with love from kjerstin

2012-02-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

i just enjoy the good things in life.
like cooking, baking, organizing, cleaning and playing with kids.
and laughing and being silly and not taking life seriously.
but making everyone feel loved in every moment i get.
who's ever said they've feared being the best?
who's ever wished they weren't so kind?

love,
kjerstin

a few thoughts from january 10th

2012-01-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

1. the only traffic i have in my town is between about 2:30 and 3:30 when all the mamas go and pick up their children from school. i live in a small town. but i'm definitely going to live in a city.

2. i'm going to teach myself how to play this : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncDQKsl0wHs&noredirect=1

3. scott disick really never had a job...only got this GNC deal through kris jenner. there's hope for us all.

4. i think more people know at least one band in the coachella lineup than people who know about the conflict in pakistan.

5. notre dame basketball wooooo.

and yes, i am going to start blogging again.

OH PS. i found out today that dancing makes you smarter. so fever on thursdays > studying. and ballet is definitely going to boost my g-points this semester in more ways than one if you feel meee

Sevilla

2011-02-24T14:04:00.000-08:00

Helloooo everyone! I am sorry that it has been forever since I have updated my little blog, but I hope you have not been worried about me, although with some of the stories that I have to tell, worrying may have been in order. So since I've blogged last I have been to Sevilla, Paris and Lisbon, and taken 5 midterms, and this weekend I am taking the time to enjoy my very own Toledo. So I will now be able to fill you in on some of the highlights of my past weeks.

First of all, Sevilla is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I have never been to Cuba, but in my mind, Sevilla reminds me of Cuba. It also didn't hurt that the weather the weekend I went was absolutely beautiful-- seventy and sunny. For all of you that know me well, you know that the sun is one of my best friends. Truly a gift from God (I guess Notre Dame already has too many blessings that God decides that it can survive without it most of the year...) We also stayed at the cutest little hostel, with the nicest people ever.

On a side note, I love hostels. Maybe I have been extremely lucky with the hostels I have stayed at, but they are so precious. Its like staying at a family friend's house slash going to summer camp. Its also amazing to see how many people travel the world. Its so fun to meet people from around the world and realize that we really aren't all that different at all, but I've also realized how many ideas about Americans really aren't stereotypes at all. We are loud, but we are proud. I think we just enjoy life a little more obviously.

But if I had to tell one story about Sevilla it would be a little bike trip that we took from Sevilla to ancient greek ruins about 20 km outside of Sevilla. Our hostel told us that there was a "bike path" that we could take, and printed out a map for us. As we were leaving we told another hostel worker that we were biking to Italica and he just kind of laughed at us and said "It's kind of far, and there isn't really a path there..." We should have known then that we were in for an adventure. If not then, then about 2 minutes into our ride when all our seats that were readjusted to our heights fell down so that we were riding with our knees in our ears. Regardless, still one of the best times of my life.

As we followed the "map" that was given to us, the path that we were riding suddenly turned into only rocks and stones and basically dead-ended into a railway in the middle of the Sevillan country side. We knew the direction that Italica was and so decided to lift our bikes across the train tracks and across a field. We soon discovered that this was a private farmland completely enclosed by gates and also guarded by some wild, gyspy dogs. No explanation needed we then peddled our way back across the train tracks, down the path we came to another major rode that finally brought us to our beloved Italica. It was definitely like finding gold at the end of the rainbow. We literally felt like we were the first to ever discover this place. But it was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

The town also had an old Spanish Monastery which was the first place that the Bible was ever translated to Spanish which is pictured below:

Above is me and my little trike next to the railway... middle of no where. And below is the beautiful countryside of Southern Spain.

Amy, Tessa, me and Lily at the cutest little garden hostel ever. This was the patio that we would relax at after our tour-de-spain.

Sevilla has the most beautiful artistry and architecture. I was loving all over the intricate designs, especially in yellow and blue-- my little swedish soul was glowing.

A part of the main park in Sevilla, and below the riverway that went through Sevilla.

