#barcelonapocoapoco

[biancafactory-blog]

I thought I was going to escape M's favorite way to tease me during valentines season since we are not in the same country. But the bouquet of flowers came in a HUGE box in my office yesterday with the caption: "To my best buddy Yanky, even if you are miles away, there will always be room for anti-valentines embarassment. Love, M" I had to carry the box around in a bus on the way home with a grin on my face. I called him to thank him for the thought, but also requested that next time, he sends me potted flowers/plants instead to save me from emotional stress I get when flower boquets start to wilt! One day soon, I will gracefully handle this mushy public display of love, Cuteface. But for now, muttering "gah" and "ack" and "grrrr" and "aww" to myself is the only way to cope. Oh, I love you. #dreamteam #article26 #MandB #batanes2015 #barcelonapocoapoco

[biancafactory-blog]

I'm back on the mat again (on self-practice). When I moved to Barcelona, I tried to fit my life into one backpack and one suitcase. I had to leave my mat at home without any romantic reasons - I had to be practical, I couldn't carry one more load, and I told myself that I could always get a mat wherever I go.

It took at least two months for me to get one - the waiting included prioritizing expenses, finding stores that sold decent mats, finding a yoga community, and exploring the strength of my feet as I painfully ran a few kilometers as a basic form of meditation. The new matI got has yet to be broken in - the surface is still too slippery. I used it for the first time two days ago, and haven't stopped using it since then.

During the first day, I stumbled a lot of times on Eagle and Shiva poses. Even my Warrior poses were unstable. I did better on the second day. My hands and feet started to connect with the mat as if they were natural extensions. And on instances when I was shaky holding my Eagle, or even the Downward Dog, it felt as though my hands and feet started to grow roots so I could make it to the next breath.

It felt good - growing roots on my new mat in a new place - in a new environment. It provides constancy and security when it feels that everything is moving too fast.

And it feels good going barefoot again. I've always been better standing my ground when I'm barefoot. 

[biancafactory-blog]

I will not mask those which frustrate me - they constitute a part of being here.

Three days ago I applied for a post-paid contract with a telcom carrier for both internet and mobile phone. They got all my documents, they approved, I paid the initial fees, and then that's that. Today, they called me to ask for my residency card - which I do not have yet because it is currently being processed (and it takes a month). So they decided to cut my line.

I hope the inconvenience stops there. The worst part is when the government says that my residency permit cannot be collected for some convenient excuse like "system error". I hope it doesn't come to that.

I'm whining. Tomorrow I hope to give better news.