I ate enough (okay, probably more than enough!) but my appetite was nowhere near as voracious as it is now that I am feeding my Plus One as well as myself. I am a bottomless pit! Thank goodness for a fully-stocked freezer (and the bakery downstairs...).

vanilla cake with berry jam filling

Maybe because of his early arrival, but a true, strong nesting instinct didn't kick in until AFTER baby. I made lasagna and vanilla cake (May's Chatelaine) for a triple birthday lunch (me, my mother in law, and baby!). I made a giant meatloaf just because, and mashed potatoes and peas to accompany. I also made lactation cookies from bellybelly. It turns out I'm a regular ewe for my little lamb and don't really need them, but the coconut flour adaptation sure is yummy, and the extra help certainly can't hurt.

i made two - one for the freezer!

For breakfast these days a smoothie alone just doesn't cut it. I've been making steel-cut oats with different toppings. Tall Guy's favourite is pear, cranberry and almond, and I'm a little bit boring, with raisins and a little bit of milk.

Thankful for: With my own family far away, and not visiting until next week (the idea was that hopefully I would have given birth by then!), I am so thankful for my friends and Spanish family, especially my Spanish Madre - my host mother from when I was here on exchange as a teenager came to the hospital the night Baby was born to check on me. She came to see us every day while I was in hospital, and has been popping by with afternoon snacks and for walks ever since. 

love.

"I know you have your husband and in-laws, but it's not the same," she said, "I'm here as your family." 

She has known me for nearly 14 years, from when I could barely string together a sentence in Spanish and would blush beet red with embarrassment when I had to give anyone "dos besos".

I'm also thankful for Skype, for being able to connect with my family and friends back home and in other lands, to share with them the joy that is my son. Even my grandma has seen him, thanks to a cousin and her iPad.

My church family has been carrying us along in their prayers during the whole pregnancy, and continue to do so now. Another language wouldn't stop me, but I am thankful to have an English-speaking church.

Winter Wrap-up

Well, I missed February (too short a month which flew by even more quickly than usual, thanks to something fun every day), and now March is nearly over, too, and here I am, once again recapping a couple of months. Officially, it's spring, and this week I can definitely feel it in the air in Madrid. It's sunny, warm, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the wind is fresh but not cold (it also no longer smells like snow - something I'm willing to give up in favour of the longer days).

To help pass the dark days of winter in a positive mood, I booked in some fun every day in February. Spending hours on the phone, cooking, trying new restaurants, enjoying a new book and a relaxing bath, catching up with friends, and starting to shop for Baby, it was a great month.

March was good, but things got trickier - Baby and I are growing and I'm pretty tired, I can't do all of my usual activities, new pregnancy symptoms have appeared, and work was full.

Here's what went down during the last days of winter:

Reading: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. This one's been on my radar for a while, so when Tall Guy brought it home from a business trip to England, I was delighted. I'm nearly done this giant book and I've enjoyed the ride. A crime story of sorts, fueled by tragedy, told through the eyes of a survivor as he grows from a teenager to an adult. Art, New York City, and relationships are themes. I will say I can't take too much at once - partly because no matter what I read these days, I tend to fall asleep, and partly because it's kind of tragic. 

Goodnight Moon: Baby and I got this book as a gift from a friend. I love the rhythm of this classic children's bedtime story and have already read it to Baby a number of times. We're also reading through my Beatrix Potter collection. I'm having fun rediscovering old favourites and I'll get to enjoy them again when I read them to Baby in person.

Ghosts of Spain: Travels through Spain and its Silent Past by Giles Tremett. A reread, perfect to brush up on Spanish history. It's got a definite left-wing slant, but is not so biased that one cannot consider it as a serious attempt at recounting Spain's messy past. I like books that touch on the mess, because getting anyone to talk about it is harder than squeezing water from a rock. Even in schools, the civil war is not a topic that is openly discussed or debated in any meaningful amount of detail. 

I guess I was on the G-Train with books...

Working: As of today, I am officially on leave from work! It feels amazing. There were a few times when I thought I wouldn't make it to my goal of finishing the term (a nice transition - I wrap up one term, and my cover starts the next), but with the help of supportive colleagues and a boss who encourages naps, I did it!

