Writing Contests

The following are links to a few writing contests I've entered. I figured in addition to blogging I should be building my own personal writing portfolio. I'm enjoying working on a few short fiction pieces. It would feel pretty incredible to get recognized for my work.

https://ellipsis.westminstercollege.edu/

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1936

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1647

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1816

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=1245

http://winningwriters.com/templates/contest_detail?contest_id=2691

http://sparkanthology.org/contests/seven/

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My First Weekend

This weekend was my first free weekend in Spain so I decided to do a little exploring.

I caught the 622 bus from Las Rozas which took about 40 minutes to arrive into the Moncola station in the Madrid city center. From there I walked down Calle de la Princesa, passing the Plaza de España. When I reached Calle Gran Vía I stopped into a book store for a guide to Spain. I walked along Calle Gran Vía and eventually reached La Plaza Mayor. There I sat at a cafe, enjoyed a café con leche and dove into my book. It would have been handy to read this book before my travels as I had to learn the hard way that "eta" is not just a designation for my sorority chapter but also a terrorist organization in Spain. I could have saved myself a lot of embarrassment had I done a little reading first (more on that later). The book I got is by Rick Stevens and has proven very informative and very digestible. I read for a while and when I noticed a storm seemed to be moving in a decided to head back.

On my way back I walked through El Corte Ingles. There is so much shopping to do in Madrid, especially in this area. After looking into some stores I continued on my way, stopping at La Plaza de España. I sat by the fountain and people watched for a little bit. Then I walked around to the various booths set up along the plaza. I stumbled upon this one little booth with some great pants so I decided to treat myself and get a pair. Then I worked by way back up Calle de la Princesa to the Moncloa station. I took the 625 bus back which after a 40 minute ride left me just a short three minute walk from my new home.

I'm really enjoying Spain. Although I didn't do too much this weekend I have plenty of time to experience all Madrid has to offer. I look forward to learning about some of Spain's other major cities and the deciding which ones to visit. I enjoyed having the afternoon to myself and liked that I could set the pace for the day. I look forward to getting Madrid well enough that I can act as a tour guide when my family visits next summer.

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September Playlist

Love. Love. Loving this cover of Whitney Houston's How Will I Know by Sam Smith. This is some first dance material right here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwHACITShSI

This girl's got some major talent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xv-fqXGum2g

You haven't really lived until you've bought bottle service with your rent money. I couldn't help myself. It reminds me of college and it's fun to run to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RMQksXpQSk

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I'm too tired to blog...

I'm too tired to actually blog (#jetlag) but I'm rather proud to let anyone reading this know that I have learned to drive a car with a manual transmission! My motto from now on is, "CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH" - it's what my host mother kept saying while I was learning because she can't remember the word "clutch" but I got the idea.

Bueno, ahora, voy a descansarme porque mañana tengo que levantarme muy temprano para llevas los niños a colegio - Entonces, buenas noches!

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Your choices will change the world.

"Your choices will change the world."

Some of the most profound wisdom I've ever received happened to be via a quote on a tea bag. Ironically, I don't like tea very much. 

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I should be packing...

I should be packing... but instead I'm watching New Girl and eating leftover red velvet cake, feeling the anxiety build up in my brain. Since Sunday I haven't been able to shut my thoughts off and unfortunately, I now find myself in the position of having only one day left to gather and pack all of the belongings I will need for an undetermined amount of time in a foreign country. Oh man... someone pass the wine.

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