This One Is For You, Grammy

Yesterday, I arrived back in Germany after a short unplanned trip in the US. Some of you may have figured it out by reading my facebook blog page and the rest of you know me personally and knew that way, but for those of you who do not know…I lost my grandmother. My beautiful, witty, kind-hearted, Grammy at 81 years old. It was something that happened kind of suddenly and I didn’t get a chance to really tell her goodbye. Which I’m ok with. I have these great memories of her in my mind and I want to keep it that way.

I started this blog for one reason and that was to share with my family about my travels here. The blog grew and I now I have followers around the world which is incredible but today’s post I’m going back to the root of it all. While I was home and after the calling hours my cousins and siblings sat around the “kids table” and we told stories of Grammy. This for me was really special. So for my family, for my Grammy (if she can figure out how to use the internet up there in heaven), I wanted to share some of my memories and stories.

Just to give you an idea of my relationship with my Grandma, I lived with her for about 1 year, I think (correct me if I’m wrong, Mom) while we were changing locations and moving into a new house. I was with my Grandma EVERY DAY for that time period and it was fantastic. Some of the most colorful and greatest memories are from that time.

1. Handling awkward situations with grace
When I was about 4 or 5 years old I remember sitting in the dining room with Grams and I said quite matter of factly, “Grandma, you are fat.” Cut me some slack. I was young and didn’t know back then that it was a mean thing to say! And my grandmother replied quite simply back to me with, “I prefer the word ‘plump'” and she smiled at me with her sweet smile and let my comment roll right off her back. She wasn’t actually that heavy! She was just Grams! Snuggly and such!

2. Protecting the world from illnesses
I was one of those sickly kids. Constantly had some kind of illness I was carrying around. Well, during one particular sickness, my Grandma had to take me out in the world while she ran some errands. I remember going to the bank and sweating to death in my car seat. She had bundled me up in my onesie snow suit, complete with the hood up over my head. It was a warm sunny day and as we pulled up through the bank drive through Grandma did her business and said what she needed done to the bank teller. The woman behind the window saw a mass of purple move in the backseat. With shock in her eyes she asked my Grandma if I could have a lollipop. Grams replied, “Oh most certainly not, she’s too sick for sweets!”

3. Waiting ages for world wonders
A couple years ago we had found out that Grandma had Parkinson’s and also Dementia. It was hard to see her getting smaller and that in some ways, she was no longer there. This past summer in June she was visiting all us kids at my mom’s house. For years, she loved when we would sing and play piano for her (we’re like the Partridge family with better style). My sister who is an incredible classical music piano player usually didn’t feel like playing whenever anyone asked her. Grandma always asked to hear her play something but musical geniuses are finicky like that. This one summer day after lunch my sister offered to Grandma that she would play a few songs for her. Grammy’s eyes opened wide and she said in her usual wit we had been missing, “Well….wonders never cease!” It was just hysterical. For that one moment, we had her back.

4. Dementia may take some things but it would never take her wit!
Grandma has a birthday at the end of August a few days after me. This year I called her to wish her a happy birthday. I was talking away and said, “Grammy! Happy Birthday!! Make sure you celebrate!” and with her usual funny responses she said, “Well how many do I have to have?!” That was the last time I got to talk to her and I’m so glad I got to hear yet again, a piece of who she truly was.

5. Nurse June
Whenever I’m sick or Toblerone isn’t feeling well I use the old ways of healing that I learned from Grandma, passed through my mom, and now to me. Grandma was the greatest nurse. I was always sick when I was little, like I said, and when I lived with her I made sure I used up most of my sick days with her. She would crush up ice for me to suck on and swish coke back and forth between two cups to take out the fizz for me to sip on. I swear, it cures whatever ails you and I can’t wait until one day when I have children of my own so I can take care of them just like she did with me.

6. Old movies are all gems
I have this ridiculous love for old movies. Grammy had this great collection of old musicals that we would watch over and over again. Anytime a movie came on TNT she would have to tape it. There are a million VHS tapes in her house. The classics like Easter Parade, Meet Me in St. Louis, and my favorite The Harvey Girls. I’m so glad my Grandma introduced me to this old world. I loved sitting with her and watching the girls twirl in their gorgeous dresses and sing about a time I will never get to experience. And to this day, I can’t understand people who don’t have a collection of these movies at home to share with their family.

