Hanie's Adventures...or something like that...

20 November 2010

2010-11-21T10:26:00.006-07:00

I am behind the times. But as most of you know I like history so I am going to take this moment to share a little history about my life over the past few months. As I reflect back to 2010 I laugh and cry about everything I endured. Not that it all was a hardship but there where moments that humbled me. I don't want to reflect on the negative even though those moments help us become stronger but simply stated, I like the positive better!

This post is about the day of November 20, 2010. This day ended up being fun-packed with friends, flying, and fans. Simply put I went flying, had a Thanksgiving dinner with my friends, and was crowned Miss San Marcos. I think the pictures from this day will do it justice. Enjoy!

Morning:

Driving to Chandler Regional Airport. Are we excited or what!

Adam, ze pilot, and Me. I guess since I am smiling I trust he can still fly while looking backwards.

I love you Arizona!

Eliza and I, ze passengers. Once again, trusting the pilot as he takes a picture of us.

Afternoon to the end of the day:

Preparations for our Thanksgiving dinner pretty much took us all day! After we put our feet back on the ground we spent the rest of our day preparing the turkey, cooking pies and casserole. Well at least I should say Eliza did because I was preparing for a pageant. Never would I thought I would be in a pageant and as silly as it was, it was an interesting experience. I had an interview, talent, and evening wear. I was actually crowned Miss San Marcos! Considering I had no idea what I was doing for my talent and evening wear until about 5:30pm I would say it was a success.

Dave giving some TLC to the bird. It paid off by being flavorful and moist!

I am grateful for this harvest!

Jena, Brittany, Lauren and I (clockwise)

What a bunch of turkeys!

In my crowning glory! (This is the only picture of the whole night.)

There you have it. This was a memorable day in so many ways. I was really worn out by the end of it all. I think I could have enjoyed all didn't happen all in one day but I really am not complaining. I am blessed to have amazing friends!

End To An Era...Enter New

2010-11-21T10:10:00.006-07:00

You never know how hard it is to say goodbye to a dear friend. Knowing that you will never see them again, only relying on the memories saved in your memory bank, the experience the joys of that friend.

After 92,000 miles, 9 years, and countless hours, I severed all ties and responsibilities of being an owner to my dear Betsy, the 1999 Ford Taurus. She was the first car I owned. We bonded and had many amazing trips together. A trip to San Diego, countless trips through the mountains, midnight runs to Dairy Queen, and more. About 3 yrs into the relationship, we knew we needed each other when we thought we would never see each other again. Betsy had been kidnapped late on night. Luckily she was found 3 days later. Betsy also had a few emergencies plastic surgeries after she was hit. I stood my her, knowing she could pull through.

Considering Betsy had started to fail me months before we separated, one might think I could have skipped away with a smile on my face at the dealer when I made the trade but we went deeper than that. I still have to have a moment of silence each time I see a Taurus pass me on the road. But all things must come to an end.

And what is life if we do not start anew when things come to an end? I know have a new friend! Not a 6-cylinder but a zippy 4 cylinder, 2010 Toyota Corolla! So cheers to my new friend, Her-mine-ee (or at least that might be the name, it might change.) We haven't had a road trip yet, but I look forward to the new adventures that will fill the time in our relationship here in the near future.

Birthday Wishes and More

2010-11-21T09:28:00.010-07:00

As the year circles once again to the end, I celebrated another wonderful birthday. Now if you really know me you know my birthday was back in October and we are no longer in October but its never too late to share some great stories.

As many say, as you get older, your birthday is just another ordinary day. I am feeling this more and more each year. I now realize though that a birthday is not just a day for people to celebrate you, its a day for you to celebrate another year in the presence of the wonderful people our Heavenly Father puts in your life. I think I am progressing in the direction that not everything is about me. Birthdays are days that you get to celebrate the joys of each year you live!

This year I did work on my birthday. It was a pretty uneventful day. About 4:03pm I hit the highlight of the day when I just walked out of my classroom, leaving all my worries behind. Ahh! A night without grading and planning! My birthday gift to me. I didn't care if I was totally unprepared for the next day. I was out of there. My sister and her brother then took me to dinner @ Olive Garden! Oh the deliciousness of their crisp salad and breaded chicken with marinara sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. Don't worry I cannot forget the breadsticks bursting with salt, garlic, and butter. Mmmm! It was a top-notch meal! Of course I over ate but calories don't count on birthdays right??!

At the time of my bday I was temporarily living in Casa Grande (but I am now back in Chandler). Being away from friends and family I didn't expect anything to happen for my birthday. Well after a little trip to Target after we ate (apparently just to kill time), we headed back to the house. I wobbled to the door, still extremely full from the meal and unlocked it. Hands full of leftovers and books, I realized there was a shiny balloon in the middle of the room, and shadows of balloons on the floor. The lights were not on so I really could not see everything. And I kept thinking, "All this was not here before we left and I was the last one out the door..." SURPRISE!! (insert loud scream) The lights flicked on and people started popping out of hallways, closets, and from behind furniture!

Eliza & I with Tim as background

Me, Janalie, Tim, and Lauren

I was totally taken by surprise, not able to stop my pounding heart, to see the smiling faces of my friends. It was to be a simple day, but it got complicated. But of course I was not going to contest it. :) My day was complete as I celebrated with some of the people I love, another great year.
Cutting the Cake. Mmmm good!

Me, Jason, and Alison

(Pink was the theme color of the party I guess)

All of us together!!

Farewell...Oh just kidding!

2010-08-17T11:37:00.010-07:00

(For this post to make sense, read the Summer 2010 post first).

With the excitement of the 4th of July, I was anticipating an interview for a teaching position in Snowflake. Applying was paying off. As most know I did well enough in the interview that I was offered a 5th grade teaching position at Snowflake Intermediate. Now as crazy as this sounds, I had lots of anxiety for some reason. I did accept the job but with several reservations. What reservations? I have know idea. I guess one was that I was not ready to move back to Snowflake but that was not a good enough reason to pass up the only job offer I have had since I graduated college. I was unsure that I did the right thing in accepting this job. Everytime I thought of moving and teaching a little piece of me just broke down. (I know that this sounds harsh but I was really being torn apart). This was a great test of my faith. I knew that whatever would happen, I would have my Heavenly Father and Savior helping me every step of the way. I just had to act myself. It was also a time of trust and prayer.

This meant that I had 3 weeks left in Chandler. I will admit that this turned me into a very emotional person. I do not know if it was nerves and anxiety for the job or the move. I knew I had to take the job and just forget about other aspects of life and make the best of it. For some reason, the Lord had given me this job offer and I had to take it. With limited time in Chandler, my friends gathered around me and put me at the center of their lives. I am still amazed at how much time they sacrificed on my behalf. Within this amount of time we were able to check off most of the things on my wishlist. There were a few things I have always wanted to do or just sounded like fun so we put our best effort into doing these things before I left for the small town.

What was my wishlist? Well, first I never have karoaked and I had been talking about doing it for months. What ended up being a 'let's see how it goes' night at Native New Yorker ended up being an awesome time. Sadly I picked "I'm leaving on a jet plane" (good farewell song right?!). I will not sing that one again because it was too sappy for the occasion. Here is proof of this event...

The next thing on my list was to have some delicious German cuisine. I have been home for just over a year now from Germany and I have not enjoyed a single schnitzel, bratwurst, or potato salat since returning home. I needed some crispy, breaded pork mit kraut und salat. I found a quaint little restaurant on Main St in Mesa to help quench my craving. The food was okay. The atmosphere awesome and the company amazing. I was joined by Eliza, Adam, Lauren, and Karina. Pictured below is us with our food. We all ordered schnitzels. My favorite thing was the red cabbage kraut. AmAzInG!

That was 2 weeks of adventures. Not pictured was the trip to Bahama Buck's and the Sunday night parties. It was ending up to be a memorable time. I could not have asked for more. But there was still one more weekend (or at least we thought). During the last week of my living in Chandler I got a call from a friend who just got hired in Maricopa. She said they needed another 5th grade teacher. If I wanted the job, I had to act now. I immediately called the principal, got an interview, applied, and in short I did get the job offer. It was not official because of funding, grants, and school board approval but I had to decide now between staying in Chandler or go home. I had to make the decision quick. With the anxiety about Snowflake, I still poured out my heart to Heavenly Father to know which job I should take. Well, the last weekend had come and the final party was set to go. I wanted to just enjoy the weekend just in case I did go ahead a move. I postponed my decision for a few days...

Finale of this time was a night full of food and fun. I know many people put lots of thought into making this night special. Food was supplied by Moki's, a hawaiian restaurant. (I had craved Moki's for the 8 months I had been in the valley but had not been able to get over there to eat it.) We practically overran the small restaurant with our crowd and it was awesome! Nothing like a room full of friends and chicken katsu! Mmm good!

Crowd #1

Part of Crowd #2

After we let our delectable mean settle, the party train headed to Discovery Park where Bahama Buck's snowballs and coolers of snow waiting to be thrown. Yes, that is right! We had snow at the end of July in Arizona! (Luckily Adam knows where to get it and for free - the ice rink!) It felt so wonderful to be freezing in 100 degree weather. Of course it didn't take us long to warm up and dry.

After being snowballed, thrown in a snowpile, and water ballooned there was cake to be had for dessert. I am still amazed at the thought and beauty of this delicious creation. Just perfect for the occasion! Thank you again my friends! One big apple, surrounded my little apple cupcakes each with their own little tootsie roll warm. Cute!

~the "cake" ~

~ the "cake" and I ~

With the cake ended the fun but the memories still live on. The party ended up not being a 'farewell' but just a 'congratulations on the dream job' because I did not end up moving. I have taken a 5th grade teaching position at Butterfield Elementary. I was blessed to have to option of two jobs, especially in the education profession. Each one would have made me grow differently but I do know that I made the right decision to stay in the valley.

I would like to end this blog by giving my greatest heartfelt thanks to the many who have prayed on my behalf and supported me through the last month. You all know who you are and I have felt so much love over the past month that I am forever in your debt. Without your prays and faith, it would have been a thousand times harder.

To my family, who have given me places to lay my head at night and nourishment. And to my dear friends who helped me with my wishlist - you guys are just amazing!! I do not know why I am so blessed but I only hope that I can take that same love you have shown me and share it with the world.

Summer 2010

2010-08-17T11:04:00.009-07:00

So you would have thought with all my time this summer that I would have been blogging. Especially since I have had an awesome summer!! Each day was a new adventure and most likely a memorable one. I have had lots of laughs and tears. Lots of ups and downs and crazy turn arounds. But in the end I have grown so much!

To begin the summer, I lost a dear one to me. Grandma Pearl Bates Solomon passed away. As much as a loved having this most amazing woman in my life, I was grateful to see her exit this life and back into the arms of her husband and loved ones who have also passed on. She will be missed.

~ Grandma's last birthday, 90th ~

And what is summer without a little bit of fishing and tree swinging! One Saturday afternoon we took to the lake, to sit back and relax. We found a spot along the Silver Creek where we also found a swing. It was a lot of fun. No fish were caught, just memories were that afternoon.

Throughout the summer I applied and applied and applied...and applied to every teaching position I was qualified for. But we will come back to that...

Summer nights brought fun times. Birthday parties and "just because" parties brought me closer to the wonderful friends I have made here in Chandler. It has been great to laugh, joke, and smile everyday. I could not ask for more.

--still applying for a job--

As most of you know my favorite holiday is during the summer. I love America! And I love celebrating the independence of this great nation. There is no other place but Taylor, AZ to celebrate this great day. The small town pride just hits home with me every 4th of July. Luckily I was able to celebrate it with not only my family but some of my close friends. I was able to introduce to them the crazy traditions of firing the anvil, the Jenning's band, cheese souffle, Patriotic program (Taylor style), Navajo tacos (twice), Taylor rodeo, fireworks, and more.

~Eliza and Devrin~

~ Truck full of "Anvil Followers" ~

~ Alison, Adam, Eliza and Me ~

It was a long day but you only get to celebrate the 4th of July once a year so you have to make the best of it which is not very hard to do in Taylor. I have to say sharing my small town with city folk was an awesome experience. I was glad to 'educate' them especially when it came to the rodeo and anvil.Maybe the best story about a city folk was Eliza thinking the bulls at the rodeo were called "Bucket Bulls" because they come out of the bucket. She now knows they are called "Bucking Bulls."

This 4th of July was definitely another memorable holiday. It was great to get back to my roots again. All my applying for a teaching job was about to pay off too. The constant applying, praying, and worrying was about to return my back to my roots 24/7.

...to be continued...

Gila Valley Temple Openhouse

2010-05-17T16:59:00.008-07:00

I want to begin this blog by saying that I am absolutely thankful that in this day and age, we are blessed more and more with opportunities to get away from the loud and chaotic world by going to the House of Our Lord. He has now blessed more saints with an easier task of attending the temple and completing the much needed work for those who have passed on before us.

(Me, Gabby, and Katie)

On May 11th, (sorry my computer and/or internet as been out of order) I was able to go on a road trip to the new Gila Valley temple with a great bunch of friends. It was not a bad trip considering 6 hours out of the 8-9 hours of the trip where spent in the car. We shared tall tales and "short tails", sang together, avoided near face slaps, and discussed what a wash is (a dry ditch we determined). I know this sounds like a bunch of silly things but it was time well spent together because we were able to enter the temple together and feel of the spirit that is present there.

Two of the Happiest people I know! (Eliza & Gabby)

The beauty of that building, and any other temple, is absolutely amazing! Personally I think it could be a rundown shack and still be beautiful because of the spirit, blessings and work done within its walls. But of course we reserve the best for the House of the Lord so the best is used to create such magnificent structures.

The Whole Crew (Janalie, Adam, Me, Gabby, Katie, & Eliza)

I am grateful that I had friends to share this experience with and to feel their testimonies through their smiles as we walked through the rooms. I know that within the walls of the temple families are sealed together and death cannot break a family's bond that is sealed together. :) Those who were not able to accept the gospel while present on this earth are able to receive the same blessings because the work is completed for them by worthy members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Heavenly Father does not want to leave anyone out no matter when they lived on this earth. We are blessed with different resources today to do the needed work. I know that just as it has been prophecied that temples will dot the earth and it is coming true. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to attend temple(s) near me and pray that I will set aside the time to do my part for I know it is important and must be done.

After we the walk through we took pictures and played on the train tracks. When we were on the train tracks I think everyone thought I was crazy because I kept hearing a train whistle. "It's all in your head Steph." Well, minutes after our fun on the tracks ended what came pushing its way down the track?? Yep a train! I proved that I had the best hearing.

Besides the blustery day, I had a wonderful time. This past Sunday (May 23rd) I was also able to attend a session for the dedication of this gorgeous structure. My testimony was strengthened as I listened to President Monson, President Eyring, and the new Temple President testify of the work done in the temple and what role we play in Heaven Father's Plan. As someone in my life comes closer and closer to the end of their time on this earth, I cannot express with words what it means to me to know that I can see my family and friends again. And to know that forever I can be with them.
~Hanie

When you think it's not any good

2010-04-17T12:28:00.005-07:00

I am always amazed at how pitiful I can get when things are not going the way I want them to go. But I am also amazed at how my Heavenly Father helps pull me out of the dark and back into the brightness. I am not going to go into detail but pretty much life has been crazy. I have had so many ups and downs I am getting sea sick. But I am grateful for the challenges I am facing and that I am able to recognize the many blessings I have in my life. I know that this too shall pass. I also know that my troubles are small compared to the many troubles others face.

Heavenly Father works in mysterious ways. Whether through scriptures, your family, or a 14 year old girl's diary, he guides us through our lives. You are now asking yourself what 14 year old girl. Well I have been reading Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl and I came across a few inspirational words as I read the book. Here is a young girl, having to hide in an attic with family and strangers in order to survive WWII. Everyday they have the same routine as they hide for more than 2 years. But imagine yourself at age 13 you have to gather up all you can, wearing several layers of clothing, and sneak into an attic of a business building and remain there till who knows when. The only entertainment you have is radio telling you of a war that is happening around you, only being able to eat so much, and studying and reading the same books over and over. But also think of yourself as a teenager trapped in a building, not able to go outside -- and on top of that, maybe you will never feel the direct sunbeams of the sun every again. Depression, I know for sure, would set in for me. I think of this past week when I didn't have a car and how crazy I went staying home for just 3 or 4 days! After about one year and a half of hiding, this amazing girl writes:

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely,

or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can

be quite alone with the heavens, nature, and God.

Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and

that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple

beauty of Nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly

always will, I know that then there will always be

comfort for every sorrow, whatever the

circumstances may be. And I firmly believe

that nature brings solace in all troubles."

Wow! How beautiful, inspirational, and wise is this statement! Heavenly Father wants us to be happy. He knows that times are hard and that we will stumble but He provides us with simple things to remind us that we are not alone. Like Anne states, God wants - he wishes - us to be happy. We are here to feel joy! Joy in his gospel! Joy in Our Saviour! Joy in building ourselves into the clean spirits we are meant to be. Nature is a simple thing he gives us and I hope as we enter a new spring, a time when everything is clean and starting over that we too can start anew and be comforted in our sorrows.

Make lemonade, see the glass half full, and know that this too shall pass! I know that positivity has made me more mature in handling my hard times. This positivity comes from knowing that God is there and through our Savior, we will once again be in their presence. I hope that I hear them say, "Well done!"

"Think of all the beauty that's still left in and around you and be happy!...And whoever is happy will make others happy too. He who has courange and faith will never perish in misery!" ~ Anne Frank

May you...

2010-03-17T22:53:00.003-07:00

So we have all heard the phrase "May you live everyday of your life", whether it is from a 'quotable quotes' book or a hallmark card somehow we have heard this quote from our dear friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. Does it sound like this quote is finished? Keep this in mind as I relay a story to you...

A few weekends back, my friend, Allison, and I had a girls night out at a place called "Sauces". It was a glorious evening. We sat out on the patio of the restaurant enjoying ourselves as we gabbed about life and did a little bit of people watching. After our delicious dinner we decided to walk to Barnes and Noble. After wondering B&N for a while (because you can't spend just 5 minutes in there) we eventually found ourselves looking at the bookmarks, a few cards, and of course the refrigerator magnets that will impact your life with a little phrase or two.

As we were reading these magnets we came upon the one with Ralph's quote, "May you live everyday of your life." Of course I have thought of this quote several times and it is a mini-pep talk that says "do something with your life okay!" but that is not the message that I got this time. This may reflect my current mood about life but I really think it is a nice addition to the quote. I really think that Ralph did not finish his quote. Of course you will live everyday of your life. If you are not then you are dead right?! So to finish the quote for dear Ralphy,

"May you live everyday of your life.

May you die if you don't!"

--Ralph Waldo Emerson assisted by Hanie

St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T22:34:00.006-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day! I hope little leprechauns did not trick you too much today. Funny thing about my childhood days on St. Patrick's day - the night before we always built a little house for the leprechauns to sleep in either out of wood blocks or legos. We would even dress up a potatoe as a leprechaun and hide him in the little house. I miss those days. Funny memories that just make me happy :)

I am home in Taylor for spring break so it was fun to be home again but I didn't build a house for the leprechauns. I guess that is why I didn't get any of his gold today (and heaven knows I need it). But I did get to live something from my childhood - green biscuits and gravy for breakfast and for dinner, yes the delicious irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. Just made for a happy day.

For some reason I was in the mood for St. Patrick's day so I was a little leprechaun myself for my friend's 1st grade class. I can't show you any pictures (child laws) of the happy children eating their gold, rainbows, and green hills but this was the cute cupcakes I made. (familyfun.com for ideas).

Of course I had to save an extra cupcake for my nephew, Kyler. After he ate his corned beef and cabbage he got to eat his rainbow cupcake. He was so cute! He was so excited and when he gets shy he tries to hide by closing his eyes and tucking his head into his shoulders. He is at that stage that he thinks if he can't see you, you can't see him (Piaget's theory). It is the cutest thing! Here he is trying to share his delicious cupcake with me.

And yes, I greened out today with green fingernails, my Rainbow shirt from Ansbach (because the mascot is Leprechaun) and when it was cold I wore my jacket from Ireland. May I say that it was a nice day! I am LUCKY to have such a wonderful life! --

Go take a Hike--or 2

2010-01-19T09:51:00.006-07:00

I guess it is time to start and finish this post since it has been over a month it has been sitting in my 'post' box. But just to show that I have been doing something with my life I will go ahead and share my adventures hiking over the last little while. We will start with the 2nd hike (since my pics loaded in that order) and then go to the first one.

So my second hike was with my brother David and a few of his friends. We went to Gold Canyon. In the hills there is a trail that leads to some hieroglyphics. I have to say that it was a pretty easy hike and the view was just amazing. Once you get to the hieroglyphics there are some natural springs that flow into a few ponds. As you sit and admire centuries of art work you are at peace as you hear the waterfalls.

Picture of Allison and me. This was taken half way through the hike so do not judge us by the red faces and crazy hair. It was a little bit warmish that day with a slight breeze.

This picture is of one of the bigger 'ponds' there at the top of the trail. From there we continued on up the mountain even though the trail stopped at the springs and hieroglyphics. Of course the boys go trudging through the bushes, jumped over rocks, and have the idea to 'climb' to the top. Their dreams were dashed when the climb got a little harder and there seemed no way to really get all the way to the top. Plus a few of us girls were getting scratches all over (yes, a few drops of blood were shed but we survived). Picture below is of the crew.

(End of Hike #2)

My first official hike in the Superstition Mountains was awesome! I was a little apprehensive when I woke up to rain but the hike must go on. My hiking buddies were wonderful people I have met in my ward here in Chandler. I loved this hike because I was able to get to know people that I hadn't met yet and it was an awesome start to new friendships. To get our energy up we started our day at Ihop. Once we filled our tummies we were ready to start hiking. Our hike was at Ussery Pass. The hike was pretty easy. I did huff and puff towards the end but I say it was an enjoyable journey. We climbed to the 'caves' a.k.a. holes in the mountain.

Once we made it to the caves it was picture time. I think we spent the whole hour at the top taking pictures of this and that. There are many to share but here are a few for your enjoyment. First picture is of Ali and I holding up the mountain. We are super strong didn't ya know?

View from the top out over the Mesa/Phoenix area. If you look at the top of the picture it is a little dark; this was part of the storm that happened the day of the hike. Luckily it never 'rained' during our hike. But it did start to sprinkle towards the end so we hurried down the mountain. The last thing we wanted was to end up on the 6 o'clock news as 'stupid hikers washed down Ussery Pass'.

Just a fun picture. Yes I was a little nervous as we kept moving out over the edge to take pictures but it did make for a cool picture. In the picture is Sarah, Josh, me, and Sarah.

As I mentioned, it did start to sprinkle so we thought it was best to start down the mountain. On the way down, Ali and I were the Caboose. Wait not we were the detached caboose left out in the middle of no where. Of course it was partly our fault because we had to keep stopping to take pictures but we also stopped to check on a lady who had slipped. She was with her sons but we wanted to make sure she was okay. As we did our civic duty the rest of the crew continued down the mountain. Ali and I were fine but wanted to make sure we kept up with the rest of the group. There was no way to get lost because you only had to follow the trail. As we were finishing the hike 'by ourselves' and evil plan developed in our heads. We were going to fake a fall and make them all fill bad for leaving us behind. Oh yes, we faked the fall by actually rolling in the dirt, sticking twigs in our hair, making up an elaborate story of what happened, and hopped to the car pretending to have a broken ankle. I have to say I should have won on Oscar for the job I did. Several of the girls believed I was actually hurt. What they didn't know is that I was laughing so hard it looked like I was crying. A few of them were a little put back when I came running out of the bathroom to show I was okay but I think Ali and I learned who are 'true' friends were that day. j/k you all were great.

Well, there are the tales from the trails. Until next time...

Is this rope safe??!?

2010-01-10T10:19:00.004-07:00

You will just have to take my word because that is all the proof I have. (Camera was left in the car.) 2010 is turning out to be an interesting year because I have already jumped off a cliff. Its not what you think it is - all is well! And technically I carefully, inch by inch, eased my way over the edge with my trust in a rope. That's right, I went rapelling!

Rapelling is something I have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity. Luckily the invitation was extended to me, I accepted and went! The trip was nice and I got to meet some cool people. We went out by Salt River and the cliff was about 120 feet high. I was glad that it was only that high because when I first 'accidently' looked over the edge my heart definitely skipped a heart beat and my body said, "What the heck are you doing?" Ignoring my sanity, I continued inching my way over the edge hoping that my right hand would continue being the brake hand I needed it to be. With nerves and mind going crazy and the rope being heavier that I thought, I started letting the rope go through my hand hoping I would be able to brake. My fear came true; I was not really able to get my hand back behind me to brake. It was free fall from my first 'bounce' off the wall to the ground. I was freaking out because I was just falling down the rope. "Ahh, Ahh, stop it stop!" Just before a total break down began I saw land only inches below me. Once on the ground of sanity my legs collapsed and I was laying on my back. From there I screamed, "I did it!" I experienced personal triumph.

Would I do it again? Yes! And I did. I went for a second time just to prove that I could do it again. The story was the same but I was able to bounce twice off the wall this time. My brake worked a little bit better thank goodness. :) But I still lost my footing once on the ground again so I yelled again, "I did it" from my back. I wish I could have gone more but with so many people there was not much of a chance to go more than twice.

So let it be recorded that on the ninth day in the year two thousand ten as the day that I, Stephanie S. trusted a rope and rapelled down a rock...and enjoyed it! ;)

Last Post of 2009

2009-12-29T16:30:00.008-07:00

I cannot believe that 2009 is almost gone! I cannot believe that the first decade of the 21st century is over! Y2k seems like it was a few days ago, not a decade. That was a silly time. I guess now we have to wait and see what 2012 brings right?

With the end of the year, we all think about what has happened in the past year? What did I do with my life? And I did NOT complete all my resolutions so I will do them next year (and we all know that they are the same resolutions for 2008, 2007, etc.) But I do have to say that 2009 was awesome!! I am not sure if I can label it the best 12 month period of my life but I do know that I was able to accomplish several things.

On the streets of Dublin, Ireland.

So what does 2009 stand for me? 2009 stands for completion of my student teaching, which I feared from day one of college. 2009 stands for Bachelors Degree (fInAlLy!-can I get a Hallelujah?)!! 2009 stands for 5 wonderful months exploring Germany and other European countries, experiencing a view of life from across the pond! 2009 also stands for learning to recycle, travel on trains, protests, language barrier, helpful people, and schitzel! 2009 stands for steady weight (until the last week). 2009 stands for horrible market for new teachers and several applications.

As I reminisce about the past year it gives me chills to think that 12 months ago I was planning my trip to Germany. I seriously wish that I could have a "Groundhog Day" movie script for my life that goes from January 19th, 2009-June 2nd, 2009. Without replaying a few days, it was a time that I would relive without hesitation. But we all know that we cannot live in the past. And of course, we cannot control the future. But we can definitely plan and carry out our plans the best we can.

Our Pre-made Gingerbread house.

So with 2009 walking out the door, what do I look forward to in 2010? Don't worry I am not here to write down my "goals" for 2010 but I do want to express my "hopes" for 2010 (just a few). 2010 - Get a FULL TIME job! And hopefully it will be a teaching position. Gotta put that hard college work and degree into action! 2010 - Take and pass the AEPA test for the middle school social studies endorsement. Yep, I want to teach history! 2010 - Read some more books on my list that keeps growing every day. I do not read all the time but I know I should read more than I watch. 2010 - Learn a little bit of Spanish (comes in handy these days). 2010 - The last I will list, and it may sound silly but I hope to stay in better contact with friends and family and NOT via electronics. Maybe via phone, but not via texting. I just sense a little bit more personal connections are necessary.

With all that said, I truely hope all of you have a wonderful welcoming experience with 2010. And to make you think, is it "two thousand ten" or "twenty-ten"...

Christmas Day we got to visit my Brother-in-Law at the fire department where he works.

2009-12-16T20:58:00.002-07:00

I cannot guarantee that this blog will be exciting or dull. Well maybe I can the dull but I just keep putting off writing something to update the blog but then I say "What can I say? What is so pressingly exciting that I must share it with all 3 readers of my blog?" -Well okay maybe only 2 - but I guess I should post something because I have guilt from not writing anything. As I freelance this writing I will share what comes to mind and edit so it is not so long and miscellaneous mischief.

The biggest thing that has happened to me over the last few weeks is a move to Chandler, AZ. Yes, I had to remove myself from the small town life (for multiple reasons) and get back to the city. I really debated the move because of the employment option I had (or have) at the time. I am currently a substitute in Chandler instead of Snowflake. (Not exactly a promotion is it?) I am still determining whether or not there will be enough funding to support myself but thankfully I am able to live with my brother and his fam so rent it pretty cheap. When I excepted the change I was still hesitant on my decision because I was not 100% sure it was the right decision. Truthfully I am still deciding whether monetarily it was a wise choice but in other parts of life it has been great.

I am grateful for the new friendships I have made within the short amount of time I have been here. You think the city would be harder when looking for a part in the play "Society" but I feel like I have the lead part already! It makes me SmIlE!

I am still desperately applying for every possible teaching position that I can get my hands on!!! ---Of course I have been worried of why I do not shine on paperwork so I finally rewrote my resume for the 119th time. I hope and pray that this revision will help me shine in the stack of many applicants. If not, I am lost forever in the world of substitution. That makes me sAd.

That is an update for now. I'm working on some more exciting news...

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma Solomon!

2009-10-21T10:29:00.006-07:00

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma Solomon!

Pearl Bates Solomon

Born October 16th, 1919

I would like to express my gratitude to a special lady in my life. I was blessed to have my Grandma Solomon live just down the hill from me, to sit with her every Sunday at church, and to spend some good times at her house. Few things I remember about Grandma Solomon's was sharp cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese, saltine crackers, and of course fresh squeezed lemonade with fresh mint from the garden!! Grandma always had cheese and crackers for us. I also remember watching nickelodeon at Grandma's and how I was so lucky when I did because we didn't have cable tv at home. We also spent many afternoons watching "The Music Man" because Grandma didn't really collect movies. And I will admit that when it came time to go to the bathroom, if I could, I would make an excuse to go home because I never liked Grandma's bathroom. It had too many daddy long legs!

But my Grandma is a special lady! She is a modern day pioneer! The more stories I hear about her the greater my pride swells in being her granddaughter. Being widowed at a young age and raising 8 kids by herself was no easy task but she did it. I love hearing her testimony. She has shown me that life is not easy but with the Lord it is made easier.

The rest of this blog is pictures from Grandma's PaRtY! It was not an easy task for her to sit but I know she enjoyed every minute of the party. It was great to see her smile :) (For those family members who would like copies of the pictures please let me know. I can either burn a cd, email, or whatever for you. Email me at haniesstep@hotmail.com.)

Grandma w/7 of 8 kids

Chantelle and Karen Godfrey, Grandma, Aunt Bobby Sue, and Uncle Gary

Grandson David, Great Grandsons Kyler and Braiden

My Fam

Heather, Grandma, Jonathan

Brad, Grandma, Uncle Carvel, and Aunt Cleone

Grandma and I

Jason and Tiffany Owen Fam

My nephews Kyler and Devrin with me

Franco's and Grandma

Uncle Bill and Aunt Rita's Clan

Okay, for all those who attended you know that I took a lot more pics but blogspot is giving my trouble so just email me and I will send pictures to you. Happy Birthday Grandma!

Camping Adventures

2009-10-06T19:23:00.004-07:00

I seriously cannot remember the last time I went camping. I have wanted to go for several years but plans never came together until this past Labor Day weekend. I gave my self a pat on the back when I returned home because I did pretty good with no shower for several days. It could have been worse if we didn't have a trailer with a toilet (because I do have to have my modern day plumbing).

I have to express thanks for all my family for pulling together and making this weekend happen. I had a wonderful time and can't wait till we can go again. The only downfall of the weekend was the rain (but it was actually pretty nice, keep it cool) and that my sister-in-law broke her leg in two spots right above the ankle. We pray for her to have a speedy recovery...and no surgery...

We camped in a wonderful spot, an open meadow big enough for us to play tree golf, set up a volleyball net, and play kickball. My brother invited a friend's family from the valley to join us and I have to say the meshed in well. No one was strangers but for a few seconds and from then on it was like we were great friends.

One thing I remember about camping when I was little was riding the "tree horse." Unfortunately since I have grown since last time I camped I was not able to show my inner campin' cowgirl but the kids had a great time.

Braiden Riding the Tree Horse - We prepare for the worst...