I already miss Sevilla!! But there is just so much more to explore in the world-- I still have to update you all on Paris and Lisboa! Definitely will be more to come.

xx, Kjerstin

Yoga en España

2011-01-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

During one of our sprightly strolls between the bus stop in the plaza of Toledo and through the maze-like stone paths that lead us to the Fundacion (where we go to "school"), Amy and I stopped at the sight of a four letter word in a window that is the same in every language. YOGA. This tiny little organic, healthfood storefront--not any wider than my wingspan--advertised for yoga classes in a little room above the store and just so happened to have sessions Monday evenings. Conveniently one between my 3:30-4:45 and 7:45-9:00 pm classes. Yes, I am fortunate enough to have classes from 8:40 am to 9:00 pm on Mondays. But Mondays are going to be Mondays no matter how many classes you have, so you might as well have four right?

So today I packed some leggings, t-shirt and hoodie in my North Face backpack--the new essence of my being--and decided I was going to be adventurous. I was going to prove myself to do those things that I could only do while abroad, and take a yoga class in Spanish.

I don't know what it is, but I think that health food makes you happy. Any health food/organic store/restaurant I have ever been in has had workers that are just so care-free, radiant, and ready to help you. The young woman working in the little shop was more than happy to hear that I wanted to drop in for a session, and sent me up the stairs in the back of the shop (only a couple feet from the front entry way). One other woman, Belen, had begun rolling out her mat on the floor and was eager to learn all about me--my name (Cristina.. obviously), where I was from, what I was doing in Spain, how I liked it, what I was studying, how my day was, what I hoped to do during my time, etc. It was one of the first times in Spain that I really felt a connection to someone that lived the town and opened herself up to hearing about who I was, and not just brushing me off as a blonde, American girl. She told me the class was small, and was mostly older people, and that I would definitely be the little baby of the group. The instructor came up about 5 minutes later with the other 4 members of the class, three women and a man-- of course, it's Spain. I should have known I didn't need to be early, or even on time.

The instructor is literally picked out from a movie. She is gorgeous, and bubbly, and probably what all American boys dream of when they think of a Spanish woman. Lightly tanned, flawless skin, beautiful smile, long wavy brown hair brushed up into a ponytail. I know I probably sound ridiculous but seriously, I have a girl crush. I just want to be her! She gave me a big hug when she saw me and was so glad that I had dropped in on the class, and told me that if I had any questions that she would help me.

Yoga in Spanish is so much more beautiful than English, the way the instructions rolled off the instructors tongue seemed so much more naturally, breathless and effortless than in English. The class lasted over an hour, but it didn't drag one bit. It was a perfect reminder for me to enjoy the moments I have, reflect on myself and my body. So often we get caught up in worries of work, school, the future, decisions, what other people think about us, and what we think of ourselves. We really are just this one body, but we are given power through our mind, our soul, and our heart. This is something that can't be taught, but is a reminder that we should be given everyday, in every language, and in every culture. It's universal--we only have this one body, and this one life, but so many possibilities.

Anyway, safe to say, the whole experience was amazing. It was exactly what I needed--time away from the Fundacion, from school, from my computer, from my worries, and time to reflect, meditate, pray and be grateful. On top of all of that, I was able to communicate and bond with people that live in this city, and that were as eager to open their hearts as I was to them. It was amazing. I can't wait to go next week.

I hope that you all survived your Mondays, and are on to enjoy your tuesdays. I am off to read and crash for the night, but am thinking of you all in my dreams.

Besos.

