Pics from this weekend

Another Hole in the Head and Furry New Friends

Megan visited this weekend and with the exception of feeling the need to build an ark, it was fabulous. We were lazy bums, except for exercising, and Megan really did an 11-mile run yesterday, she is my exercise hero. We had a Sex and the City Marathon, ate junk food (ack! my inner health food nut about fell over from shock), and just had an overall great time. I love hanging with Megan.

Saturday we felt the need to venture out into the populated world and decided piercings would make for a nice adventure. We went down to Irezumi Body Art in Westport, which I would highly recommend, and she pierced her cartilege and I pierced my nose. The needles were a bit scary, but the guy was amazing and did the piercings very quickly and cleanly. Mine really only hurt when the needle first went through. Before I knew it he was done and I had a shiny pink booger on the outside of my nose. Very nice. I'm amazed it doesn't hurt. I usually don't have such pleasant reactions to piercings. I also think that I would never want to be pierced with a gun again because the needle is so the way to go. Fun stuff.

Sadly Megan had to leave today. We should have planned it better so that she could have stayed through the Fourth! But it was a wonderful visit and weekend, and I can't wait to see her again.

This morning Megan and I found mouse droppings. So we went to the hardware store and got scary traps to catch and kill them, and sound wave thingies that will supposedly keep them away so that I won't have to use the scary traps. We will see. Either way I'm not so excited. I feel dirty somehow. Like I got mice because I don't clean my kitchen enough. Which, if you know me, is absolutely not the case!! I'm hoping our furry friends will take up residence elsewhere as soon as possible. Ahh, the fun of homeownership (or temporary homeownership) never stops!

Green is Good

Um, yeah. So it's green. It still hasn't stopped raining, but I decided to just go ahead and add chemicals (Dad's advice) since the rain always knocks out the pH and the chlorine. Then I got home from work and vacuumed the pool...in the rain. That's love and committment, right? Do I get a pool boy now? I feel that I deserve one. Ok, so that is the spoiled princess in me talking. But seriously, what does one have to do to get a pool boy?

Playing Ruff

I was in the big dog room yesterday and wow. Apparently I am still a bit nervous. I am getting more used to them, but they were especially volatile yesterday and a lot of fights broke out. Very disconcerting when you are right next to two or more big dogs and suddenly the teeth come out and they snarls get serious. I tend to be more inclined to step back than to jump in and break it up, which we have to do sometimes. I'm not sure my insurance is good enough to cover a dog fight incident! lol.


Megan will be here tomorrow night, and I'm so excited!! We have a very lazy weekend planned.


The pool is looking green, but it's dirt, not algae. With all the rain, things fall into the pool and the chemicals get messed up. So in the pouring rain this morning I added chems and checked things. Great fun. As long as the weekend is hot and sunny I'm happy!


Just working lots and loving hanging out with Monica.

Off to work!

For Dad

See Dad? The pool is doing great! You wanted proof.

My job has been going well. I am not so afraid of the big dogs now. I took a nap on a large wolf looking dog today. He looks mean, but he's a big sweetie.

Meegan will be here F R I D A Y ! ! ! Can't wait.

Let Me Eat My Foot....Thanks

Today was nowhere near yesterday's "work". I went in to see how the doggy day care runs and what the girls will need to do. I was there for three hours, then they said I could go or stay and I bolted.

So I like dogs. In fact, they are my favorite animal. So naturally I thought it would be a walk in the part, getting paid to play with dogs. Um, no. First of all, the stench when you walk in. OMG. For the first hour I didn't even want to inhale b/c it was quite strong. The small dogs are cute. The medium dogs are cute. The big dogs are BIG. And there are a LOT of them.

I followed the lady into the big dog area and suddenly the thirty or so dogs there got excited by a new face and started jumping on me and I about freaked. One or two I could handle, but almost being knocked over and the worst part was that they have some sharp toenails. So my arms, back and stomach got cut up. My poor arms look like I took a knife to them. I was about ready to turn and run at that point. But then I realized I was over-reacting and they would calm down. And some did.

There are also pools for the dogs, so they in, jump out, then jump on you. So I will be wearing some very old clothes to work b/c of the jumping, water, and other things left on the ground.

And then the girls come tomorrow, and after hearing some of the "challenges" they have been posing, well........but who wants a boring job? ; ) Of course, the constant barking does get annoying after a few hours. lol.

But some are so sweet and want to be petted constantly and that is nice.