Now before you judge me on the mess of my pants, let me explain...okay?...It was dark, I was stuck, and I had no way out...That's true but probably still not what you think. My brothers took those who wanted to and could to a cave near our campsite (even though it took us about 30 mins to find it). The cave was awesome!! (Doesn't beat the salt mine in Salzburg because they had a slide, but I did slide everywhere in the cave. Seriously it was about a 1/2 mile worth of up and down hills of slippery mud. Boy was it a thigh workout! Not only do you have to squat-walk for about 100 feet in the beginning but you have to step up on 2 feet steps of slimey mud. It was awesome. I didn't have a flashlight, which I will definitely have next time I go, because it was darker than dark. We turned out all the lights when we were at the end and you couldn't see your hand at all right in front of your eyes. Scary but awesome!

All in all the trip was great! I had a wonderful time forming the memories that I now have. Thank you family!...Hope to do it again soon.

Apps, Summer, and, more...

2009-08-02T08:51:00.007-07:00

Let me just say that it is harder to entertain yourself when you have all the time in the world than if you have to think of something when you have a few hours of freedom. It doesn't come easily no matter if you have a FULL summer of trying to find a job, wonderment of where you are going to live, should you move out of state and/or country, how can I earn a few bucks, and what should I have for breakfast. I guess it is mostly a little bit of worry since it is crunch time. I just hope that something will come along soon.

Besides making sure I use my free time wisely I have had some mini adventures and delights over the last few months since my 'traveling' days. It has been hard since I still have a little bit of travel bug but I make due with what I have and can do.

4th of July - Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE the 4th of July! I debate all the time whether Christmas is my favorite holiday or the 4th of July. I love the feeling and excitement of celebrating our wonderful nation's birthday of independence! And to do it in Taylor, AZ - nothing can replace it. This year it was a different 4th of July because unfortunately I had a little bit of bad luck. Of course, Taylor starts celebrating at 4 am and at 5am the mini-'parade' begins. Well once again too many people didn't start at the right spot and cut in line so we were pushed back to the end of the line and were not even able to see (but definitely hear) the anvil. So we cut out half way through. I don't think I have EVER not followed the anvil 100%. I knew at that time I was going to have an off day.

Cierra sporting her patriotism

After breakfast (which was fantastic - I love the souffle!), we headed to the parade in Show Low. Parade was entertaining and I was feeling very festive on the way home. Well, I was a little bit too festive in my driving and got caught speeding 68 mph in a 45 mph zone. Luckily the officer only wrote me for 10+ instead of revoking my license right on the spot. Believe me, this really set me off and I knew that this was not going to be the best 4th of July. But it did look up with delicious navajo taco and fireworks later that night. --Happy Independence Day! (I know it's late but we can always celebrate our independence.)

CEDAR CITY, UT - I have done a little bit of travel this summer and not just back and forth from Wal-Mart in Show Low. I was able to accompany my grandparents and mom to Cedar City, UT for a weekend. My mom lived in Cedar City until she was 12 and both Grandpa and Grandma grew up in and around Cedar City so it was a trip to 'remember their childhoods'. I was excited because I was getting out of AZ and I had not been to Cedar City since I was probably 10 yrs old. It was a very enjoyable trip.

Mom, Grandma and Grandpa at Duck Creek

We drove through Cedar Canyon, saw my great-grandparents homes, and visited with relatives. Oh and I also went to the Shakespearean Festival. (Cedar City is coined Festival City USA by the way). Mom and I went to "The Comedy of Errors" and I have to say it is a fave. I'm not a Shakespearean expert but this play was awesome. All in all it was a very nice weekend.

Outside the Globe Theatre

Set for "The Comedy of Errors"

10. 10+. 10++. That is the number of completed applications that I can think that I have submitted this summer. I only wish that there was one application for all the districts in the state. It is annoying that they all ask the same thing but you still have to write out the same information over and over and over. It would be nice if they actually provided enough space to write all the requested information too. -- I just hope and pray that somewhere, my application makes it to the top of the pile. I am first judged by paper and it is annoying! But luckily jobs keep popping up here and there. Something has to work out soon...

Oh and one more thing - My grandpa and I have a little thing. He wears suspendors and I cannot resist flipping them. So when I went to Germany I knew I had to bring him back a pair of suspendors. I purchased them a month and a half into my trip and I couldn't WAIT to give them to him. I had to be a little picky because most patterns had "I love beer" on it and I didn't think he would wear those. Luckily I found some with the edelweiss flower on it. I'm not playing favorites or saying I'm an excellent shopper but doesn't he look snazzy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tschuss!!!

Praha - How Could I Forget?

2009-06-30T12:34:00.006-07:00

And I didn't forget! No, I could not, would, not, and will not ever forget Prague! I am a wee-bit late on this blog but I just was speechless when it came to Prague until now (or at least that is my excuse. I went to Prague oh about, let's say, 4 months ago?! So it is definitely time that I share the beautiful, classical, unique village of Praha.

Now for all who may not be geography-buffs Prague is in the Czech Republic. Our trip started at 3:07 pm and we were to arrive around 10 pm in Prague. Trip started out nice and to cross the German-Czech border we had to switch to a very small, "antique" locomotive. My heart did skip a beat as my mind wondered if this little machine could do the job. The locomotive was not our only concern, we have just crossed into a new country, spoke no Czech, and to say it plainly the people were a little scary and rough looking on the outside. "You're no longer in Germany Stephanie!" It also became evident that not as many people in the 'country' spoke English like they do in Germany. But back to our locomotive. We were traveling along in the dark, cold country when the lights started to slicker. Little unnerving but we were still chugging along. Few minutes later the lights slicker again when we stopped at a train station. At this time the conductor and other engineers started pulling up the floor so they could look at the train. At this time I was thinking of writing a sequel to the little engine series titled "The Little Engine That Couldn't." We were not going to make our connecting train in Pzln. This was the first time I felt a little panic in a foreign country because there was know one I could communicate with and we had a problem on our hands. Eventually someone on the train did speak a little English so they were gracious enough to assist. About 30 minutes later a 'big' train started to pull us to our connecting stop. At the connecting stop anxiety was still on the rise because we still had know idea what was going on and we just following everyone on our train but the train could have come soon because I almost witness a fatal accident as drunk dudes played on the track. -- The Czech Republic was not making a good first impression.

Jess and I did make it to Prague. Once there we were in search of an money exchange or ATM at the station. It took us another 20 minutes to do that but we had to have money because we were NOT going to walk the streets of Prague at midnight (plus we had no map yet) so we needed money for a cab. With pretty much all the money we did withdraw we paid for the cab, he dropped us off on a side street with our luggage and left. Considering it cost about $40 for the cab it was probably 7 minutes from the time we got in the car till our luggage was on the street again. We stood in the middle of the street with blank looks as our cab raced away because we had know idea where our hostel was. Another 15 minutes or so and we found it (and it was right where our cab dropped us off) and we walked into HEAVEN!! Our hostel ended up being an hotel for about $12/night each. Not bad considering the luxury we had. Definitely beats Super 8...After all our adventures so far, we went to bad listening to Czech tv, anxiously awaiting tomorrow.

After a nice rest in a comfy bed and down comforter we set out for the streets of Prague. Now for the not so history buffs - Prague is said to be the most conserved city in Europe because it was never really bombed in the World Wars. If you want to know what Europe was before the 1900's go to Prague. Building after building you see beautiful, unique architecture - no repeats. I was in awe the whole time. I was beginning to love Czech.

We really had only 36 hours left in Prague so we knew we had to make the best of it. To get a feel for the city and know a little bit about it's history we went on a free walking tour (you just tip at the end of the tour - and you can do these in most cities in Europe). Our tour guide was very animated and did great with her English. We did the west side of Prague in the morning and the East side in the afternoon. Each tour about 2+ hours and definitely worth it. In one day we were able to see the whole city with time to shop! Few pics of the city...

Jewish Quarters -

funny story...Jess was so into the tour guides speech that she did not notice that a dog was 'taking a break' on her shoe. But everyone else in the group noticed. I guess that is what she gets for standing my a pole. (Sorry Jess, had to share).

My favorite building in Prague -

I want this architect to design my home.

Astronomical Clock in Prague's townsquare

Tells you everything you need to know about time.

To scientific to even try to tell you about it...

In between tours we thought we would treat ourselves to some delicious food so we went to KolKovna (suggested by the tour guide). Mmm, mmm good! Besides the smoking in the restaurant I do have to say the food was amazing. I had "Moravian Sparrow": roast beef, dumplings, and sauerkraut. I especially liked the purple cabbage sauerkraut. It is a little sweeter and not so tangy as the white. Yum!

The afternoon tour we went to Prague Castle. Warning to the future traveler: it is quite the hike to the castle and you have to get to it by foot. You definitely build up a little sweat. At this time of the tour we definitely were carrying our scarves and coats. But the hike was worth every step because the castle was breathe taking. From the hilltop you are able to also look out over all of Prague, see the 'mini eiffel tower' that was actually inspiration of Paris' grand icon. Just outside the castle gates I did get to see a little campaigning for some politician. Of course I didn't understand anything but it was something to see. And I didn't get to Buckingham palace in my travels but I can say that I tried to get a castle guard to smile. It's cheesy but what tourist doesn't pose for a pic with a guard?!

Don't look so serious dude!

The courtyard to the castle was exquisite in everything. (Pics on the smilebox below). Attached to the castle is one of the biggest churches I have ever seen. It is so big the courtyard was not big enough to get a picture of the whole thing. The church was of a gothic style so it really did not fit in with the rest of the palace but it sure was beautiful and contributed to the feel of the castle. Our tour ended just outside the courtyard and it started to rain. To hide from the rain we headed into a little cafe where I experienced the most amazing hot chocolate! It was probably pure creme but oh my goodness was it worth every calorie and gram of fat. (I am salivating as I write this.) By this time our feet were screaming for a break so we thought we would take it easy and find our way back to the side of the river.

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Since we had a big day Jess and I wanted to 'treat' ourselves to something unique. We definitely got what we wished for! It was a splurge but we went to a medieval dinner. Wow! No production of Robin Hood has come close to filming the authenticity of this time period as this restaurant did. It is a hidden gem of Prague. But before our AWESOME dinner we practically walked the whole city again. Our dinner package came with a tour of the city. I thought we would be going in a van but nope we walked and walked and walked and walked. I was so feriated because my feet, calves, shins, where in so much pain! And the tour guide was speed walking and talking so fast it wasn't even worth the extra tour. But in the end it was made up by the delicious food, music, and, environment of dinner. In short dinner entailed wooden benches with wool for comfort, gypsy dancers, bagpipes, drums, pirate shoot out, snakes, lizards, and peasants.

To end, I must say that even though the trip started out with anxiety and worry, I can only say that Prague is the one place I am dying to go back to. I would go back there tomorrow if I could. The city was beautiful, clean, and enchanting. And I know that there are several places I would like to go and/or go back and see. So much to see, so little time.

27 white crosses in front of the old town hall to remember the fallen.

What a view! It doesn't get any better than this.

Non-Stop fun

2009-06-13T19:35:00.005-07:00

I definitely felt right at home the last few days as I got to play with my nephews and niece. It was like the good ol' days chancing little ones in the yard, playing Wii, and being tired at the end of the day. I loved it! The fun started early Friday morning with some pulling kids around the block in the radio flyer to football to fishing.

Not only did we go fishing Friday but once we woke up on Saturday it was off to the head of the creek. We caught 5 fish Friday night but Saturday - nothing, nada, zilch. The wind was blowing and the fish were not biting at all. But it was still fun. The kids tried to lure the fish in by chanting, "Here fishy fishy fishy. Anybody who's everybody is in the bucket. Here fishy fishy fishy." Of course it didn't work but it was worth the laughs. Another timeless moment was when Devrin would say, "Hey fishy, don't eat my d-orn!"

Cierra helped Grandpa reel in this beauty

...Baitin' those hooks...

Braiden's beauty that he baited and reeled in all by himself!

It took a little bit of encouragement for him to touch the fish but someone had to do it (and Aunt Hanie wasn't going to touch it!) He didn't want it to "flap on him."

... Downtime while fishing...

(Devrin and me)

After fishing and before we headed to Show Low pool we had some extra time so why not make cookies? Cierra was the cook. I do have to say I was impressed that she cracked to eggs and no shells ended up in the ingredients.

Now what do we do on Monday?...

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig

2009-06-07T09:42:00.004-07:00

It's official. I am back on Taylor ground trying not to be blown away. I am excited but at the same time sad that my adventure is over. And then on top of it a little stressed due to the job market for teachers. Amazing to think that when I started college there was a shortage of 2500 teachers in AZ. I'm just a little bit mad about it but life is life. I'll work through this...

I am adjusting to being back in AZ especially when it comes to the heat and landscape. Just to give you an idea here is a comparison...

Hmm, do I really have to tell you what pic is where? - "I love my Arizona" and its so 'unique' from other places, especially Germany or any European land. Gotta love it.

I do have to express my relief of once I landed at least in Atlanta it was nice to know I was back on U.S. soil. Nothing like knowing you are back in your home country. I was able to read all the signs, listen to conversations, flirt with the customs guy - just great! Oh and if I needed to order something, I knew exactly how to say it and I didn't get a "uh what did you say?" look from the server. Oh and to have my car back!!!!! To go where I want to go is one of the best feelings in the world. My only problem is that I guess I forgot how to get to my brother's house because I had to take a little detour. Good thing my sister was right behind me. And I also had trouble getting gas yesterday. "Select payment, put the nozzle in the tank first, press grade and then pump." Was a hard concept for me yesterday but I was really tired okay?!

Well, I am back and moving on to hopefully better things like a job!! BRING IT ON!

Signing off from Germany

2009-05-30T14:31:00.004-07:00

Sadly but truely I am just saying hello one more time from Germany. It has been a fabulous time. I'm thinking of writing a movie script called "Way Better than Groundhog Day" so i can relive the experiences here that I have had. I will miss all of my new friends. Especially those at Rainbow.

My last Saturday in Germany - went to Rothenburg.

I have so many great memories and I have hardly begun to share them through my blog. I can't wait to get the bill when i try to develop pics. I finally filled up my 4GB camera card a few days ago. I think I totalled 3000+ pics! I'm going to have to save a whole years salary to pay for them.

Jess's last Saturday - spent in Rothenburg and Dinkelsbuhl.

I can't wait to see you all again whether you are in the U.S. or Germany. I hope I will be back soon! -- Pray that I have a simple adventure on the way home. No 6 days in airports please!!

Signing off from Germany...Hanie

Bitter Sweet

2009-05-29T09:05:00.003-07:00

I must officially post that I have completed my adventures at Rainbow Elementary School in Ansbach, Germany. I'm speechless due to the wonderful friendships and time I have had at this school. The staff, students, parents -- all are wonderful.

I am wondering if I get "extra credit" for the last few days. Due to an unexpected turn of events I did end up in the classroom the last few days. But it wasn't your typical school day - I did my first 'international' event. Today we were able to invite German students to the school and somewhat introduce them to how our school system runs. (We were fortunate to visit their school about 2 months ago.) I hope I did a good job in making them feel welcome at our school. It is hard when you have 39 or 58 students at one time in 1 classroom (yeah don't tell the fire marshal please) and when only half of them understand you. I really didn't feel overwhelmed but it was definitely challenging.

It is hard to believe that I will be gone in less than 72 hours! Germany is FaBuLoUs!! I highly recommend traveling here. It has been a blessing to get ot know such wonderful people and get to benefit from their hospitality. Memories has been formed and cemented (Germans will like that since they are pretty proud of their cement).

That's all for now. Just wanted to give word on my day I guess. :)

Salzburg, Austria: Home to Mozart and "The Sound of Music"

2009-05-26T13:33:00.018-07:00

"High in the Austrian Alps lived a beautiful city,

Lay dee-o-a-lay-dee-o-a-lay-dee-whoo"

Salzburg just sings, "Beauty, peace, adventure, eccentric, traditional, entertaining, kosher, and salt!" I do have to say that Salzburg was a good way to end my travel in Europe (even though Rome or Paris could have topped it off with caramel, nuts, and a cherry!) But all in all, it was a very enjoyable trip.

The train took me a little longer than I thought it would but I arrived in Salzburg just in time to give myself a little rest (early morning train rides do wear you out) before attending a performance at the Salzburger Marionetten Theatre. But even before that I had time to walk along the Salzach River and purchase an ice cream cone that was literally melted. At this time I did encounter an odd young man. I would say he was a little topsy-turvy and did not give me a good feeling. I'll spare you the yucky details but I am lucky nothing happened.

