For all of you how haven't taken the time to put two and two together--or maybe you just aren't the brightest crayon in the box today--we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in the Netherlands... (Thanksgiving is an American holiday. )
But oh, that didn't stop me from getting festive!
In true "Catherine-style", I decided last minute--last night--that I was going to to prepare a Thanksgiving feast for my family here. Why sit around, salivating, looking at everyone's turkey-related Facebook statuses when I could just go ahead and make my own meal?! I mean who cares that I have not actually seen turkey here? .... Or that I had never made anything remotely like it before in my life?!
So I did what anyone else of my awesomeness, intelligence, and creativity would have done... Called every good cook I know. And improvised.
So instead of a turkey, we had a chicken. Instead of Stouffer's stuffing in a box, I actually made my own using bread, celery, onion, butter, and spices. Instead of green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, etc., I "camp fire"-roasted my favorite veggies: potatoes, carrots*, and corn on the cob. And last, but not least, instead of pumpkin pie, I bought the closest dessert to "American" I could find pre-made in the store: Appel Taart. (Oh how I would have loved to make--and even more so eat--a pumpkin pie, but I just couldn't find the ingredients! Ingredients meaning pumpkin filling in a can.) *Not actually one of my favorite vegetables.
And what is the good feast of Thanksgiving without a little history to go along?! So in honor of my American heritage, I briefly told the kids how Thanksgiving came about and we proceeded to wear Indian headdresses and pilgrim bonnets. Well actually, the pilgrims weren't as thrilled with there hats, so they opted to go hat-less. ...But "Running Bear", "Eagle Eye", and "Hunting Fox"* totally rocked their Native American garb! And then we, of course, went around the table and told what we were thankful for... *Me, Ian, and Rahel.
So I am very, very proud to say that dinner was great! Even I surprised myself at just how good my completely inexperienced cooking can be! Why, of why do I ever doubt myself?!
..In reflection of this past day--the past week, the past month, the past year--I am truly blessed! I am so lucky to have so many (of you) wonderful people in my life. And I left family at home only to come here and find more (family). :) Who could ask for more?!
So readers, I hope your Turkey Day is just as enjoyable!
So today we celebrated Sara's birthday. Actually, last weekend was her party, but today was her actually birthday. She's now 9.
And because her parents had a wedding to attend this evening, we spent the whole evening celebrating. Just us kids :)
First, was ate pizza--our late lunch. Not long afterwards, we (Rahel, Ian, and I) made Sara a tasty birthday present: chocolate peanut butter oatmeal cookies. Yumm... And then, while the kids worked on crafts and watched Mr. Bean's Holiday, I started preparing Sara's birthday meal of choice. Veggie Lasagna. And let me tell you, it can get pretty challenging trying to follow a German recipe translated from a Betty Bossi* cookbook in which you've never attempted to make... But luckily, it turned out rather yummy--though not quite as pleasing on the eyes. And after our feast of veggie lasanga and Capri Sun from wine glasses, we got to try our delicious cookies! There were just like Aunt Sandra used to make them--but better! Well, maybe not better, but still just as good! And of course, in honor of Sara, we stuck a candle in one, sang happy birthday, and let her blow out the candle! *The Swiss/European version of Betty Crocker, from what I can gather
So, as you can tell, most of my day (that wasn't spent in bed sleeping in this morning) was spent in the kitchen. But that is not a bad thing. The the results from all that cooking we sooo good. Special thanks to Rahel and Ian for their impeccable chef skills. And to Sara, happy birthday! Hoping that 9 is the best year of your life yet!
So today is the 2-month mark of my being here. Granted it really doesn't seem like it has been that long, I have covered a lot of territory in that time.
I do get homesick for my family, my friends, and [you]--mostly [you]. But as much as I miss home at times, look at the opportunity I have in front of me! The places I can go and ways I can grow in this next year are limitless. So I look forward to what lies ahead...
And speaking of growing, I feel like I've already done more of that this past couple months than I have in the past few years of my life! Rather it be learning to deal with the kids here or just my own personal trials, I feel twice as mature now than when I stepped onto that plane two months (and one day) ago. (And yes, I do realize that I have much more 'maturing' to go...)