I think this position will just take some time to get used to.

My New "Job"

After three days of working my new job, I've realized I've never worked so little for so much money before. Wow. Today I actually brought in my yarn and crocheted the first 1.5 hours, then I read the rest of the day. I felt guilty about doing nothing, but there was nothing I could do. One of my boys called in sick, the one who requires constant watching, and the other really doesn't need a glorified babysitter. So I sat there. Weird. I felt like I should be doing ten billion things but I couldn't. Very unusual for me.

Tomorrow I change job sites b/c there was a problem at one in OP and they need a replacement immediately. So as of tomorrow I get to go work at a doggy day care and play with animals and wear comfy clothes. There's gotta be a catch, right? I mean, work can't be this cool!

I am still trying to work on my tan and getting nowhere. By the time I had finished cleaning the pool today it was getting late and the good sun was gone. Alas, I'll have to try harder!

In the book I was reading today, there was some good ideas about success. The author mentioned three things: passion, discipline and persistence. If you think about it, it really makes sense. Just food for thought.

: )

Weekend with Orkun : D

This weekend was waaaaaay too much fun! First Isaac and I checked out The Emerald House on Friday night and danced until my knee couldn't support me anymore.

Saturday Orkun came to town and after a nice dinner we went dancing. No one was at Casa Grande, so just before midnight we went to the Beach Club. (and can I just say that GPS is the most amazing thing and I soooooo need it! I was like a little kid in a trance trying to figure out how it was so smart. Very helpful.)

The Beach Club was packed, as usual, but Orkun and I salsaed the night away. He is really an amazing dancer, and he flung me around like mad. People were staring and kept telling me how good we were, but the truth is it is all HIM, because I was just trying not to fall! I got close several times but he always caught me and put me back on my heels. Then, he decided we should try our feet at country dancing inside the Beaumont Club. Most people there couldn't dance anyway, so we gave it a try and danced around them. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and just tried to keep up. It was a blast.

After more salsaing it was about 2:30 and I could barely stand up. He insisted we go home before I fall asleep on the dance floor. I'm never the one to have to call it a night when it comes to salsa, but this weekend I was exhausted! lol.

Another thing I found amusing was that everyone thought he was Hispanic b/c he danced so well. These guys came up to us and were so adamant and said, "donde estan? donde estan?" and O said, "Turkey." And the guy goes, "No, donde estan? Man, where are you from?" And he goes, "Turkey." The guy just has this completely puzzled look on his face like what they heck and O goes, "Turkey. It's a country near Europe." LOL. Just b/c you're not Latin doesn't mean you can't salsa with the best of them!

Sunday Monica came back to town and the three of us stayed up too late again. Around midnight I went to turn off the water b/c I was filling the pool, and behind me I hear, "Don't fall in!" lol. Yeah right. The next thing I know I'm flying through the air, fully clothed, into the pool. Monica was next, and then we managed to get Orkun in. I didn't really think he'd throw me in! So some of the pics are pre-water, water, and post-water. I can't think of the last time I went swimming so late, especially with jeans on. lol.

It was great seeing Orkun again, it seems I see him every two years or so. Monica and I will have to change that.

So after a wonderful weekend I started my new job. Weird not to be at YWC, but definitely more relaxing, and totally different.

Dad is safely in Afghanistan trying to adjust and actually went to Kabul today, why I'm not sure.

I need sleep. : )

Success

Success may come in many shades, today it is a lovely and sparkling blue. That's right, I have beat the algae! (and Megan, yes, in my head mold and algae are the same as well). This morning I got up and the pool was looking MUCH better! (I also added a little extra chlorine last night.) Then I cleaned the pool, and this time it looked amazing. Just the right color. Ahhh. And it was a beautiful day for laying poolside. Brooks came over and actually put his kayak in the pool, and it was pretty amusing. And I think I'm working on the start of a great summer tan.

I can't wait to share the pool with lots of friends this summer, and hopefully next time they will bring food to grill!

Orkun is in town this weekend, sadly Monica is not, but we will most likely go dancing tonight, and dancing with Orkun is always a treat!

Did I mention I quit my job? I start a new one on Monday, working with kids for the summer. I'm quite looking forward to it. It really is a fabulous weekend.

Hope everyone is well, haven't heard from Dad since he left Istanbul, but I'm thinking in a few days I ought to hear something.