lessons learned, spain week one

2011-01-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

1. I truly am loving Spain, but I LOVE America.
2. Real spanish sangria has fresh fruit and cinnamon. And it is delicious.
3. Being blonde here is like having two heads. When there are 5 together, we are a walking monstrosity.
4. Automatically being Blonde and foreign looking in Spain means that you can't understand a word of Spanish... It's quite a surprise when people talking about you "rubias" in Spanish realize that you actually can speak their language.
5. Nick's Patio actually sounds like heaven when you are walking around in Spain unable to find any place to eat or warm up between the hours of 5 am and 6 am in the morning.
6. Whoever opens a 24-hour restaurant in Spain will be the next Bill Gates.
7. Toledo, Spain is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever been. It is also a bubble. Naturally, the Notre Dame of Spain, and it already feels like home.
8. My host sister is one of the funniest, coolest people I have ever met. She likes to sing "Survivor" by Destiny's Child, even know half of the words she pronounces and clearly doesn't know what she's singing.
9. American music is the best music around--in clubs, restaurants, buses, stores...it doesn't matter how many years old it is...yes, they will play Avril's "I didn't steal your boyfriend." Similarly, any American song that comes on in clubs is automatically a guaranteed good dancing song.
10. My host mom is an amazing cook. New favorite food-- Tigres. ("tigers" in english). They are stuffed mussels with onions and peppers. I ate them tonight, and died and went to heaven.
11. Mazapan is the best treat in the entire world. Amy and I are going to look up recipes and perfect our skills in making them to bring them back to America. You all are welcome.
12. Calling American numbers through g-mail is free. It is also amazing. E-mail me when you're free and whenever I have internet and a free minute I will call you!
13. Every day is an adventure. Never spend a moment not doing something that makes you happy, makes you laugh, or makes you even better than a second before. Love what you have, don't worry about what you don't. We'll all be alright. Count your blessings, and I'm counting YOU.

besos, besos.

Post scriptum: Lessons continued.
14. Supposedly a pickpocket distraction in Spain: A gypsy comes up to you with a baby and throws it at you to catch you off guard, and your natural maternal/good human being instinct would make you catch the baby, while the gypsy takes your purse and runs. Since everyone knows that I am the furthest thing from maternal, I told my friends I would naturally let any gypsy baby thrown at me hit the floor. Which is worse...that? Or Amy, saying she would run off with the baby and throw it away? I at least suggested the baby a la Moses story... sending it down a river. But now that I think of it, if you catch the baby and the gypsy runs off with your purse, then are you automatically stuck with the baby? LESSON FOURTEEN: stay away from gypsies, and/or babies, and/or purses.

15. Love new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, one is gold. But for me, all my friends are golden. I love my new found friends in Spain. You guys are gems, and the semester has only just begun...

Only the curious have something to find...

2011-01-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

So today I finally gave my sea legs what they were asking for. A nice long run. I've been so busy and trying to readjust to Spanish time that I have been terrible in getting in my daily runs! Today I found the running path that connects the little town that I live in to the walled city of Toledo. It's basically a dirt path that winds through the Spanish mountain sides. Once I got out of my little town the road was wider and smoother but ayyyiyi the hills! My poor legs! They got a wake up call for sure! I needed to get outside though and get in my sun so as not to continue my seasonal affectiveness disorder abroad. I doubt they have happy lights over here...they just have really good coffee! But the sun was brilliant and I basked in every second of it.

It was so peaceful just to run through the hills and at the top of each I could see Toledo and the Cathedral in the distance. It really is so surreal. It looks like a castle on top of a mountain. I love the timelessness of it. Next time I go I will bring my camera so I can post pictures of it for you all to see. I didn't leave until a little around 4ish so it was getting colder and darker around 5 and so I had to turn around to head back home, but one of these days I want to make it all the way to Toledo. I have to get ready to beat my dad in our marathon in just over a year!!

So I am officially done with classes for the week, and we are heading to Madrid tomorrow just for the night and for Saturday, just to get a little taste because we are going back for more next weekend! Classes here should be a breeze--I don't know if it's just the slow moving pace of Spanish culture, or if I am just so accustomed to Notre Dame classes that normal college classes just don't seem right. It might be a mixture of both but I'm not complaining! I'm taking a Spanish-American literature class, a theology class on Spanish Mysticism, a class on Spanish Golden Age theatre, a modern Spanish film class and a Global marketing class. The best part is that our "text books" are little spiral bound copies of different readings. Sometimes I feel like the Fundacion is a little childcare that babysits us. It's hilarious, but I couldn't ask for a better break.