I still have my difficult times here: the morning squabbles with a child, a temper-tantrum here or there, cases of homesickness... But I'm learning to deal with them better and better each day. And the relationships and bonds I am building with each of the kids is worth it. More than worth it... Even though they are the ones driving me up the wall one minute, the next, they are my sanity... They are the ones who bring a smile to my face with their innocence and charm. :)
So, 2 months down and 10 to go--And an extra "13th" month of solid traveling if things go the way I hope!
Okay, okay... So I'll finally just go ahead and get this post out of the way...
Now where did we leave off? Okay...
So Saturday morning, we make it to Berlin about 11:00. (If you are thinking that doesn't add up from the other blogs, remember to throw a time change or so in there.) But that time, we had undoubtedly missed the Insiders Berlin Bike Tour that we had booked. But there were no worries. Because every little thing is gonna be alright*. So after figuring out how to navigate the Berlin train/subways system, we made out way to our hotel. The lovely--for the (cheap) price we payed-- Winter's Berlin Hotel. Upon arrival, the front deck couldn't find our reservation. Don't worry, every little thing is gonna be alright*. But luckily after 15 minutes of frantic miscommunication, we finally figured it out and where given our ginormous key to our room. It was that smallest room ever with two single beds, a sink, and a TV, but in my eyes, I was living large! Being able to afford my own hotel room is quite a feat, you know! Yay! We have a place to sleep... Not let's get the heck out of here and go explore Berlin! *One of my new phrases to live by.
So we hopped back on the subway and took the train until we thought we might be in the middle of the city. And what a good stop we picked to get off on! That's what she said. The first thing I saw as I emerged from the underground* was a huge snow slide of sorts. Turns out, it was a slope of artificial snow that you could sled down. And it was right in the middle of a street fair. There were small rides for kids and food stands everywhere! Everywhere I turned I pretty much saw something that I wanted to stuff my face with... Crepes, donuts, bratwurst, and a million other fried things. Bliss! But wanting to be as "German" as I could, I opted for a brat and a beer. And yes, it was wonderful. And since our stomachs were no longer running on empty, it was time to move on... *Underground = The German Subway
So we just walked in the first general direction that we thought my lead somewhere. The first thing we came across was a display of the Berlin Wall. There were portions of the wall on display and (men dressed as) Western and Soviet soldiers giving details and stamping passports like it was done at Checkpoint Charlie when the wall was up. And don't you know I got mine stamped!!--Cause I had been so disappointed to find out when traveling by train in the EU, they don't stamp. After taking in the portions of the wall, the headed on. A few blocks later, we came upon the The Field of Stelae. It is a Holocaust Memorial for all the Jews that died during WW11. (If you look at my pictures, it is the place that looks like rows and rows of cement boxes that vary in height and slope up and down as they go.) It was a somber place given it's meaning, and I just couldn't help to think about what it would have been like to live in Nazi Germany. ...To walk the same streets as the Nazi officers and the Gestapo. ...To live under Hitler. I mean, what would I have thought about it all?! Yeah...
After our photo shoot of the cement slabs, we kept walking. It wasn't long before we came up the Brandenburger Gate. I was infatuated with it. From the moment I saw it til the moment I finally tore myself away from it, my camera was flashing. There is just something about being amongst so much history that captivates me. And behind the Gate is where the Berlin Wall stood. So that, too, gave that spot so much significance. Can you imagine being there in that time, divided from the other side of your country?
After that, we opted to keep walking in the same direction we had been headed the whole time, and when we came to the corner, there was the Reichstag. It is a German parliament building that was built in the late 1800s. The Reichstag was massive, intricate, and beautiful. I can't help, but I love old, historic buildings! There is just something of awe about being able to live and walk amongst it all in today's time. Unfortunately though, with evening approaching, we only had time to explore the outside and did not get a chance to tour the inside.
