Girl Meets Brazil

10 months!

Posted by Elena B. , Saturday, December 19, 2009 9:43 AM

Well, yesterday (December 18th) marked our 10 month anniversary! We haven't really ever done anything to celebrate the 'small' anniversaries, but you bet we will when we hit that one year mark! We've both been super busy with finals so we didn't even get a chance to talk yesterday, but I thought it would be nice to take some time to reflect on the last 10 months, considering that 11 months ago I never would have imagined being in the situation I'm in now!

Some things I've learned in the last 10 months:

• Sometimes when you're scared shitless, you have to take that first baby step of dipping your toe in the water, but then you just have to jump right in! I knew I wanted to develop this relationship with dear bf, but I was scared. Mostly scared of how we would ever make it work, and scared that it would turn out the same as my previous LDR. But he is quite convincing, so here I am. You have to take a chance on happiness!

• Being in an LDR can be a roller coaster ride, but I don't regret it one bit. Sometimes it sucks, not being able to be with your partner. It's hard. You miss them. But I'd rather have a thousand days away from him than not have him in my life at all. Despite our struggles (LDR related an otherwise), he makes me happy. Plus, it gives me the excuse to travel to Brazil, hahah!
  

• I tend to go through phases of being really interested in something. On a more personal note, I realized that I tend to get really interested (maybe slightly obsessed?) with something. Last year it was travel and backpacking. Now, more specifically, it's Brazil. Not so sure this phase will ware off though! I do, after all, have 20+ brazil related blogs that I follow in google reader, hahaha. But the point is that knowing dear bf has gotten me interested in something new (although I was obviously interested in brazil before, since I decided to go there on my own), and I like getting interested in his country, culture, and language because I think it creates a bit of a better understanding.

• My mom always said that the best way to learn a language is to fall in love, and boy was she right! Though I never doubted that assertion, I sure have learned it for myself! A year ago I would sit in the dining hall at "portuguese table" with some lovely brazilian ladies (who are now dear friends of mine) and try to catch a word here, a word there. When they'd ask me a question, they'd often have to repeat it, and I'd reply in spanish once I understood. I didn't think I'd ever get to the point where I was only communicating (and fairly well, I might add) with someone (dear bf) in portuguese! Ok, so it is frustrating when I can't say exactly what I want to say in exactly the way I want to say it (you wouldn't beleive how we take this for granted in our native language!), but I learn a little bit each day. Definitely some good motivation. And although they are two different languages, being fluent in Spanish certainly helped. Plus, I have to thank my mom for that easy language learning gene (she speaks 5 languages! Ironically, the one romance language she doesn't speak is portuguese). But still...just fall in love with someone who doesn't speak your first language, and you'll be running for that dictionary and babbling in no time!

Ok, I know I've learned a lot more than that, but I can't think of anything else right now, probably due to the ~30 painting names, artisits, and the year painted (plus other random facts/interpretations) that I crammed into my brain for my Art History exam yesterday. I should be working on other finals anyway, ahhh! Maybe I'll write a follow-up post later. And if anyone is actually reading this (whether you know me in real life or not) feel free to comment :)

Beijos (kisses),
Elena

Loving From A Distance

Posted by Elena B. 9:37 AM

Not that anyone is actually reading this (maybe someday...), but I had to share this website for anyone out there in a Long Distance Relationship (LDR). Loving From A Distance is a website devoted LDRs, and it's GREAT! There is so much on there, from tips to maintain a happy LDR, to inspiring stories, to ideas on fun things to do besides just talk, to gift ideas. One of my favorite parts of the website though is the forums where you can talk to people around the world who understand your situation better. It's a nice place to celebrate the little victories, get advice, or just vent. It's a great community that provides a lot of support, so check it out!

It's gonna be a while

Posted by Elena B. , Tuesday, December 15, 2009 9:09 PM

As much as I love my boyfriend, sometimes being in an LDR just plain sucks. Don't get me wrong, things are good between us, but I recently found out that dear boyfriend won't be coming to visit in January like we had hoped. It's not his fault, it's just complicated. The worst part is that he even got the visa, but now won't be able to use it! So much for my daydreams about all the places we'd go, things we'd do, and people we'd meet. Guess I got a little ahead of myself in that previous post!

So we're not yet sure when we'll see each other next, but it probably won't be until at least June because of both our schedules. So we've got a long road ahead of us. I know we can stick it out, but I just really wanted to see him! Oh well, what can I do?

I guess that's it for now...