7. Pucker Up
This is story from my mom but I just think it is so classic Grandma that it needs to be shared. The last week that she was in the hospital she was sleeping mostly. My mom would go and sit with her and take care of her. Grandma’s lips were a little dry from lack of fluids so my mom wanted to put chapstick on her. Well, my mom needed her to pucker up a little bit so she said, “Mom, I’m going to put your lipstick on ya.” And Grams puts out her lips and waits for her “lipstick” to be applied. Still down to one of the last days of her life, she was still concerned about looking good and presentable. Grammy always had lipstick on! This was just hysterical to me.

8. Bunch of Bologna
Every time I went to Grammy’s house the first thing I did was walk to her fridge. Without fail, she ALWAYS had German Wunderbar Bologna. Which looking back is kind of funny since I live in Germany now and that kind of bologna does not exist! I would open the fridge, open up the deli store bag and go to town on about half the package. I would eat her out of house and home and it didn’t matter to her. She wanted to fatten us right up! And if we wanted to have a sandwich, she always had Potato bread. No matter what kind of sandwich we made, she always made sure to butter the bread first. Such an Irish gal!

I realize none of these stories would be funny to a majority of you since most of you didn’t have the privilege of knowing her. I’m so proud that she is living on in many things I do. We shared a passion for genealogy, old movies, and helping others. Before she left us I kept willing her in my heart to “please just stay here”…but now I think I’ve finally found peace knowing that she can finally be herself again. I left her a letter of love and a piece of my baby blanket and a piece of my wedding gown. She was there from my first moments as a baby and I know now that she will be there on my wedding day. I miss her so deeply but somehow am looking forward to the day I get to be with her again. To get to hear her say, “I love you ducky” once again.

Until next time, Grammy. xoxoxoxoxo

An American Baby Shower For A German Baby

First Fall project completed and what a beautiful day it was!! This past weekend I threw an American style baby shower for a friend of mine. But first, a little background into how life happens when you have a German baby!

So we all know that in the US when a a girlfriend is preggers, we throw her a fantastic party a couple months before the birth. All the women in her family come, along with all the friends she’s had to avoid because she can’t go out drinking with them anymore. The party is held at someone’s house or restaurant with food galore and presents stacked high. Games are played and everyone ooohs and ahhhs over all the sweet little baby decorations. The mom-to-be is treated like a princess and she gets EVERYTHING she could possibly need for her bundle of love on the way. Cribs, carriages, diapers, toys, clothes, breast feeding equipment, blankets, etc. The list goes on.

And then there is Germany…..

Mom-to-be buys everything herself. Mom gives birth. All friends and family swarm over to the house with little gifts for the baby and visit as the new mom and baby are trying to get a hold of this new life they have together. The mom, exhausted and in desperate need of a nap makes coffee and cake for all the masses who visit.

So….let’s discuss. WHICH country does it better?…..it’s obvious. And there is no arguing about this. Even the German ladies here agreed that this is a tradition they have interest in starting! It’s really all about the one last fun hoorah for the new mom before her life changes with a new baby!

This was exactly what I wanted for my dear friend. I threw her a bash to remember! We invited family and friends for an intimate gathering. Each person brought a gift and brought along either a cake or snack food! It was perfect! I made the very popular “bowle” which is what we know as punch! The ladies love to mix champagne with it so I left it alcohol free and people could add what they wanted!

And although the food was somewhat simple…of course, the Germans do know how to make a mean cake! So yums…just sooo soooo sooooo yums!

And the snacks were great as well! I made little ricotta cheese filled tarts which were super easy thanks to this recipe I found on Pinterest.

And another woman made these fun finger foods. I had printed out little signs that said “It’s a Girl” and pictures of a baby rattle on them, which I found a free printable for here.

We played the ever popular, “Name That Baby Food.” Which were REALLY horrible by the way…ha! I just sectioned off 6 parts on a paper plate, everyone put a spoonful of baby food in the corresponding number place and went to town! The faces they made were hysterical..I mean REALLY funny.

And of course we played the game, “How Big is Mommy’s Belly.” This was fun to see too! And of course the Grandma-to-be was SPOT on.

Then after all the games, we did the PRESENTS!!!! My favorite! So, I should mention that in Germany there is a superstition about bringing a present to the mom-to-be BEFORE the baby is born. They believe that if you bring a gift before the baby is born, that the baby will be born with problems or something bad will happen. They were good sports about it and looked past this just for this “American” baby shower which was really very nice of them.