About this point, my first beer was starting to wear off and I was in urgent need of a restroom. So choosing the first place we saw, we walked into a cafe just across the road. Having no idea what to do next and trying to figure out where we were going to catch the Insider's Berlin Pub Crawl Tour (that we had previously booked), we chilled and enjoyed our second round of beers of the evening. Then we found the nearest subway and headed to the meet-up spot of our Pub Crawl Tour. While on the subway, I noticed many people just openly carried their Becks, a popular German beer, with them wherever they were going on the train. When in Rome Germany... So wanting to be a "true" German, I opted to do the same, and had yet another beer while in transit. Oh, you gotta love the Germans!
Now let's count. That's one, two, three (big) beers already in the evening...
Well, word to the wise: There is no need to pregame (with three beers) for the Insider's Berlin Pub Crawl.
When we finally meet up with the tour group, I was making friends left and right. The couple from Chicago, the group of Aussies, the America soldiers stationed in Germany, the people from Ohio and Rhode Island... We had quite the group! And off we went to our first bar... Included in the tour package, drink specials and free shots. As if I needed them... Then on to the second bar... Caipirinhas and shots... Things got fuzzy... Then on to the third...
And the night goes on...
Basically, what I learned (mostly the next morning after waking up with a raging headache from Hell) is that I managed to grace everyone with my presence at all 5 bars of the Insider's Berlin Pub Crawl--although I only remember three.
And that leads us to my next word of caution...
Caution: If you drink before you start the Insider's Berlin Pub Crawl, you will (pay for a taxi back to your hotel and then) lose your wallet. You will also lose your glasses. There is no use in asking how--seeing as how you weren't wearing them... It will just happen. And there will be nothing that you can do when it is done.
So yeah, that is what happens when you adopt the song Act a Fool by Lil John as the theme song to your day*. You get too crunk in Berlin, and you loose things... But what a way to end the night--I think. *As referred to in a previous post.
So coming from West Tennessee, I was under the assumption that I had pretty much seen all things John Deere in my life... But today, I realized that wasn't so.
Driving the kids to school (running early--which never happens), on the free way, I ended up behind a John Deere van. Who knew John Deere also made regular vehicles and not just tractors? But I guess if it runs like a Deere, why not?!
(And of course, John Deere just makes me think of my favorite cousin-in-law Ed! Haha)
(That title just reminds me of Mama Deanie--my grandmother.)
So, this may break all the rules of blogging, but I just had to take a break from my Berlin posts. Berlin was amazing. It was great. It was beautiful. And there is just so much to say... But I haven't the energy for all that typing tonight! So by the time you avid readers start getting to the juicy details of the time I actually spent in Berlin, there may be a couple of misplaced posts--like this one--between it and the "Getting to Berlin" sagas.
But, don't worry. I promise you will get the (Berlin) inside scoop eventually soon.
However, I would like to take this post now, and let you know that it has officially started...
Tonight, I opened up a big can of... Christmas cheer! Basically, I started YouTubing Christmas songs obsessively, and that only means one thing: Christmas time's a'comin'! And now that the festive songs are playing, there is no stopping it until December 25th!
Oh, and for those of you who might think I am a week bit too early, keep in mind that we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Holland. Bummer, I know. ...So Christmas is the next big thing I have to look forward to (other than that trip-in-planning to Milan the first weekend of December)!
So to spread the cheer, I leave you with this. Haha! Sorry, I just couldn't help myself. (And please don't hate me if it gets stuck in your head for weeks to come!)
So as you may know from leaving off in my last post, we did not make the first train to Berlin. The thought of getting out of my comfortable, luxurious in a poor, penniless, couldn't-ever-afford-this college student kind of way InnerCity Hotel bed was just too much to overcome at 5:30 am. So instead, we opted to catch four a few extra hours of sleep and enjoy our complimentary breakfast at the very last possible minutes it was still being served. Then it was time to hit the road tracks!
We headed back to the Hannover station, found our platform, and hopped on our (5-mintes delayed) train. From there we departed on our (almost) two hour journey to Berlin. And though it sounds long, it was actually a comfortable--actually, the most comfortable--train ride. For one, I was just so excited to actually be on my way to Berlin. And also, something about a comfortable train ride is simply relaxing to me. I just sat there listening to my iPod, thinking... And of course, when I think, things get crazy... and random. And just in case there are any inquisitive readers out there who are wondering about what exactly I thought about, here are a few points that crossed my mind.
