Saturday, January 30, 2010
Fitness Challenge
Okay. So over here in Pretzel land, we have a big gym on post. And said gym is having a six week fitness challenge, which I am signed up for with some of my friends. You have to get weighed, check your BMI and body fat content, as well as flexibility. Then, you get awarded points for things like working out, eating right, and giving up things that are unhealthy for you. I have decided to be gung-ho about it, and I am giving up sweets for the duration. That may be the hardest part of the whole thing! However, I have set some personal goals to accompany the challenge, so we'll see how it goes! Wish me luck!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Snow White and the Seven Dirndls
Hello my loyal fans! Or, you know, two or three readers...I am back! I wish I had more to Write about, but what goes on around here is mostly work. So I'll try to find enough interesting things to write about! The biggest thing to happen recently was the purchase and subsequent use of a shnazzy new...Dirndl! For those of you who are not familiar with Dirndls, they are a type of traditional dress worn in Bavaria for Fests and such. I have wanted one for a while, but most are very expensive (~500 euro). So I did what any sane poor person world do. I went to a thrift store. I ended up getting the whole thing for less that 150 euro! I know that is still a lot, but it really was a good deal. I love my new Dirndl, and it loves me. I got to wear it the very next day for a friend's birthday party, and had a blast feeling like a true Bavarian. At some point during the evening, someone mentioned that I reminded them of Snow White with my very pale skin, very dark hair, and peachy complexion added to the Dirndl. I always knew I was a princess. I should have guessed it would be the whitest one. Oh well!
I love it!
In other news, we had an Eighties night here a few weeks ago, and we all dressed up for it. It was a really fun time, and I look forward to doing it again real soon!
Me an Katie in our 80's gear!
Okay! That is all! Stay tuned for my trip to London at the end of February!
I love it!
In other news, we had an Eighties night here a few weeks ago, and we all dressed up for it. It was a really fun time, and I look forward to doing it again real soon!
Me an Katie in our 80's gear!
Okay! That is all! Stay tuned for my trip to London at the end of February!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Odds and Ends
I have been so busy with work and play that I have neglected my blog! Sorry! I don't feel too bad, because I know only three people read this thing anyway! Okay, so a few things happened since my last significant post...
1) My birthday! I still don't feel 23...maybe I will when I turn 24. Anyway, I had a wonderful birthday, complete with winning an Ipod shuffle at work (which I gave away, since I already have one, you are welcome Joel), and then going out to a fantastic dinner with some amazing friends! It was a blast!
The Roomies! Amy, the blonde one, is my roommate. She's awesome!
2) Christmas! I was super crafty and made Christmas candy and went caroling around my complex. It was really fun, and everyone enjoyed the Fudge and Divinity I made! Christmas day I was awoken by my good friend Tyane, who came bearing cinnamon rolls in a can, so we baked them and joined a breakfast group in the hallway. Later that day we went to work, and tried to spread Christmas cheer by caroling and generally being in a good mood. It was a great day!
3) New Years! I worked on New Year's Eve, but got off at midnight, at which point I rushed downtown to be with Tyane for her birthday (she was born on the 31st). We danced in Marienplaz, fought our way through the crowds at IPub, and then ended up snagging some goodies from Burger King around 2 am before catching a cab home. When we got there, we cut her birthday cake and sang to her. It was a long, eventful night, but one for the books!
I think we are caught up! Now I am busy planning all the places I want to see in the new year. On the list are London, Brussels, any part of Italy, and somewhere in Spain. I am so excited to see the world, and share all my adventures with you! Until next time!
1) My birthday! I still don't feel 23...maybe I will when I turn 24. Anyway, I had a wonderful birthday, complete with winning an Ipod shuffle at work (which I gave away, since I already have one, you are welcome Joel), and then going out to a fantastic dinner with some amazing friends! It was a blast!
The Roomies! Amy, the blonde one, is my roommate. She's awesome!
2) Christmas! I was super crafty and made Christmas candy and went caroling around my complex. It was really fun, and everyone enjoyed the Fudge and Divinity I made! Christmas day I was awoken by my good friend Tyane, who came bearing cinnamon rolls in a can, so we baked them and joined a breakfast group in the hallway. Later that day we went to work, and tried to spread Christmas cheer by caroling and generally being in a good mood. It was a great day!
3) New Years! I worked on New Year's Eve, but got off at midnight, at which point I rushed downtown to be with Tyane for her birthday (she was born on the 31st). We danced in Marienplaz, fought our way through the crowds at IPub, and then ended up snagging some goodies from Burger King around 2 am before catching a cab home. When we got there, we cut her birthday cake and sang to her. It was a long, eventful night, but one for the books!
