What I´ve Learned So Far . . . Part I

Holes in shoes only get bigger; when leaving on vacation, leave the hole-y shoes at home. 

When faced with hole-y shoes on vacation, dental floss and a sewing kit may seem like the perfect solution.  You´re still better off leaving the shoes at home.

Spain has more forms of ¨ham¨ than you can ever imagine; eating your body weight in Spanish ham is not advisable, no matter how delicious they seem at the time. 

Spanish ham is not prosciutto; do not make the mistake of making this comparison in front of a Spanish person.

As long as I´m on the subject of pork, if you ever have the opportunity to eat suckling pig, abandon Weight Watchers points for the day and try the skin.

Do not be alarmed when the pet pig of the village rubs against your legs like a cat.

Foreign accents are both charming and sexy.

¨De de de de . . . like dis¨ is a far more interesting way of saying ¨etcetera¨. 

Beatles songs sung in Spanish accents will never fail to make me smile.

When experiencing trouble accessing soap from the newly-filled, hanging, plastic-yet-still-prone-to-shattering soap dispenser, don´t pull too hard. 

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday.  Express your gratitude to those who have positively impacted your life.

Tears are therapeutic.

Spanish men are as charming as they say.  So are Spanish women.

Watching confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of being a teacher and/or a friend.

55 minute power walks don´t completely offset multiple desserts.

English has a LOT of phrasal verbs.

In Spain, even men who claim not to cook can give you a detailed recipe for paella.

Flamenco is to Spanish people what Cheeseheads are to Wisconsinites (or Dorothy is to Kansans).

Even if it´s summer and your researching spouse tells you the temperature will be in the 90s most of the time, take a summer sweater.

My husband can do a pretty impressive imitation of Will Ferrell imitating George W.

Differences in age, nationality, language, and gender can make relationships more interesting, not less possible.

You can skip the small talk and go right to deeper, more significant topics.

Good-bye is still a sad word.

The view from the room at the top of the stairs is worth the climb with the backpack.

Beauty, Magic, and Wonder abound.

I love my husband, and I´m blessed to have him as a life partner and friend.