It all happens for a reason

So, I was just looking back through some of my older posts here, and I re-read the one where I was ranting about my classes in the undergrad program at Salamanca.  I remember being so incredibly frustrated with those classes.  I just wanted to throw my books and papers out my 4th floor window.

But, going back to the States this summer to take my comprehensive exams for my 1st Masters quickly changed my mind.  I realized that, even though I had to re-skim some of my notes on the texts and such, that I had actually really gained a huge understanding about the authors and time periods from the very class that I hated.

My comps covered everything from El canto de mío Cid (written around the 12th cent) to films and plays from the 20th and 21st cent.  I had to know authors, movements, major works, historical events.  Basically if it happened in Spain, and was relatively important, I had to know it.  Now, these classes that I hated covered the 15th, 16th, and 17th cent and theater in the 20th.  Turns out, when studying for comps, those were the centuries that I felt confident enough in to only review quickly.  I was amazed at how much I retained from those classes!!  I didn't get to research or investigate some of the amazing topics and themes that were presented to me throughout the classes, but I was able to gain an amazing understanding of the historical development of Spain through (especially) the Golden Ages (which has also become one of my favorite parts of Spanish history to read and study).

Either way, just wanted to say that it's funny how sometimes things that seem horrible at the time really do have a purpose.  This is a silly example of that, but it was something I'll never forget going forward with my education.  Just because I may not enjoy the set-up of a class doesn't mean that I can't get something from it.

Getting my dog to Spain!!!

So, it's all but official!! Chandler (my puppy-- well, he's 2, so maybe he's a dog... but he'll always be my baby) is going to Spain!!  I almost brought him with me last year, and decided last minute not to.  But, being that I plan on living in Spain for 3-4 more years, I know I wouldn't survive without him!  Even though my parents have been wonderful to him, and he loves living with them, it's time I take back the responsibility.  And I'm SO excited about it!

I say "all but" official, because I won't feel relieved until we walk through the door to my apartment.  I'm so nervous about the long trip (consisting of 2 flights and a 2.5 hour train ride...)!!  Thankfully he's small enough to be a "carry on" and I don't have to put him under the plane.  He's also small enough to ride with me on the train, so I won't be taking my eyes off him!!

The process of getting him approved to move to Spain wasn't too bad... a little pricey... but what isn't these days?!

1.  He had to have an internationally recognized microchip (which he already did)
2.  He had to have an up-to-date rabies shot (That must be administered more than 21 days before the flight).
3.  He needed a health certificate from the vet (This had to be done 10 days OR LESS before the flight)
4.  And then, I had to fill out a bilingual form that I got on the USDA website, and his vet had to sign.

Once I got all of that together, I had to take it to the USDA office, and they approved it all, and put a pretty stamp on it, which they charged me $38 for!

Either way, it seems that everything is in order, and in a few short days, Chandler and I will be embarking on the biggest journey of his little life!  Wish us luck!!!