The play that I went to at the theatre was "Die Zauberflote" - "The Magic Flute" by Salzburg's own, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was all in German but I was still able to follow along with the story very well since they projected the story line on the side walls of the theatre. I was overwhelmed with amazement of how well the puppets moved - they walked with better posture than I do! The costumes, the scenery - it was fabulous! I recommend a trip to the theatre on your own trip to Salzburg.

On my first full day in Salzburg I decided to just explore the city. It was a Sunday so I took it easy and enjoyed the beautiful scenery around me. The exploring started with a trip to Mirabell Park, made famous by its beauty and being featured as the scenery of the Do-Re-Mi song in the film "The Sound of Music." The Von Trapp family is originally from Salzburg and that is where the true story took place. The park was absolutely gorgeous and what other way to spend a beautiful Sunday morning but with a stroll in the park to enjoy Heavenly Father's work.

While I was taking a stroll in the park I made 27 little friends. I didn't have to clean their house or sing "Heigh-Ho" so that was great. But I did get to take a few pictures. Here is my favorite "dwarf" and I named him Harry 'cause of the glasses.

I had a second treat while at Mirabell Park - an Austria concert! I was so excited because I got to see them in their traditional costumes and not to mention their wonderful music. The concert happened in an open area in the trees. Just a beautiful environment to help eccentuate the music. The rest of the day I walked the streets and just enjoyed the beauty of the area. I pretty much walked the west side of the Salzach river. Monday I did a little less walking and more riding. To save my feet (which are still recovering from the 4 months of student teaching and walking on cobble stones), I signed up for "The Sound of Music" tour and a trip to the Salt Mines. Both of these tours where absolutely wonderful. The weather was a little roasty so I was glad to be riding in an air conditioned bus. Instead of giving all details I will just pinpoint some highlights of each tour...

"The Sound of Music" Tour
*The Gazebo - the famous pavilion that Liesl and Rolf sang "Sixteen Going On Seventeen". There was actually two separate gazebos used for the movie: larger one for the indoor shots and one for the outside shots. I got to see the 'outside' shot gazebo. I also got to skip down Maria's lane where I built up my 'confidence'!

*Palace of Leopoldskron - place where the boating and drinking pink lemonade scenes where filmed. Of course only the back of the palace was used as the 'back' of the Von Trapp's home and then another building was used for the front scenes.

*Nonnberg Abbey - This is the abbey where the real Maria was a nun and was used in the film. This was actually about 500 meters from my hostel. But man was it a CLIMB to the top!

*St. Gilgen/Lake Wolfgang - This picturesque area was featured in the opening sequence of the movie.

*Church of Mondsee - Beautiful yellow church about 20 or so kms from Salzburg where Maria and the Baron got married.

To see pics from Salzburg, click on the Smilebox picture below. A new window will open up with the pictures.

"Salt Mines" Tour

After "The Sound of Music" tour I had a 30 minute break before I headed off to Berchtesgaden (actually in German) to the Salt Mines. Salzburg is named after the Salt Mines; the mines are the reason why Salzburg was built in the area. The mines have been mined for 300+ years! The area is still mined today but in old parts of the mine you are able to go on a guided tour. I liked the tour because I got a cool wardrobe (but to tell you the truth I had no idea when the last time it was washed...).

The tour begins with a 5 minute train ride into the mine. The air drops to almost freezing (luckily I didn't go during the winter when it goes below freezing) and you are ushered to a gigantic hole in the mountain. After a small introduction on how the mining of salt begins you get to slide down a steep wooden slide. You just sit on it, hold up your feet and slide right down. I was SO afraid I was going to get a splinter or two in my buns but that wood is smoother than --okay I'll say it--a baby's bottom. It was exciting. And of course they use this slide as a tourist trap because they do take your picture. I think I had a more frightened look on my face going down that slide than I have had going down Splash Mountain at Disneyland.

The tour goes on for about an hour as you going through the steps of mining salt, getting to learn more about salt, see new and old machinery, go down a second slide, and lick the walls (so salty!). But this is not all of the tour - you even get to ride in a cable car several stories up AND boat across a mirror lake with a light show! AwE-sOmE! Inside the mountain is a small lake and it just looks like glass. What ever is shown on the ceiling is reflected on the water so a magnificent light show is played on the ceiling and reflected on the water to make a circular light show. Can I get a "WOW!"

After the tour of the salt mine the tour bus took us up a very windy road that overlooked the town of Berchtesgaden. From where we were located, we were able to spot Hitler's Eagle Nest.

*****

So you tired yet? I am and I was when I was in Salzburg but Tuesday I had a few hours in the morning to waste before heading back to Germany so I did the most ridiculous thing --I climbed the mountain up to the Fortress! What look liked a simple climb after a few hundred steps to the Abbey ended up being a HORRIBLE climb. And once I reached the cashier to pay to get inside I still had probably 1/3 of the mountain yet to climb. (And I have to say I had a feeling that the cashier was laughing at me because I was already out of breath, ready to pass out, and he knew I still had a long way to go!) My thighs burned but I made it! Construction of the fortress started in the 11th century and continued until about the 19th century. Ran by Prince Archbishops, each added to the fortress during the 800 years of construction. I was able to climb atop the highest point of the fortress to overlook all of Salzburg and beyond.

Now I knew it would be a lot easier going down that it would be up but I for sure wanted to use the lift to go down. (Yes I knew of the lift before I headed up to the fortress but I thought I was almost to the top after climbing to the abbey okay!)

Here I ended my adventure in Salzburg. Besides the yucky dude in the beginning the trip was wonderful. I splurged on entertainment but I did not regret any of it. I went out with a bang! The train ride back was bitter sweet because I knew I was only days away from leaving "My" Europe. I would go back any day because there are a lot more things to do and see. But for now "Auf Wedersehen, Salzburg!"

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

It's Not Over Till the Fat Plane Leaves!

2009-05-20T11:11:00.009-07:00

I'm leaving on an airplane,

Don't know when I'll be back again.

Oh hey, I hate to go.

It's been a joy to be here,

Don't worry I didn't drink any beer,

Oh, I really hate to go.

'Cause I'm leaving on an airplane!

I may have only 2 days, YES 2 days left of student teaching; however, adventures await me around every corner. Even though I am dreading the next 48 hours because I know it is the end of my duty here it's a moment in my life to celebrate. I am no longer an undergraduate!! Yeah that's right, I'm an top now!! - I just hope that I am on top when it comes to applications, resume, and interviews :). Yep, I official submitted the first completed app today. I'll submit hopefully another one tonight.

I'm going to miss each and every one of the kids! Even those 'sweet' ones ;). All the students have made it hard the last week or two because they keep reminding of my short time left here by saying, "Why do you have to leave?" I guess this is just the beginning of all the ends I will face. (But in a way I will never see most of these kids. Just a downfall to overseas teaching - but still worth it!)

Each time I walk to the train and ride it home I cherish it because it could be my last ride. But then I tell myself that I still have some traveling to do after student teaching so I don't get all choked up.

To give you a little look into my 'daily' life here in Germany I thought I would give you a peek at the dear house that has been my home the last 4 months. That is the first picture in this posting. Second picture is a view from the front steps (but really the back steps-another contrast to German construction) overlooking the meadow as a train drives by. I think I am good to say that a train goes by every 7-10 minutes during the day and maybe 20-30 minutes at night. Duetschebahn definitely keeps those tracks hot.

The next picture is shot from in front of the Bruckencenter (mall) in Ansbach. The bridge is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway into old Ansbach. If you look closely you can see the steeple of a church and I have to say that my timing was perfect because I was able to also capture a smartcar. Europeans love to be eco-friendly.

To end this blog I want to just post a 'good' picture of me that also reflects the greenery of beautiful Germany. One day I was walking downtown Ansbach and made my way to the Orangerie. The Orangerie is where the house citrus plants during the winter so they could have citrus fruit year round. The grounds of the Orangerie is also home to beautiful paths with gorgeous, luscious trees and open fields of wild flowers. It was a beautiful day and so I was able to capture a beautiful moment at the Orangerie. Can you understand now why it is so hard for me to leave on that airplane?

Happy Graduation Day!

2009-05-08T13:54:00.005-07:00

HALLELUJAH! LET THE CHORUS SING PRAISES! I, STEPHANIE S., HAVE COMPLETED MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE! Who would've ever thought?!?!

Unfortunately I do still have 2 weeks to go technically with my student teaching but officially NAU will pass me and give me a diploma. JOYOUS! AMAZING! WAHOO!!!

Just a little plug for my personal benefit so read if you want --> I want to thank some people for their support and encouragement over the last 8 years. (Sad but true eh?) In no particular order...

Grandma and Grandpa Rowley - I know you were always there for me and encouraged me to go forth. In my years in the valley, I know I couldn't have made it without my "Ivory Keys" and other means (I can't wait to touch a piano when I get home). Love ya and thanks SO MUCH!
Monique -- You are weird Moneeka! You know why? Because you hired me! I mean I hid in closets and under desks, asked "Who's coming?", and I eat meat! I do want to thank you for those understanding times when I first started out when I needed time off for family. You don't know how much I was blessed to have you as an employer AND as a friend.
Girls at Mesa #5 - Sara, Tara, Debbie - What can I say than thanks for listening to me and helping out when I needed help. You probably were the ones that saw me the most during my college work. It's hard to think its been 2(+) years. Thanks for the laughter!
The Best Siblings in the WORLD!!!!! (+ in-laws) - I know we have all been through a lot the last few years but I knew if I ever needed help or a blessing I knew you guys would be there in seconds. You would let me vent and then kick me back into gear. I only hope I was there for you. Thanks for being who you are!

Marmee & Daddy Roy - Okay so this one is in a particular order because I am saving the best for last. You guys are some of the toughest people I know. It has been the weirdest last few years and I know I really didn't have much to complain about considering what you guys have been through but you still let me cry and vent over 'burnt cookies'. All in all, you always point out to me to turn to my Heavenly Father. You put me on my knees when I needed to be. You always reminded me who I am and that nothing is impossible; that I should go forth and do my best. I truely hope I have made you proud. I HEART YOU!

I know there are more of all you amazing souls I know. Some I have known for months, 1 or 2 years, or my whole life. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, neighbors, friends, church leaders, teachers, and the man at the corner: Thanks! Please know that I want to list all but blogspot only allows so much MB before their site breaks down. :)

I AM GRADUATED!

Nurnberg

2009-05-05T12:22:00.013-07:00

I must say that I was not expecting an enchanting place when I went to Nurnberg a few weekends ago. It really surprised me to find a beautiful castle (but my pics just don't do it justice) and I really didn't expect to hike up a mountain to get there. But I did and I made it. I enjoyed walking the grounds of the castle and made another climb up the Sinwell Turn.
The sinwell turn was yet another circular staircase that keeps going and going and going. And just when you think you can't make it any farther you reach the top and realize that all that hard labor of climbing was worth it. It's worth the climb because of the beautiful view of Nurnberg.

When I opened the door to go up the Sinwell Turn I was faced with this creepy view. I expected the king's soldiers to jump out and point their arrows at me. It was kind of freaky...

View "up" the sinwell turn. It keeps going and going and going...you get the point.

I did buy tickets to tour the castle but I never found the entrance and I didn't get much help from the tourist place but I did walk the around the castle that was fantastic and peaceful. Every where you look it is a breathtaking view that you never want to forget. Of course I take pictures but I can't get a picture of everything. (And I only post so many. I know I have over 1,000 pics, maybe even close to 2,000 from my dream of being in Germany).

The view that paid off the climb. Oh how beautiful roofs can be eh?

From the top, the

slight climb up to the castle.

The castle was awesome. I was able to go into a museum there that had articles of clothing, weapons, dishes, toys, and more from the castle. Really it is amazing to see real spears and guns that are literally 6 feet or more long that take 10+ men to handle. There were also old globes, canon ball machines, and horse saddles. As I stood there in awe of these items I really could but thinking that this stuff was 400+ yrs old!! Just throughs me for a loop that there is proof of history so far back.

BIG door to the castle courtyard. Probably the biggest I have seen!

Servants quarters in side the castle gate. Very "German" wouldn't you say?
Outside the castle walls was a beautiful city full of excitement. Since it was a Saturday, the Hausmarkt Strasse was busy with farmers and buyers. The main item was the "frischer spargel" - translated fresh white aspargus. May I say that I love aspargus but there is joy also in white aspargus. If you find it, buy it, and enjoy it. In Germany it is the thing to eat during its harvest time. But more on spargel later.

This is a picture of the famous Geistspital (Holy Spirit hospital) in Nurnberg that is now a rest home. It's very enchanting considering its a hospital.

Okay so this gold shrine looking thing is really nothing but a 'good luck' charm to those you touch the ring that's in the gate. I thought it was if you just touch the gate but you have to touch a certain ring so no good luck for me...but then again I did kiss the blarney stone in Ireland so I hope I'm covered.

House of Albrecht Durer, one of Germany's most prominent artists. I do have to say that is art is absolutely amazing.

Last but not least the one gondala that I will see on this trip to Europe.

p.s. sorry the pics and everything are all skee-waddley. I was trying something now and it didn't work. I would fix it but I can't right now...

U.S. vs America

2009-05-05T12:21:00.003-07:00

So when you are out traveling and staying in hostels you tend to get to meet new people. Some are normal, some are unique, some are creepy, and some just flat out scare you. But whether they scare you or have the possibility of becoming your new best friend you get to notice things that maybe you never gave much thought to.

One thing I have noticed in my traveling is that when you are asked where you are from if you say, "United States" most people reply with, "Oh you're from America!" I really noticed this in Berlin when I was 'rooming' with an older lady from Tazmania. I asked her if she always says America and she said yes. We kind of discussed this a little bit more but overall it was interesting that other nationalities say America instead of United States.

Now why is this so captivating to me? Well on maps, in atlas', it is listed "United States of America." I guess they could just be abbreviating it to "America" but in my conversation with my 'roomy' she said it comes from the history of our country, the free country of America. This made me think that in the books it may be United States of America but to the world we are the land of the free, America. This just makes me smile :)

Good, Bad, and AWESOME!

2009-05-05T08:56:00.011-07:00

Hey All~

I know I always post about my *AWESOME* trips around my dear, gorgeous Germany but I thought I would let you know when and what. Plus I have started a list of the the Good, Bad, and *AWESOME* about Germany (or Europe). So here goes.

When do I return to AMAZING AMERICA?

Answer ~ Still pending. I'm trying to fit in a few extra trips (Paris, Nice, Rome, maybe Denmark). My student teaching ends May 22nd so I will at least be there until then. I plan to maybe be back between June 7th and 15th. (Depends on when the money runs out right??)

It's always best to get rid of the worst right? Then its all fab from there so here is the BAD of my travels.

Most public restrooms you have to PAY 50-80 cents to use the restroom. That is about $1 after exchange rate. I guess if you really need it, its worth it. Otherwise you have to pass the Brezel (pretzel) later on. So be careful with that water eh?
Music! - Not music in general but the music here is just the same in the U.S. That's right, Jason Mraz (I'm Yours), Britney, Kelly, Lady Gaga, and all them. I was looking forward to hearing German pop music. There are a few songs but most are U.S. artists. I do forgive in a way because I guess the reason for U.S. artists is that German words are hard to put to music. The way the language goes it is hard to sing music in German. - I guess that is why most of the famous musicians from Germany are classical composers - they didn't have to write words to their music. But then again there are a lot of famous operas in German...
This one is pretty obvious since I don't speak the local language but a 'bad' thing is not being able to truely communicate with the locals. I would have been able to meet lots of interesting people if only I could say more than, "Hallo" and "Tschuss." But that is nobody's fault besides my own.
So I thought I was so cool. I finally found a copy of December Boys with Daniel Radcliffe. Looks like a good movie. Well, a little lesson. If you buy it in Germany or Europe for that matter and is in English does not mean that it will play on a U.S. dvd player. Yep, something about "cannot play outside of country boundaries." So now I have a copy of December Boys that I cannot and will not be able to watch unless I buy a Germany dvd player. Argh!
I must start this in red to eccentruate my anger. Are you ready? This just might burn your britches too! ~ You have to pay for water at an restaurant! But wait. It gets worse. And its like $3-4!! I usually order water to save money when eating out but if you don't want to die from dehydration during a fabulous meal you have to pay for that natural resource that we will never run out of. And to boot - oh yes, there is more - it's carbonated mineral water. It was hard to stomach it the first few times but I am slowly getting used to it. By the time I get home, I just might be drinking like an European (drink water that is like an European).