1) America really needs to:
(A) expand it's public transportation system. And I am not just talking about the big-city transit systems that already exist. We need to actually create more across the nation. Seriously, we really do. I mean, the Netherlands is how small? Almost twice the size of New Jersey? And they still understand the need for economical travel even though they have substantially less land to cover. And we, the US, are how big? Like 230-something times that size*? So why not actually be the united states that we are, and make it practical to travel within our country?! Not to mention the fact that it would certainly reduce the number of cars on the road, thus reducing the carbon emission levels, pollution levels, etc. But I don't know... Some of you Republicans may not care so much about Mother Earth. I mean, what does it matter? The world's ending in 2012 anyways, isn't it?! Also public transportation would be so much more affordable for us "average joes"--or to all you "Mavericks", that might be better understood when read "Joe the Plumbers". So why not actually invest the money in something that will actually be a benefit to our great nation in the long run instead of bailing-out all the dumb-asses who f*cked up our economy? Oh, and one more thing... I think there are plenty of people in today's economy who would be thrilled to be provided a job... Maybe in the construction of a transit system? ...Or maybe as a bus driver? Train conductor? Hopefully you get the point. *Not an exact estimate.
And (B) renovate the existing transportation systems within our Metropolitan areas. We need a system that is clean. And safe. Otherwise, everyone is going to just keep cruising the streets in their Hummers and not think twice about public transit. Americans need to be able to trust that they are not going to get mugged while on a Subway from Point A to Point B. So if we're going to expand, let's go ahead and "clean up" while we're at it.
I mean, much of the rest of the world has caught on to this and managed to build a system that works. Why are we so slow to stay ahead? Can someone say to many ties to foreign oil?!
2) (Speaking of oil and my ranting like a liberal,) Can we also not sufficiently start implementing other sources of energy beyond our nonrenewable resources?! I mean, look at all the different resources we have in all our 50 states... Can't think of any? Well, let's see.... One good example while I am sitting here in the Netherlands... Hmmm... Windpower?! (Not to mention solar power, hydropower, geothermal...) Did you know that a 5 MW wind turbine can generate more than 15 million kWh in a year? Did you also know that that 15 million kWh can provide power for over 1,400 households?! So why can't we start benefiting from these everyday resources that are replentishable?! I mean, we're not all like Dick Cheney, profiting from our crippling relations over foreign oil! And what are the cons? It's expensive to delve into such plans and actions?! ...Not so much so when you look at the long run. And what? It's "unsightly"? Really? That's the best you got? Don't worry... The John Deere tractor you rode in on will still be able to manipulate around that wind turbine that the government is paying you to keep on your land!
(Wow, there went half of my readers!)
But don't worry, not everything I thought about on the train was as politically-minded...
3) There is just something so lulling about listening to James Horner while passing through the green, woodsy landscape of Germany.
4) I know nothing about Catholicism, and thus "Purgatory", but I have decided that I like to think of it as a train ride to Heaven. I mean, you're in limbo, anxious to get where you are going--some of us excited, some just stressed--just waiting. Yes, I do know that I am special...
5) I adopted the song Act A Fool by Lil Jon as my theme song... for the day. Remember this. It will come in handy when reading about the Pub Crawl in my next post.
So where do I even begin?! Okay... Friday... Brace yourselves. If I even say the half of all I want to say, this is going to be the longest post ever!
Germany, Here We Come!
So Friday morning, after having dropped the kids off for school, I was off of work for the weekend and free to leave for Berlin. And in true "Catherine-style", I waited til the last possible minute to pack. When I left to take the kids to school, my clothes were washing. And having 4 hours before my departure, I planned on coming back to the house, throwing them in the dryer, and then showering and getting ready. It would have been such a fool-proof plan if only I had remembered to take into account that our clothes dryer does not drain itself before I jumped into the shower... Thus meaning, I forgot to empty the reservoir, and while I was on my merry way getting ready, my clothes were lying sopping wet in the dryer. Fortunately, I did catch this in time, but in true "Catherine-style", it was last minute. So while having to wait an extra hour for my laundry, I opted to have a few cups of coffee. Well, two to be exact. And though it may not sound like much, it is for me. ...Now let's fast forward to when I am finally packed, met up with Carlos, and running behind the planned schedule to catch the bus to Bremen. The actual commute of traveling stresses me out anyways. Combine that with our my running super late only multiplied the stress. Then remember to take into account that I had those two cups of coffee. I was spastic, to say the least. But luckily, we managed to catch our 1 p.m. bus at 12:55... Which was actually only three minutes before our driver decided to hit the road early!
