Holiday Eating Tips...Thanks Val!!

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can, and quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-aholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a Buffet Table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention.

Reread tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Ok, some of these need an explanation. Meegan is wearing the lovely scarf I made her for Christmas, with the special "fatter neck area". The beach is in Monterery, I'm pigging out on amazing ice cream, and the last pic is someone's idea of a joke. I must admit, we found it pretty stinking hilarious.

Weekend Pics

Happiness

Hi from sunny CA!!

It's been a great weekend so far. Meegan and I have been eating like pigs (can you say salads next week? mmmmmmm.), visited a lovely farmers' market where there was a very German-like bakery (I felt like I was back in Deutschland), we drove down to Monterey and Carmel, and have been chill-laxing.

I loved the beach and we took some awesome pics there, which I will be posting once I am back home.

Life is good.

: )

Employee of the Month

I got voted employee of the month last week. A landslide victory. I was shocked. Didn't see that one coming! Oh, the suppport and love I am feeling from my sweet and caring co-workers! hee hee. But seriously, I thought it was cool they did that.

On top of my being let go, two other girls have recently quit. I have yet to search for a new job, I'm waiting until my finals are over. Speaking of, I only have one left, tomorrow night! JUHU!

Dan's band is playing tonight and I am excited to go listen. I am not sure if anyone is going with me, but either way it will be cool.

I can't believe I go to visit Megan in just two days. I've been so busy I've not had a chance to really think about it!

Mom's new job has inspired her inner black-Polish woman named Mareeshka (I might have mispelled that, my black-Polish spelling isn't always up to par). I think I'm still laughing.

Other than that I've taken up a new hobby, but I will save that for another blog entry.

Hope all are well and Happy Holidays!

Kate : )

Closer to Hamburgerin-ness

Happy December!!

Ok, freaky Midwestern weather: we had 70 F on Tuesday, it sleeted all day Wednesday, and Thursday it snowed about 6 inches. There was lots of time spent clearing cars and driveways, etc. I tried to build a snowman but alas, the snow was not for packing.

Big news on the Hamburg front. KU has FINALLY accepted all of my revisions and they will be sending my paperwork to Hamburg as of January for review. I should know sometime in spring if I am accepted. The only bad part is the scholarship does not pay airfare (ouch), and it's only 425 a month. ($ or E? I'm not sure. But that won't cover room and food, let alone everything.) Not that I'm complaining. Just trying to figure out how to do this financially, b/c no way would I turn it down!!!!

Right now I'm in the middle of finals and spending way much time reading and writing tests and papers. I've only spent 10 hours on my Soc test, and I bet I don't spend even 5 more. However, all the other people end up spending days on them. Probably why they get good grades and mine was poo.

Just two weeks and all the madness will be done...for about four weeks. Lol. Then it starts all over again! Ahhhh, I love Uni.

13 DAYS TIL I SEE MEEGAN!!!!!!! JUHU!!!!

Job-less-ness

My big news for the week is that I am being let go at work. Hmmm. So I'm on the hunt. Any suggestions? Maybe something fun, or where I would learn something cool.

Also, two weeks til semester is over. So it's craziness time. Just two weeks, then I can relax for a few. Oh yeah.

Turkey Day at Auntie's was good. I can't believe how warm it's been. I love this weather.

Oh, did I mention the way hot boots I got last week? (when I still had a job)

And once semester is over I am so ready to go see Meegan. I can't wait!!!!!!

Almost Turkey Day

Mom and I are headed to Auntie's for Turkey Day way early tomorrow morning. Are coffee shops open on Turkey Day? I'm betting not. That could make our coffee run at the butt crack of dawn a bit difficult. Oh well. Less bathroom stops.

Mom has a new winter job at a financial place where she sits next to the lovely young gay men. Way more fun than the stuffy office ladies! It sounds pleasant enough.

I am hoping Auntie gets the canned cranberries (Meegan, I know, I know), although I'm sure she will! They're so my fav. Who doesn't love Thanksgiving food? Mmmmmm. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Um, yeah.

School is winding down (or winding up with all that's due soon! Ahhh!) Last night's class was interesting, we talked about migration and the teacher consulted me as the expert on Germany's integration policies. Um, not quite. But thanks.

I was starting to feel like an academic reject, since I am losing steam with readings and just feeling like a dunce. But then I saw the really smart girl not paying attention in class and doodling instead. And the really smart boy hadn't done the readings and was happy about it. What a relief! I felt so much better. lol.

I guess there's not much of importance to mention, so it's just my rantings.

I hope you all (who celebrate it) have a great Turkey Day!

Lazy Bum

Ok, so it's the middle of November and I realize I've not updated my blog in a few weeks.

First of all, the Halloween party at James and Sam's was quite fun. It's always great to see those two. And they were dressed (very well I might add) as Napolean Dynamite and Deb! Lol.

As for me, I am, as usual, busy with Uni and school. I've resubmitted my thesis stuff yet again, and am hoping to hear something back next week, as the end of the month is my deadline.

Friday night Cambria and I hit the Madrid and it was amazing!! (until someone accidentally took my coat, but they eventually brought it back). I love salsa dancing. I swear, I could probably go every night if I had the time and energy.

Right now I'm trying to convince myself that I really want to read about theory. Zzzzzzzz.

Last night Dad, Lexi and I did dinner, then went for coffee. I think Dad and I had too much coffee!

Hmm. This update is not that exciting. So you'll have to make do with a less than thrilling, what's-going-on-in-Kate's-world.