K - now the worst is over so on to the GOOD stuff.

Europe is very "environment" friendly thus they recycle. As an 'careless' American I do have to be careful when throwing garbage away because every eye at the train station watches me. You can feel the lasers burn through you when you don't recycle. But I am putting this under GOOD because it is a good thing to recycle. I wish it was pushed more in the U.S. We are very 'trashy' people and we need to be more careful with what we through away and how. ~end of political, environmental plug.
The only 'real' fast food here are McD's and Burger King. I love that the restaurants are not chains. Locals run them all (or most) and I love that they serve you on real plates when you eat at the restaurant. "Take away" you get the paper bag but you feel important when you stay no matter who you are because you get awesome white dishes that are so "ikea". Love it! Just feels like you are spending a lot more than $2 for a croisant.
British TV!! Gotta love our family across the pond! Now I must say that yeah they play re-runs of American TV but they have their own versions of shows like Family Feud (1980s). Their commercials - they shut down London Central Station and EVERYONE dances. Plus who doesn't love a British accent. Oh and I should mention "House of Elliots." Good British soap!
Light switchs. Now I know what you are thinking, "come on Steph, you're in Germany and you fall in love with the light switchs." And I say, "Yep!" They are of simple design, located in convenient places. But another cool thing about the light switches is that if a light is on, say in the bathroom, a little red light is on saying 'occupied'. Love it!

Now for the AWESOME!

"Oh Schnitzel!" You much try it! Nothing like a thin, breaded piece of pork with lemon juice squeezed on top. Mmm Mmm AWESOME! Schnitzel!! ~ And I can have schnitzel almost everyday at the train station.
I love that the little engines "can" in Europe! I am practically connected to anyway place in Europe! Wanna go to Amsterdam - hop on the train. Wanna go to Salzburg - hop on the train. Wanna go anywhere - hop on the train! I Love it! And it usually is not too bad of a price. (Just get your tickets 3+ days before you leave and you usually get a deal). European travel is the next best thing next to having your own car! - It actually might just be better...
Simple and sweet - there are some GOOD, or should I say AWESOME looking Ger'mans' here!
Last thing I'm going to mention in this list is that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE! From day one on the trains trying to drag 4 pieces of luggage through inches of snow to yesterday buying a Doner. I've even been called a "proper woman" by an Irishman. (Great story - maybe someday I'll share it if I haven't). Seriously everyone is your friend even if you can't communicate that with them. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Funny Story: My last post was about the charming castle of Mespelbrunn. The tour of the castle was only in German but there was a flyer that we read in English. Of course there was a gallery in the castle of the royal family dating back to the 1500s or so. One of the daughters was Marie Antionette. When we read about this Marie Antionette we were curious whether or not this Marie Antionette was France's M.A.

The cute tour guide clarified that this is another Marie Antionette (sorry Kirsten Dunst fans, if you do exist, this is not France's Marie Antionette that was beheaded). This is Marie Antionette of Germany, who was a fan of Wilhelm and Jakob Grimm (a.k.a. Brothers Grimm, natives of Germany).

At this time our tour guide informed us that the Grimms spent lots of time at the castle visiting Marie. She was a fan of the brothers' works. In his words, "She liked the Grimm Brothers so they spent time at the castle."

Well, of course our curiosity peeked and we asked, "Liked?" You just never know what 'liked' means. We caught our guide by surprised on asking more. He blushed (he was probably only 18 or so and struggled a little with the English). Through a grin and blushing cheeks he replied, "She 'like liked' the Grimm Brothers." Based on his embarassment and hesitation on his English we got the point.

~Just another Antionette who "like liked" men she couldn't have. But it was funny how the guide got embarassed when he was asked what "liked" meant. Moral of the story...Sometimes things are not lost in translation.

Frankfurt Temple and Mespelbrunn Castle

2009-05-03T11:35:00.007-07:00

"I love to see a temple..." and yesterday I saw Frankfurt, Germany temple. I must start with thanking Sister Gardner for taking me there. It was on my list of "castles" to see here in Germany and I am grateful that I was able to check it off my list. The peaceful feeling of being in a House of the Lord was a vacation from everday life. The pressure of this and that have been hard and it's been harder the last few days so I needed a break. But going to the temple only testified to me that I must work to do my part more. I've made a new resolution (doesn't have to be new year's right?) to attend more. I really don't have an excuse, especially when I get back to AZ. So there you have it; hold me to it!

Side view of the Frankfurt, Germany temple.

Sister Sadler, Sister Gardner, and Me (little ones are Corbin and Landen)

What temple is not complete with Nature's beauty surrouding it?

One the way home we found a jewel in the countryside: Mespelbrunn Castle. It's not Neuschwanstein but it is still a very charming castle. I might have just been on a spiritual high but I really do think that this is one of the most beautiful castles I have seen. Nothing really fancy but with the beauty of the structure and the elegance of the landscape it was very charming. (I just was waiting for Prince Charming to come out. He must have been out hunting...) The tall tower is the oldest part of the castle built in 1500 or so. The royal family that lived there had 22 children!!

Enchanting Mespelbrunn; just makes me want to dance

Photographer's Paradise

View from the courtyard towards the lake

My "College Senior" Pic

Berlin - What can I say...

2009-04-09T05:13:00.014-07:00

I begin this blog from CityStay Hostel in Berlin, Germany. I have about 2 hours till my train leaves so I thought I would begin my record of traveling through Berlin. Why sit at a computer the last little bit you say? Well my feet hurt, my brain hurts from information overload and I am lacking from sleep. So what can I say about Berlin...The people are unique and it shows in very many different ways. Through the clothing, actions, art, and everything about them. Considering the history of this place, being torn apart by different governments, people being separated from loved ones for 30 plus years, and having to rebuild the city with little funding (I heard they are 60 million € in debt) they have come a long way. There are still signs of struggle either through torn down buildings or expression of thoughts in art; it is a different atmosphere than I am used to I guess.

Brandenburg Gate: City gate to Berlin, symbol of Germany history

But I do applaud the courage these people have. It would not be easy to stand up against some of the most powerful leaderships in the world and eventually come out on top. And it is not 100% victory yet. That is evident in the empty lots or building faces made of scaffolding and posters.

Besides the constant sewer smell and the 'european smell' of the spring Berlin does not stink. Its been an overwhelming trip but I have enjoyed seeing and learning more about the culture and history here in Berlin. I have been able to experience and see many different spots that were crucial in the World Wars and Cold War. I have walked along parts of the Wall that divided this nation. I have seen Bebelsplatz where the Nazis burned 22,000 books from Humboldt University that did not coincide with their philosophies.

Then...

Book burning: May 10th, 1933

Now...Bebelplatz: place of book burning

Humboldt University is also a place where the Brothers Grimms went to school and Einstein taught (but only for a short period of time). I have walked in buildings where people feared their lives daily because of injustice. I have stood where people watched other people be shot at and could do nothing to save that person. I have walked through Checkpoint Charlie, where thousands of people risked their lives and lives of loved ones so that they could be reunited. I have had a reality check. And I wonder if I was there what my actions would have been...

Checkpoint Charlie

Part of the Berlin Wall still standing near Checkpoint Charlie

Berliner Dom: church, cool building

Just another creative door on the streets of Berlin.

Also as I have walked and biked (yes I took a bike tour) the streets of Berlin I am really amazed at the continual pull these Berliners have to reconstruct their city and lives. There is enough housing for 11 million but only 3 million live there. The unemployment rate is extremely high and many buildings have yet to be rebuilt from bombings in WWII. In parts of the town you have to look close because you may think you are looking at a new building but it is just scaffolding holding up plastic that is a picture of a building. There is not enough money to build these buildings so they just fill in the empty space with fake buildings. That was very interesting.

Does the building with the green roof look familiar? Maybe you remember seeing it when Michael Jackson dangled his child over the balcony for the crowds?

Bikin' the streets of Berlin

But Berlin was not all wonderment of the past and hope for the future. I did see a little bit of sunbathing "European style." I just don't know why the dude picked a 'shady' spot though...?!?!?!! I had lots of fun on the bike tour, which I highly recommend if traveling to a big city. Berlin is flat so it was an easy ride and why not give your feet a break eh? Check out "Fat Bike Tours" if you what a good time.

Schloss Cecelienhof: Place where Potsdam Conference took place in 1945. Stalin, Churchill, and Truman where present.

Orangerie in Park Sansoucci, Potsdam

Schloss Sansoucci: Summer Palace of Frederick the Great in Potsdam, Germany

Dear ol' Trabi car

Jess, this one is for you! - Ampelmann: new symbol for safe walking in Berlin

Well, that's my thoughts and maybe someday more on Berlin because believe me, there is so much mor to Berlin... Take care, Steph.

Neuschwanstein - my new home...

2009-04-04T23:45:00.012-07:00

AMAZING!! I don't even know how one could build this castle high in the Alps let alone even IMAGINE such a beautiful creation! King Ludwig II may have been diagnosed mentally insane but he sure could have put Martha Stewart in her place. She has nothing on that man!! The only sad thing is that Ludwig never saw the completion of the castle due to 'dying' a.k.a. probably committing suicide in a lake near Munich 7 months before its completion. (3rd floor has never been completed).

I still can't believe I saw this beautiful, breath-taking structure (inside and out). I just thought it was a 3-D puzzle. But no; it is 3-D reality. Now I know why Walt Disney used the castle as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. (I just want to know where Prince Phillip was today...) Due to the lack of flat land, it was hard to take a picture of the whole castle once you where up there. The only other option was to step off the side of the mountain and that castle would be the last thing you saw in this life so the pics come in bits and pieces. I'm going to let you enjoy the pics without much 'commentary' from me. The pictures speak for themselves.

"High on a hill lived a beautiful castle,

La-dee-o-a -la-dee-o-a-a-lay-dee-who"

Entrance to the castle

You are not allowed to take pictures of the inside but you are able to take pictures out the windows so here are a few views from the windows. Oh and the kitchen you were allowed to take pics (or at least I hope-I was in bewilderment of the beauty of the castle and not listening to the tour guide.)

Faucet in the kitchen

Call me the "bag lady"!

Picture in 'front' of the window. If you look at the bottom of the pic you get a little view of the wall decor that is throughout the entire castle. Oh and did I mention lots and lots of gold leafing?

Ms. Mitchell, 1st grade teacher, who accompanied me up the mountain.

Oh before I end this I must mention that it was a beautiful day! I could not have asked for better weather but also it is quite the climb to the castle. Luckily there is a bus that weaves around the mountain but you still have to walk 10 minutes or so to the castle. I recommend water! The view from the mountain is breath-taking with the Alps on one side and a snow-spotted valley on the other with the town of Fussen below. I seriously thought I was walking in a painting because everything was so crisp and aw-mazing! On the walk back down the mountain I thought it would be easier to just roll down. (I do think they should rent out little hot wheel bikes, with brakes of course, to ride down the mountain. It would be AWESOME!) But along the way you have mini water fountains from the snow melting on top of the mountain. Just a little bit more heaven here on earth. For now, Auf Wiedersehen from Germany.

St. Patricks Cathedral

2009-04-03T12:57:00.001-07:00

Dachau - Never Again!

2009-03-28T12:50:00.009-07:00

Dachau Concentration Camp

I must say that I did go to Dachau a few weeks ago and since then, I have pondered what I should say about my first experience at a concentration camp. At one moment in time you are left with a blank mind and the next millions of WHYs, and HOWs race into your mind and it is hard to figure out which one you much attempt to answer first. To know that you have been to a place where mass murders happened - it is still hard to believe it happened. But of course it did - one cannot say that the holocaust did not happen.

Gate that all prisoners entered through to camp. Reads "Arbeit Macht Frei" or "Work for Freedom"

Now the little history lesson of this blog: Dachau was one of the first concentration camps in Germany. It was primarily used for political officials who did not follow Hitler's command and also priests, rabbis and other religious leaders. But it still was the last 'home' to an unknown number of persecuted people. There was some what of a record kept at Dachau of the murders but in the end, right before American soldiers invaded the camp, mass amounts of people were cremated or gassed so 'proof' of the camps work would be erased.

Beds in the Barracks - And you know they didn't have mattresses...

At the camp I did have an audio guide to tell me about certain areas of the camp. This was very nice because I could go at my pace. I was able to concentrate on what I wanted to and process the given information. About 5 hours was the amount of time spent there. Some people could have taken 12 hours some could have done it in 37 minutes but I took 5 hours and still had not seen it all. The museum alone would have been a good 3 hours (for me). But at the 5 hour mark, I had nothing left to give; I had reached a point of emotional and temporal emptiness. The feelings of the environment had drained every ounce of me. I had reached the point of depression.

View from Camp Road. Used to be 32 buildings that housed 50,000 prisoners.

End of Railroad at Dachau

Prisoners view of grounds (back of lot)

Yes, depression had set in at this point, however, I am truely glad I was able to experience and learn, and see the camp. You may be walking on grounds where men, women, and children were robbed of their right to live and believe what they wanted to believe; however, you also sensed the courage of those victims. You sensed their power within to give their best to restore their lives to society. To gain back all that had be ripped from their hands.

Right side: main building where registration, washing, and all personal belongings were striped from prisoners.

Ovens at crematorium

I was warned before going to a concentration camp of the 'feelings' one gets when touring a camp. I was warned that I should not take my time. I was warned that afterwards you feel like an empty blackhole. And may I say that I did experience this all but it was worth it. I am in agreeance that it is very important that we carry the message of Dachau to others. That is that the inhumane things that happened at Dachau and many other concentration camps throughout the world (yes, not just Germany; there are/were other camps out there) that this should NEVER AGAIN happen. We teach history to learn from it and I hope we DO learn from history. I know I have. I am not perfect but I am trying. -- and sorry for this political plug but I am impressed to say that we must be careful of what we support. We must be strong and fight for what is in line with our Heavenly Father's plan. (He is always there to guide us.) Hitler really had no training as a politician. Pretty much he woke up one day and said "I want to control Europe and the world" and the next day, BAM!, he was controlling parts of Europe, destroying families and changing governments for his benefit. I hope we are not blind to leaders in these days that are slowly and secretly robbing us of our rights. It may be this small thing here and that small thing there, but soon it all adds up. Candy is always sweet in the beginning but it always leaves a nasty after taste. -- end of political plug, end of blog.

Monument in 5 different languages pledging that this will happen NEVER AGAIN!

Oh the mood "springs" of Germany!

2009-03-24T11:28:00.005-07:00

On my last post I have a picture of the beautiful yellow flowers that blossomed amist the weeds. Oh the beauty! Well, this picture is from this morning...Just when you expect to see the sun enough to get a pink nose from its rays and not the crisp bite of the cold, you are graced with the white stuff. I'm back to wearing a coat that's for sure. I guess only time will tell for how long.

Oh and I felt like taking a little walk through the Bruckencenter, Ansbach mall, today and I found the cutest hat! Yep, this is girly but since I can't show it to you in person I must do it the 'popular' way of today's society - through the internet. I also bought the earrings all for 9 euros (about $11) so I say, "Not bad, not bad!" ... Now I just can't go back or else I might have to buy the hat in black too...

I Can Breathe!!

2009-03-20T12:27:00.006-07:00

So one of the hardest things I have to do during my student teaching is now over! Yes the reason why I have been absent from blogging and emailing is because I had my observation from the university this week. I am glad it is over but I am glad that it happened. Overall I feel like I did a great job but I know that I am not perfect. It's been a struggle but I can now sleep, put my feet up and enjoy a relaxing night - or at least until I have to hit the grading stack. It keeps growing and growing!!

And oh it has been wonderful but really weird weather. Monday-Wednesday no coat, yesterday and today I DEFINITELY needed one!! There is no snow yet but boy is there a chill in the air and yet there are a few flowers of joy reaching for what sunshine there is here in Germany. These pictures are from along the sidewalk here at the house. So beautiful!

Funny thing is that the flowers where hiding under the snow. Once the snow melted about 2 weeks ago, a few flowers where already blooming. What true fighters!

Black Hawk and Shanooks

2009-03-15T13:18:00.006-07:00

A few weeks back I finally had the opportunity to go to Katterbach base and see some of the helicopters there. Mrs. Wilson, who is one of my cooperative teachers, her husband is a medical pilot and he was nice enough to let me tour his hanger.