And a little guest, Leonie, helped as best as she could. She LOVED opening all the presents! At the end of this wonderful afternoon we said goodbye and said that the baby can come now. All is done and now we are just waiting!

It really was a wonderful day and I’m so glad that I could share a piece of my home and culture with them. And mostly, that they were so open minded about it and accepting. What a gift!

Any ideas what she is having?!?! 🙂

Until next time, Readers!!! xoxoxoxo

Dress Like A German – Female Edition

Let me start by saying this is just an observation of the small southern area Im living in. This is not true for all of Germany but I’ve been here almost 3 years and have seen a pattern with the style of women here. Hate to break it to you all but they don’t walk around in drindls and lederhosen all day, unfortuantely. Here’s a few things that I found was culturally different from the women in the States!

1. Short hair don’t care
Truthfully, NOT a fan of this short hair look here. There are SOOOOO many girls, young and old, with this short hair. Most of the time, I can’t tell who is a boy or a girl from behind, sometimes from the front. But even my Italian hairstylist hates it! She says in Italy all the girls have long beautiful hair and here she prefers the clients with long hair…meaning, she won’t ever cut my hair even if I asked! lol. What a gem for being honest!

2. Blingy Teeth
Man, how I wish I was kidding about this. I think girls in the states wear these things too but I never saw this until I moved here. A diamond on your tooth?! Who sat around and said..oh, let me just bedazzle my tooth. Every time I see a girl with one I keep wanting to tell her that she’s got something in her teeth.

3. Scarf I say!
Scarves are great, I even have a collection of them. The difference is, I wear mine in fall, winter, and mayyyybe spring if its still cold. The girls here…they have a different idea about them. They LOVE to wear them all year round. They will wear a tank top with a scarf in 90 degree heat! I’ve even seen some girls in the clubs wearing them!!! HA! The Germans also have a very serious medical regimen. If you start feeling a sore throat coming on…you immediately start wearing a scarf. You commit to that baby and you wear that thing day and night…even while sleeping! However, I cant figure out how to wrap my scarf and these girls got it down to a science!

4. Mrs. Poopy Pants
I hate to say that these are so popular here. Looks more like an adult diaper with legs. Need I say anything more?

5. Point That Somewhere else
When I was younger…say, 18 years old or so, I went through a phase where I would go get my nails done. And I’m not talking about your typical manicure. This was with the whole process that filed my nails down to tiny slivers and at the end I had beautiful long very fake looking nails and then I realized how trashy it made me look but that was also back in 2002 or so. Here it seems almost EVERYONE gets this done.

6. Looking through Glass
When you think of Europeans what do you think of? Thin, fashionable (in some countries), scarves, v-neck t-shirts on men, cool shoes, and chic glasses in strange shaped frames. Am I close? Well, the glasses thing in Germany is for real. So many people wear glasses and I think most of them prefer to wear these over contacts. For example, many women wear glasses in the clubs (where I would choose to wear contacts usually), and many even wear them on their wedding day (which is an absolute
NEVER in my book). We think of glasses as “four eyes” and almost something negative but here it seems they think its fashionable and a part of their face. I don’t wear glasses at all so what do I know!

8. Now I’m Blinged Out
From blinging out your teeth to your nails…fret not my pet, there are more things to be blinged!!! Hair for instance!! I see this a lot when it’s a special event ie. wedding, anniversary, birthday celebration. Lots of ladies go to get their hair did and come out with an extra sparkle. These are the Bling strands. It’s available in the US, I’ve just never seen anyone do such things. Sparkle and Shine, Mädels, sparkle and shine!

Have you seen people in your country wearing any of these? Would you consider trying some of these Southern German fashions out?!

Until next time, Readers!!! xoxoxoxo

Throwback Thursday – People, It’s My Birthday

Today is my birthday. Holy hell. The past 4 birthdays seem to really bring me back to reality. The truth is as simple as it sounds: I’m not getting any younger. To me, this is terrifying! Like shakin in my boots scared. Where did my life go? Am I where I want to be? Did I do all the things I wanted to do up until this point?

Today I’m 29…Like…whoa…

…and here is a little blurb of me on my 3rd birthday ( I think )

Today I had so many wonderful birthday messages through all sorts of different social networks and emails. It kind of makes a girl feel special. So to those of you who wished me a Happy Birthday, I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Being so far away from what is normal it helps me stay grounded. I forget that living in Germany means that I have to follow their traditions, which is hard since I’ve been celebrating my birthday a different way every year. But I know that next year I will get to celebrate my birthday back in the US next year and it will be amazing!!!! Can. Not. Wait.