Killing Time in Bremen
So after the bus ride to Bremen, Germany where we were catching our first train, we had a couple hours to kill. We opted to 1) eat, and 2) walk around and explore the city.
The first thing I noticed after stepping out into the city was all the cable cars. I don't know if it is all of Germany or just Bremen, but cable cars are a pretty happenin' way of getting around. The second thing I noticed walking down the street was the most awesome store ever called Sex Up Your Life. Ha ha... And I don't mean that in some 'kinky porn-addict' kind of way. It was much more classier... More of a 'If I ever had the body of a Playmate, I'd totally wear all of these outfits (for Halloween)' way. That's classier, right?! Haha... Anywho! No Judgement Coyote* here! *A Nancy/Vanderbilt phrase. Think "Ackward is to Turtle as No Judgment is to Coyote." Get it?
So about the time we had finished a tasty Turkish dinner, it was nightfall. And still having an hour or so, we followed the crowd of people and headed toward the city center. There was both great shopping and beautiful old buildings. Most of the old buildings and churches were in the actual center--or what I assumed was the actual center--of Bremen. And just standing there in the square, taking in the 360 (degree) view of it all was absolutely amazing.
As a general side note, I am in love with old architecture. Especially so when it comes to churches. Just being surrounded by so much history blows my mind. And it is absolutely gorgeous. I don't understand why we don't build such beautiful churches still today in the US! I mean, forget about these big, gymnasium-looking mega churches and actually build the most beautiful monument you can in honor of your God! Yeah,... Anywho!
Also while in Bremen, it seemed that many of the kids were celebrating Sint Maatin. It looked to be exactly like the Sint Maarten we celebrated here in the Netherlands, but obviously on a different day. And in all the festivities, there was a small parade. So while in Bremen, we were treated to a festive atmosphere among the historically rich city center. It was so, ahh.... Great. I mean, I couldn't help but to wear a big touristy smile across my face. I just can't imagine being there, taking it all in, and not being happy!
So yeah, Bremen was a great city to get to explore for a couple of hours until we caught our next train!
Death By Train Tracks
At about 7:15 that same Friday night, we were catching our first train from Bremen to Hannover, the station where we'd catch our final connection to Berlin. The commute to Hannover was scheduled to take a little over an hour, and we were going to have half an hour of downtime between trains there. ...But that is not quite how things worked out...
So however long into the trip to Hannover--I am not exactly sure because I was drifting in and out of sleep the whole time--the train slowed and came to a stop on the tracks. This is about the same time that I was waking up from my nap. After stopping for a few minutes, a lengthy announcement came over the speakers. One problem: It was in German, and only German. So Carlos and I had no clue what was going on. But something about the reactions of the other passengers told me that it was not a routine stop... As soon as we saw the fist BAHN (or train system) worker, we asked. However, the crewman obviously did not speak English either. And apparently, neither did anyone else on our (train) car. But after five minutes or so, the crewman managed to find a translator and came back to fill us in. What I understood from the broken English of the translator was: "A man kill himself. He jumped on tracks. We cannot go forward. We go back to Eyestrup--last station-- and they bus us to Hannover from there." Yeah... So apparently suicide by jumping in front of trains is big in this area. From my understanding, guns are too hard to get here, and so I guess the next, most convenient thing is the train... And still to this day, I am not sure whether or not it was specifically our train that hit the man or if it was maybe one ahead of us on the tracks... But coincidence that it was Friday the 13th?!