: )

Echt Geil

All right, so I got this in the mail...

Moment bitte, Sie haben sich mit Schulbuechern eingecremt.

I almost fell over with laughter. No signature. Mark, was that you? What's the Harp?

Anyhow, I really loved the card. Hilarious. In fact, I've put it up in my room b/c it cracks me up every time I see it. So thanks.

UN Dinner

Last night was the UN Dinner in KC and it was great! MISO sponsored a table and several of us went. There were some wonderful speakers, I think the best one might have even been a highschooler. A man from WHO also spoke, and it was quite interesting b/c he has been a doctor all over the world, in developing and war-torn areas of Asia and Africa. While I didn't agree with everything he said, it was nice to be around people who believe in the mission of the UN and have hope for its future successes. (Oh geez, I sound like a sappy ad for the UN now, don't I?) Anyway, the point is that it was a good evening and I enjoyed the message, company, food, and cool rotating Skies afterwards.

So obviously one pic is from the dinner last night. Me, Sheri and Janet. The other pic is of a tree in my neighborhood. I went for a walk the other day to take some shots of the loveliness that is the midwestern fall. I figured some of you who've not seen it might appreciate the beauty and see why I am so stinking crazy about it.

Other than that life is busy as always. I submitted a revised draft of my thesis proposal yesterday and should hear back in a few days if it needs more work or if I can resubmit it to my committee as is. If so, then Hamburg is that much closer!!

Halloween, my favorite holiday, is quickly approaching and I've yet to carve a pumpkin. Hard to believe, eh? I am looking forward to dressing up for work, however. That ought to be fun, our normal professional doctors' office all goofy.

That's it for me today kids. I'll keep you posted on the status of Hamburg and the thesis madness.

: )

HAMBURG(erin)

I got the official letter today that I will be nominated to go to Hamburg IF I get my thesis stuff in soon and then I have to wait for Hamburg to accept me. So it's not all in the clear yet, but it is a serious step forward! And I feel, definitely reason enough to celebrate!

Mon and I are going dancing tonight and Emily will be up from Columbia. Oh yeah! I'm so going to salsa the night away. I know you're jealous, stop drooling. ; )

The big bad thesis monster is going to get me! help!

School has been crazy lately. I'm working like mad to get this whole thesis thing together and have come to the conclusion that I am not a social scientist. A sad realization, yes indeed. Most disappointing. How on earth do people put together a thesis project? I had no idea it would be so hard! And if I don't get it done soon, I can kiss Hamburg goodbye. Schnoeffle schnoeffle.

Ok, enough complaining for one morning.

I went to see an all-day presentation with the man I am hoping to work for soon, and it was great. I hope it works out, and sooner rather than later!

Any thoughts on the whole North Korea thing? I must say, international happenings are far from boring!

I have yet to carve any pumpkins, nor have I picked out a Halloween costume (although I plan to eventually), but Saturday night we're having a campfire at the barn with Mom and people, and I think that qualifies as a good October activity. It has gotten a bit colder than usual, but I am still adoring my favorite month. Is it summer again yet? jk!

I hope everyone is well. : )

I love October

This is definitely my favorite month. And not just because it starts with my birthday. Although, that was a lovely way to begin the month! I felt so loved. Thanks for all the emails, calls, cards, etc.!

I also had my interview for the GDX scholarship and I must say it did not go well. I was not planning on them drilling me about my thesis and oh dear, that is what they focused on. Needless to say, as of now I do not have their nomination nor the scholarship. HOWEVER. They did make it clear that they would give me time to get my stuff together and to them and if I do it in time, I am still in the running. So I am trying to do that (which is, believe me, no small task!) on top of everything else. And last night we were assigned a 16 page essay for our first test. Lol. So my plan is to get up way early several mornings and study like mad. I love school. Sigh. : )

So far I am quite enjoying being a quarter of a century old.

Back to the books......

More pics from the week

I thought I would include pics of Jan and I riding. I even wore a cowboy hat for effect. What fun! And there is a pic of Lex and I. Can you tell we're related? lol.

Go go Speed Racer

Sadly the week has flown by and Jan is flying back to Frankfurt. After SLC and LAX. hee hee. It was a good week, however. I especially enjoyed having the week off of work.

Well, after our lovely weekend in Des Moines, Jan and I drove back to KC. I had studying to do, so the nice German that he is, Jan offered to drive. And he was doing a swell job until he tapped me on the shoulder and said, "um, Kate?" At which point I looked up and saw flashing lights in the rearview mirror. Oops.

I told him to pull over and then Mr. Stick Up His Butt Highway Patrolman pulled us over. Jan handed over his driver's license (totally in German, mind you) and I offered to translate, but Mr. I'm Too Cool Policeman said it was unnecessary. He then preceeded to assume Jan's place of birth was his middle name. Reject.

I'm sorry to say we did in fact get the ticket. A whooping $115 for going 14 over the speed limit. Well, I'd not had a speeding ticket before so at least it was interesting. Jan was a bit disappointed. He had hoped for more excitement. I told him he's lucky, b/c more excitement might have meant handcuffs and being hauled to a police station in the middle of nowhere. lol.

The rest of the week we chilled, saw family, saw the Plaza, and went horseback riding b/c Jan had never sat on a horse before. Crazy, huh?

Oh, he also went to class with me, and got up the nerve to speak up in class on the last night. That was fun. We were arguing theory and it was quite enjoyable.