Our class had a great field trip to an educational farm, where capable group leaders whisked away the children and the teachers convened in the farmhouse (there was even a fireplace) for a morning coffee break. Then we wandered around the farm and caught the kids' delight on camera to share with their parents. They got to pet and hold a lot of animals, and even went for a little pony ride.

I finished report cards and parent-teacher interviews, and I had three solid handover days with my cover. This is more exhausting than it sounds - introductions, going over class plans, students' personalities, classroom and school routines, answering questions, wondering if I've forgotten to mention anything vital in my handover notes... Anyway, she is a lovely teacher and I feel good about leaving my class in her hands.

Doing: Many people have suggested going to the movies as much as possible, because I "won't be able to go" when Baby is here. Well, those people have obviously never been pregnant (who wants to go to the movies when they have to get up every 20 minutes to pee in a gross public restroom?) and have obviously not met any of the awesome moms I've met who arrange stroller-friendly matinees. I'd much rather catch a series or watch and old favourite film at home when I can pause to sleep, pee or eat at will, thank you very much! 

That said, I have been doing a lot of lasts (until Baby is here):

In February, we went for a hike in the mountains to enjoy the snow for a day. I had been hoping to get in a few more hikes, but Tall Guy felt nervous and the doctor agreed - nothing too strenuous or remote until Baby is here. That's alright, still lots to see and do outside, even if I do like a good hike. I've got a list of hidden, out of the way parks and gardens in Madrid to check out this spring.

I went to my last yoga class. I didn't know it would be the last, but then I got sick (a cold, fever and gastroenteritis all at once. Fun.) and lost some weight and energy. Treatment is of course a bland diet and rest. I'll do some gentle yoga at home on my own once I get the green light from the doc.

Easter break, which did spill into April, was our last trip to the farm. Tall Guy wants me nice and close to home, and I don't want any more long rides in the car. Lots to come soon about our lovely Easter holiday.

As I mentioned, the biggest last was my last day of work. I'd thought I'd be sadder, or feel more nostalgic, but by the time 5pm rolled around on my last day, I couldn't get out fast enough! All thoughts of missing my students have been eclipsed by baby excitement.

I'm also lucky to have had friends come over for visits. I like having people over, and I so appreciate being able to catch up while I'm comfortable at home. It's also been fun to ooo and ahh over the tiny baby things I have ready in the nursery.

And there you have it - two months in one post.

Carnival Fun!

We came on the wind of the Carnival, a warm wind for February, laden with the hot greasy scents of frying pancakes and sausages and powdery-sweet waffles cooked on the hotplate right there by the roadside, with the confetti sleeting down collars and cuffs and rolling in the gutters like an idiot antidote to winter.

-Joanne Harris, Chocolat

I love that story, and it's become almost an annual read for me. It's so rich - just look how much is packed into that opening sentence - the food, the atmosphere! Yesterday I drew a bath and settled in for a soak, starting Chocolat once again to pump me up for Carnaval, as it's called in Spanish.

waiting patiently for cake

At school today we celebrated the last day of Carnaval with a costume parade in the playground, chocolate milk and special cakes, a tribute to the traditional last day of indulgence before Lent. Let me tell you, there is indeed a special wind that comes with the carnival each year, a wind that picks up everyone's spirits, especially the children's. There was no containing their excitement, and even Baby seemed extra active! Fun, yet exhausting, and I'm looking forward to forty calmer, reflective days.

iron man and two batmans

After a catnap bear-like hibernation session on the couch, I read a little more of my book and spent some time searching for a new pancake recipe. I decided on one for fluffy buckwheat pancakes by londonbakes, and they are officially my new favourites. I love the flavour of the buckwheat and they are, rather than fluffy, dense and tall. I left out the sugar and corn flour (didn't have any), used almond milk (out of cow's), and they turned out just fine. Local strawberries are starting to appear, with nary a peach to be seen, so I topped ours with yogurt, berries and maple syrup (wouldn't be a real Canadian if I didn't have maple syrup for my pancakes!). As I left out the sugar, I suspect these would also be good with creme fraiche and smoked salmon, or maybe chicken and mushrooms. 

Talk to the Animals

I love spending time on the farm. A walk in the fresh air, cute little animals, hearty homecooked meals, evenings curled up by the fire... 