: )

Algae 2: Kate 0

Hmmm. Ok. So blasting the pool with chlorine and algae killer didn't exactly work. I figured that when I got home today I would find a sparkly and algae-free pool. Wrong.

Phase Two included more algae killer and chlorine. If this does not work, then I will have to take it to the experts. I can't believe Dad hadn't even left the country before I lost the pool. Sigh. Can I have a pool boy now? ; )

Going Green

Alas, we've gone green. And I don't mean in some eco, German-crazy environmentally friendly sort of way. I mean in the, despite my excellent and timely pool care, making sure it was vacuumed, backwashed, filters clean, chemicals perfect, etc., my pool has turned a frightening shade of green. Now, if you are a fan of swimming in lakes, this might not bother you, and while I have nothing against swimming in lakes, this is disturbing because, well, let's face it, I have a pool in my yard and not a lake. So you can see my concern is justified.

After raising the hardness and attempting to raise the already level pH, I got a call from Dad this morning out in the middle of nowhere South Carolina on the way to the airport. After making sure he was doing better from being injected with all the scary diseases known to man (ok, just several of them), I blurted out that I'd lost the pool to greenness. And that the chemicals were all where they ought to be. Suddenly he goes, did you check the filter we closed off? If something didn't die in the pool, maybe something else is growing in that filter.

So outside I trek to The Dead Filter, and once I open it oh my goodness gracious! Megan, remember when you found the mountain of mold on your wall? Well, this wasn't quite as dramatic, but wow. Talk about a ton of algae! All growing right there in the lovely Dead Filter. So I got down the algae killer chem and some serious chlorine and poured it all into The Dead Filter. Take that algae! Ha! We'll see how it looks when I get home from work. I'm hoping for a pleasantly blue pool.

Ahh, the joys of homeownership and maintenance (ok, so I can't really claim that, but man I've been waiting for so long to say it!)

As of now the score is Algae 1, Kate 0. But I think the tide is about to change.

On the road

Some of the candid shots I got of Dad preparing to go. The last one is us at the airport right before security. I think he was supposed to be smiling, but he has that, oh dear goodness I'm going to Afghanistan look. Very deer in headlights. I also think he was ready for me to turn the stinking camera off by that point. hee hee.

Burn the Floor!

Monica and I went to see Burn the Floor at Starlight tonight. Oh my goodness gracious it was amazing!! The music was great, the dancers were fabulous....ahhhhh! It was Ballroom and Latin and all mixed in. We saw Rumbas and Waltzes, Paso Doble, Tango, Cha Cha, Jive, Fox Trot, Quick Step, etc. For dance addicts like Monica and I, it was intoxicating and near impossible to sit still.

Afterwards some of the dancers were out signing autographs and taking pics. Monica asked me if I wanted a picture with the dancers as well, and at first I kind of said no. But I really wanted one. However, it was just me and all the little 13 year old girls in line. Luckily, Monica is cool enough that she encouraged my inner teenager to get over there and pose. The girl on my right was one of my favorites! So yes, Kate had a 13 year old girl moment tonight, and loved every minute of it! I think I now know how little girls feel when they go to a Britney Spears concert. Hmmm....

Goodbye Party

Dad had a going away party at Side Pockets Friday night. I would have taken more pics, but it was dark and I didn't want to be that annoying person who kept blinding everyone else in the room. But I really like this picture. Love you Vati!

Weekend

Monica and I had a good weekend. We went out salsa dancing on Friday, which was great until the end when there was a fight and the place shut down. Then Saturday we got up early, went down to the City Market, got some great vegetables, coffee, and jewelry, then checked out the Dragon Festival by the Plaza. We also got stuck in the Rock Fest traffic, which was crazy! But I hear it was a good time.

Then last night Monica got a flat tire near my house, but luckily Super Dad was there to help and he changed the tire faster than we could have. I was highly amused by the grill (along with various things) that Monica keeps in her truck. I knew she was always prepared, but dang!

And she starts moving in this week. Good stuff. : )

Auntie's Birthday

Auntie's 50th birthday was a lot of fun! We snuck in, decorated, and completely surprised her when she got back home! It was a crazy weekend. : )

Weekend at Auntie's

It was a great holiday weekend. Dad and I visited Auntie as well as his family. We opened the bottle of wine I brought back from Trentino back in 2000. Mmmmm! We cooked, sat on the porch, stained a fence and just enjoyed a nice weekend in Des Moines. And her cat, Malcolm, kept jumping on me and eating my hair. Go figure.