That was my week. Next week I have my interview for my scholarship. That should go well, it's on my birthday, after all! And since I'm probably the only person who applied for any Uni in Deutschland.....lol!

Das ist's. Tschuess!

Besuch in Des Moines

Jan is visiting, and once I got the message that he was on another flight and I had not, in fact, lost my German as I thought, things went much more smoothly.

We headed up to Des Moines early Saturday, toured the Sherman Hills old homes (very nice), then went to the Oktoberfest where we had lovely German food. Mmm! Wienerschnitzel u. Spaetzle! I was in heaven. We also drank just a bit.

Then we toured some bars, played some pool for American culture, and went to more bars.

Today we slept in, had a lovely breakfast with croissants and coffee (ahhhhh), walked around, got F&O's (I'm practically drooling just thinking of it), and went out to the Somerset Winery for good wine and fun music. It was a great day weather-wise, and we sat there for a few hours. Now our roast is almost ready. It really does sound like we've spent the entire weekend eating! lol.

The pics: Jan and I road-tripping it, me in Auntie's garden, me in Iowan vineyard-age, Auntie at the winery and the cool old maple tree outside of Auntie's.

Ok, dinner's ready, I'm off. What a fabulous weekend!

: )

German Eval

The German evaluation at KU went beautifully! The lady said I spoke with "near native fluency", which means she was being awful generous, b/c I would never say that! And she also said she highly recommended me for the scholarship. That was a plus. Next up it's the mandatory tea time (feel free to laugh, I did) on Friday, before I pick up Jan.

I'm a bit behind with school work still. If only I didn't need to go to work, I could sit at home and study all day! But money must be made.

On an entirely different note, anyone want to comment on what the Pope said, really meant, and if people ought to be so outraged? I find it interesting. I will hold my opinions to myself for now, however.

Einen schoenen Tag an allen!

: )

Argh!!

Those are my sentiments about the weekend.

First my computer died on Friday. So after work on Saturday (which went over, grr) Dan and I spent 7 hours trying to fix it. We had to delete everything and start from scratch. It was so sad. I lost some documents and all my music. Sadness. Luckily I had backed up old documents and pics, or else I would be one way sad Kate. Still, there is work to do on it, and I just don't have the energy.

Then I tried to print the readings for this week at Mom's, but then the printer went haywire and I couldn't fix it, and then Mom's car broke down and I found lots of little bugs in the rice. (ok, so that sounds a little crazy, but it's how the day worked.)

Und was auch nervt sehr, ist wenn Maenner einfach ein SMS nicht lesen koennen! Manchmal sind sie so bloed, es ist unglaublich. Ich entschuldige mich zu den guten Maennern, die gut lesen und aufpassen koennen.

Tomorrow is KU. (Cat, it's the German evaluation for the scholarship I'm applying for.) Hopefully I can get some studying done, I'm quite behind at this point. Darn it!

Ok, sorry for all the negativity. I did, for awhile, decide I needed to de-stress, and I wore Mom's cowboy hat around. That got a good laugh.

Meegan, your inbox is full. Empty it already. ; ) I can't leave you more messages until it's empty! hee hee.

A lack of satisfying salsa

Last night after work and school, I headed over to Mon's to go salsa dancing. We were going to go to Skybox, but it got canceled there so we went to NV. Well, it was a nice club, great music (live band!), but it was mostly people who are in a dance club together and mostly dance with each other and like they are rehearsing for competition. It doesn't look like they are having that much fun. I would rather go and just relax and have a good time. So we only stayed for about an hour.

We then drove by the other place where salsa was supposed to be happening, but sadly it was not. So we went home, put on our pjs, ate food we shouldn't, and watched t.v. Ahhhhh. Bliss. I love hanging with Mon. I think we're trying the salsa-ing again on Saturday.

School is going well, keeping me busy. I have a language evalution on Monday at KU, I actually have to drive to Lawrence and try to figure out where to park and where this building on the huge campus is. Goodness gracious. I mean, come on, like my German would be a problem! Sheesh. hee hee. Stinking hoops.

I think that is all the news, I am still trying to figure stuff out job-wise.

It is definitely fall here and I am loving it. So beautiful.

: )

Fingers Crossed

Ok, so I finished the rough draft of my app to study at the University of Hamburg next fall. I want to write my thesis there. I'm planning to do it on Turkish immigrant integration into German society. KU has a scholarship for ONE grad student to go to the Uni next fall. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Other than that life is busy. I'm trying to work in more tutoring, I may have a position dealing with intercultural communication and diversity training in the near future, though only part-time. How exciting!!!!!!!!!! And tomorrow night Monica and I will dance our little hearts out at the Madrid. Good stuff.

I love my 701 class. The prof is awesome. Tonight he made a point about the modernizing world and how there tends to be a lot of lonliness for those of us following our hearts and dreams and bouncing from place to place, leaving behind family and friends. It just rang so true. Funny that it was brought up in class.

I hope everyone else is doing wonderfully. Big hugs!

: )

A not so sleepy KC

Monica and I went out Friday night (which I waaaay needed) and hit First Fridays downtown, where the art galleries open up and the street performers come out and it so reminded me of Europe! I loved it! We saw lots of modern art (a personal fav) and heard awesome music. I almost lost one of my favorite sweaters, but this nice musician found it for me.

Then we hit the Plaza and got a delicious coffee drink. I don't think I should be allowed so much sugar and caffiene that late at night! Poor Monica. It was a blast though. The next morning we got up too early and hit the big farmers' market, ohhhhh. I love that.