I think we are caught up! Now I am busy planning all the places I want to see in the new year. On the list are London, Brussels, any part of Italy, and somewhere in Spain. I am so excited to see the world, and share all my adventures with you! Until next time!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Little bit of Everything
So it's been a while (again). I just seem to lose track of time over here! So much going on, and way too much fun! So in the past few weeks I have done a lot of exciting things like:
Decorating for Christmas (sorry it's sideways...)
Taking in the very first real snow of the year!
Taking naps...Natasha joined me for this one!
Hanging out with amazing people...Like Angela and Isabell
Cooking Sunday dinner...Natasha and Sven helped out in the kitchen!
And also...
Going to the Munich Christmas Market! So much fun!
I will have to put more pictures up soon, as these are only a small portion of the fun!
Decorating for Christmas (sorry it's sideways...)
Taking in the very first real snow of the year!
Taking naps...Natasha joined me for this one!
Hanging out with amazing people...Like Angela and Isabell
Cooking Sunday dinner...Natasha and Sven helped out in the kitchen!
And also...
Going to the Munich Christmas Market! So much fun!
I will have to put more pictures up soon, as these are only a small portion of the fun!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
A Tale of Turkey and Turkey
The past few weeks have been busy! On the 22 of November I had the chance to attend another Opera, this one starring my beautiful and talented friend Angela! It was called Il Turco in Italia, or The Turk in Italy. The opera was fantastic, and I enjoyed getting to see Angela in a starring role! She did wonderfully!
Angela the Gypsy
This week I had the good fortune to spend Thanksgiving Day with some friends, and cook a delicious meal. We had a great time making traditional turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It was a quiet night at home!
Sunday, however, was a very different story! Melanie wanted to organize Thanksgiving dinner for the YSAs and missionaries in Munich, so we got some turkeys (four, to be exact) and all the fixings for a feast! It actually began on Saturday, with Nathan, Andreas and I making the pumpkin pies and rolls. We spent a lovely afternoon baking and listening to some classical music in the church kitchen. The pies turned out great, but the rolls were a bit undercooked (okay, I still haven't gotten used to the ovens here).
Nathan with the pies!
We hid the good away for Sunday and headed out. I met up with Angela, and we had a great time having a sleepover at Melanie's apartment which she graciously allowed us to use while he was out of town. It was a really fun time!
Sunday I was blessed to be called as a primary teacher, and so I am now responsible for the 9-11 year old Valiant class. I have been subbing for their class for the past two weeks, and I am very excited to get to know them better. I also gave a talk in Sacrament meeting, which was scary! I hadn't given a talk for almost five years (!) but I think it went pretty well, despite being terrified.
Fast forward to about three that afternoon, and I have just put the first turkey in the oven. One turkey was being cooked in Melanie's oven, one by the missionaries in the mission office oven, and two at the church. By five, we had all the help we could have wanted to cook the side dishes. S many cooks in the kitchen! But it was such a fun time being together!
Cooking with everyone
Little did I know that everyone else was playing games while we were slaving away! Some friends they are...Just kidding. The kitchen was so crowded! I am glad they found something to do while the food was being prepared.
Wii bowling, anyone?
Before we knew it, it was time to carve the turkeys! They turned out great and we had so many good things to eat!
Carving the Turkeys
Then we ate! It was so good! After two long days, we pulled it off! We counted heads, and we fed over 30 people that day! How crazy!
Enjoying our blessings!
I loved getting to help out on Sunday, and I have realized just how blessed I am to have such great people in my life. I hope everyone had such a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that everyone who I didn't get to see this year know how much I love you!
Angela the Gypsy
This week I had the good fortune to spend Thanksgiving Day with some friends, and cook a delicious meal. We had a great time making traditional turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. It was a quiet night at home!
Sunday, however, was a very different story! Melanie wanted to organize Thanksgiving dinner for the YSAs and missionaries in Munich, so we got some turkeys (four, to be exact) and all the fixings for a feast! It actually began on Saturday, with Nathan, Andreas and I making the pumpkin pies and rolls. We spent a lovely afternoon baking and listening to some classical music in the church kitchen. The pies turned out great, but the rolls were a bit undercooked (okay, I still haven't gotten used to the ovens here).
Nathan with the pies!
We hid the good away for Sunday and headed out. I met up with Angela, and we had a great time having a sleepover at Melanie's apartment which she graciously allowed us to use while he was out of town. It was a really fun time!
Sunday I was blessed to be called as a primary teacher, and so I am now responsible for the 9-11 year old Valiant class. I have been subbing for their class for the past two weeks, and I am very excited to get to know them better. I also gave a talk in Sacrament meeting, which was scary! I hadn't given a talk for almost five years (!) but I think it went pretty well, despite being terrified.
Fast forward to about three that afternoon, and I have just put the first turkey in the oven. One turkey was being cooked in Melanie's oven, one by the missionaries in the mission office oven, and two at the church. By five, we had all the help we could have wanted to cook the side dishes. S many cooks in the kitchen! But it was such a fun time being together!