The Dangers of Drugs

Ok, while this blog generally is more on the fun side, I do want to take a moment for seriousness. Have you all heard of the HPV vaccine (for cervical cancer) that the civilized world has suddenly decided it needs to give its little girls? While I am by no means against MDs, sometimes I have to wonder. It has been killing little girls, as well as paralyzing them. This "miracle drug" is not at all what it is made out to be, and the drug companies are the ones pushing for it to be widely used. If you would like to check facts, you can go to:

http://www.nvic.org/Diseases/HPV/HPVHOME.htm

http://nvic.org/ (the homepage)

http://www.judicialwatch.org/

I'm almost afraid I sound like one of those crazy people, but I really think this is an important issue that people need to be made aware of.

As Dan always says, check your sources.


On a lighter note, Dad and I will be visiting Auntie this weekend and I'm soooooo excited.
Got some salsa in last night. I'm so addicted.

And MEEGAN IS COMING TO VISIT!!! End of June. Happy days.

I also found out that classes in Hamburg start at the end of October (the 22nd to be exact). I feel like the summer is going to fly by.

Mach's gut ihr alle und bis bald!

: )

MISO Party

Talk about a great ceremony and party. Love those MISOers!

Kate's Wedding

Kate's wedding was beautiful. And I got to see her little boy, who was the cutest guy in a tux!

Mondays

I love Mondays. I know most people don't, but I think there's just something about them.

Today I tried my hand at pastels for the first time and think I'm in love. They smear with the hand and come in lovely colors and are just messy enough. : ) I drew a tango dancer in a red dress. Cliche'?

Dad and I also spent some time hanging in and by the pool this afternoon. I feel like I can't soak up enough Midwestern sun before I leave in the fall. Maybe I should just go somewhere warmer. Of course, then I would probably never finish my thesis and wouldn't get that oh-so-important piece of paper.

I got a new laptop and it's awesome. I'm still trying to figure stuff out on it, but at least it has a 6-key. (remember when I took apart my notebook last time? oops.)

This past weekend I got in lots of salsa dancing, but the coolest was when we went to the party in the renovated loft in downtown KC. All the partitions and walls were painted like big canvases, and there was a very faded Twister board painted on the floor. Isaac (talk about an amazing dance partner!) and I salsaed like crazy on it and it was a blast. I'm not sure I could ever salsa enough.

Wednesday is the last day of classes and then I'm done for semester. I plan to take a week or so break, then dive back into thesis work. Ahhhhhh. And spend lots of time by the pool. Do I really have to go to work?

Ich glaub', das war's. Adios.

Final Madness

It's that time again and I'm swamped. I love finals. Really. Drueck mir die Daumen, bitte. : D

Brookside Art Fair

Jennie and I hit the Brookside Art Fair (VERY cool, by the way!!) and then got some yummy food. After that we bummed around Westport and picked up some fun bubble tea. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! (did you notice there was no mention of studying in that? Impressive, no?)

The art fair made me want to try my hand at pastels. Hmmmm.

Oh! And look closely at the sign. It says "Kabul". I thought of Dad.

Afghanistan

I think my dad is moving to Afghanistan in a month or two. Hmmm.

School

School.........that is my life........school. Study.........school..........read.........study......

Sweet, Sugary Sixteen

Lexi's b-day is Tuesday, but she, Mom and I celebrated last night. We went to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which was actually pretty good (I was doubtful, I'll admit). My only complaint was that they did not include the TMNT theme song, which I was more than ready to sing along to. I'm sure Lexi was thankful for that. Afterwards we ate DQ ice cream cake, and she managed to eat more than I thought was humanly possible in one sitting without it coming back up. I was impressed. In a sort of sick way.

Today was all about the studying. Dear goodness, I think I've fallen into a pit of studying and there's no way out! Is it summer yet? Is semester over yet? Oh right, this is Spring Break. Two more months.

However, I am learning about current state of the privatized military firm industry, which is highly interesting. And no, I am not referring to mercenaries. I suppose it is logical in many ways, but pretty weird to think about outsourcing military needs. Hmmmm.

Monica and I are hitting a new venue for some salsa tonight. Hope it's good! It will be a great break from studying. I think I might turn into a textbook soon. I'll spew pretentious words and pontificate, and only annoyingly smart people with too much time on their hands will be able to understand me. And I'll smell like old books. I guess that part's not too bad.