This weekend Auntie was in town. We fought viciously with a very cool yet complicated ceiling fan and we thought it was going to win, but in the end we got it hooked up. Whew!

Tomorrow it's more studying. I just can't get enough!

Sadness in Kate World

E and I broke up today. I think I've spent a good deal of the day in tears, sadly. But it will be all right. I really want him to be happy and hope everything goes wonderfully for him, and I'm sure I will feel better sometime soon.

Tonight Monica and I are hitting the First Friday art thing in KC and I think it will be awesome. And this weekend Auntie is coming to visit. Yay!

Uni is keeping me busy, had a great class last night and some of us went for drinks afterwards at Barley's. Always great fun!

I hope everyone has a fun holiday weekend!

: )

Non-boring normalacy

(I realize normalacy is not a word, but I think it fits better so I have chosen to use it. Deal.)

Things have gotten back to normal for the most part. Work, Uni, work, seeing people. Ahhhh.

I am being good about jogging and it's not so bad. Especially at dawn or dusk, such lovely times. I went for a walk tonight at dusk and the sunset was so beautiful. We have some of the most amazing skies here in the Midwest. I love it.

I have an interview at a place I really want to work for next Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed! And I might be getting more people to tutor, this time in German. I hope it works out! Juhu!

Ok, so while studying tonight, I came across an interesting section on scientific reasoning/methodology, etc. It says that an assumption of science is that "Truth is tentative. We noted earlier that truth is dynamic and constantly changing. What is true at one point in time may not be true in the future. Truth is always relative to the existing state of knowledge. As scientific methodology is applied to increasing numbers of observations, what most thought was once true may be modified." So you could use an example of something like people thinking the world was flat, or that the sun revolved around the earth. What do you think about that statement, that truth is relative and changing? I thought it was really interesting, especially b/c it and other articles argue that the point of science is not to seek the truth, but to explain things to the best of ability. I sort of disagree. I think science aims to discover the truth. Opinions are welcomed and encouraged.

That's enough thought for one night. Now I'm off to bed.

: )

Nochmal an der Uni

Uni started again last night and it was great! I really love my first class. They restructured it, and it's not the scary methods class I thought I'd be taking. And there are people from all over the world in it, which always gets me excited. So I am very ready for the semester to start!

Other than that I am just working and hanging out. I've been trying this "jogging" thing again. It's ok if I go at a snail's pace, but that's ok. Meegan, you'd be proud. Ok, maybe not. Maybe you'd just laugh. BUT, last night I jogged for 30 minutes and it didn't feel like torture, so in my book that is improvement!

I was planning on a mini pool party tomorrow but I think it will fall through again, which is ok. I am going to pick up my pics, don't ask how many I printed off from last year b/c it is a scandalous number! And Monica and I are going to see Rent at Starlight. That should be interesting.

I hope everyone is well and enjoying wherever you are in the world.

: )

DDR

No, it has nothing to do with the commie side of Germany. It is the craze of Dance Dance Revolution! Are you laughing as hard as I am now? I think it's only appropriate.

So James and Sam have been having DDR parties, and I have to admit, it's pretty stinkin' cool. Therefore, this Saturday I am combining my pool party with the popular DDR-age. Above are some pics of the party at S&J's.

The last pic is just my dog and I. I missed him sooooooooo much!!

On a more serious note, at church last Sunday, Thom was taking about his time at Uni, and how he had to take this class on Islam. He sat next to some self-proclaimed Muslim Feminists, and one day he had a discussion with them about their hijabs. Basically, it came down to the (somewhat?) Western view of women "over there" being oppressed and not treated equally. They countered that they felt more free, b/c they were not forced to be a size 2, wear high heels that killed their feet, and dress "sexy" to be taken seriously/appreciated or promoted. Instead, they are taken for the work they do, their abilities and intelligence. There's no pressure to be bulimic, and they aren't as obsessed with appearance as we are. So they felt that the Western woman is much more restricted than they are. Very interesting! I must admit, I've never thought of it that way, and was very appreciative to be presented with that p.o.v.
Any thoughts?

August Already?

All right. So I admit, I've not been keeping up with my blog. But I just am not having the crazy adventures one has while living abroad. Although, I am enjoying reading Kate (Aussie)'s blog about her new life in Japan. I especially appreciated the thing about carrying the mattress through the trains and being stared at. Would have loved to have seen that! Or having a new apartment, but without elec., gas, etc. Ahhh, the many joys! How I miss them!

I might have another small German group to teach English to. I am quite enjoying the tutoring. I just hope I have enough time for it all when school starts. Which is 1.5 weeks. And my teachers haven't ordered books! What does that mean? Hmmmmm.

Do you see how boring this is compared to my Germany blogs? No mold invasions, bugs claiming my bathroom, and if I'm considered the reject it's not because I'm the ignorant foreigner that can be written off.

That said, I am enjoying being home. I woke up to a thunderstorm this morning and it was heavenly. I can go barefoot and swim when I want and the time is really flying by. I can't believe it's already August!

E is still in Ktown til next week and he's still working on the thesis. I'm ready for him to finish and get his butt over here for a visit! However, it looks like that could be October. Schnoeffle schnoeffle. But Jan might be coming to visit around the end of September. Very cool.

It is almost Meegan's birthday and I am a rotten friend b/c I'm still idea-less for a great b-day gift. Do I lose super-duper friend points?