Cooking with everyone
Little did I know that everyone else was playing games while we were slaving away! Some friends they are...Just kidding. The kitchen was so crowded! I am glad they found something to do while the food was being prepared.
Wii bowling, anyone?
Before we knew it, it was time to carve the turkeys! They turned out great and we had so many good things to eat!
Carving the Turkeys
Then we ate! It was so good! After two long days, we pulled it off! We counted heads, and we fed over 30 people that day! How crazy!
Enjoying our blessings!
I loved getting to help out on Sunday, and I have realized just how blessed I am to have such great people in my life. I hope everyone had such a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that everyone who I didn't get to see this year know how much I love you!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Foray into the land of Coos and Haggis
Okay, it has been quite some time since I did anything of any consequence, until this past week. On Wednesday, November 4th, I had the chance to fly to SCOTLAND! Yes, it's really cool. I had the most amazing three days exploring Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside! But let's start at the beginning, so as to impart the full fabulosity of my trip!
Day 1- I woke up relatively early to catch the train with my travel buddy, Jade. We took the train to Memmingen, where there is a small airport. We made good time, and got to the terminal early. The plane was uneventful, and flight attendants were selling stuff to us the whole time. Snacks, booze, and scratch lottery tickets, just to mention a few products offered by a pre-recorded voice over the intercom. It was lovely. We arrived in Edinburgh in the afternoon, and made our way to our hostel, St Christopher's of Edinburgh. Our room was great, as I decided to book and all-girls room with a private bathroom for a few extra pounds.
View from our room in St Christopher's
So we dropped off our stuff and went to wander the Royal Mile, which happened to be a two-minute walk from the hostel. We found a small fish 'n chips shop and obligingly partook of the national food of the UK while looking at tourist-y shops and kilted shop-lads. We also booked a tour of the Scottish countryside and Loch Ness for the next day. After finishing our dinner, we headed back to St. Cristopher's for a good night's sleep.
Day 2-We awoke very early to get a jump start on our day. After free breakfast offered by the hostel, we headed out to meet with our tour group. At eight o'clock sharp, we departed in a 30 passenger van for Loch Ness. Our guide was a born and raised Scot, and was very knowledgeable about the country's history and interesting lore.
As we sped at alarming speeds down the "wrong" side of the road, and after my life had flashed in front of my eyes at least three times, we came to our first official stop to see a Heeland Coo, better known as a shaggy/hairy cow. It was so cool! It looked like a big shaggy dog with huge horns and hooves.
Hamish
It was awesome! Despite our best efforts, Hamish (that was this coo's name) decided to stay in his little shack and now come out for some delicious coo food that we were waving at him from the fence. Oh well. Moving on, we drove past several interesting sights, including the castle where Monty Python was filmed,
THE castle!
the highest peak in the UK, and many Lochs.
Finally we reached Loch Ness, where we ate lunch and went on a boat tour, trying to spot Nessie.
Loch ness
The boat captain told us that if we were to capture irrefutable proof of the existence of a creature in Loch Ness, we were entitled to 1 Million pounds from the British government. Needless to say, Jade and I had our eyes peeled! But alas, we didn't spot any monsters this trip.
Or did we...
On the way home, because of the sun going down so early, the whole group got to watch Braveheart on a small monitor in the van. After a 12 hour day, Jade and I went straight to bed when we got back.
Day 3-On Friday we decided to get up early to catch a bus out to Roslin to see the Rosslyn Chapel that has recently gained world fame from it's role in the Davinci Code. We got to sit at the top f a double decker bus all the way out to the tiny village of Roslin, and see a very intricately beautiful cathedral under piles of scaffolding and restoration debris. It was a little disappointing, but still a sight worth seeing in the end. Upon arriving back in Edinburgh, we headed up to the Royal Mile to explore a little more before meeting up with the free tour offered by the New City Tours company. This company is by far the best deal, and having taken a tour by the same group in Munich, knew it was going to be well worth the time. The tour was three and a half hours long, and covered all the major sights in the city. Our tour guide was amazing and energetic and had a lot of knowledge not only on the history of Edinburgh, but also of the more recent contributions the city has made, including the fact that the first few Harry Potters were written there.
Our funny tour guide
It was fantastic, and we enjoyed every minute of it! We tipped the tour guide heavily at the end, and in exchange he gave us a 25% off coupon for a restaurant on the Royal Mile where we could get some authentic Haggis.
Haggis...Yum!
We obligingly walked to the restaurant and ordered the Scottish specialty, which was surprisingly really good! We ate more of it that the nachos we ordered to supplement our meal. We ended the night by purchasing kilts (mine was an apron that was made to look like a kilt, so I cheated) and other novelties, then headed off to bed.