Tonight we're going to take Toledo by storm again, and I will be sure to let you all know what kind of trouble Shakira runs into.

siempre amor! hasta luego.

toledo, espana

2011-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

So I made it to Spain! And guess what? They do have apples here! My host mom, Toni, laughs at me because I eat the apples with the skin on them, and she peels all of her fruit. But what she probably doesn’t know is that my apple addiction is not normal. And that I would probably even eat the core of the apple. Also, my host family—as with many Spaniards—have difficulty saying “Kjerstin.” So while I am here, I go by Cristina. Or Shakira.

I seriously don’t even know where to begin. After I do a little bit of a catch up entry, then hopefully everyday I will be able to bring you more specific stories. But Toledo is seriously a fairytale. It is an absolutely gorgeous city that it completely blows my mind. It’s so crazy to walk around the town knowing how old it is, and how many people have lived and walked the cobblestone streets (probably more have done without stilettos than do now, and they probably lived longer than I will). I feel so ignorant about all the history of Spain and Toledo and I can’t wait to learn about it all.

Here are some pictures from a little walk we did from inside the walls of the city to an outlook across the river that had an amazing view of the city.

Here is a view from inside the walls out to the road that we walked along. The mountainsides are completely gorgeous, but don't be deceived! Beyond these little hills are tiny mexico-like barrios. These little towns are where Amy and I live. And we embrace it everyday.

Another view of outside of Toledo.

One of the widest streets of Toledo. The normal sized streets could barely fit me with two suitcases. Okay, so I know, I know. They aren't that small because my suitcases are massive. But still. It was a struggle.

A gate to a bridge that goes across the river to the other side of Toledo. They all are old towers that people would go to the top to look out of, and some of them you can still go in, but these had locked doors.

Las rubias looking over the town that we have learned to call our own.

Toledo at dusk.

Toledo at night. The cathedral is amazing--I can't wait to go in and see it!

Tomorrow is my third day of class for the week, and I have class at 840 in the morning, which means I have to take the 8 am bus. My classes tomorrow are spread out throughout the day so Amy and I will probably go exploring through the city a little more between classes. On monday we went to a cafe and were talking and the craziest guy who told us he went to UVA and then worked on Wall Street in NYC came over to our table and was pretending to take a picture of the art on the wall by our table and then completely eavesdropped into our conversation and talked to us about how no one in the world ever grows up, or something. He was speaking English, but he really made less sense than most of the Spanish people that we've talked to! Such a strange character. But I love how people in Toledo people are so much more open to having conversations with people they don't know, and love hearing eachother's stories.

So I'm sorry that this post wasn't very exciting, but now that you know I'm here, have seen a little bit of my new life, get ready for everything else that is coming. Like seeing Katy Perry in Lisbon, going to Paris for a pre-Valentines weekend, Andalucia, Rome, Prague, a pre-finals detox in the Canary Islands before I go tour my homeland-Sweden. I guess I'm taking classes in there, too?

Missing America, but I just like to think that I'm just bringing a little piece of you all with me because you are all in my heart.

besos, Shakira

Some mid-sky ponderings

2011-01-12T15:56:00.000-08:00

I’m en route on my flight to New York, and I have a feeling that I’m somewhere over the Midwest because we are about an hour and a half away from landing. I passed out at the very beginning of my flight and just woke up. And guess what? It wasn’t on the middle aged Asian man that I’m sitting next to. I don’t know if I’ve told many people about the time that once en route to Chicago I passed up and woke up realized I was entirely sleeping on the shoulder very attractive 26 or something year old businessman sitting next to me. I mean I wasn’t laying on his lap by any means but my head was just resting on his right shoulder as he was typing away on his computer. Instead of getting up quickly and apologizing frantically, I realized that there was only about 15 minutes left before we landed, so just “rested my eyes” there for the duration of the flight. Once we landed, I jolted back up and said I was so sorry, that I didn’t realize I did it. He just smiled at me and it was fine and he hoped that I had sweet dreams. Definitely saved for an awkward 15 minutes at the end of the flight if I would have had to sit next too him completely embarrassed. But seriously. What a babe, right? I wonder what he’s up to these days, and if he ever thinks of me when he jets around.