Either way, it was quite a long delay. By the time our train backtracked it to the nearest station, and enough buses to carry everyone away showed up at the Eyestrup station--which to me looked to be like BFE*, or well, in this case, BFG--there was no way we were making our next train in Hannover. And when we actually did make it to Hannover, there were no more trains to Berlin for the night. So we had to wait til, at earliest, the first train of the morning. But luckily (thanks to a Passenger Bill of Rights of sorts here), the BAHN gave us a voucher for later train tickets and put us up for the night in the InterCity Hotel. And to my delight, I had my very own room at this lovely hotel that I would never have been able to afford myself! So though the whole situation was very much unexpected, it wasn't too bad at all. If anything, it just gave us a chance to go out and see more of Germany! *BFE= Bum F*ck Egypt (AKA the middle of nowhere)
Southern Comfort
So what does one--or well two, in this case--do when unexpectedly in Hannover for a night?! Well if you happen to be (or be with) a 21 year-old American who hasn't had a drink in a couple of weeks, you find the nearest bar! And that is exactly what we did!
Just walking around Hannover, not knowing one way from the other, I found exactly what I was looking for! I caught a glimpse of a huge Jack Daniels patio umbrella and headed in that direction! When I got there, it is a total oasis--of Southern comfort! Somehow I believe I managed to come across the one American bar in Hannover, and Jack Daniels was their specialty! Being a Tennessean abroad, could I pass that up?? No!
So after a chill night drinking Lynchburg Lemonade, Caparinhas, and LITs surrounded by Germans (who presumably didn't speak too much English), we briefly explored the city. But I do mean briefly. Because the most exciting we came across was the Walk-up McDonald's window. But then again, after a few good-ole whiskey drinks, a Walk-Up McDonald's window is pretty freakin' exciting! Heh!
And yeah.... About that (first) 6'oclock train to Berlin...
Better Late Than Never!
We didn't exactly catch the first train of the morning to Berlin. Or the second for that matter. Actually, not even the third, fourth, or fifth... More like the first train after check-out time. Yeah, that is the one we caught.
So a little before noon, we were finally catching the last train to Berlin!
Since this this post is--and the next one surely will be--so long, I am going to divide then up. So to please continue to the next post to read more about (actual) Berlin!
So I just wanted to let all of you know that I made it home safely from Berlin...at 6:20 this morning. Of course, there will be much more (blogging) to follow later after I get the kids to school and conquer Dutch class come home and catch up on sleep.
So we all know that I am completely random, right?...
Well, last night, after celebrating Sint Maarten's, I started thinking about what if we celebrated the same holiday in America? I mean, it is terribly adorable when all the little kids come sing to you! But if we did it in America, we would need to do it in honor or someone all Americans knew and loved--an American siant, if you will. But who??
Leslie Nielson? No, he's Canadian...
Kenny Rogers? Naw...
Chuck Norris? He's already too bad ass...
And then it hit me! Billy Mays! I mean, how better else to honor the late and great?! Is there any better American Saint?! (Heh!)
And I even came up with a Saint Mays song for the kids to sing! It is to the tune of a popular Sint Maarten song here, and it goes like this:
Saint Mays, Saint Mays He sold OxyClean Saint Mays, Saint Mays He yelled but wasn't mean!
Yeah, I know. I am crazy! But is it so wrong to still love Billy Mays so much?!
So while all of you Americans were celebrating Veteran's Day today, we here in the Netherlands were celebrating Sint Maarten--or for all of you English speakers, Saint Martin. Basically, Sint Maarten is a holiday for the kids that is relatively similar to Halloween, minus the costumes. When darkness falls, at about six o'clock, the fun begins. The children carry lanterns (that they have made) from house to house, ring the doorbell, sing a Sint Maarten song, and in turn, get a snoupje*. *Snoupje is the dutch word for sweet or candy. It is pronounce like snoop-ya.
If you'd like, feel free to read about the history of Sint Maarten here.
I must say that, although I am a big huge fan of Halloween, I also really like Sint Maarten. I want my kids (years and years into the future) to celebrate it! It is adorable to see the little kids come to your door and sing to you--even if it is in Dutch and you have no idea what is being said! And it is just as entertaining when the 12-year-olds come to your door and have to sing for candy! I couldn't help but to imagine Payton, my nephew, singing Sint Maarten songs when those kids came around.
And now that Sint Maarten's has come to an end, it only means one thing: Sinterklaas is on the way!