But really. How did Lexi eat all of that cake? Ahh, the wonders of life!

Spring Break

It's Spring Break, which if you're an undergrad means you might be off to some fun location where too much alcohol is consumed and you do things you hope no one you respect ever finds out about, however, as a grad student it's a little different. (ok, not that I ever did that kind of thing as an undergrad, but I watch MTV.) Instead, not having classes gives me time to catch up on some homework and get ahead a bit. Is that sad?

Auntie's coming to visit for a few days. Yay!

Yesterday Mom and co. were out at the barn getting things ready for sessions of Equus which start today, I believe. And Gail made Indian food!!!!!! I hadn't had Indian food since Germany, and it was sooooooooo good!

Not much else new. Had green beer on St. Patty's Day. It felt very celebratory. I was excited. I actually finished a beer, I think that's a first for me! I do not plan to make it a habit. Ew. (making grossed out face)

Salsa

Friday night was amazing. After picking up Dad from the airport, I raced off to Monica's and we salsaed the night away. I'm not sure if it was the good weather or what, but the place was packed. And boy howdy were there some good dancers, a few of which I got to dance with. I barely left the dance floor for over two hours, and yes, my feet still hurt. It was great! Some of the people out there said they're going to Skybox Thursday, so we agreed to go. I would go more often if I didn't need that pesky little "sleep" thing. : )

Today it's church, groceries, Mom's, and lots of studying. I'm trying to read John Rawls Laws of People today. Fun stuff. Almost.

I was reading for my Multicultural Education class and came across some very interesting points and a quote I wanted to share. Just some food for thought.

"Education is a form of socialization. The purpose of education is to modify behavior, to make the individual a different person from what he would otherwise be. It is for this reason that educational policy is always social policy and that, in the modern world, the school is employed, deliberately, for the achievement of definite social purposes, becomes, in fact, a crucial element in national policy" (Newton 1939).

Thoughts? I realized I had never really thought of any other reasons for education than to transmit knowledge, but then again, what is knowledge and who decides what should be taught to children? And to what point? Are cultural values also transmitted in the process?

One more.

"Education must aim, first of all, at the building of minds that are sensitive to the social realities of the world in which they live, that are free, that have acquired the capacity for thinking for themselves, because they have had the opportunity to think for themselves" (Newton 1939, emphasis mine).

All right, I'm off my soap box.

: )

Success!

And what a happy March it is! This week has been filled with warmth and sunshine, bringing back that lying on the floor and coughing almost dead hope that spring and summer will indeed return. Ahhhh. Bliss, I tell you, bliss.

The exciting news is that I now have my first member of my thesis committee. Progress on the thesis! Score! I am so psyched. It did not even require any bribing, coercing, or any similar manner that might challenge my moral integrity. That's right, this prof is a willing participant in my thesis. (big sigh of relief). One down, two more to go. And then, maybe I'll redign my thesis and actually consider working on it. Maybe. Maybe I'll wait til semester's over. It's not like there's really time now anyhow.

Tomorrow night is salsa at the Madrid, one of my favorite times of the month. Juhu!

Dad also returns tomorrow from his two-week stay on the East Coast. It will be good to have him back. However, it means that I will have to clear the kitchen table, which has slowly been devoured by my homework.

Tonight I met up with MISO (Masters of International Studies Organization) and we had a sort of international "show and tell". People brought pics and artifacts from their travels, and told stories as well. It was fabulous. And a nice break from reading about bombing Hiroshima and General Sherman's correspondence with General Hood. Both of which, to my utter hesistance to admit, were quite interesting reads! (is there still hope for me? maybe if I watch some MTV my brain will return to normal functioning status)

Has anyone else been noticing some serious static cling and electricity lately? Holy cow Batman. Ok, if I keep writing I will only get sillier, so it's good night for me.

: )

Liquids

Sorry I've not updated recently! Thanks Kate for the reminder. Just keep on me and I will. Didn't want to bore anyone, you know? ; )

We've had some warm days this week. I'm talking t-shirt warm. And tomorrow it's supposed to snow again. Ahhhh, how I love the Midwest! Oh, and last night I awoke to huge thunder. Good stuff.

I am doing a liquid day. So I'm only drinking things. Tea, water, smoothies, juices.....I'm doing pretty well so far. But this is a one day only thing. Sort of a shock to the system and a cleaning of the sort. Sounds a bit crazy, perhaps, but it's interesting.