So I have one year left in my 20’s. One year as of today to do something great. I’ve got my life bucket list, I have my German bucket list which I am plucking away at but I want something different. Another blogger friend did 30 German towns before she turned 30. That inspired me to want to do something of my own. 30 things before I turn 30. But I need your help and your inspiration to give me ideas. What should I do with myself?! Give me your thoughts!

Here is to another year…correction, another wonderful year full of taking roads that are less traveled and making our own stories. Chapter by chapter.

Until next time, Readers!!!! xoxoxoxo

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
-Robert Frost

Together Let’s Fight For Sarah’s Life

I’m just going to come right out and say it. CANCER SUCKS! But one thing that Cancer can’t affect is the amount of love and support that comes around when the “C word” is uttered. I’ve directly been affected  with Cancer in my family and I always try to do what I can when I have the means to. One thing that is free to give…LOVE. Another thing….SUPPORT. I know all of you know someone, directly or indirectly, who has been affected by cancer. However, for me, I feel that no matter if you know the person or not your support can be healing in more ways than one. That’s why I’m joining in the fight. Sarah’s fight. Won’t you join me?

Since Sarah is from Maine I’m targeting all my Mainer friends to pull through and head out to the benefits to do your part. You wouldn’t believe the kind of love one can feel from the kindness of a stranger. For the rest of you, no excuses. I’m 3,000 miles away and supporting this girl with loads of love!

Sarah is a 26 year old mother, wife, daughter, friend, and identical twin. She was 24 when they discovered she had a brain tumor which she kicked out in the summer of 2011. Five weeks later the tumor had returned and this time it was deemed, “inoperable.” She and her family are now in the fight for her life and every bit of support will help. I know this hits home for many of you so let’s see what we can do to offer a heartfelt, ” BEAT THE CRAP OUT OF CANCER” for Sarah. Let’s let her know that the world is cheering her on and we have her back.

She’s currently receiving chemotherapy treatments at the Infusion Center of Tufts Medical Center in Boston and the traveling in itself is tiring but we know the worst of it isn’t the travel time. Six days ago she completed her second chemo treatment and a few weeks ago, her beautiful daughter just started Kindergarten. Aside from the battle she is fighting she has a life to live, memories to make, identical smiles to share with her twin sister, kisses to give her highschool sweetheart husband, and hugs to wrap around her baby girl. Someone as beautiful as her deserves this chance. She can beat this and the more support the better.

How can you help? Great question….there are many ways to help!

Help 1: Join her facebook site and send her some support. Give her a shout-out. Tell her that you care about her from miles away or from next door. For those of you in Maine, they are constantly updating with benefits and spaghetti dinners that are happening. They have a Halloween Bash coming up so dress up and go have some fun!

Sarah’s Fight On Facebook

Help 2:  A great friend set up a blog for her with all the benefits, updates, pictures, and videos. I encourage you to go check it out and learn more about Sarah and her beautiful family.

Sarah’s Fight On Blogspot

Help 3: Purchase a bracelet. You can currently do so at selected stores and places around Maine. Please go grab one! Only $2.00, skip the latte and do something better with your money!

A Support Bracelet For Sarah

She’s one of the most fabulous people in the world for many reasons but one that is quite inspiring is she has started a project to provide housing to families that are fighting this disease. As if she doesn’t have enough to think about, she continues to think for others and how she can help make it easier for those that need to travel for treatments find housing close-by to the medical facilities. Read more about her amazing work here and also on her blog.

I know there are many people in the world fighting a battle right now. Our hearts are with every single person battling Cancer. Let’s fight with Sarah, give it your all, she sure as hell is!

Sarah – You are not alone. People all over the world are pulling for you! We put our boxing gloves on and we’re ready to knock Cancer out! Your smile is inspiring and will continue to win over the hearts of your supporters…your own personal army! Keep up the good fight – we’ve got your back.

