I am leaving Madrid for good on November 2nd. It's been a great ride and one that I won't forget. I have 3 years of wonderful memories that no one can take away from me and that I can't put a price on. We will always have Madrid.
Bleesings to all of you,
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1250 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
OF course I'll be back to visit, but NOT to live. I've had too many hardhips here and I am closing the book on that.
But, I am choosing to focus on the good that has happened to me here such as:
1. I have met many wonderful people through this board and in Spain in general.
2. I have gone down from a 42 in the waist to a 31. Thanks to Spain for good public transportation and excellent food and the fact that I can walk many places.
3. I have taught English and met many wonderful students who have helped me along the way. Teaching English is now yet another language that I can add to my CV.
4. I have done something that only most people dream of and I can add this experience to my CV as well as it may turn into a book. Who knows?
All in all, I am focusing on the positive as I leave a place that I love.
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1250 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Shawn-- I hope you'll find nothing but good things waiting for you wherever you land next. Reading your story was a big inspiration to me when I was making the leap to come. Please keep in touch and let us know about life after Madrid. And WRITE THAT BOOK!
I like Dr. Seuss' philosophy on these things: Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
--Megan
Posts: 1064 | Location: Madrid | Registered: 10 December 2002
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
Thanks for this quote Megan. I am doing that right now. It happened and I am happy with my decision to move on to the other side and see what awaits me there.
Besos,
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1250 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Ooooh this hits home as we got here at the same time, I think. Class of '03...
You've been an inspiration (and much needed teacher!) to us as well, Shawn, and will continue to be wherever you land. Keep us all abreast of your continuing adventures, please.
Shawn!!! I second that statement of Juliette's, class of 03! We will miss you man, you and I have had good motivational talks, few and far between, but always memorable. I hope that you are happy in what you decide to do next, and please dont forget to come back and visit. I will see you before you go! Besos, Joy
Posts: 537 | Location: Madrid (but from Boston) | Registered: 16 December 2002
Noooooooo!! I will miss you so much girlfriend!! Who's going to help me look out for the goodlooking, tight butts that go past the volleyball games? Who's going to man the "I-don't-give-a-sh*t vb team with me? Oh baby, it just wont be the same without you!! But yes, I must smile because it happened and I know that it is a well thought out decision and that this will indeed be the best thing for you. I only wish you the very, very bestest of all in the whole mundo mundial darling. We must celebrate the beginning of you new life baby, several times before you leave, many drinks need to be drunk to your health and your future Lena
oh no!!! what sad news to find on mm! but i do think that the dr. seuss philosophy is perfect for all of us! let's not cry because you are leaving but smile because you were here and part of all of our lives! i will miss you. even though we didn't get to hang out as much as we should have liked, i felt like you were a family member...correction...ARE...a family member...just because you are going away, doesn't mean you are leaving.
do keep us posted....and...is there a going away party????
xoxox candy
Posts: 988 | Location: MADRID! | Registered: 09 November 2002
So many good things have come from you taking that chance to come here to live 3 years ago, not only for you but for all of us that were blessed in knowing you.
I hope that no matter where you go you will find fulfillment and rewarding adventures.
And, dammit.... this is going to be one hell of a going-away party!
Already missing you - Roland
Posts: 289 | Location: Madrid via DC via Mexico via ... | Registered: 01 August 2003
Thank you all for the kind words. They really do mean a lot to me.
I really can admit that Spain has not been that great to me financially, but that it has done wonders to my girlish figure and has increased my faith by learning to move out on a limb .
I'm up for a going away party in October. I would love to give hugs and besos one last time before I make the move across the Atlantic.
A great day to all,
Shawn
"Wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down" - SONG OF SOLOMON, Toni Morrison
Posts: 1250 | Location: Richmond, VA but in MADRID now | Registered: 10 February 2002
Congrats on your decision! While everyone is mourning your leaving, I am cheering your next adventure in life! How exciting!
We have had a lot of really great talks! We will miss you like h-e-double toothpicks but I know you will be back...Spain is like that. Once it's in your system and your heart, it's impossible to get out!
I remember the first time we met at the very first multimadrid BBQ that will live down in infamy. Oh, and then that absolutely priceless conversation on the metro about the woman checking you out over her ice cream cone...and of course Lena's comment afterwards!
We will miss all your motivational and thought provoking posts and musings about your life here in Spain. You'll just have to keep us updated as to what you are doing back in the "homeland"
Angel and I and the little guy will be in Philadelphia for Christmas and will probably have a party...any chance of you coming up from the south for a bit of holiday cheer?
- rent or buy a cell phone from me for your stay in spain, more info at 
- already have a cell phone, get a spanish SIM card for it at 
. 