I think that's about it for life in KC. Oh, my room is almost completely organized. A month after returning home. Meegan, I bet you're proud of me for the procrastination. I learned from the best!

: )

No News

There is not much new here. Life is settling down again and I am settling into it. I am working and Uni doesn't start for another month or so. I do, however, start my tutoring job next week and I'm so psyched! Juhu!

Aber natuerlich vermisse ich Deutschland, und am meisten die Leute dort.

There is a man at work that is German, and I love having the opportunity to red' a little Deutsch.

Ummmm. Yep. I think that about covers it. The heat here now is pretty intense, but I love it. Some things about home are so nice. Like listening to the cicadas at night, or chasing fireflies. Ahhh, the lovely Midwest. (and not the South!)

My Half-Ass Rant

Cat and I were talking this evening and she mentioned how these people in her biology class think that doing things half-assed and not working hard are cool. And actually, when I thought about it, it seems a lot of people (sadly often younger people) tend to take this viewpoint. "Yeah man, I didn't do the work for the presentation but the boss thinks I did and didn't check it." Or "I was supposed to help my mom out but she didn't even notice that I only swept the floor instead of mopped it." Ok, so maybe those are sucky examples, but I think you get the drift. Why is it ok or even cool to not try your hardest and be rewarded? Isn't it ten billion times better to give something your all or at least do what you are supposed to and then be proud of the results? Why are we praising twits who think that doing less than your best is not only acceptable but favorable? It's appalling and highly disappointing.

Now, I'm not saying we don't have our lazy days or just times when fudging a little isn't so bad. But on a day to day moral basis, why shouldn't we strive for our best and encourage the best in others?

Just something to think about.

Some pics with Megan

Megan and I enjoying the end of the World Cup, and Megan and I meeting Kate for lunch.

Head-Butt, Wussy Boys and the World Masters

If that wasn't an exciting World Cup game!!! Did you guys see the vicious head-butt?! WOW! I think that was probably the most entertaining (and very wrong) moment of the game! It made up for the fact that usually the soccer boys are little princesses who fling themselves down on the ground every time someone even looks at their ankles. In all fairness, they were much better today. Still it's sad the Germans couldn't be "World Masters" (Weltmeister), but it was still exciting and I for one am a bit sad that the WM is over.

Megan has got me running these last few mornings. Ok, ok, jogging. But wow is it painful! Great to have her here, though. To get even I kicked her butt at tennis last night.

So yeah, not really any news from here. Just chilling with Meegan.

Hope you all are well.

: )

Jet Lag

So I'm massively jet-lagging it. I didn't think it would be so much coming back. But I've been sleeping a ton and have been exhausted. Rosa helped me unpack the first day back so that was really great. However, I still have a few drawers to straighten out b/c we just emptied my bags. And I really, really need to reorganize my closet. It is a danger zone like you wouldn't believe! I need to throw things out and reject my pack rat tendencies, but it's just so hard! Rosa lent me the book He's Just Not That Into You and I am laughing my head off. Great, really. I would highly recommend it to any fabulous woman who is having trouble with many Mr. Wrongs, or just anyone in need of a laugh.

Megan and I have been lazy bums. We've rented movies, eaten ice cream and laid by the pool. My pale self is loving the sunlight and just begging for more. I plan to oblige tomorrow.

The readjusting here is going to take some time, I feel. But it is so good to have Megan here. (my family is of course wonderful as well! that was just an assumed and unspoken whatnot).

Life on the other side of the world. Ahhhhh.

Home

I made it, safe and sound. The day of traveling was long, but ok. I caught the end of the Germany game in the airport. I can't believe we lost like that! Dang it! I was so sad.

Today I am unpacking and doing lots and lots of laundry. I've realized I have way too much crap and need to clean out some stuff. Just like spring cleaning, only, well yeah, in July. : )

I am so tired. Holy cow.

I am already missing Germany like mad. I think I just need time to readjust. I was so sad to leave yesterday. I hadn't thought much about it and then it just hit me all at once and wow. Talk about the waterworks! It was really hard leaving E.

Megan and my aunt both come to town tomorrow. There's so much to do. But all I want to do is lay in the sun and sleep. lol.
Maybe later.

Darn Punctual and Efficient Germans

All right. So I planned on getting up at the butt crack of dawn to do some stuff since I was only supposed to have electricity until sometime between 10 and 12. Now, at home this would mean by 11:50 or so they would cut the power, however, not in Germany. No siree Bob. I slept in a bit late, got up at 8:30 and went into the bathroom and flipped the switch. Nothing. I tried again in my sleepy state. Hmm, that's odd. Yep, the Germans cut it way before they were supposed to.

My solution? Showering in the dark. Now, it would have been much more practical if I had a window in the bathroom. Lol. After awhile your eyes adjust and it's kinda fun. Maybe like camping or something. If I leave my bathroom door open and the curtains in my room open, just enough light seeps into the little bathroom and I can see a bit. Ahhhh, the joys of moving. : D

I had to sit on my suitcase to close it. Hmmm. Yep, that one's definitely over weight. Luckily E will be helping me with the carrying of the monster bags. And he's a dear b/c he's given me his room for the afternoon so I can actually get some things done, like the things I had planned on doing earlier when I was supposed to have electricity still. lol. Ok, ok, I'm complaining. Sorry. Am stopping right now.

So in 24 hours I'll be on my way home. Can't wait to see everyone. Am going to miss it here like mad. I expect way huge hugs when I get home. I'm taking Danny Tanner (Full House) hugs.