30 Day Blog Challenge – Day 4

Day 4 – Your First Love

Before I begin I would like to point out that yesterday was my beautiful mother’s birthday (Doesn’t look a day over 30!) and today would have been the day we hop on a fluffy little plane and flop into the US. I’m a little sad because I was really looking forward to seeing my grandparents, my parents, siblings, friends, and the vast array of restaurants I’ve been missing such as Dinosaur BBQ, Panera Bread, Starbucks, Bonefish Grill, can’t leave out the Giant Wegmans….and the list could go on. So…without further ado…I start my pity searching blog into the tale of the First Love.

At first I had to really think about this. I’ve had many boyfriends and what not but I wasn’t sure which ones I was REALLY in love with. I would have to say it was Arthur – *name changed for obvious reasons! Do you really think I would date an Arthur?  I was just 22 I believe, oh the days of nights out on the town every Friday through Sunday come hell or high water. I was a barfly, always there and I couldn’t get over that there were SO many people *ahem* men/new meat that I had never seen before. I came from a smaller town so everyone knew everyone. I could finally go out with my older friends which was 99% part of the perk.

Back in the days when MySpace was WAY cooler than Facebook I used to get “fan mail” from all sorts of dudes. “Hey baby girl, Waz ur name? You wanna git down sumtyme. I cud show u a rill gud tyme.” I imagined it was said just like that too. On average over 20 messages a day from stalker boys that wanted to “hang out.” Right – get lost! Most of the time I didn’t answer or wrote them something rude back.

And then I get a message from Arthur. Simple and sweet. Just saying hello and commenting on my blue eyes or something. Flirtatious yet not overpowering and he sounded like he had an education at least. After many emails back and forth I decided to meet up with him…at a bar. Ha, that’s obvious. HOWEVER – Please note I wasn’t completely ridiculous, I brought a friend with me. You just never know! So, I honestly didn’t think ANYTHING of this guy. I wasn’t attracted to him but was just making a friend and that’s the honest truth.  I went to the bar in a huge sweatshirt, workout pants, and sneakers. My hair was crazy in a ponytail and barely any makeup. This is to prove I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. Just giving myself another reason to go have a drink. As we got there, he happened to be standing close to the door and as soon as I saw him, I don’t know what it was but the switch changed from friend to possibly my husband. (Also had many false ideas of the future when it came to men. A little quick on the trigger I would say!) Immediately I started thinking about wedding dresses, baby names, and carved are initials into the bar. No, I’m kidding about that but I was head over heels from the moment I saw him.

So, after that it started a whirlwind affair of crazy absolute nonsense. The first several months were perfect and then it all started. He got crazy…asking me weird questions about my whereabouts, who I’m with, etc. I was completely in love with him and thought I had it in control to begin with but turns out I lost all my control. To turn this long story into a shorter version – fell in love with an abusive prick and after he cheated on me three times and threw me down his manipulative bipolar tunnel of hell, I finally somewhere somehow got the strength to move on and never looked back. I found him with someone else and I cried so hard I puked on my kitchen floor in front of my darling roommate and her date that she had just went out with. Classy and dramatic – as usual. I was paralyzed with pain and sadness for several weeks. But, every day got a little bit better. A little bit easier. The thing is when you’re with someone like that who has you chained up practically, it really takes inner strength to push forward. I allowed myself to text him once. A really really long text but I said my peace and I went my way. That was the end of it for me. I had to get out and now was my chance.

It’s certainly not a relationship I want to remember however, when the days were good…they were really beautiful and I always wanted a relationship where I could have those kind of days back again. I have that now and love hanging out with Toblerone mostly because he’s my best friend and we do everything together and have a frickin blast while doing it. With Arthur my world was turned upside down and I was forced to be distant with my beautiful family and I can’t imagine being that way now. It’s not right, it’s not the way it should be. It should be perfect all the time. Toblerone and I rarely argue only about little things like the house or whatever but there is an understanding that comes with a good relationship. We argue for 5 seconds and then it’s over. Then we’re laughing while we’re making dinner together. This is how it should be!

Some of the things he would do were absolutely insane. Like, throw glass at my bare feet to prove a point or hijack my cell phone and literally make me chase him on foot all over town as he called every phone number listed and ask the person on the other end if he was sleeping with me. What kind of weirdo does that? And I was stupid enough to stay with him. Half out of fear maybe but more so that I hung on to hope that he would change – that day would never come. If only I knew what I know now! I was so young and too inexperienced with a “real relationship” to know that this was unhealthy and very dangerous.

