Hooray for Everything!

Over the past few months, I've been rather busy.
My sister Michelle came to visit us for a week, I was in my dad's wedding, I was in a musical, and all that with a job and a boyfriend and a cat.
So for starters, Michelle's visit was so great! We had a ton of fun and she was a joy to have stay with us. I still had to work in the evenings, but she managed to use that time to go around all the museums that I've seen too many times already, so it worked out. Over the week, we went to all the best places in Madrid, plus a couple that I haven't seen before. I took her to Aranjuez, which is supposed to be beautiful in the spring. It was still a little wintry, so flowers hadn't quite started blooming yet, but it was an interesting visit. I'm really glad she got to come and see me.
Once Michelle left, I only had a couple of weeks before I had to go to the US. Those were stressful weeks! Getting all my papers in order and turning in documents for my new residency card (which will be valid for 5 years) was a pain, especially with all the bureaucracy in the Spanish government, but I just had to buckle down and get it done... and I did! I don't have the card yet, but I will very soon and that is beyond exciting. Not having to worry about how I'm going to stay and work legally in Spain for 5 years (even if we don't stay here that whole time) is a huge relief.
Right before I took my vacation, Joaquín and I had just enough time to go to the mountains for a day. We drove out to an area called El Atazar, which is a large reservoir in La Sierras, had lunch in a small mountain town, and just walked around and enjoyed the scenery. It was a definitely needed time away from the city, even for just a few hours.  
I left for the US at the end of March. I only got to spend a week there, but what a week! Not only was I a part of my dad's wedding, I also got to see a bunch of cousins and relatives, hangout with my best friends and sister, and meet Casey's son Saxon, seeing my grandparents, all so exciting! But being in the US again, with a car (thanks to Aunt Karen) reminded me of a lot of thing I did not miss. I really hated having to drive everywhere (when in Spain I can take the metro or trains). But, I also really missed all the grass we have in Missouri. Even in springtime, Spain's landscape is not green the same way as MO.
By the time I got back, I needed another vacation from my vacation. But of course, the musical was fast approaching. We were having dress rehearsals and getting ready for it like crazy. It ended up being a great success, despite all the obstacles (for example, I didn't get to sing my duets, because my duet partner left the show and we couldn't replace him), but even with all the drama (in theatre? no way!) it was a really fun show. I made a bunch of friends, and I can't wait to do it again soon. 
We have a couple of long weekends coming up, so Joaquín and I have to decide what to do and where to go. Until next time!