Hope everyone is well and I'll see you soon. Oh, my cell number is the same, so feel free to ring me as of Wednesday.

Mwa! : )

Packing. Grrr.

The pics: Me in the teachers' lounge, E and the boys, view from the teachers' lounge, my 12 LK, and E and I. : )

* * *

I did a trial run on the packing yesterday. Today I am starting over. lol. Hm.

I can't believe the games yesterday! France actually beat Brazil, and Portugal beat England! I thought both games would be just the opposite. However, I am a bit miffed by the way the referees didn't count the English goal during the shoot out. So dumb.

Last night we watched the first game at Thursty Nelly's, as usual, then E and his friends and I hit the Glockencafe for some typical yummy German food and watched the second game there. But we mostly talked, which was really great! Sometimes I feel a bit of a lack of intellectual stimulation, and it was great to have a real conversation. And the Dutch don't seem to attack the U.S. government like the Germans (sorry for the generalization, but it's usually true! you know I still love the Germans). It was really nice. E's friends are quite cool.

Today they are off to Bingen to take a Rhine River ride, and I am packing and cleaning. Tonight is dinner at Thomas's and then we are going out for drinks at the Pub, a sort of farewell. So sad!!! I'm also sad that Germany is playing the semi final on Tuesday when I'm traveling!!! Nooooooo!

Semi Finals Here We Come!!!

I can't believe we (I am counting myself as German) beat Argentina last night! That was so stinking cool. I mean, of course I was for Germany, but realistically....lol. Very cool. The town was crazy with people celebrating.

E's friends are in town and they all wore orange Holland shirts, which meant all night Germans were going by singing "Ohne Holland...." (without Holland, we're going to Berlin). But E is such a good sport! He and his friends agreed to pose with a cardboard German player. lol. He just laughs about it.

Yesterday was also my last day at work. I've really enjoyed working there this year. A very cool job. I will miss my kids so much! And the teachers, too.

I've packed some boxes to send, and oh dear goodness gracious are they heavy!!! I need to do a trail run today with packing to make sure I can fit everything. Yikes.

Happy July!

Mold 1 : Kate 0

Why is it always mold here? Why oh why? Mold and dust. You can never keep things clean, go barefoot, lay on your floor, or breathe mold-free air. It just sneaks up when you aren't looking and then bam! Mold!

As I was cleaning things out yesterday I spotted a rather large area of mold. Now, it doesn't even begin to compare to the attack of the mold situation that Megan and I braved, but mind you, it was substantial. What did I do? I decided to be a good resident and clean it up. Don't want to leave a bunch of mold for the next person living here. So I grabbed my handy dandy American cleaning supplies and went for it. And then the paint started coming off. Hm. Bad idea. Now, I couldn't just leave it like that, so I thought how could I fix this? Hmmm, maybe I could use my paint that I use for art. That might work, right? So I dabbed some on a paper towel and dabbed at the wall and oops. More paint came off. Not only that, but then I smeared it on the floorboard and couldn't get it off too well. Double oops. Damn mold.

Today I said goodbye officially at school. Set out the hordes of cookies that took me three hours to bake yesterday. Nice Thomas lent me his kitchen. They gave me a Sickingen Gymnasium sweatshirt, very cool, and a yearbook sort of thing. Also, the English faculty gave me a cd with the soccer songs on it. Cool. : D Very nice.

Tomorrow I am going to school to say bye to one last class, give back my keys, and then at 4 we are BBQing with my 6th graders and watching the Germany vs. Argentina game at school as well.

Tonight I hope to pack some. Axel is bringing over some boxes and I'd like to pack and get them sent out Saturday morning. And E is cooking dinner tonight, too. Such a good boyfriend. :)

Can't wait to see everyone!

Oh, and something in my room reeks and I can't figure out what it is. Man!

One Week and Counting

I said goodbye to one of my ninth grades and my 12 LK today. The ninth graders made more cakes, meaning I've eaten way too much cake recently! lol. And saying goodbye to my 12ers was hard. I admit, I did cry just a little. Dang it. hee hee. They gave me a goodbye card with their pics on it, a small German dictionary, and Bridget Jones' Diary (book) in German. That is one of my favs, and I've never read it, so it couldn't be more perfect!!! I am going to miss them. They didn't all hand in their essays so I demanded they do it by Thursday so I can return them by Friday, my last day of work.

I also gave the bike back today which was great fun. I had to haul it up and down lots of stairs. lol. The little girl carrying the big bike. So I was all gross and sweaty by the time I reached the school. However, there was this very nice man who offered to drive the bike to the woman's house that I borrowed it from, which was a huge relief, b/c it meant I didn't have to deal with more trains and stairs. Whew! He deserves a gold star for the day.

I'm starting to get a bit more sad about leaving. It's always hard saying bye to people. And I'm trying to get lots down before I head out.

Ok, must run to Stammtisch or I'll be late. I will add some more pics when I get some time.

Bye : )

Pics from the last few days...

My kids and one of the many, many delicious cakes, Koto and I in lovely Frankfurt, and us cheering for the Netherlands. Who is that dashing man in orange? hmmmm....

Ohne Holland Fahren Wir Nach Berlin...Schoeffle Schoeffle

This is a very sad song. And I can't believe the Germans sing it! I schimpf my kids when they say that. Soccer is taken so seriously here!