Then there were the good things when we were out one night he pulled me aside around all his friends and told me how much he loved me and started to cry when he told me how he couldn’t wait to see me walk down the aisle in a white dress to him. Or the night that he gave me a rose, blindfolded me and drove me to the ocean to dance under the stars to our favorite song. I wish I knew that this was the bi-polar Arthur. Manic, wild, and fun and then dangerous, aggressive, and depressed. It was insane. Literally in a matter of 24 hours I could see Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 4 or 5 times each!

With Arthur it was the ups and downs that made it exciting. I’m glad that roller coaster has expired. I’m much happier now and way better off than I was before. I’m sure all those who were by my side during that time would agree. So…that’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

If you know anyone who has been or is being abused, don’t ignore it.  You can help by not blaming the person who is being abused and reminding yourself that it’s not as easy as saying, “Just break up with him/her.” I encourage you to educate yourself, abuse comes in many different forms –

http://stoprelationshipabuse.org/

http://www.dm.usda.gov/shmd/aware.htm

Until next time, readers!! xoxoxo!

30 Day Blog Challenge – Day 1

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 10 interesting facts about yourself

There ya have me….in my glory at 8am in the morning! That reminds me, I still need to brush my teeth!  🙂  So as promised I told you I would do a 30 day blog challenge with a new topic every day. Here’s the thing…I broke a piece of that promise because I said I would start last Wednesday or Thursday as to which I didn’t!  Fail on my behalf! So without further ado…let the games begin!! Topic today as shown above is a recent pic of myself (taken fresh two hours ago today) and 10 facts about myself!

1. I’m a war buff in a not-all-knowing kind of way. I could watch war movies all day every day. I’m not sure what the appeal was but my Dad always had this interest in the Civil War and growing up in Maryland I had the connection there. Gettysburg is a fantastic movie, My top 5 favorites along with Tombstone. Great stuff there people! If you asked me when the Civil war was or specific details I wouldn’t know that, lol. I know…blondie!

2. I realized I’m a daughter of the sea. I ache to be near the ocean every day. Especially now that I’m in Germany where the ocean is approximately 6 hours away from me. It’s painful. Last year we were in Cape Cod and on our last day, we went for a quick walk down the beach and on our way back, I stopped for a moment and took it all in. I can remember so clearly now – the smell, the way the waves washed up. The entire scene plays again and again in my head. I hold onto that memory so tightly careful not to let it escape me. And with that, I’m able to live in these mountains….for now.

3.  I’m a writer, not just a blogger. Like a real one or rather I hope to be one. Funny story actually how that came about. I’ve been writing in journals since I was really young, maybe 8 or 9 and one day my Mammaw Pearl saw me writing in my journal and told me she had always thought I would become a writer. Back then I thought she couldn’t be more wrong about me, however, a few years went by and after I started to find myself the dream of becoming an actress or somewhere in the fashion industry dwindled just as quickly as I realized that my creativity was meant for a pen and paper. I’ve been working on a book and slow as it is coming I’m excited to finish it. Whether it goes somewhere or not, the fact that I have this finished is all I want.

4. Following in the creativity suit, I also play piano…not very well and not nearly as well as my 17 year old sister who is a phenomenon as it is. I write music though, nowhere near a Billboard award but it’s a great way to get out all that pent up nonsense inside. I don’t have a piano here and I miss the piano at my mom’s house. That’s been in our family for ages and certainly got it’s use over the many years it’s been around. Maybe someday I’ll buy a piano for this house, until then I’m thinking about breaking into the church and playing there.

5. I’m a damn good cook. End of story! Ha, just kidding. I never had to cook for anyone before and once I met Toblerone I actually was excited to throw myself into it and start learning. I followed recipes step by step and figured it out. It was really fun (and starting to become expensive) but I never made something that came out tasting like garbage can or looking like  frog skin, so I’m lucky there. I think my mom and dad definitely gave me the cooking gene. A combination of awesomeness! Baking I learned from my mom but I can’t say that I’m any good at it. I’m ok, but not enough to gloat about it! Recently, I tried to make Linzer cookies…major major fail. 

6. I am terrified of needles but only the kind that takes away my blood. When it comes to getting a shot, it’s easy breezy for me. It’s something about where they put the needles and how exposed your arm is. I mean, why does it have to be on the inside of your elbow? What is that?!?! I guess no matter where they put it it won’t help my situation. Thus being the second problem. I would love to be a doctor…or even a nurse however, I would NEVER be able to take someones blood or insert an IV. I’ve been thinking a lot about it and I’m considering hypnosis so I can get over it and start poking people. Who’s with me? Looking at blood is no problem, touching blood…also no problem but it’s the act of actually inflicting pain and pushing through skin that bothers me. I would never be a good serial killer. 

