Fort Worth: New Eats and Old Friends

Fort Worth= Steers!

A quick dash to Fort Worth last week was just the pick me up the doctor didn't order. Just a little update, I have still not been able to get in to see a neurologist for the champagne bottle issue.

I cannot figure out if there are just not enough neurologist or if there are just that many head injuries- let's hope for anything that falls on the side of a low amount of head injuries.



Anyways Fort Worth was great, and seeing old friends was even better. I stopped by my old school and saw all the folks that made me happy to come to work everyday.

Then hung out with friends around town and caught up on life. Fort Worth has grown since I first posted about it, so we did plenty of eating around town.

 Not going to lie I was disappointed in all places, but two! One burger place didn't even give you a side of fries without you paying extra- could have sworn fries and a burger equal America. Correct me if I'm wrong. One of the places was under construction when I was there and opened soon after I left sadly. However, here's a quick breakdown of places I will definitely be visiting again, as soon as possible.  

The Bearded Lady:

I've been seeing this place pop up all over my friends Instagrams and Facebook pages, which had me craving a place I'd never visited simply from photos.

After eating a burger with no fries we headed over to the Bearded Lady for drinks and I ate a whole round of fried tomatoes by myself. The sauce. So good. While the name and setting would make you think that it was "hipster hangout 101" there was a blend of cultures and backgrounds enjoying the food, atmosphere, jukebox and game on at the bar. I would suggest this place to all, and the outside patio will be calling my name come summertime.

Everyone's Local Hangout

 

When the sun rose I headed to Stir Crazy Baked Goods for some breakfast, not once, but twice. And this too was good. First I enjoyed a chia cupcake, it melted in my mouth.

 

Then I went all out and doubled up with a sweet roll and the daily quiche. All I can say is thank goodness for folks who appreciate buttercream icing and understand a flakey crust. I will definitely be visiting on my next trip.

 Should you be heading to Fort Worth anytime soon I'd suggest a pop into either place or both, I promise you will not regret the deliciousness!

 

Until next time, Adios, Hasta Pronto, and Be blessed  . . .

Old Friends and Good Times

 

 

(Photo Thanks to StirCrazyBakedGoods, Fwweekly, and DMagazine)

Just Call it a Giveaway! Three Free Personalized Travel Postcards!

You guys, I know, I know! All of a sudden I get busy, start hustling towards a new job, maybe sneak a trip in to my old stomping grounds and forget about your loyalty. NOT TRUE!

You should know that I'm just a wee bit better than that by now.

While the cat was away she may have played, but I also worked out a sweet deal with the company Lettr.co. The smart guys over at the Lettr company have developed a program that only requires a smart phone and Facebook account.

Access Lettr.co, take a picture where ever you are in the world of whatever you heart is moved by and pick a lucky person from your friends list. If you have the address great, if not that's okay Lettr will send them a message ( that you can tailor) explaining why their address is need. In a weeks time, guess what'll be sitting in their mailbox- YOUR POSTCARD.

A completely personalized post card! Your message! And your signature!

 If you are anything like me and always moving when traveling then always moving when not traveling this is the perfect solution to staying connected with those you love and providing them with a personalized postcard from side to side.

I was so happy for the opportunity to send a postcard back to my dad who couldn't visit with the rest of my family and he was just as happy to see his daughters having fun and not spending his money shopping. The postcard is actually thicker than most you buy on the street and the picture quality is great with rich colors. It was better than any print I've received from a cell phone picture- I can only imagine the sharpness with a camera or photography tool for your camera. 

Starting today, April 21, 2014, I'm giving away three free postcards to the first three lucky folks who answer the following question in the comments section:

Which providence did I call home in Spain while participating in the North American Language and Cultural Program?

I told you my absences was worth the wait, heck some of you might be hoping I disappear a little more often from here on out!

Until next time, Adios, Hasta Pronto, and Be blessed . . .

Life in Abroad: Programs to Get You There

First off, excuse the absences, I'm in the middle of a pretty intense job hunt process that I'm giving my all for; which means I've got very little left over after substitute teaching all day.

BUT, I didn't forget about you guys, how could I honestly.

Soooo, how in the world do you get from reading this post to sitting in a café abroad? There are more options out there than you'd believe AND definitely more than I'm going to give you in this post.

Just know, you can go whether you are a teacher or not, even when applying for teaching programs. If you are a teacher and TEFL certified or IB certified then you can actually search for schools who are looking for teachers from all backgrounds. Usually IB schools or private schools abroad. I've said it before and I'll say it again answering the call of education means you get to share in the growth of students anywhere in the world.

Now for the programs . . .

Options for Teaching Abroad

CIEE:
Teach school or professional
Chile, China, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, Vietnam
Must have taken Spanish Courses, Cost at least $1,000, Offers many aides once in country such as week logging while you search for a permanent location.
BEDA:
Madrid, Partners with Catholic Private Schools
Must interview in Spanish
Teaching more than the average Language Assistant at 18hrs a week ( still not to shabby)
In Country Ministries:
In every country ( if you are in Europe check out the American program)
Requires the highest level of language skills
Possibly longer contracts
World Teach ( The original program I applied for that I would suggest above all else)
17 Countries
Year, Semester, or Summer
Through ministries, programs, universities, or specialized education groups
Actual lead instructor, but no teaching experience required
Many fees returned at the end of your stay

Options to move forward long-term

Looking for a long-term, more than two years, contracted job abroad then check-out the following:

Ideal.org
USA  Government Jobs that move you abroad, tech or teaching usually
Interexchange
Globalworkandtravel.ca
firstabroad.org
bunac.org
Peace Corps
Au Pair
Attending University abroad, probably going to be cheaper if not free and their are so many programs available!

Guys I hope this helps you get started, remember it's going to cost money to get settled abroad, so it's probably helpful that while you're on the internet for hours searching away you'll also be saving plenty of money. Don't give up, had I given up when the first program I was accepted to (a wonderful one in America Samoa) said there just weren't enough positions open, so welcome to the waitlist I wouldn't have had my Spanish adventure.

Get to searching, don't be afraid to e-mail bloggers or ex-program participants- ask questions and make your goals happen!

Until next time, Adios, Hasta Pronto, and Be blessed  . . .