We drove down to the farm yesterday, and we have quite the to-do list, but we made sure we had time for visiting the animals, and a few hours of uninterrupted reading/lazing/cake-eating by the fire. The mastiff puppy is enormous and still growing, the donkey is as loud as ever and there's a new batch of little lambs to watch.

how sweet are these two little guys?

Fun February

I know, I know, traditionally love is the theme for February, but Valentine's Day is just one day, and what about the other 27 days? Sure, this year there's also Carnival, but there are still 26 days until March. It's a long-short month, this transition from winter to spring, and while I'm by no means wishing the days away, I am looking forward to Baby's arrival and hope to avoid the draggy third trimester I've heard described by friends and family. Not only that, but my word for the year is delight, and why not take some time to delight in each day?

So Fun February it is - 28 days of intentionally doing something fun. Fun, of course, is all relative - hobbies, activities with family or friends, nights out with Tall Guy, special classes at school - anything goes, as long as it's fun! 

check out the plot!

Yesterday we kicked things off with some quiet fun - we spent the afternoon and a good part of the evening parked on the couch, reading for fun. I love reading about childcare, and reading to Baby, but it's important to avoid getting so totally wrapped up in baby things that I forget about my own hobbies. And so we spent many a cold and windy hour getting lost in our favourite reads. The day flew by. I love getting lost in a good story! Yesterday's book was Belva Plain's Whispers. Her stories are so human and believable they are very easy to get lost in. 


Tall Guy's away on business until tomorrow, and I'm using my evening alone for an at-home mini spa night - a berry-green smoothie for dinner, a manicure, pedicure and facial, with classical music on in the background and lavender oil in the aroma diffuser, followed by a 10 minute nighttime yoga video, ending with a mug of vanilla rooibos tea.

hot pink toenails to beat the winter blues

January Roundup

an amazing flower box. in january!

January. It’s the month that always fills me with senses of possibility and potential. A new year seems like great timing for new beginnings. Lately I've been finding a word to guide my intentions for the year. This year, it's delight. Delighting in pregnancy, the coming baby, my job, my city, friends and family - it's a good word that I hope will help me stay positive through the life changes ahead.

Despite round two of laryngitis and a cold (part and parcel of teaching and living in dry, dry Madrid), this was a go-get-‘em January, a jam-packed month filled with friends and family, excursions and events, work, books, mail (two packages and four letters!), writing (for money!), and, yes, rest.

I now schedule in rest time, and have started considering rest in a new way. I like doing, and have to adjust that I can't do things at the same pace as my non-pregnant self. Rest is important for Baby and me right now, and I’ve been reframing the idea so I don’t think of it as time-wasting (which it never is, anyway). I listen to relaxing music or a guided meditation, turn on the oil diffuser (my favourites are lavender to relax, eucalyptus to breathe, and mandarin to energize), and put my feet up for some good old fashioned R&R. Sometimes I nap, sometimes I read, sometimes I just lounge on the couch.

I'm linking up again with Leigh, and here's what I've been up to when not resting:

Reading: Caught, by Lisa Moore. It's a crime novel from the intertwined perspective of the detective and the soon-to-be repeat offender. It's Moore (Newfoundland, multiple, frank voices), but with the added dimension of crime. I like it.

The Hundred Foot Journey, by Richard C. Morais. A book for foodies and travellers alike, this is a story about breaking barriers, making enemies into friends, and following dreams. It left me hungry for a fancy French dinner, and I'm hoping to catch the film version this month.

I'm reading The Complete Works of Beatrix Potter to Baby, who likes the Tailor of Gloucester best (me too). Baby also likes Just Me and My Mom, by Mercer Mayer, and Babies by Gyo Fujikawa.

great views of madrid (and proof of air pollution)

Going: We went out for dinner and a movie (La Barriguita for Mexican, and Taken 3), and for dinner with friends (Muki, Japanese), taking advantage of our last few months of not needing a babysitter.

