Friday, 2 May 2014

I always enjoy a challenge

As regular readers will know, I always enjoy a challenge.  My latest one was to write a post every day during April - and guess what? I completed this challenge. You may have noticed that I was posting on a very regular basis last month and now you know the reason why.

Living in Spain, nearly every day is a challenge. We live in a traditional Spanish town called Jumilla, which is renowned for its wine. Not many people here speak English and those that do are often a bit shy about speaking to us in English, which means it's up to us to speak to them in their language! The only problem is that we both learnt French at school, so when we moved here our Spanish was minimal. We go to Spanish classes most weeks, but when you're in your sixties it's not as easy to learn something new as when you're at school or you're a much younger adult. Luckily, as I said earlier, I enjoy a challenge and so does my husband John.

People here are very patient with us, which helps. Only last week I was having a conversation with someone and totally forgot the Spanish word for clouds. I watch the weather forecast regularly so I know the word but I had a senior moment (other over 60s will know what I mean!), so I just pointed towards the sky. "Nubes?" suggested Pepe. "Si!" I said in relief.

My other regular challenge is taking part in Project 333, which means that in theory I only have 33 clothes in my wardrobe to last me for 3 months. I have succeeded in drastically reducing the number of clothes hanging up in my wardrobe - as well as in the wardrobe in the spare room and the boxes under the bed - but it's still a tough challenge for me as I love clothes. What I'm doing now is making sure that for every new item of clothing or pair of shoes that I buy, an item goes into the recycling bin. I'm also making sure that every new purchase will fit in with my existing wardrobe, which should give me more options and make it more versatile.

Do you enjoy a challenge?

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8 comments:

  1. Robin G4 May 2014 at 07:59

    Sometimes I look for challenges but often I just meet them as they come. I was a woman in the military in a support job when women were expected to be nurses only. I'll have to say that most of the 20+ years I was in was challenging! Even for men who are not in combat-related jobs, the military is a challenge. I got my PhD to challenge myself mentally since I knew there would be no real payback in terms of job. I was challenged by a boss early in my military career to learn to scuba dive, which I did (and led to meeting that handsome Brit, so that was a challenge worth meeting!).

    However, Project 333 and organizing my closet are proving more difficult because I am too easily distracted by other things right now. Or because I'm waiting for the closet fairy.

    Having lived in several other countries, I admire how you're working to fit in and be part of the community.

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  2. Sue in Spain4 May 2014 at 14:39

    I spent less than four years in the military (Women's Royal Naval Service) and I also found if challenging at times though enjoyable. I had to leave when I got married! It's good to know that by accepting a challenge you met your handsome Brit!

    I love the idea of a closet fairy!

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    Replies
    1. Robin G5 May 2014 at 09:51

      I am soooo excited to learn that you were in the military. I wish I could include you in my interview project for military women. But I will encourage you to have one of your kids interview you so you have a great record for posterity. I can even email you the basic questions!

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    2. Sue in Spain7 May 2014 at 05:56

      Hi Robin, I definitely enjoyed my time as a Wren and in fact first visited Spain while I was serving in Gibraltar. In those days though the women weren't allowed to be based on ships only on shore bases! Please email me the basic questions, though no rush as I won't be seeing my kids for a while.

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    3. Robin G7 May 2014 at 16:08

      Sent to your Facebook Other messages. Wasn't sure how else to find you.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous4 May 2014 at 17:38

    So interesting you are living in Spain, Sue! I love challenges though I don't stick with them. So I am quite pleased that I finished & succeeded in April. I also have a project like your 333. It involves my whole basement and garage!

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    1. Sue in Spain5 May 2014 at 05:01

      Yes, life can definitely be interesting here at times! Well done in succeeding in April - I hope to see you there again!

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