I visited Koto this weekend in Frankfurt. She lives in a beautiful part of the city. We walked around and saw some of the city, which seems quite nice, and watched the hordes of people pour into the area by the Main River to watch the soccer match, Germany vs. Sweden. We watched at a cafe and the Germans were crazy. They won, which means they go on to the Quarter Finals. It was insane! We took the U-Bahn back into town to take part in the celebration. They kept singing the same songs and people were climbing the fountain and jumping in, waving flags, and other craziness. Koto and I didn't stay too long, just long enough to take it all in. After all, we're not German, and while we are happy for them, we're not going to go crazy.

Last night E, Darco and I cheered for the Netherlands (sorry Rita, you know I love you!) and sadly they lost. Poor E! My sad Dutchman. We were even all decked out in orange and very spirited.

Today my two 8th grade classes had surprise parties for me. It was amazing. They baked all these incredible cakes, and I don't think I've ever eaten more cake in one day! I couldn't try them all. My kids can really bake. You wouldn't believe how incredible these cakes were! And they made me cards and gave me a Germany hat that they signed. I felt so loved. I really like those classes and it was so great to know they appreciated having me here as well.

This afternoon I started dealing with going-home-things. I will be without electricity for a day or so at the end, and I did the official whatnots to let the city know I'll be leaving. Dang. There is so much to do and my time is filling up and running out. I hadn't been really thinking about coming home and what I'd need to do. Yikes. And some teachers have invited me out to dinner, which is very kind. 8 days. I can't believe it. Then I'll be home. Can't fathom it.

But this weekend was great and so was today. My 6th graders invited me to a bbq at school on Friday and I'm more than excited to go. They were really shy/scared about asking me, which I think is cute b/c why should they be? I'm so happy to go!!!

I hope you all are well.

: )

Some Pics from the WM Madness

It is hard to tell, but the view we had from Ranj's BBQ was amazing! We could watch all the people and craziness below! Alison is the one in the England hat. She's great fun. And I am wearing E's Holland hat in support of the Netherlands.

Sunday the Netherlands are playing Portugal and I think I will be for Portugal, as long as E doesn't get too upset! hee hee. But I have to support Rita.

Tomorrow I'm off to Frankfurt to see Koto for the last time before taking off. I've not really been around the city yet so it will be nice to see a new place.

11 days. : )

Another Game Day

Trinidad and Tobago play Paraguay in town tonight, and taking the train home was crazy. It was a bit late, and then was only a two-car train, with four doors. I went to one and it was completely packed, no way to get in. The next two were the same. Crammed full with people. I thought I wouldn't be able to get on! So the last door there was about two square feet of space and let me tell you, more than two of us got on! Talk about insanity. People were also singing songs about Germany winning the World Cup, which was kinda fun.

Germany is also playing in just over an hour, and I had planned to go watch in town, but I'm not sure now. It's raining and the city is already packed. However, there is supposed to be a parade put on by Trinidad later, and I would like to see that. Hmmmm.

No one at work really seemed to know that next week is my last week, so I'm trying to spread that around.

And today one of my classes made the whole year worth while in just a few words. I told my 12 LK that next week is my last class with them and I told them I've really enjoyed the class, and they said they'd enjoyed having me here and felt they'd learned a lot. They even said thank you for making them write all the essays (I thought it just annoyed them!) and that they felt it has helped them prepare for the Abitur next year. Then they all started clapping. I didn't know what to do so I said thank you and turned which I sure was a lovely shade of red. It is moments like that that really make teaching amazing. I will miss that class, they really are one of my favorites.

One last note: TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY!!! That's right folks, just two lil ol weeks and I will be back in the KC area! Can you feel the excitement? hee hee.....

Clearing Up Some Confusion

Just to make sure everyone is aware. Yes, the World Cup is going on right now in Germany. Not only that, but I am in one of the cities where the games are actually going on. Australia played Japan here, and tomorrow the U.S. plays Italy. So it really is crazy here. But good.

Tonight we're cheering for the Netherlands. I was glad to see England kick butt yesterday.

Now I should get back to lesson planning. hee hee. : P

Lazy Summer Days

For those of you not well-versed in Calvin and Hobbes, that was a reference. : D

I have no work today b/c it is yet again a German holiday. Not bad. It's warm and cloudy and absolutely peaceful here right now and I'm loving it. I also realized yesterday as I was at work, that I really do enjoy and love my job here. I get excited to go to work. Hmmmm.

Last night we went out to watch Germany kick Poland's butt, and in the very last few minutes Germany scored and it was great! The town was so full of people and it was crazy and lots of fun. It is weird that my quiet little town has become party central. lol.

If I'm lucky we might get a bit of a storm today. However a German "storm" barely shows up on our Midwest radar, but a girl can dream!

Miss you guys and hope you're well and see you soon.

: )

A Few Choice Pics

The nose-picking is for my darling Mutti who thinks it's not so appropriate to take such shots. The smoking isn't real (or at least I'm the only one not really smoking!) and it's a Portuguese traditional friendship cigarette, so I was partaking in cultural things. The soccer whistles were free at the airport. And the last two pics I'm at Hoheneck, near K-Town with lovely ruins. Very cool.

A Sad Day In K-Town

The U.S. just lost to the Czech Republic. 0:3. So sad. : (

And we took Ms. Rita to the airport. She's on her way to Portugal now. I will miss her so very much. But it was great having her here!

It was way warm today.

Another holiday on Thursday. Do we ever work here? : )

Hello Summer!