7. I have way too many clothes and shoes. And now, most of them I never wear. In my closet everything is color coded. It’s easier for me to find what I’m looking for that way. Only thing thats not is all my dresses. I have way too many to count and they are color coded by themselves in their own section. I know…I’m either just weird or OCD. Not sure which yet!

8. I live by the seam of my pants. I’m never really 100% sure about anything but I do it anyway. When I was in the decision making process of whether to move to Germany or not, in all truth. I didn’t think about it. I mean…yes I thought about it but didn’t really THINK about it. I figured, go…see how it works and if it doesn’t work, worse case is you got to see another culture and you have to come home. Big whoop right? Yeah, then when I got here and realized how much stuff I brought with me….no just kidding. Once I got here, I kind of just went with the flow. Wasn’t sure what was going on half the time and moved around on autopilot. It’s setting in a little bit now (5 months later) but I’m still not too homesick. Nothing that isn’t manageable I suppose. So – it was a good decision nonetheless and I’m lucky I’m surrounded by great people here. 

9. Somedays I wish I walked out of a black and white film – a musical to be exact. Judy Garland as my sidekick and Fred Estaire as my dancing partner…Frankie Boy (Sinatra) my one love affair…oh to dream! Musicals and old movies developed me. Of course, giving me a false idea of how love is – nowadays it’s way harsh! However, this starts my love affair of black and white pictures…I can’t get enough of them. I have a few copies I made from my grandparents and these pictures are incredible. How can you explain your young grandfather sitting on a ledge with his straw hat, a fishing pole made of wood, and an old tin can filled with worms? Or your grandma, sitting in a chair with her one leg propped holding onto her dolly with the sweetest smile on her face. (You can see the pictures here). Amazing. Really. Now you can just snap pictures in a heartbeat with your phone or digital camera. It’s not the same anymore. I’m sure had I known what it was like, I would be missing the simpler times. 

10. I love love love to read. I remember being younger and if me and my friends saw anyone reading, they were immediately dubbed – NERD!!!! And now, I’m ready to take the heat. Yup, I love to read…and I’m a nerd. How’s them apples? I never really have time to read but I’ve been trying to fit in a few minutes before bed. Trying to keep my mind sharp and it doesn’t hurt that there are usually small selections of English books in the bookstores here. THANK YOU GERMANY! I would go crazy! 

SO – this concludes day one. I know, it’s not the normal stuff I write about but this will just have to do!

Until next time, readers (which is tomorrow!) xoxoxoxoxo

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For The Love Of…

I know, I know…I’ve fallen off the beaten path of the blog. I just got caught up in the glorious life I’m living. So shoot me. So to counter my other post about what I don’t fancy, I decided to grace you all with what I DO like.  Shall we? 

BEER FOR BREAKFAST

Literally, do it. Honestly, I was a little shocked at the fact that it was 11am…I’m hanging with the ladies and they bring out a bottle of wine. Say WHAT?! Who would turn that down!? I asked them if this was the usual and they said it was completely normal, not frowned upon, and encouraged!! There I sat, sipping the bitter goodness and thought to myself, “never will I ever have to say: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!” So to my American friends… As you are all waking up and sipping your cup o’ joe, I’m sipping on some grape juice and NO ONE calls me an alcoholic. Queue the envy.

SPONGEBOB PANTS ARE FOR BED

To all you Walmart-goers, you have probably witnessed someone wearing ridiculous clothes or maybe received one of those emails showing the “best dressers”? You know, those infamous “Pajama- wearers”, who wear them to  go out to eat and for picnics in public places. I won’t lie, I’ve been known to don my favorite sock monkey or reindeer pj’s (yes, this is true… I do have these) back when I was younger, however, now that I’m older, I still would prefer to walk around in them but here in good old Germ, it’s not so cute. Even wearing my black workout-esque pants, is a big no no (I do it anyways). For some reason, no matter what time of day, no matter where you are going, wearing your pj’s is completely unacceptable. Most people here are always dressed nicely, not to the 9’s but decent.  If you slipped on those silky spongebob pj pants that grandma gene bought you christmas ’08, you will be stoned to death. They stare you down and make you feel like a weirdo. Like you’re so disgusting! As if! However, going along with this blog here, I think it sends a good message. Always look your best, you never know what you will end up doing or who you will see. Maybe that Ex of yours with the bad hair and you want to show them they left you for the uglier girl!  The world should be cleaned up a bit of the trash it’s accumulated. Just sayin!