On New Year’s Day, we checked out El Cerro de Tio Pio, commonly known as "Seven tit park" which offers great views of the city, from, you guessed it, seven hilltops. If you’re living here, or have visited before and seen the main sights, this park is for you. 

the walled city of avila from the cuatro postes lookout

We took a road trip to Avila, stopping at the Toros de Guisando, where I nearly had a heart attack at the sight of parents actively encouraging their children to climb on these ancient sculptures for photo-ops! Sure, get up nice and close to have a really good look, but climb on them? Let’s try to keep them in shape for posterity, please! Anyway, it was fun to see something I’d studied in university and that has played a role in Spanish history

standing very close to, but not touching (!!!) the bulls

It was a beautiful day in Avila – I’d been hoping for snow, but the sunshine and mild temperatures melted away my disappointment. I didn’t even need a coat – just a sweater and a vest! The main thing to do in Avila is to take a self-guided tour along the top of the city's medieval walls, which are the best-preserved in Europe. An audioguide pointed out many places of historical significance; I was mainly interested in those that related to Saint Teresa of Avila, a mystic and author who I also read about in university. She's the patron saint of headache sufferers, as well as the originator of the Carmelite reform, re-focusing the order on austerity and contemplation. I personally didn't feel the need to check out any of her preserved body parts on display at churches around the city, but if you're into relics, there's that, too!

The important thing is not to think much but to love much and so do that which best stirs you to love. Love is not great delight but desire to please God in everything. 

- Saint Teresa of Avila

saint teresa cookies - couldn't bring myself to eat one...

There are tons of churches and monasteries to visit, but after the walls we only had time for one. We chose the main cathedral, and I'm so glad we did. While we were there, four nuns came in (the city is filled with nuns, both residents and visiting), and started singing their vespers. Their voices filled the enormous space and you could feel people become more peaceful. A truly beautiful moment. 

looking at the cathedral from along the walls

Eating: One-pot dishes from Healing Cuisine By Elise. I make a couple of these up on the weekend, and they last us through the week. Tall Guy loves the salmon casserole (in which I used Greek yogurt instead of cashews), and I'm partial to the white bean chili. I made it with turkey and served it on a bed of spinach, but it would be equally good with more vegetables and no meat.

Last night we hosted Community Tapas, a monthly event at the Community Church of Madrid, where everyone brings a dish and a drink to share to someone's house. The event is a mix of the Spanish tradition of tapas and raciones (little dishes to try things and share), and anglophone pot-lucks. I made artichoke dip to go with a plate of vegetables. Yummy! There were delicious chocolate chip cookies, dainty tea biscuits, cake, and stroppwafels on the sweet side, and a really great chicken dish, guacamole, and stuffed garlic bread on the savoury.  Good food and good company, and a great way to entertain - all I did to prepare was to get out napkins, glasses and plates!

just your average saturday protest in sol (massive shopping fail!)

Praying: For a friend’s baby to arrive safely, which she did last Sunday! I’m so excited for her during this time of change.

so cold i cry frozen tears.

my eyes, my eyes!

check out the footprint penguins my students made!

Watching: We watched two great films this month - The Grand Budapest Hotel and About Time. The Grand Budapest Hotel has been on my watch-list for a while, because a guy from my home church worked on the sound mixing! Very cool to watch a movie and see a name you know in the credits. And what a great story! 

About Time, yet another gem from Richard Curtis, had me bawling at the end (hormones? I think I would have teared up under normal circumstances). It's emotive, but not sad, and not your typical rom-com, either (here's the proof - Tall Guy liked it, and had it been a typical rom-com, he wouldn't have watched to the end, or at least not without a lot of eyebrow raising!). It's a story about relationships, focusing mainly on a strong bond between a father and a son, and leading a rich life.

December Roundup

January 2015! I know it’s going to be a wonderful, exciting, and likely exhausting year – we’re waiting for the arrival of Baby in the spring – but now it’s time to look back on December. Thanks to Leigh for faithfully hosting the What I'm Into linkup. It's so nice to have a space for reflection, and motivation to do so regularly, not to mention checking out what others have been into!

Going: We stayed in Madrid this month, with one long weekend on the farm. As usual, it was filled with cute animals, fresh air, deep sleep, books, and good food.

little lambs - pretty much the cutest things ever!

Doing: Resting! No voice again in the weeks leading up to Christmas holidays (I hope this is not a Christmas tradition!), which meant missing a choir Christmas party and also school. I needed the time off though. When rest really is the only curative option, and there’s a tiny person involved, you take it more seriously. I spent my days on doctor-prescribed bed-rest actually resting in bed, and rather than feeling disappointed about what I was missing, I concentrated on relaxing and feeling better, the healthier and more positive option for both Baby and me. Excitingly, all of the rest meant lots of time to feel Baby moving around!