So it's really, really here. Warmth and sunshine and I am very happy to enjoy it. Yesterday Rita and I played in the Stadtpark, except I couldn't climb the red thing bc the kids were playing on it. Sheesh, as though it were meant for them or something! lol. Then we stopped by Jan's, stole some funny-looking hats, and woke up Chuck at noon! Then we all went to the American Diner (hee hee) and had a lovely lunch. It was pretty cool. Afterwards Jan took us to Otterberg where we saw an old church and remains of the monastery, then we went to Hoheneck, which has some very nice ruins of an old castle. I think my computer can't take any more pics! lol. I just keep taking tons and putting them on and it's starting to get really slow. Hmmmm.

Last night we went to Dorle's, a teacher of Rita's, and had a fun goodbye party. I am still feeling the party today. Sleeeeeep. But it's Rita's last full day here so we got our sorry, lazy bums outta bed and walked around the WM Mile with all the craziness. Tonight Portugal plays and we're taking Rita out to watch it. I'm still sad she's leaving, and trying not to think about it. Though we already packed up her room this morning. Schnöffle schnöffle.

So that's what's new here! C u all soon!

: )

TOR!!!!!

Germany beat Costa Rica last night, 4:2. Go Germany! I wore my Germany shirt and everything. Ok, so I didn't watch the whole game. I got bored. lol. I mean, come on, it's soccer!

The city was so crazy last night that I didn't venture out to see the game on the big screens. Rita and I were walking around town before the game and people started staring and we heard these weird noises and we went to see what was going on and there were these people dressed up as HUGE bugs and it was quite scary. They also had weird noise-making whatnots that sounded very horror film like and were enjoying chasing people. I didn't want to partake. I admit it, I'm just not a fan of bugs. Especially not life-sized ones. Nope, no thanks buddy!

I do, however, think "summer" has finally hit. Juhu!

I'm also quite excited b/c Megan called last night and is going to come visit once I'm back in the States. Yay!

Today Rita and I are getting her ready to go home. Taking care of last minute things, packing, and her teacher is throwing a going away party tonight. I guess I should plan some lessons sometime, too. lol.

Hope you all are doing well.

: )

12 more

Not too much news here on the home front. I only have 12 days of work left, unbelievable! Or wait, maybe less due to holidays. So many here!

Tomorrow the WM legs los and I think alle der Hoelle wird los! Ahhhh! But I do have a Germany shirt, so I should be good. I've not yet decided whether I'll take part in viewing games from the middle of the Altstadt on big screens. We will have to see. The city has really been turned upside down with this whole event and it hasn't even begun yet! Yikes.

It is finally warm today. I think we're headed for a warm spell and I can't describe how excited I am about it!

Not much planned for the weekend. Rita's goodbye party. So sad! I don't want to think about it. I am certainly looking forward to being home again. I can almost taste it! hee hee. Ok, not really, that's just the Apfelschorle I'm drinking, but what the hey.

Hope you all are well and I will see you soon!

: )

P.S. Sorry the pics didn't work well on my online album. That program seems to act up from time to time.

Late Light

It's 10:30 pm and I feel bad going to bed b/c it's not quite dark yet. lol. But in 7 hours it will be light again.

I've been trying to load some pics to this website but it's not working so far. I will keep trying. And fairly soon I will put the pics up on my photo album.

We had dinner at Thomas's tonight. Quite nice. Tomorrow is a sport day, which I forgot, after spending two hours planning lessons today. I need my one class, though, b/c we have to talk about the book! I'm on a specific plan. Maybe the teacher will let me take a different lesson this week. I have essays to collect, darn it!

: )

Back to Tueb

This weekend was great! Friday night Rita, E and I had a goodbye dinner, since E and Rita won't see each other again before they left. It was a bit sad, but still really good. : D

Saturday Mark and I drove to Tuebingen. It was still cold, yes, I was wearing my winter coat in June in the cold and rain, but it was great. I love that city. It has changed a bit, but is still as gorgeous as ever. There is an H&M and a Lush now, improvements! The Doener and Eis there really are better than in K-Town. The Altstadt is magical. We spent the two days just walking around. We walked by my old neighborhood which has changed with lots of new buildings. We walked up the hill past the goats (which have babies!) and up to the Bergfriedhof where you have a lovely view of the city and it is so incredibly peaceful. It was definitely the most beautiful place I have ever lived.

I also ran into Cristina from Spain and Daniel and Isabel (Daniel and I used to be roomies). Very cool. A lot of the people I studied abroad with are back in Germany. I think it really had an impact on so many of our lives.

We also rented a boat and the current was so strong we couldn't make it around the island! That's never happened before! All in all (as my students are so fond of in essays!) it was a great, wonderful, happy weekend. Mark is a good travel companion. Just let me lead him around a beautiful city.

On the way home we were flying on the Autobahn, doing 125 mph. Scares me to death! Ahhhhh! It is waaaaay fast. I think he would have gone faster if I weren't a scaredy cat. lol.

Today is another holiday (these Germans! do they ever work? lol) so I slept in and am hand-washing clothes. Ahhhh. Have some lessons to plan. It is less than a month left, and I suddenly feel like this month is going to rush by and I will be home before I know it. Sadness and happiness. What fun!

: )

More pics

This time we have such attractions as a sign of Germany, Einfahrt (for the parents), the Saarschleife, a beer street (Bierstrasse) and the famous Roman mosaic at Nennig. Beautiful, no?