Anyway if I fell asleep next to this guy on my left he would probably grunt under his breath and push me away with one of his loafers on the ground that he removed from his feet for the flight. Or pour his second coffee with three sugars in my hair. I know he isn’t reading this as I type because he is feigning interest into the episode of the office that they are playing on the TVs. He doesn’t seem like the type to normally watch TV. He rubs his neck with his thumb and pointer fingers and gazes out the window as if he is anxious to get off, get on with his life. It’s kind of bizarre to be suspended in the air. None of us can go anywhere, we can’t effect what is happening below us, or what the world will be like when we land.

After I land I will have about 3 hours left in America. I will probably scrounge the airport for some apples. All-American meal right there! I wonder how many apples I will be able to find in Spain. I will thoroughly miss my South Dining Hall sliced apples overflowing the small scratchy brown bowls that I have been washed by thousands of different hands behind the tray conveyor. Random thought, but I’ve always wanted to write a little note and leave it on my tray saying thank you with a little note of encouragement on it. I’m definitely going to do that when I get back to school.

I’m already missing my family, incredibly. When I left this morning it didn’t feel like I wasn’t going to see them for months. I know my mom cried on the way back from the airport to home, and probably will get teary-eyed again when she goes in my bright yellow room and sees stray pieces of clothing draped over my unmade made. I love you, mom! I may not be home, but I never won’t be your daughter. You’re stuck with me, lady, and I love you with all my heart even though you gave Kari a corset and not me!! Just kidding, we know she will get more use from it anyway (:

ALSO! I thought that I left my ipods at home, but I finally just found them, they slipped into a little pocket of my backpack. Hallelujah. Celebrate the little things.

always yours, warmly and loving,

Kjerstin

i'll get out of california...

2011-01-10T21:55:00.001-08:00

So as I was running around my town this morning I realized there are somethings that I love about living in La Canada.

1. That I actually could be running outside in shorts and a tee on the 10th of january, soak in the sunshine, and not suffer from seasonal affectiveness disorder.

2. Pasadena. It's the perfect sized city and its simply gorgeous. I love being able to do laps around the Rose Bowl (saying my prayers that Notre Dame will soon be there !!) and being able to run into Old Town for some circus animal cookie frozen yogurt. I love the architecture, the library, the restaurants and the $2 movie theatre. I could go there everyday for a year and find something new.

3. I can't go anywhere without running into someone I know. It's a curse yes, especially days like today where I just am in leggings and an oversized sweatshirt with my hair up in a ponytail, but it really is a blessing--I feel like I'm part of a family. Think about it, why do we really want to be anonymous? Why don't we actually try to talk to the people we see on the streets, help us check out our groceries, and let us know when we've dropped something? It's kind of bizarre that anonymity is so acceptable in life.

4. I love the foothills and the mountains in the distance. It's a reminder that I really am so small, and that God is so much bigger than all of my worries. The fact that I can see snow capped mountains without having to deal with South Bend windchill and blizzards is a miracle.

5. Lastly, 1523 Alta Park Lane. It's my home. I remember the day I discovered this house online in Chicago, with my parents hovered over my shoulders. I wouldn't know at the time that the 20 screen sized pictures on the website would be of rooms that I would fill with my own memories. I love the family room that can fit all seven members of my family comfortably on our sectional as we watch movies, football, and play beatles rockband. I love that we have three fireplace in a house where it doesnt get below 30 degrees outside.

This is my last night in La Canada for a while so I thought it would be fitting to give it some loving. I remember the first nights I spent here I cried myself to sleep wishing I were anywhere else, but now I spend my last nights with bittersweet tears. It's tough saying good-bye. But it would be even more sad if I didn't feel any emotion at all. It's never really good-bye though, I'll be here all summer long, and will be so ready to become a little sunkissed beach bum. Before California falls of the face of the earth... when is that happening again??

yours,

kjerstin renee

Here we gooo

2011-01-09T21:40:00.001-08:00

my gemss!

So I would like to begin this post by saying that I tend to be a very disciplined as well as ambitious person. So why I have failed TWICE at beginning to blog is beyond me. It's unacceptable. And the third time is a charm. I'm starting to blog so that I can journal my study abroad experience for you all who want to read it, but more importantly for me. To push myself and write about what moves me, changes me, and enlivens my soul.