Pic 1: Shanook helicopter - this helicopter is big enough to transport vehicles. This one is an older helicopter and probably flew in Vietnam. Besides being big, it was big on smell. The shanook smelled like sweaty dudes. (Hayliegh and Alyn, Mrs. Wilson's daughters in the pic with me.)

Pic 2: Now that I climbed in how do I get out? The apparatuses in the middle of the plane are the gurneys for the injured. The bed swirves around in a circle. (Dustin, Mrs. Wilson's hubby)

Pic 3: I always have wanted to get a pilots license (and that's no lie). But I don't know if I could ever remember what all the buttons do. Luckily the ejection button didn't work...j/k

Welcome Home Dave!

2009-03-12T13:49:00.003-07:00

Its been 3 years in waiting. My brother David has completed his mission for our dear Heavenly Father. I am proud of him and his continuous desire to serve our Lord. This is one of his latest pics on the mish. For being in Italy he really did not get to see much of Rome. I guess he was celebrating when he finally got to go to the Trevi Fountain. (I hope to do the same before I head home).

In short, WELCOME HOME DAVE!!

Munich Part II

2009-03-06T12:11:00.010-07:00

I love these moments when I can't do schoolwork and I get to tell you all how things are going. I am still LOVING Germany!! The sun has been shining for a few days now but we have another storm coming in tonight. I'm thawing as we speak from the walk home from the train. But back to the adventures in Munich...

At the Olympic Park we were able to go to the top of the TV tower. If you remember Jessica and I were with our German tour guide, Tinno a.k.a. German Matt Damon, and a few other guys. One of the guys were dying to go see if you could go to the top of the tower and oh by George you could!! Oh did I mention it was 190 m high!! Luckily there was an elevator and it traveled 7 m per second. The elevator was definitely fast!! At the top we were able to look out at the Olympic park and Munich itself. Wonderful view! Lucky for you, I took pictures so see for yourself.

I think this is BMW headquarters. Just a guess from the big "BMW" on the roof. (Just kidding I know for sure-even went inside.)

Tennis courts at Olympia Park.

Well after heading touring the park we headed back to Marienplatz where we left our fellow Americans and tour guide. Shortly after we said goodbye to dear old Munich. I do hope to go back because there is still a lot to see. Uhmm, maybe next weekend?

Go Nurnberg Red Devils!!

2009-02-24T12:02:00.010-07:00

I can officially say that I have been to a Deutsch Fussball game!! And it was more than I expected - and I was expecting a lot. The crowd was crazy and the game was exciting. Not to mention Mr. Young, my cooperative teacher winning 100 euros at half time. You want the story? Here goes...

Mr. Young is a fan! He played soccer, his kids play soccer, he watches, breathes, eats, and sleeps soccer. (Not to tattle but he was watching the draw for some cup today during class.) Anyways, Mr. #1 FCN fan has season tickets for the Nuremberg Red Devils and since he won the opportunity to have dinner with some player he was nice enough to give his tickets to Jess and I. I really have nothing to complain since the tickets where front row. Excellent view of everything! Did I mention front row??

Yep, that is my best pic wouldn't you say?! I must mention that I am glad that I have a black coat and gray scarf otherwise I would have felt out of place. I would say 99.9999999% of the clothing in that stadium was red, black, or white. They have team spirit beyond what you would think is even possible! (Lobos could learn a little bit from them. Sorry to say but you all know its true.) Here are a few more pics from the game...

Team warming up.

"Flag ceremony" as players were announced and entered the field.

I say those flags had to be heavy.

Hmmm, I wonder if the Germans favor soccer over football??!! Not to mention this was the 'fan' area. The area has no seats, just cement stairs and this section cheered and sang the whole game. The sound was absolutely awesome! (I only wish I knew the words so I could have joined the party.)

We did win the game! Not bad for the first game of the season. The best part of the game was when it started to snow. It topped off the night.

I have lost my life to grading.

2009-02-24T12:00:00.002-07:00

So besides planning and hoping that your lesson is carried out well and the students are able to understand you, life as a teacher is eaten up by grading papers! I feel like I am constantly grading and not able to even eat because it takes time away from gading.

Hopefully this week with Terra Nova testing I will be able to get a better handle on it all but only time will tell.

P.S. I have tried to post stuff this week, finish the blog on Munich but blogspot has been SO slow this week and I can't load pics so I am trying to get stuff posted.

Backerei ein Oberdachstetten

2009-02-24T11:47:00.003-07:00

So I have been here a few weeks and had yet to go inside a "German" backerei (bakery) that was not in the mall or train station. It was definitely time. This is a pic of the delicious bread we bought at the backerei here in Oberdachstetten. The only this is that it was hard to keep fresh because it dried out too fast.

Oh it was a sweet white bread with raisins in it. I don't remember the name of it-something that starts with an "H." The crust seemed to be glazed with something (and no I am not referring to the saran wrap). Mmmm, mmmm good!

Kiss me! I've Been to Ireland!!

2009-02-24T11:31:00.018-07:00

FYI - I started this blog when I got back from Ireland however, I have not had time to finish telling my adventure till now...

I have come to the conclusion that I can no longer fly! Mom and Dad, if you ever see me in person again, you might have to pick me up at Los Angles harbor because I can no longer fly and will have to sail home. It just doesn't work for me. After spending 6 days in U.S. airports I think the TSA saw me enough on security cameras, past my information to all airports in the world, and now they all make sure if I, Stephanie S., am scheduled to fly somewhere, something must happen; they must either cancel or postpone my flight.

Now that I have set up the drama I will tell you quickly that after making a 5+ hr train trip to Frankfurt Hahn airport due to weather in London, our flight was cancelled. Jessica and I were headed out for our 4-day weekend to 'english speaking' countries, London and Ireland but no, it was bad weather in London so our flight was cancelled. Did I mention it was already 11 pm? And it was Friday the 13th? Needless to say, we rescheduled our flight to go straight to Dublin and we missed London. :( Con - no Prince William yet. Pro - more days in lovely Ireland!

Once we were on the ground in Ireland, all was okay. The first thing that was glorious was being able to converse with little or no confusion. Communicating in Germany has not been all that bad but it is nice when you can speak, joke, and communicate in your primary language. Jess and I had reserved a car for all the days we were in Dublin but once we were there we decided to just walk around. I'm glad because it would have been really hard to drive in Dublin on the wrong side of the road. But more on driving later...

Of course public transportation in Europe countries are AWESOME! Bus or train - no matter what you need you can get there with public transportation. So we hopped on the bus outside the airport and I knew at that moment that I was in Ireland where they know humor. It was great to laugh. But that driver was a jokester. Of course now I don't remember what happened but he teased me and I was a little bit embarassed but at the same time it brightened my day. Thanks Mr. Bus Driver!

From the airport to our hostel, we drove through a tunnel that I swear was 10 km long! Jess tried holding her breathe at first but there was no way she was going to make it. After our mini-tour of Dublin we found our hostel and I my germ-aphobia came to the surface. The hostel was not dirty...well a little, but this is Stephanie S. from little town of Taylor, USA. I didn't know what to expect but really you can't have much expectations of hostels. Long story short, I had to use the blanket Jess brought because I wouldn't get in the covers (until I got cold during the night) and put my towel over the pillow. Nothing looked dirty, I was just freaking out. Since we arrived one night earlier than our scheduled time we did get a nice view with the 4 bed dorm. Luckily, no one else showed up so we didn't have to share.

Front of Kinley House, our hostel. The window on the 2nd floor in the middle was our room the first night in Dublin.

Our room - not bad eh? I was just germaphobic to much to enjoy it. But what do you expect for 15 euros a night...

Of course we were starving when we got there so we hopped across the street to a pub/restaurant that was recommended by the 'hostel bellboy'. Let's say we THANKED him for the recommendation. And I am sad to say that my first meal in Ireland was not corned beef but a hamburger. But before you get on my case, it was one of the most delictable hamburgers that I have ever had. So flavorful with onions, juicy, with a ciabatta bun. Mmm Mmm good! And the fries...this is proof of my sheltered life. People put malted vinegar on fries and oh my word! There is no other way (except for ketchup) to eat fries. Not even ice cream beats it. I'm craving it as I type this its so good. Anyways, it was a delicious first meal that was greatly needed because we had little to eat since lunch on Thursday at school. And FYI-its not yellow mustard or french mustard in Ireland - its English mustard. Go fig...

After filling up our tanks, Jess and I walked around to burn off the several hundred calories we ate and toured a little bit in our neighborhood. Just a street away from the Dublin Castle. Unfortunately we never got to go on a tour but here are some outside pictures.

After that we headed to Temple Bar. No it is not a drinking bar filled with 150 guiness beers, it is names Temple Bar after the Temple family and is coined "Dublin's Cultural Center." Really it was little tourist shops, little cafes with a few pubs. But it was cute and magical.

That was the first day. Second day had a few highlights too. To save our feet we purchased tickets for the city tour double decker tour bus. We were able to do Dublin in one day with the bus and it was very nice. If we had more time we would have spent more time doing things but we did get to see a lot. Instead of a play by play, here's a pic by pic...

Dublin is famous for its different colored doors. The reason for the colored doors is decades ago it is said that one night a man was so drunk that he wandered into the wrong house and went to bed. Well when the real husband got back and saw his wife in bed with another man he shot the drunk that was 'in bed with his wife.' So to make sure drunks at night don't wander into the wrong house, each door is painted a different color on each street.

Me on Half Penny Bridge (pronounces Ha'penny). When the bridge was first constructed you had to pay half a penny to cross the bridge. It is one of 17 bridges in Dublin that cross the Liffey River.

For lunch we eat at M.J O'Niell's pub. Who is M.J. you ask? I don't know but the restaurant is over 300 yrs old and the food was delicious. I couldn't eat another meal without eating authentic corned beef and potatoes so I did it. Oh my, no offense to you mom but M.J.'s is awesome! Maybe it was the Guiness beer gravy (which I honestly didn't know was the ingredient until afterwards but it was awesome. The roasted potatoes - I've got to learn how to make those. Honestly the best potatoes ever! Oh and I must mention the bathroom. Yep, the bathroom ROCKED! Of course you go two stories down into the dungeons of Dublin but with blacklights and the coolest hand dryer by Dyson, you forget you are deep down in the earth. Yes, each stall was lit by a blacklight. Very interesting but very cool at the same time.

Corned Beef w/parsnip gravy, Cabbage, and roasted potatoes.

My Valentine gave me this rose. And it doesn't bother me that everyone else in the restaurant got one either.

This had been a heavy day already so we headed to the bus and rode it back to our hostel where we hung out in the t.v. room. This is where I literally almost lost my delicious food and really wondered what kind of place I was staying. There was a not so clean woman in the t.v. room and I actually saw her...sorry while I settle my stomach...I saw her eat a scab!! OH yes! It was the most grotesque moment of my life!!! Sorry but I had to share.

Day 3, Sunday, we decided to take a drive through the country. Even though it was mid-winter, we were still able to enjoy some beautiful scenery. Oh before I go on about that, yes Ireland drives on the left side of the road so I was very nervous picking up the rental car. Ask Jess, I was nervous and so grumpy. I was so afraid I was going to run into oncoming traffic. Luckily nothing happened, well except for when Jess drove. She accidently headed done a one-way road (but I probably assisted in that with my directions so I don't blame her 100%) and luckily there was a turning lane that no one was in so all was okay.

Our drive was to Blarney castle where we headed to kiss the 'stone' was beautiful. Ireland is still green in the winter time. I know they say that you don't know what people have done to that stone and hundred or so people kiss it a day so that is just plain gross. Well, I did feel safe because they had bottles of sanitizer there so I know it was not covered in centuries of left-over kisses and more. Blarney was absolutely beautiful!! Definitely the top destination so far in Europe! Oh the scenery, oh the climb! To get to the stone you had to climb the most tightly wound staircase for 5+ stories. If you see the pics, you will understand. Enjoy as we did at the castle.

The VERY nervous driver - can't even give a smile for the camera...

Our Little Speedster - How cute!

Outside of Blarney - don't take the size for granted...especially if you go up to the stone.

How many steps you say? I lost count after the 2 floor.

Stuck in the wet, cold, dun-dun-dungeon

Well that is all for Ireland for now. I have a LOT more to tell about Ireland and LOTS more pics. (I am averaging between 100-200 pics per trip). I have 3 pages in my notebook full of memories. But another time and another day.

Snow Day!!

2009-02-24T11:22:00.007-07:00

I think I have officially seen the most constant daily snow storm in my whole life. I know what you are thinking, "you live in Arizona. How can you compare AZ winter to German Winter?" Well, all I am saying is that it has snowed every day for the last 2 weeks. It may be a sciff here and a blizzard here but it has snowed constantly. I am now complaining it has been fun but bring on spring! I want to see Europe in full color :)

But then again, I want it to keep snowing so we can have one more snow day. We have only had one with all this snow so can't I just get one more? I guess I need to have another one on one with the Commander. Also, since it has snowed everyday for 2 weeks the kids have had no 'true' recess for a long time so they are getting pretty antsy.

Well, we couldn't take it anymore last Friday. The kids needed to get out and get some exercise so us 4th grade teachers rebelled and took out the kids. Here are a few pics of the kids running around having fun. Unfortunately...who am I kidding - luckily I didn't have any snow boots so I didn't get to play. I wasn't going to have cold feet the rest of the day like the rest of them. :)

Oh the priceless smiles!!

You would think Big Foot was trying to eat these boys but they were just afraid of the camera.

Munich and Matt Damon, Part 1

2009-02-08T08:53:00.012-07:00

I am really excited to write this blog. The post has been sitting in my 'edit' box for awhile but I must write now. And I have about 1 hour to do it so here goes.

07.02.09 - No not, July 2nd 09, but February 7th, 2009 (yes that is how they write the date here in Europe - very confusing, still getting used to it) Jessica, other student teacher for DoDDS, and I headed to Munich via train at 7:34 am. It started with a 7 minute walk to the train, wrapped in our coats, scarfs, gloves, hats, and double layered socks. We then took the train to Treuchligten, switched trains and connected to Munich. We arrived about 10:30ish and the real fun was about to begin.

First thing off the train in Munich we were a little nervous because of a supposed "non-violent" demonstration that was to happen in Marienplatz (Mary's square) there in Munich. I guess Joe Biden was in town meeting with the Iraqi president and other world leaders so the Europeans took the opportunity to exercise the right of speech/complaint/drama/hippy days or something like that. (The military had sent out a warning but everyone told us to still go-all would be fine). Anyways, right off the train there was several groups, each about 20+, polizei or squat team members tramping through the train station. And I should say it is very intimidating because of the way they walk. Outside the train station police vans and cars were wizzing by, patroling the city.

After we failed at finding an actual map of Munich to help us navigate we set out with my hand-drawn map from googlemaps.com to find Marienplatz before the demonstration started. We were able to find it with no problem but it wasn't hard to find once you found the crowd of protestors and shoppers heading the same way you were going. Once to Marienplatz, we looked in a few stores for it is mainly a wide street with shops on both sides. We were able to also find Frauenkirsche (Church of Our Lady). This church is an icon of Munich. It has beautiful architecture in and out. We spent about 30 minutes there, enough to warm up. And now a few pics (I know haven't posted any for awhile).

Interior of Frauenkirche, built in 1468-88

Organ in Frauenkirche, I so would like to have played it!! Or hear it for that matter.

Church over yet?! Just me sitting on a bench.

After the Frauenkirche, we headed to the main center of Marienplatz. This is where the Glockenspiel is which is a big clock and under the clock is a place where at certain times figures come out and enact the Dance of the Coopers. We didn't have time to wait for noon since the square was beginning to fill with protestors and militia so we took a few pictures. We tried not to talk while we were there since the demonstration was against Americans. (Hmm, yeah we are smart eh?!) I really don't have a good picture of the Glockenspiel but I hope to have time to go back before I leave.

Glockenspiel is at the bottom of this picture where the greenish-portion of the building is with red in the middle.

Zoomed out, you can see the sqaure filling up with demonstrations. If you look closely at the bottom of the picture in the middle you can see a man in the background. He was going on and on in German about something to do with the demonstration.

Just a cool building and clock on one end of Marienplatz.