I was well enough to attend the last day of class and also our Christmas festival, where my students either sang shouted their little hearts out or stood there, frozen, on the stage, for our two songs. Fortunately, no one peed, no one ran away, and no one cried. All in all, a successful programme. 

I love singing Christmas carols, so I'm happy my voice was back to sing in a bilingual, bicultural Christmas Eve service. It was beautiful - our voices joining together in our own languages, singing Silent Night in the dark, warm glow of candles. Christmas away from home is never the same, but it can be wonderful in its own, new ways.

Catching up with family and friends is always on the agenda, but especially in December. I was especially pleased to visit with a teacher friend who moved back to Ireland, but came to Madrid for the holidays. I also received a special gift from a little friend, the son of a friend of mine. This little boy loves Hot Wheels cars, and he gave me one "for when the baby breaks out of your stomach." While I hope the birth is more gentle than that, I was so touched that he would give one of his favourite toys to someone he hasn't even met yet.

one advantage of a mild winter - flowers on my balcony!

Reading: A lot! A friend gave me a bunch of baby books she no longer needs, and I’ve started flipping through to see what the first few years have in store. Favourites are The Wonder Weeks (how to support Baby’s first 10 documented mental growth periods, scientific but accessible), How Children Learn (a great read for people who work with children, not just parents), and a week-by-week pregnancy book published by the UK pregnancy centre (informative but not overly medical, so no freaking out!). 

On the Christmas side of things, I’ve been curling up by the tree, re-reading my favourite stories – an L.M. Montgomery Christmas anthology, and reading Tolkien's Father Christmas Letters to Baby.

On the fluffy front (think – unwinding in the tub after a day of managing 3 year olds hopped up on turron, a Spanish Christmas candy, and the countdown to Epiphany, when the Three Wise Men bring them gifts), The Un-Domestic Goddess. I’ve read it before, and I’ll read it again! 

I finished The Pilot's Wife by Antia Shrieve. Such a compelling story about loss and relationships, and moving on, touching on the history of the IRA.

the new year's eve spread

Watching: Way too many episodes of The Big Bang Theory. I watch, I laugh, I fall asleep. Perfect, really, for this time in my life.

I’m also up to speed on Mad Men and looking forward to its final run starting in January!

We went to the cinema (taking advantage of pre-child time) twice last month, taking in Angelina Jolie's Unbroken, and of course the last installment of The Hobbit. I loved Unbroken! While hard to watch due to the sheer inhumanity of some of what happened, the story of Louis Zamperini is truly remarkable. A good pair-watching for The Railway Man, as both deal with overcoming extreme situations and, what seems even more difficult than their acts of survival, forgiving enemies. 

The Battle of the Five Armies was entertaining, but really, one book into three movies? Obviously a marketing ploy to drag the franchise on as long as possible, because the battle scenes in all three films could have been shortened. Two would have been fine. Or three shorter movies. During The Unexpected Journey, I got so antsy I opted for watching the second installment at home in case I wanted to take a break! I'm a fan, but I guess I'm not die-hard enough to enjoy the excruciating fight-scene details...

thanks, husband, for the waffle iron!

Eating: While I’ve been enjoying lots of tasty food, I’m not overindulging, despite the tradition of December being a food month. It’s just not worth jeopardizing Baby. 

I enjoyed a girls' lunch out, with some memorable mushroom croquettas at La Caña in Madrid, and a lovely stuffed trout at my work Christmas meal at Baden, also in Madrid. I highly recommend both if you're in the city. Baden has a bar and cafe-style seating as well as a formal dining room, and La Caña is great for a meetup with friends.

In the holidays, I hosted all the meals (exciting to be able to host now that our place is renovated and we have a nice space for entertaining!) but we went Spanish for the Eves and Canadian for the Days, with seafood buffets prepared by my mother-in-law and a roast turkey and tortiere French-Canadian dinner prepared by me. We try to keep things naturally sweetened and gluten-free so all family members can enjoy our Christmas feasting. With the exception of some traditional Spanish sweets (polvorones, a lard and flour ball, and naranjas confitadas, chocolate covered candied orange slices, we did pretty well).

grapes ready for the spanish countdown, gingerale for toasting!

And that's my month in review! We started January with a bang, and things don't look like they'll be slowing down any time soon, so watch out, 2015, here we come!