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR SALAD

Of course! Did you think I would actually say ice cream? That’s lame. The thing I LOVE here is the salad bars. At first, I thought it was weird and basically not a salad bar. It was a mess of shaved vegetables drowning in vinegar. I never thought I would say this but the American salads/salad bars are a little over the top (just like we do everything!). You get the wide variety of random things from sunflower seeds to beets (gag). Here it’s very simple you have German potato salad, and the following items all shredded to thin pieces and put in a bowl (separately, not all together) and mixed with a vinegar type dressing: carrots, cucumber, cabbage, and few others there are no translations for.  It’s awesome. There is lettuce…like boston lettuce but you take a few pieces in addition to the others. Sooo Delish! And so simple! I mean, it’s incredibly easy to prepare first of all but you have a few selections – aka not wasting food at the end of the day! Also, you’re eating your vegetables…without adding gobs and gobs of fattening salad dressings. Ranch dressing? No. Thousand Island? Negative. Blue Cheese? Nada.  These people got it going on! I’m on my way to finding out why the Euro’s have a less % of fat people than the Americans! Mission Fat is currently in sesh!

I’VE GOT THE GOLDEN TICKET

One of the first things I noticed when I was here was the toilet paper. There were many different choices like ones with butterflies or clouds, and not just any clouds…COLORED clouds. Yeah, pretty colors and shapes on each piece. Ahh, magnificent! I’m living a life of luxury! While watching the tube this past week Toblerone and I got fixated on an incredible opportunity regarding this stuff.

Gold imprinted toilet paper. No joke, this restaurant (odd) here in Germany has this fancy little machine in the backroom and they take whatever mold you want and make you the Crème de la Crème of toilet paper. It showed one woman, a doctor, who would put out the 150 Euro to have her fancy schmance paper made with a gold crown on it each month. She said it’s because she just likes it. Simple enough for me! Do it girlfriend!

IT’S A WOMAN’S WORLD

Yes, Angela Merkel – what a catch! Doesn’t she look like someone you just want to run up to and hug? I’m not a feminist by any means but I think it really says something about a country that can agree to have a woman as the head of their precious land (Chancellor to be precise) and not go into a rage about how a woman shouldn’t be in this position.  She has been in this role since election in 2005 and has won the hearts of many. I’ve yet to meet one person who doesn’t respect her and what she has accomplished.  Americans…get with the damn program! Hilary running for prez was a great start however the comments of, “a woman would bring too much emotion into government.” WHAT IS THAT?! Ignorance.

More so, I love the idea of a completely equal world. We need to go a long way but lord knows we’ve got an even longer way to go. I’m not into politics, nor will I ever be, and upon moving here I had no idea what type of government ran this place but learning that a woman (gasp!) was head of this and has been for many o’ years completely impressed me. I felt it was totally necessary to share. I wish we lived in a world where this was normal and I didn’t have to blog about it. Until then…

SUNDAY FUNDAY

For a good laugh, you should all be aware that Sunday Funday was invented by the Catholics. I attempted to clean and do housework on Sunday BUT I was very quickly told that it’s a Sunday. Yeah ok, whats the point?? It’s a day of relaxation. You work like crazy during the week and Saturdays you can do housework, Sundays are a day reserved for fun and relaxation. Hmm, ok. For me, it doesn’t matter. I’m not working so I’m always relaxed. (Thanks Toblerone!)  I’ve never felt so wrong about picking up gardening tool and looking (only looking) at the ground below.  Then I thought about it and what is wrong with relaxing with your family…throwing ribs on the Barbie and drinking bottles (plural) of wine?

 

 Well done Deutschland, you’ve managed to impress me and have me follow suit with your ways. *Applause* It takes a  lot for me to give in to how others live their life but I figured, some day I’m going to have to get over it and accept it and honor it. Now if only I could get my hands on some golden toilet paper. Then I would be REALLY living!  

Ciao for now readers! This weekend I will be heading out to my first disco for a girls night. This could get interesting…MAYBE I’ll blog about it, but I may not be able to. You know…what happens in….stays in.

xoxoxoxoxo