After our quick-view of Marienplatz we headed to Hofbrauhaus. Hofbrauhaus is the famous beer hall in Munich, the place where Oktoberfest originated. An those who know me know that this was not on my 'top 10 things to see in Munich' but Jessica had to go so I tagged along. It should have been a sign that it was not meant to be since we got lost but thanks to my good sense of direction, which some of you can testify of (not mentioning any names Mom and Lynell), we were able to find it. But just before we found it we stopped at a little pizza joint and ate some delicious pizza. It wasn't Bits great but it was delicious considering we hadn't eaten anything for 6 hrs. Once we got to Hofbrauhaus it took us another 10 minutes to figure out who would seat us. Finally we found a 'rude' waiter who said, "Just sit." So of course we sat. Jess got her beer and drank and drank and drank. I don't know how big that thing was but it was probably just under a gallon. It took her 2 1/2 hours to drink it! Yeah me! I shouldn't complain because from there it kind of got better. I was kind of down because we had lost time since we got lost and I was sitting forever in a beer hall but soon came along a group of 6 gentlemen who sat at our table. It was an eclectic group 3 Americans, 2 Asians, and one delicious Matt Damon.

Oh yes, Matt Damon - the german version! Okay so it wasn't the real Matt Damon but boy did this German beauty look like him. And I should mention it now of how sad I am that we never got a picture but please believe me. We were not brave enough to get a picture of him. But time to stop the girl talk, we became friends with this group of guys and they offered for us to tag along with them. Since they were pretty much heading our way and they had a map and 'german Matt Damon" who knew the way we could not reject the offer. (Don't worry mom and dad, they were all very nice and I didn't get a creepy feeling. It felt like a blessing since we had already had been lost in a city with a protest against Americans going on.) We then headed back through Marienplatz, where the protest had begun but it really sounded and looked like a festival or parade because it was all happy music and dancing, to BMW Museum and Olympic park.

Besides drooling over our German tour guide, who's real name is Tinno, we drooled over all the beautiful cars in the museum. I think the cheapest we found was 75000 euros which would probably be about $125,000. I put one on layaway. I should pick it up at a quarter past NEVER! The building was magnificent also!

BMW-museum or in German BMV

The Olympics where held in Munich in the summer of 1972. Today the facilities are used for local events, soccer for profession and amateur games along with concerts. We were able to go into the swimming hall where Mark Spitz set is 7 gold medal record. Sadly we saw many amateurs belly flop it from the high dive. When they hit the water, you thought there were 20 guns going off at the same time. Had to hurt!

Swimming hall where Mark Spitz set his 7 gold medals record.

Sadly this is where I must end for this portion of "Hanie in Germany." I do have more to share about Munich but due to early mornings I must head to bed now. Check your local computer screen for the next blog in a day or so.

Virginia Coalition

2009-02-08T08:52:00.002-07:00

A few weekends back (yes, I am still catching up on telling you about my fun here in Germany) I had the opportunity to go to a concert at one of the other bases here in Germany. Luckily the nurse at the school has a daughter who is in charge of activities on Katterbach Base so we were invited to go to the concert. She also arranged for us to get a ride to the base since Jessica and I don't have a car and the train does not go to Katterbach. So concert night we were picked up by 3 soldiers in a Red Mercedes. But don't get too excited, it was a Mercedes 8-passenger van. German grandma next door has a fancier date car! The soldiers were pretty nice too, well at least on the way there but more on this later.

So the concert was of a new band on tour in Europe called Virginia Coalition. The concert was awesome!! I really enjoyed it. As of now, they do have a place on my ipod. We also got free cds of their album so I get to enjoy their music anytime I want to. (Check out their website www.virginiacoalition.com). But this post is not just an advertisement or sales-pitch for the band. There is more to the night.

After the concert, we had to wait for our "chauffeurs" to clean up since they are on the base's activity committee. So we waited, and waited, and waited. While we waited we also got to meet and greet the band. Well since we were waiting and waiting for our "chauffeurs" to do their job, we got to talk a lot with the band members. We talked about how they became a group, where they have had concerts, where they were going. It was cool. Time was soon winding down for us to go when the drummer dude invited us to dinner!! Wow! Me, invited to dinner with a touring band. Needless to say I was pretty estatic that this was happening. Luckily our "chauffeurs" were invited too so we were able to go. That's right, no ride on the tour bus darn it. We then headed to a local italian restaurant. (Yeah we are in Germany and head to an italian restaurant. Ironic eh?)

At the restaurant, we were not the smartest gals. There were places at one end of the table and some at the other end. Which end did we sit at? Oh, yes the one not at the end with the band!! Jess and I did get to sit by the manager and head singer but all they did was talk business. We regret it to this day but we really could not change our seats once we realize what we had sat. From then the night only got worse.

We soon said goodbye to Virginia Coalition and they headed to their next stop on their tour. Unfortunately we still had the ride home. I did mention earlier that the ride to the concert was pleasant but on the way home I was shocked by the language I heard from the soldiers, well actually one and he really got on my nerves. I 'swear' he talked the whole way home which was about 30 minutes and 29 1/2 minutes of this time he said the "f" word and every other cuss word in the 'trash-book'. Ahhhh!! He wasn't even making sense! (And he wasn't drunk either.) I wanted to call up the commander (whom I had previously met that night) and tell him how disrespectful this kid had been! (And I could do that actually.) But I didn't want to get into all that.

Overall it was a fun time and if Virginia Coalition ever makes it to the 'big charts' I can really brag that I saw them in concert and had dinner with them "back in the days." Oh, and I was a lucky winner of the night. During the concert there was a raffle and I won! I didn't win the ipod docking station but I did win "The Littliest Big Man" (or something like that), the biography of some wrestler! Yeah BABY Yeah!! I accidently forget to forget it in the van but eh its I nice space-taker on my dresser. Just haven't been in the mood to watch a movie about WWF. Crazy aren't I??!!!!

Ridin' the Train

2009-02-08T08:51:00.002-07:00

I LOVE TRAINS!! I love how convenient they are, that you are able to get from place to place with no problem (most of the time), no rush hour, and lots of people to watch. Unfortunely, it goes vice versa with people being able to watch you and hear you. The downside is that we can't understand what the others are saying. Sound thing called 'not speaking the language' or something like that. But here are two stories about Jess and I on public transportation in Germany...

Story #1
When you meet someone, there is always a lot to learn about the other person and you most likely have a lot to share with them because you have stories to tell that they have never from you. When you have 30 minutes to spare on a bus with this new person, you have a tendency to get carried away. Well, when I first got here to Germany the train between Oberdachstetten and Ansbach was out of service due to a broken water line so the usual 10 minute ride on train ended up being 30 minutes on bus. Jessica and I were just getting to know each other and one day we got carried away with talking about hot actors like Orlando Bloom. About half way through the ride, it dawned on us that we were literally the only ones talking on the bus. And yes, we were not whispering either. That was the first time we realized that the bus was also 95% male passengers. We bother bust up laughing!! Even though we cannot understand German, the majority of Germans understand English. This bus of males was totally eavesdropping on our conversation about hot guys in Hollywood. EMBARRASSING!!! - We did not talk the rest of the trip but it wasn't silent because we could not stop laughing. Pretty much since then we haven't talked much during our trips unless we are alone. - Moral of the story and advice to future foreign travelers: Most people still understand English so beware of what you say.

Story #2
In an upcoming blog I will tell you about my adventure to Munich but for now, I must share the train ride home. The trip was wonderful but I had a lot to plan for the upcoming week with it being Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday. Mr. Young, my cooperative teacher and lent me his ipod because he had downloaded some history channel shows about Lincoln to see if I could use any for my lesson. Well, I had heard enough about bogus claims about Lincoln so I thought I would browse what other shows was on the ipod. The angels sang as I saw "The Office" new episode. The episode's name is "Fire Safety." If you are an "Office" fan, you might agree that this episode is one of the top episodes! It was hilarious (with a few slow points) but overall it rocked! So the first few minutes of the show, Dwight is trying to teach the rest of the office that they should have paid better attention to his fire safety presentation the other day. To get their attention he sets fire to a trash can and the rest must be watched. As I watched, I bursted out in uncontrollable laughter. Jessica gave me weird looks and I shared the funny moments with her. She started cracking up, both of us could not stop because it was so funny. Now I should mention the guys on the other side of the aisle. This German guy just gave me the weirdest look. Between gasps of air and my laughter I finally burst out "Funny show." I didn't get the kindest look at that moment and I could only imagine what was going through his head but I was loosing calories as I laughed and he was only gaining wrinkles from his furrowed brow. Moral of this story: Laughter is good for the soul. Just be careful where you watch "The Office" if you don't want grouchy people frowning at you.

First lesson with a little "Ross and Rachel"

2009-02-08T08:20:00.006-07:00

So this past week I took a bigger step into teaching. I gave my first lessons in Social Studies. Everything went well. The kids are still getting used to me being another authority figure in the classroom and not just someone who sits in the back of the classroom. There is a good mixture of personalities in the classroom so there has yet to be a boring moment.

Tomorrow I start teaching Math which I am very nervous about because this isn't 1+1 math. I hope I am able to teach and deliver the lesson clearly so I "leave no child left behind." (Gotta love NCLB 2001 eh?). I also am putting together a lesson on Abraham Lincoln to celebrate his 200th b-day this Thursday so that will be interesting.

Oh and to share a "Friends" moment that happened the other day in the classroom. So 4th grade, girls no longer chase the boys or vice versa; cooties no longer exist. As a boy and girl walked into the classroom the other day they arguing about something. I caught the last of it when the boy says, "He doesn't want to break up with her; he only wants to take a "break!"" And yes he did the quotating fingers when he said "break." I totally was dumbfounded. How in the world would 4th graders know about 'breaking up' and 'being on a break'? ??? Too much adult tv I guess...

Nurnberg, Germany

2009-02-08T07:16:00.009-07:00

Okay, yes it has been a long time since my last post but it is not because I think I am too cool for all you who reside in the states. I am not that European yet (j/k). No actually everyone has been really nice. I have only had a few people stare or glare at me because I don't speak the language(s) here but hey, I bring $ to their businesses so really they should not complain.

I went to Nurnberg 2 weeks ago and I definitely had a very enjoyable time. Our adventure (Jessica, Ms. Deatherage, and I) started at the Documentation Centre which is located on the Nazi Party Rally Grounds. All the pictures you see about the Nazi Party Rallies happened here in the 1920-1930s. The centre was part of the Kongresshalle which was built to look like the Colliseum in Rome because Hitler was fascinated by Roman rule and architecture. Below is a few pictures of the building.

This is a photo of a photo but this is an aerial view of the Kongresshalle. The square shaped portion on the right side is where the Documentation Centre is.

Outside view of the Kongresshalle (pic by me this time).

This picture is taken from a "half bridge" or "plank" that you walk out on to see the middle of the 'colliseum'. Yeah it was a little scary because you have to put your faith in suspension and metal flooring but you also get a great view of the inside.

The Documentation Centre is really a museum of pictures from the start of Hitler becoming the German Fuhrer to the end of the Nurnberg trials. You look at pictures and listen to audio about each successive moment of Hitler and the Nazi Party. It was very interesting to hear about the justification of Hitler and is party and how they munipulated the people of Germany, Poland, and other countries so that they could control Europe. Unbelievable! I highly recommend it. The other thing about the musuem is that it takes place in the rooms of where the Nazi Party planned their take-over. Everyone once in a while I would just pause and think that such disturbing moments in history took place where I was standing. I have walked where Hitler walked. - I am just at a loss of words for how I felt because so many people suffered things that all of us cannot even begin to comprehend. And as much as you come to put this fact together and this fact you still wonder how World War I & II and the holocaust still happened!

After our scary walk out on the 'plank' we headed to Zeppelin Field. Zeppelin Field is where Hitler made most of his speeches. When the U.S. reached Nurnberg they blasted the swastika on top of the stand. Pic below is of the U.S. Soldiers celebrated their defeat of the Nazi Regime after blowing up the swastika.

Me on the steps at Zeppelin Field.

Pic from the ground, where the fence is on the top-left of the picture used to be pillars but in the 1970s the pillars were removed.

This picture is of a broken stature of Hitler's face and a German soldier's cup. This was in a hole in the flooring of the Documentation Center.

Well, that was my adventure in Nurnberg. We also went to the Germanische Museum which is an art musuem. Of course I have no pictures of that since they are not allowed but I did get to see some Rembrandt, Durer, and more.

My First Day of Student Teaching!

2009-01-26T11:44:00.002-07:00

I can't believe that it is finally here!! Besides being in Europe, I feel like I am constantly dreaming because I have now officially started my last semester of college. (Well, at least for now and I will be officially a college grad soon). Yeah, 119 days to go! - I'm not counting the days till I leave but the days I have left before I graduate!!

Rothenburg, Germany

2009-01-26T09:25:00.012-07:00

First lesson in German - Rothenburg is pronounced Row-ten-berg. Okay now that that is over, let's move on.

Rothenburg is a medieval village about 18 km from where I am. Within the fortress they filmed the old version of "Brother's Grimm". (Sorry not the Matt Damon version girls). Once you enter the 'town limits' you climb stairs and walk along a wall that is probably 2 or so miles long. Along this wall you can look out at the rooftops of Rothenburg and the other side is a stone wall with a few peep holes that were used as spyholes or a place to shoot arrows at intruders. That's the summary, now here's the pics!:

Picture through one of the peepholes. Nice view eh?!

So cute isn't it!!

Rothenburg is now a tourist town but at the same time it really did not feel like it. They had shops galore with beautiful teapots, cuckoo clocks, souvenirs, and small cafe's. It was a very nice and relaxing environment. We just walked the streets, looked at the beautiful buildings and checked out the cute stores. One of the stores is the famous Kathe Wohlfarte collection. The store is full of Christmas ornaments, more than you can even imagine! They even have a museum but we didn't feel like spending the money or time there. Check it out online. It is amazing!

Truck parked outside Kathe Wohlfahrt store.

The rest of the pictures are of some buildings that I thought were pretty cool. Also the pic of me on the stairs is in front of St. Jakobschricke church. We didn't get to go in but apparently there is a scene of Christ and Judas that is remarkable and also a huge organ. I hope to go back there again so maybe next time.

Just a cool looking clock down one of the streets.

This last picture is somewhat of a famous scenery spot from Germany. Mom, you will have to check and see if that puzzle I bought before I left is a picture from Rothenburg and is part of this scenery. And somewhere there is supposed to be an old castle but I don't think I got a picture of it. Maybe I will go back when its spring so everything will be in bloom. Oh how gorgeous that will be!! - Jan 24th, 2009

Next post...Nurnberg, home of the Nazi Party Rallies and Nurnberg Trials

The Journey - 1st blog from Germany

2009-01-24T11:37:00.005-07:00

So do you want the long version or the short. Short version is that it took me 6 days to get to Germany but I am finally here. For the long version continue on or else skip to the red writing.

So to begin my flight was scheduled to leave Sunday, 18th January at 8am. I was not able to get on the flight to Atlanta because it was full (I had a stand-by ticket). Little did I know that the valley had thousands of extra visitors for the NFC championship game, P.F. Chang's Rock and Roll marathon, and Barrett-Jackson car show. Not to mention people leaving AZ for the inauguration in D.C. I tried for a 1:30pm flight but it was overbooked so I definitely didn't get on the flight. So I then called my sister to pick me up and decided to try again. What's one more day eh? Monday came, no available flight. I then tried for a flight at 1am Tuesday. Yep, that one was full because so many other people had been bumped from previous flights the last 2 days they filled up the supposedly 'empty' red eye flight. Well, the next flight to Atlanta was 6 am so I decided instead of having Heather bring me back in just a few hours that I would wait. We did go to Denny's and had some delicious pancakes and then we slept in the car (or at least closed our eyes) until 4am. Luckily I did make that flight because it was time to get somewhere. I thought I was on my way. Yipee!!

I hadn't even mentioned yet that during my days in the airport, my luggage had traveled across the U.S. I guess just like me they wanted to go to New York. I don't know why my luggage got special treatment but I certainly wanted to know the secret. Needless to say the workers where supposed to NOT load my luggage UNTIL I boarded an airplane. Well, someone must have misread the bright green tag that read "stand-by baggage" and loaded it on the first flight I tried to get on. Then since my next flight was going to go to New York, they sent my luggage from Atlanta to New York. Yeah, it kind of made me nervous not able to see my luggage. And luckily I had packed some extra clothes in my carry-on. Now we continue on with the rest of the story...