...That's right. Not Santa Clause, but Sinterklass. You know... The Sinterklaas that rides a white horse and comes on the 5th of December on his boat from Spain... Yeah, the one who is accompanied by his dark-skinned helpers, Zwarte Pieten (or also known as Black Petes)...
Some day when I'm awfully low When the world is cold I will feel a glow just thinking of you And the way you look tonight
Oh but you're lovely With your smile so warm and your cheek so soft There is nothing for me but to love you Just the way you look tonight
With each word your tenderness grows Tearing my fear apart And that laugh that wrinkles your nose It touches my foolish heart
Lovely, never never change Keep that breathless charm Won't you please arrange it because I love you Just the way you look tonight Just the way you look tonight
"If you aren't hungry enough to eat an apple, you aren't hungry." **Because I must give credit where it is due, please know that I ripped this off from a friend's Facebook status**
So I saw this today and have adopted it as my new motto. And it is killing me at this very moment... Ahh! Like I seriously may go downstairs and get an apple...
So remember my previous blog where I mentioned that weight I had lost. That was awesome, right?! Yeah... Well it was until I discovered Dutch junk food--And then proceeded to stuff my face with it each and every weekend that I've been out of the house. So, yeah... Not much more of a decline in my weight going on...
But that's okay! For I have a plan!
Step 1-- Live by my new (aforementioned) motto.
Step 2-- Instead of "eating out", save all that money for weekend travels.
Step 3-- Bike! Yes. That is right. Bike!
You see, this week, I finally realized that it is not biking that I hate. ...It is the bike (I've been riding) that I hate. You see, the bike that I have been using is a fold-up bike. Basically, it breaks down in three different spots, folds up, and can be taken on the train. And furthermore, the wheels are about half the size of a normal bike. So it pretty much feels like you are biking across town on a stunt bike. You do twice as much work and only go half the distance... In two words: It Sucks*. *Or as Carolyn Nipp would rather I say, It "creates an insufficient vacuum".
And after getting a taste or a real, adult-sized bike, I think I am ready to take the leap and get my own. After all, it is the most efficient way to get around here. And everyone's doing it! I mean, if I am going to totally immerse myself in the Dutch culture, then I am just going to have to get a bike! And that way, I can explore the country-side of the Northern Netherlands with day-(bike)-trips during the days!
So there you have it. My three-step plan to the skinnier me. What do ya think?!
So do you think my family here knew that I was coming from the Volunteer state.... Cause I sure am getting volunteered to do alot of things around here...
...Halloween party with friends...
...Friday night babysitting...
...birthday cake baking...
Well, maybe not so much volunteered to do, but at least suckered in to doing these things...
Things you should know before you can understand this post:
1) People here are so behind the times. They are still living in the 80s and 90s. And sadly, they just have no clue...
2) In the Dutch alphabet, the letter V sounds like "fay". So if a word has a V in it, it will sound like the American letter F.
Okay, now the post:
So as I mentioned before, Dutch people are stuck in the 80s and 90s. And those decades are prevalent everywhere: the music, the fashion, the lingo... They just don't seem to understand that we are actually living in the 21st century! I guess they are too busy using all their "modern" in their art and furniture tastes to realize it... Anywho!!... It was today that I realized that the word "phat" is still used by many Dutchman! Yes, I did say "phat". ...You know, phat. Meaning cool. As in, "Girl, You're Phat with a P"*. But the funniest part (to me) is that here, it is not even "Phat with a P". It is "phat" with a V.... Vat! *Old(er) SNL song reference
...that I have yet to master. Especially in the mornings.
I mean, what is it about kids prevent them from having any time management?! When I say, "Okay, let's go put our things packed up and our shoes on" ten minutes before we actually need to be ready to go, I at least expect--or my like hope, these days-- to be walking out the door in ten minutes... or even 15 for that matter! But things don't seem to work like that in this house. Especially with one child in particular.
And it's funny how the roads are always conveniently congested on these same days. I've learned that the freeway we take to school is pretty much Alcoa Highway* of The Netherlands. So through fog, rain, sleet, or snow, you are likely destined guaranteed to run into traffic. (FYI, I've yet to actually witness sleet or snow here. But if/when I do, there will be traffic!) Especially if we're already running late. *Knoxville, TN reference.