Uni is keeping me very busy, as always. Just think, this summer I won't have any classes and I plan to spend an obscene amount of time pool side. Ahhhhh.

That's about it for me, no exciting news. There might be some things in the works, and if they pan out I will post them.

As for Germany, about eight months to go.

: )

Ice and Snow

The weatherman was right and accurately predicted our now-present and enduring winter storm. Sigh. Actually, it's quite beautiful, but it has the effect of instituting house arrest. Not my favorite thing right now.

Last night after work I did indeed brave the weather, despite parental protests. The roads were covered with sleet and it just kept coming down, it was 15 F and my windshield kept freezing, and furthermore the lines on the roads were not visible due to the build up. And yet. I couldn't take being at home (with the parental units splitting up, home has not been so "homey" lately). So I took Dad's huge truck and put it in 4-wheel drive and slowly crept my way across town. It was the first time at 8 on a Friday night that I've seen Ward Parkway completely deserted. Except for Kate in the Big Ass Truck, of course. Monica was surprised I ventured out. It was an act of desperation. Ok, maybe that's too dramatic, but still.

We then proceded to have a nice evening, and this morning she had class. Only they canceled it quite late, and she was already there and I had already gone home. I would have gone back to her place, but Phase Two of the sleet started and hasn't really stopped since. So my senses got the better of me and I'm stranded at home.

On another note, one of my profs for the semester emailed an early warning. My ethics class with be a combined undergrad and grad class, oh joy (pls note heavy sarcasm), and he has assigned us grads an additionaly ten books to read. On top of the regular readings. He warned that if we think it will be too much, get out now. Lol. Great. So I ordered them from Amazon. I think I will soon be a reading fool. This semester looks to be quite challenging. How badly do I want that degree.....jk.

Thursday it was 60 F and I had a lovely walk. Now it is ice central out there. Thank goodness for fires. And internet.

What job?!

I have finally started being active in the job-hunt, and the first few days were uneventful and I was about ready to fall into a deep dark depression that no one would want to hire me and all I was good for was the cubicle hell that I call data entry. (I was feeling a bit over-dramatic...do not judge, you have your moments as well! : ) Then towards the end of this previous week I've started to get offers. Several offers. Now I'm just trying to negotiate hours and pay.

Do I want to teach? Do I want to be a chiropractic assistant again? Secretary? Oh yeah, and I can't forget that pesky school thing. I think if it weren't for uni, I'd be doing two jobs. But then again, I probably wouldn't be looking for part-time work if I wasn't a student, so I guess that whole train of thought is a bit superfluous. Ahhhh, the crazy and super fast thoughts that race through my head!!

I am leaning toward the chiro thing, simply b/c I like the whole helping people get better idea. And alternative medicine and health interests me. It's a stretch from my degree, so that is also exciting. And who doesn't love free chiro? If I get that perk there, that is. But I also really want to do this tutoring cognitive skills job as well. But then every day would be completely full. I'm talking morning, noon, and night. Hmmm. When would I study? I like this break thing. Can't it last for a few more months? Or maybe I could hire someone to do my homework for me. Alas, darn my ethics!

Mom brought home a little kitty, Derby. I've yet to see the little stinker but I hear he's adorable and that he and Zeus are already friends. And that Tucker wants to eat him. Hmm.

I had acupuncture again last week and it was even weirder this time. Joachim put a whole circle of needles in my knee (very odd to look down at your leg and see lots of big fat needles it in! ew!) and it was indeed a bit painful. I told him I felt an intense, dull pain, to which he responded enthusiastically, "Great! Then I really hit the spot!" Um, yes, that could be one interpretation of the event....

I'll write again soon when I've decided which job and/or jobs I will be taking. Changing jobs is weird.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and safe celebration last night. Any exciting New Years' Resolutions?

I am sooooooo glad it's break from Uni. It is a beautiful thing. Not that I don't love school, b/c I do, but I am really appreciating some time off, even if I have to work on my thesis a bit. Speaking of, I think I'm a bit lost on the whole thing. Is that a bad sign? ; )

I'm still looking for a new job, now with a bit more vigor. Wish me luck! Also, d.h. dass im Moment ein bisschen Stress ist, aber es ist nicht so schlimm.

Ich glaube, das ist's von hier. Ich mache zur Zeit viele Schalle. Gefaellt mir.

Einen guten Rutsch, ihr alle! = )

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.

: )