I've always been jealous of Emily Dickinson. (She was the first serious poet I ever chose to read on my own--besides Dr. Seuss, of course, and because of this I've always thought of her as 'my poet.' So back off). Anyway, if you haven't seriously read her. Do it. She's brilliant. So brilliant that it makes me both awestruck and jealous. It's a good thing we come from different times, or else we wouldn't get along. Sorry, Em. This blog is going to be the hard, honest truth. Anyway, she has a way of putting the complexities of her life and her soul into words, and it's timeless. It's powerful. It's a talent I wish I had. She was able to seclude herself entirely from people and make words, poetry, and letters her world. I could never do that. I love people too much. That's right, you. I'll say it because people don't say it enough-- you're great, whoever you are. And I'm sure I could talk your head off like I'm doing now.

Anyway, I'm rambling. This is going to be disastrous. I'll get better. Anyway, I hope that through this blog I can seclude myself just a bit, and slow down and really but my thoughts and feelings into words, and if it's even a tiny fraction as inspiring as what Emily has said, then I would happily die in a second. Anyway I was looking at some of my favorite poems and came across the perfect one. So kjerstin. I think you'll see why.

It's called "I held a jewel" and its from part three of her complete collections, "Love."

I HELD a jewel in my fingers
And went to sleep.
The day was warm, and winds were prosy;
I said: “’T will keep.”

I woke and chid my honest fingers,—	5
The gem was gone;
And now an amethyst remembrance
Is all I own.

So I'm going to Spain in two days, and traveling Europe. My goal is to cherish every moment, take every risk, and bask in each day's beauty. Every day is a day that we won't have back, and I will kick myself if I don't take advantage of living in Europe. I'm opening my eyes and my heart to a country and a people that I know will change me. And I absolutely cannot wait. I'm not ready by any stretch of the imagination-- you should see my growing to do list... but I'm definitely exhilarated.

On a related note, this past semester was seriously a GEM. I loved all my classes, learned an abundance of information, challenged myself, and definitely grew up. Being away from home for seven months was not easy, but will make my transition to Spain so much easier. I have amazing friends. I think its funny to read my last post because it was just as I was leaving California to go back to school for the summer. I don't even remember writing it to be completely honest, but it's crazy how I talked about being called to be there. I couldn't have been more right. I had an awesome job--more challenging than I thought, but allowed me to opportunity to spend time at one of my favorite places in the entire world. There seriously isn't anything else like it, and I am so blessed that I have been given the opportunity to go there that I really should never complain about anything the rest of my life. I am so lucky. Also this past summer I was able to deepen friendships I had already had, and find friendships that I never thought I would have. I could not imagine myself without some of these people. They aren't just my friends, but they're my family. I feel like I'm speaking in cliches, but I know that everything happens for a reason, and my life is living proof of that. I know that I cannot take these gems with my to Spain, and hold them in my hands, but I know that the memories I have are not going anywhere. We're all growing up, but we're all getting better with age. As long as we remember to push ourselves and not give up on our desires. Too many people settle with mediocrity, but I know that with hard work and prayers you can achieve anything.

Anyway, I think that this is enough for a first real blog entry. I'll write more tomorrow, and I'm sorry for the randomness. But you have to start somewhere.

Peace and blessings !!!

chao chao mis queridos! besos, kjerstin

summer is a time for new adventures

2010-06-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

hey babies. so here is my first real blog entry. i finished my second year at the unive rsity of notre dame in early may and was able to go home for a few weeks before i moved back into pangborn hall to manage the dorm for the summer! it's going to be a great opportunity, and i really feel called to be here this summer--i don't know exactly why, but i can't wait for everything it will bring. i love california. so much. i never wanted to admit it, but it's my home. look at all the beautiful things that california has brought into my life.

ps! i just realized that it was exactly ONE year ago that I blogged for the first time and failed. what a coincidence. it's going down now. get readdyyy

2009-06-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

hey everyone! i don't even know who comes and looks at this but this is my first post ever. and i promise this summer i will become a pro at blogging. you will come to this site in awe and wonder. so we are all just waiting for that day. but here i comeee!

loveloveee,

kjerstin!