So by the time we make it to school on these days, it is usually 8:25 or a minute or two after. (I think it is important you realize that 8:25 is the exact time the kids' school starts.) And in keeping up the snail's pace, the kids never want to get out of the car in a brisk manner. Especially that same one kid in particular.
And as you can imagine, I am just thrilled at this point of the morning*. My one cup of morning coffee is usually already wearing off and my nerves are usually wearing thin. So after the kids finally exit the vehicle, I am ready to get home as fast as I can to crawl back in bed. But how can I get home quickly when all the streets are practically all of a lane-and-a-half wide?! Granted that may not sounds so bad, but keep in mind that on these skinny two-way streets, there are also parked cars on at least one side of the street--if not both. Oh, and don't forget that there are also going to be at least a dozen people in bikes also on these streets that you'll have to dodge! There will always be bikers... Especially in your way. *Sense the sarcasm.
So yeah, what was that about patience? ...Cause this post is just taking too long.
So this week, I discovered a new place: McDonalds! Not once... but twice. (Fatty) American, much?
I couldn't help it! I had avoided it long enough--over a month, to be more precise. I have passed it practically every weekday since I have been here. Taking the kids to school: pass it. Coming back home in the mornings: pass it. Going to pick them up from school: pass it. Coming back home again: pass it. Coming back to Assen from horse back riding: pass it... The temptation had been killing me! And Tuesday, I could resist it no more. I mean, I at least had to try it.
So before picking Ian up from school, I went straight through the redlight (that would have taken me to the free way if I had turned right) and pulled into Micky Ds. Oh how those Golden Arches were shining! So trying to make the visit as simple as possible--and picking from the dew things on the menu I could understand--I opted for a simple cheeseburger and fries. Unfortunately, the girl taking my order at the time had no idea what I was ordering though. But nevertheless, we worked it out. After my pulling up to the window and explaining for 2 minutes what I wanted, we were finally on the same page, and I was prompted to drive to the next window! Yes! Almost there! And unlike the Union City McDonalds at 2 o'clock in the morning*, they were actually snappy! And I was given my wonderfully fatty, greasy, unhealthy mouth-watering meal in no time! Breaking the family rules of the car--Hey! I couldn't help it--I unwrapped my cheesburger in haste and ate in the car. (Please don't rat me out.) Mmmmm. The familiar taste of home! *A reference for Megan Dunn--if you even read this.
And so, being too lazy to cook lunch again so impressed with prior experience, I stopped at McDonald's again on Wednesday. ...But this time I ventured out!! Instead of just a plain ole chesseburger, I took a leap of faith and ordered the Big 'N' Tasty Bacon. And boy did it live up to it's name! It was big. And it. was. tasty.
Oh, and before you go thinking "How American!", just know that I do eat my french fries with mayo. And there is nothing more Dutch than that!
As my high school Pre-Cal teacher, Mrs. Cunningham, always said, "A picture is worth 10,000 words". So instead of writing a long post about all this past weekends festivities, I will instead post a few pictures.
So here is what I did with the kids--and their friends*: *Last minute decision. Let's just say I woke up to the sounds of, "Cattie, can we invite friends to the party today?!?"
Construction on the pinata...
Painted and almost ready to go...
Out lunch menu for the day* *Provided by Sara, age 8
Everyone gathered around the table...
Our frightful feast...
Monster Dash action shot... Check out Spiderman's intensity!
Mummy Wrap...
...Although they really had more fun doing this after the game...
Pin the Nose on the Witch...
Bobbing for Apples* *Or at least the Swiss equivalent where you use smaller chunks of apples and have to actually eat them.
Pinata time!
...Starting to crack...
The mad rush for the sweeties* *What the kids call candy.
After au pairing in the Netherlands, volunteer-teaching in Cambodia, and living with a missionary family in the Himalayan Mountains of India, I am now back at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville pursuing a career in Economics and Public Administration. Outside of classes, I currently serve as the Vice-President of She's the First*{UTK} and am a member of Delta Sigma Pi and the University of Tennessee Economics Club.