Day 4-This was our last morning in the city, so we made the most of it, beginning by hiking up to Edinburgh Castle and taking in the panoramic view of the city it offered. After taking a ton of pictures there, we went to the Tartan shop and had a tutorial on medieval swords. It was entertaining to see how enthusiastic our barely-out-of-his-teens sword master described his practice sessions in the city park with his battle-reenacting buddies. After that we needed to head up to the airport , so we said goodbye to our beloved Scotland and flew back to Germany. The end!
Pictures to come soon!
Day 1- I woke up relatively early to catch the train with my travel buddy, Jade. We took the train to Memmingen, where there is a small airport. We made good time, and got to the terminal early. The plane was uneventful, and flight attendants were selling stuff to us the whole time. Snacks, booze, and scratch lottery tickets, just to mention a few products offered by a pre-recorded voice over the intercom. It was lovely. We arrived in Edinburgh in the afternoon, and made our way to our hostel, St Christopher's of Edinburgh. Our room was great, as I decided to book and all-girls room with a private bathroom for a few extra pounds.
View from our room in St Christopher's
So we dropped off our stuff and went to wander the Royal Mile, which happened to be a two-minute walk from the hostel. We found a small fish 'n chips shop and obligingly partook of the national food of the UK while looking at tourist-y shops and kilted shop-lads. We also booked a tour of the Scottish countryside and Loch Ness for the next day. After finishing our dinner, we headed back to St. Cristopher's for a good night's sleep.
Day 2-We awoke very early to get a jump start on our day. After free breakfast offered by the hostel, we headed out to meet with our tour group. At eight o'clock sharp, we departed in a 30 passenger van for Loch Ness. Our guide was a born and raised Scot, and was very knowledgeable about the country's history and interesting lore.
As we sped at alarming speeds down the "wrong" side of the road, and after my life had flashed in front of my eyes at least three times, we came to our first official stop to see a Heeland Coo, better known as a shaggy/hairy cow. It was so cool! It looked like a big shaggy dog with huge horns and hooves.
Hamish
It was awesome! Despite our best efforts, Hamish (that was this coo's name) decided to stay in his little shack and now come out for some delicious coo food that we were waving at him from the fence. Oh well. Moving on, we drove past several interesting sights, including the castle where Monty Python was filmed,
THE castle!
the highest peak in the UK, and many Lochs.
Finally we reached Loch Ness, where we ate lunch and went on a boat tour, trying to spot Nessie.
Loch ness
The boat captain told us that if we were to capture irrefutable proof of the existence of a creature in Loch Ness, we were entitled to 1 Million pounds from the British government. Needless to say, Jade and I had our eyes peeled! But alas, we didn't spot any monsters this trip.
Or did we...
On the way home, because of the sun going down so early, the whole group got to watch Braveheart on a small monitor in the van. After a 12 hour day, Jade and I went straight to bed when we got back.
Day 3-On Friday we decided to get up early to catch a bus out to Roslin to see the Rosslyn Chapel that has recently gained world fame from it's role in the Davinci Code. We got to sit at the top f a double decker bus all the way out to the tiny village of Roslin, and see a very intricately beautiful cathedral under piles of scaffolding and restoration debris. It was a little disappointing, but still a sight worth seeing in the end. Upon arriving back in Edinburgh, we headed up to the Royal Mile to explore a little more before meeting up with the free tour offered by the New City Tours company. This company is by far the best deal, and having taken a tour by the same group in Munich, knew it was going to be well worth the time. The tour was three and a half hours long, and covered all the major sights in the city. Our tour guide was amazing and energetic and had a lot of knowledge not only on the history of Edinburgh, but also of the more recent contributions the city has made, including the fact that the first few Harry Potters were written there.
Our funny tour guide
It was fantastic, and we enjoyed every minute of it! We tipped the tour guide heavily at the end, and in exchange he gave us a 25% off coupon for a restaurant on the Royal Mile where we could get some authentic Haggis.
Haggis...Yum!
We obligingly walked to the restaurant and ordered the Scottish specialty, which was surprisingly really good! We ate more of it that the nachos we ordered to supplement our meal. We ended the night by purchasing kilts (mine was an apron that was made to look like a kilt, so I cheated) and other novelties, then headed off to bed.
Day 4-This was our last morning in the city, so we made the most of it, beginning by hiking up to Edinburgh Castle and taking in the panoramic view of the city it offered. After taking a ton of pictures there, we went to the Tartan shop and had a tutorial on medieval swords. It was entertaining to see how enthusiastic our barely-out-of-his-teens sword master described his practice sessions in the city park with his battle-reenacting buddies. After that we needed to head up to the airport , so we said goodbye to our beloved Scotland and flew back to Germany. The end!
Pictures to come soon!
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