So I finally made it to Atlanta. My flight landed about 15 minutes before the inauguration so I headed to my next gate even though my connecting flight was 5 hours away. I got there and pretty much the whole airport paused for the inauguration. It was kind of cool to be there in the South for the 'momentous' occasion of the first black-president. Anyways, after that I needed to check on my luggage because I didn't want to it to not make it to Frankfurt. Well, short story-I spent the next 2 hours trying to track down my luggage which had not been sent back to Atlanta from New York even though it had been requested 24 hours earlier. I then was not able to make the flight from Atlanta to Frankfurt because I could not leave the USA without them and they could not fly from New York to Frankfurt without me. Yep, once again I was left in an airport with no flight out. Luckily my cousins live in Atlanta so I spent the next 2 days with them. What's that? 2 days you say? Oh yeah! The next day we tried for a flight from Atlanta to Frankfurt once my luggage was in but that flight was cancelled due to mechanics. (Glad to know they DO check the planes right?) So yet again I was delayed another day. - side note again, thinking that I was definitely getting on this flight because there were a lot of open seats I had put my shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, and stuff in my checked luggage. - Thursday I spent the morning hanging out with my wife's cousin Kelli, who is awesome may I just say, and we went to a chinese restaurant. I'm thinking I should have eaten Chinese a few days earlier so I could have gotten a furtune cookie before this. But I did not just receive one fortune, I received four! At this point in time, I definitely was in need of 4+ fortunes! My favorite, which gave me hope, read "Keep up the good work. You will soon be rewarded." I took this as a good sign that my flight that was 2 hours away would get me to were I needed to go. And as luck would have it, I did!! Wahoo! Let me tell you it was so great to get in the air again.

The flight over here was fine and wonderful. First class was an exciting experience!! Definitely paid off all the hectic stuff I had been through the last few days. Even though I was able to lay down all the way, on a full stomach I really didn't sleep much. I wasn't really tired because it was 2pm to me but I think I got enough rest that it helped me push through the next 24+ hours of having to stay awake to beat jetlag. I got to watch new release movies for free, first course was hummus stuff and it didn't look appetizing so I didn't touch it, soup, and spinach salad. The soup was pretty spicy. The first bite I was coughing because it was so spicy. Hopefully no one saw my reaction because they probably thought I didn't like it but I did. I didn't have anyone next to me so that was nice too. For the 'main' course I ate sun-dried tomatoes w/ravioli. It was delicious! But I was pretty full so I only ate half of it. Then came dessert-oh wait, it never came!! Mark and Mike (my cousins who are pilots) told me to definitely try the ice cream sundae so I was going to go for it. I didn't want the fruit and the lady took my order for the sundae but she never gave me any!! I kept waiting and saw that no one was eating it either so I didn't think of it much until they stopped walking the aisles. I was bummed! Oh well, less calories right?!

Next was customs after landing. When I was going threw customs, the guy checking my passport kind of gave me a hard time since I didn't have a visa. So that definitely scares me for my return because one dude on base said that you have to leave the EU (Europe) area in order for it to count not part of your 90 days. So hope that I can reenter the U.S. with no prob cause Italy is not going to solve my problem like I thought it would. Going to the UK might though, we will just have to wait and see. (If not then NAU is in trouble because they advised me not to get a visa eventhough I am going to be over 90 days!)

My bags were the first on the baggage claim carousel so that was a relief to stop worrying about whether they were there or not. I also think everything arrived safely. I was afraid that some of my clothes had fallen out when my luggage ripped but it all looks good. --Whao! I forgot to add this to the list but when my luggage returned from New York, my brand-new luggage had ripped all along the top seam on one of my pieces. Luckily the airline had extras on hand to replace it.

My next problem was finding the train station!! Seriously I had to go up a floor, walk 100 feet, catch shuttle, go back down, walk 100 feet, go up, go down, get ticket, go down, and then get on the train. Let me say that with stairs/escalators or whatever it is not fun with all the luggage I had. My last down to the train only was escalator and I couldn't take the luggage cart so this indian guy who also had lots of luggage, just grabbed my carryon (which had me laptop bag tied on) and just sent it down the escalator. Well, needless to say I am glad my laptop is still in one piece because from it 'falling' down the escalator I was afraid it might have broke. All I'll say is that they need elevators and little lift door things (like what they have an handicap vans) to lift people with heavy luggage onto the train. My shoulder is a little out today. I think from lifting my bags hundreds of times. I had to get on and off 3 trains, 1 bus, and then 2 cars yesterday. (The 2 cars were Mr. Young, who picked me up at the station, and then Ms. Deatherage when we came home.) There were a lot of gentlemen who helped me (which I was nervous about) but I am glad they were nice, honest people who helped me and didn't rob me cause they just smiled at me while they grabbed my luggage. It was just scary when people kept reaching for my luggage to help because I just wasn't sure what they were going to do. :)

I was able to meet some of the teachers at the school once I FINALLY arrived at Ansbach. The teachers are really nice. I will have to re-introduce myself to them on Monday because when I met them yesterday I looked horrid!! I have proof because its on my base id!! So much for dates! I will now be know as the ugly-traveling-student-teacher on base! Oh, yeah, I had to get my id asap I guess. It was raining/snowing when I got here and after standing at bus/train stations over and over my hair did its wacky curly thing. And I didn't have makeup on AND I hadn't brushed my teeth for 48 hours because I had put my hygeine stuff in my big luggage once it got back from New York not expecting the flight to be cancelled. AND I had worn my black undershirt for 4 days without washing it but it was the only thing I had AND I was lacking in sleep! (I know TMI right but there was nothing I could do with no luggage for 5 days!) After I got ready today I went down stairs and Ms. Deatherage's reply was "WOW, You really do look different!" In my head I said Yeah tried telling you that yesterday but just smiled. It was wonderful to feel and look like a normal human being.

Well, that is the beginning adventure(s) and I have more because I did get to see a cute medieval-ish town today. I'll prepare the post tonight or tomorrow so look for more. Don't worry it will be more pics and less 'talk'.

Christmas, New Year's, A Week and Counting...

2009-01-11T21:49:00.007-07:00

Yes it's been almost a month-well okay exactly a month since I last wrote but I have had this and that with the holidays and exercising and planning my trip to Germany. Plus I usually go on 'strike' with the computer after each semester because I seem to have it attached to my hip 4 months straight (as all you college students know) so it is nice to step away from the technology. Okay enough excuses but it is all true. Here's how the last 744 hours went for me...

After school ended, I was welcomed back into reality and fun. I have been able to spend some time with Kyler, my nephew. He is a brilliant genius (but then what genius is not brilliant?). But literally this kid is too smart. His mind picks up anything it sees. Just amazing-I will post a video of him later singing the abc's.

I also had time to spend a week with my other nephews and niece. We played the Wii, jumped on my bed, decorated cookies, played ping pong, shuffle board (on the kitchen floor) and more. Oh and Christmas was fun because we played this game called "Sorry Sliders" (the game "sorry" but you slide your pawns) and I highly recommend it. I think its $12-15 at Wal-Mart. It is fun. We played it pretty much all day. Christmas was so wonderful. We spent good quality time with the family and I should say even though it was a change from the traditional Christmas we had had in the past, it is a Christmas at the top of my list. Not because of the gifts but of the time I had with the fam and the spirit of the holiday that I felt. :)

New Year's - what can I say?! The clock struck 12. I could really 'vent' about the turn of the year moment(s) but its in the past and I must move on. New Year's day was spent on the road. My cousin Brittany and I headed to Mesa once our eyelids opened from all our 'wild partying' hours before. We spent the whole weekend shopping. It was nice and I have some nice outfits for student teaching :) Shopping is fun (but very emotional wouldn't you agree?!).

**WARNING! - NEVER, EVER use a piece of icicle tinsel stuff as a head band!! It will burn your skin!! Yes, this happened to moi right before we headed to the movies. It hurt and left a red mark on my head for a good deal of time! **

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So what else is up? Not much from what is mentioned above. A week from now I will be in the air, flying over the Atlantic Ocean, with 3 hours before I set foot on foreign soil for the first time in my life. (Well I guess I did set foot on Mexican soil when I was 10 or so for 2 hours but this is just a little bit different wouldn't you say??!) I will land in Frankfurt Germany, and from there take a train to Oberdachstetten where I will be staying with the principal and her fam. Hopefully I will be able to sleep on the train over otherwise I will be looking at a 36+ hour day.

I am really excited. I must admit that my mind is constantly occupied with the upcoming experience that I could not even concentrate in church today. I had to keep pulling myself out of the clouds. (But I did remember some things I have to do before I leave so it was not a total loss). And I am not saying that the talks and lessons were boring, I just could not keep my mind from traveling off to Germany if you know what I mean.
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That is it for now. Trust me, my blog will be rockin' in just over a week. In a week and counting I will take you to places you have never seen and will experience the remarkable culture, nature, and people of Europe.

Few more things before closing...
1. I miss hot chocolate! I have only had 1 this winter which is BIG for moi. Darn calories!
2. I enjoyed seeing all you 'chubs' over the holiday. Keep in touch eh!
3. I know the second coming is soon because the Cardinals are in the NFC championship game-only 1 win from going to the Super Bowl. Good luck you red birds - if you win...Well, I guess I am already at a loss of words.
4. This blog is long enough.
5. I really shouldn't keep on typing
6. because it is long enough.
7. I guess there are longer blogs
8. out there but I
9. just have to keep explaining why this is
10. SOOOO long. That happens
11. when you don't post anything for 744 hours, i.e. 31 days
12. on your blog. Did you know Kate Winslet
13. won 2 Golden Globes tonight?
14. Her first 2 ever even though she has been
15. nominated for 8. Just shows to never
16. give up. Oh what's that you say?
17. My blog is long?? Well then stop reading! If
18. you would stop reading then I would
19. stop typing but since I know you want to ignore those
20. dirty dishes in your sink I will keep typing. I just
21. typed "talking" like "will keep talking" because it does
22. seem like sometimes you are talking to the people who read your post
23. instead of typing your thoughts and memories.
24. We have eliminated interpersonal relationships and replaced
25. them with blogpersonal relationships.
25. Yes I made that word up but I think I will get it copyrighted
26. because that is how our society works. We socialize through forms of communication
28. That avoid real human interaction. I would totally write an article on it because
29. I think of it all the time how we not longer do things with out technology and they all or mostly avoid real human interaction.
30. I'm not saying that we should get rid of blogs because it has been helpful to know what ya'll
31. are up to but how many of us really talk to fam and friends on the phone (and
32. I do not mean texting) but actually "Hello?" "Hello, is John-Jacob-Jingle-Himmer-Schmidt there?" "Oh yes, let me get him for you." telephone conversation.
33. I'll drop it there. But seriously, are you still reading??
34. Did you notice that I typed 25 twice and not 27? I
35. didn't do it on purpose I just had to fix a sentence and
36. didn't want to fix all the numbers after it so I let it be. Okay seriously I am stopping.
37. Have a good day, afternoon, dusk, twilight, night, midnight, or what ever time of
day you are reading this. I must be really tired or bored
38. for writing all this. Oops - Call me Britney Spears-I did it again. I am typing or should I saw 'talking' again. - I'm stopping now.
39. Dowt!!

HALLELUJAH!!!

2008-12-11T11:00:00.003-07:00

May I just take a few moments of your time to express my overwhelming joy because I have just (pause, take a breath...) - I have just completed my final final for my bachelor's degree!! Oh HeCk yes!! Another semester down, flattened like a cookie without baking powder! (That is seriously flat-trust me I know!) I am almost there. Only 80 days of student teaching left before I can walk across the podium as a officially cross into the 'real world' of teaching!! ...oh dear! hmmm, okay what do I do now without homework to run my free time?!?!

Oregon: Nov 14th-17th 2008

2008-11-26T15:59:00.012-07:00

This was my first trip to the "beaver state" where the state road kill is possum. Seriously within a 10 mile stretch you see 5+ dead possums. So why Oregon? Well my friend, Lynell, grew up there and wanted to surprise a friend at her wedding so I tagged along to provide company and assistance (which I will get to later).

So the trip began at 8pm Thursday night when we left straight from class to Mesa. Woke up at 5:30ish, left for the airport 20 minutes late, checked in our baggage with 2 minutes to spare before the cutoff, got hairspray and facewash confiscated at security (but they didn't take my scissors-something wrong there eh?) and then our names where announced throughout the terminal because we were late. You kind of feel goofy as all eyes on the plane are watching as you walk down the aisle to your seat right before takeoff. I don't recommend it.

When we arrived in Portland, we went to get our rental car. All is good, get in the elevator to go to the car and what do I notice? Lynell's arms are free. I ask her "where is your suitcase?" Poor girl left it at the rental counter. Luckily security was not called on her 'unattended bag'. So she gets her bag and we go out to the car lot. May I add here that we were on a girl's trip and wanted to have fun and part of that fun was the rental car. Long story short Lynell sweet talked the guy into renting a mustang! (Way better than the Dodge neon we were going to drive). Lynell had lots of fun gunnin' it on the freeway and through the streets of Portland. Too bad the blocks were really small so once you gun it and enjoyed the thrill of the horsepower, you have to brake.

Friday we walked the streets of Portland. It was beautiful to see the colorful leaves everywhere. I still kick myself in the pants for not taking any pics because 'I didn't want to look like a tourist'. Stupidest reason ever. Anyways we rode the streetcar, ate a delicious pumpkin bagel w/pumpkin cream cheese (which I have craved since), and shopped Powell's Books, the 2nd biggest book store I have ever seen in my life (the 1st being Barnes and Noble near Rockefeller center in NY). We also survived a brisk walk down Burnside St, which is the equivalent to VanBuren in Phoenix, right as the sun was setting. Little did we know that we would be stared at by the creepiest people, walk around homeless people who we hope were just sleeping and not dead. Lynell decided to walk in the street so we would be farther away from the 'not giving off the best vibe' people down Burnside as I walked with keys between my fingers so I could stab anyone who got in my bubble uninvited. - That's Day 1.

Day 2 - The wedding was in Jefferson, about an hour and a half from Portland. On the way there we got into heavy traffic. Another thing that we did not know was the two BIG football games for OSU Beavers and UofO Ducks in Corvallis and Eugene. Every other car had flags in the windows, pom-poms hanging out the trunk, and duck or beaver footprints on the doors, as thousands of cars headed to the two games. The cute thing of the drive was a little kid holding up his shirts in the window saying "go beavers" and practically jumping out of his seatbelt. We made it to the wedding with minutes to spare because of the traffic. After that we headed to Lincoln City on the Oregon coast (another hour and a half drive) where we had delicious pizza. Then another 30 minute drive to Newport where our hotel was. The hotel was beautiful, right on a cliff overlooking the ocean and we fell asleep listening to the rolling waves.

Day 3 - I love the ocean! It is an amazing thing. Of course it was too cold to play in the water but nothing like a nice morning walk along the beach to start the day off right. It was so peaceful!

The rest of the day we hung out at the harbor and checked out little shops. We also watched a bunch of sea lions. It was funny to watch them yell back and forth at each other. One cranky sea lion kept yelping at a younger one. The young one would put its tail (foot, fins or whatever it is on a sea lion) on the cranky one's face. I think the kidster was just trying to get a rise out of the ol'fogee. When we had inhaled enough fish smell we headed back to Portland. It was quite the trip because half of the way you could only see about 40 feet in front of you because of the fog. After getting lost we got a hotel at 10:30ish. Since we had to be at the airport at 5:30 in the morning we headed to bed.

Day 4 - you would think I would tell you that we woke up, flew home, and unpacked. Well, you are wrong. This time we got to the airport with time to spare though. We got on the plane and we were ready to take a 3 hour nap UNTIL..."Sorry we are not able to take off right now. We are having trouble with the latch on the door. We should be in the air in 10 minutes...30 minutes...1 hour..." Finally 2 hours later they realized that the door and 'other mechanical problems' would not be fixed in order for us to take flight so we had to get off our plane and board another. It was great that everyone on the plane remained calm and didn't complain. I had good company. I sat by a guy from Alaska and he happened to be LDS so we visited the whole time. Anyways, once we were in the air and on the ground again we hopped in the car, drove 3 hours to Pinetop to our class, sat in class another 3 hours, and went to bed. May I say it was one of the longest days of my life... but in all it was an interesting and fun adventure.

More than I thought...

2008-11-26T14:49:00.008-07:00

I have been busy with school, subbing, and traveling that I have not updated my blog for over a month. In a way I thought nothing really exciting happened but now I look back and smile at all the fun I have had. I'll do a few posts but here's the first one. So lets travel back to October 16th, 2008. My Grandma Solomon celebrated her 89th birthday. She is such a trooper and I love the spirit she has always had with her. Grandma Solomon has been tried and tested throughout her whole life. She is a great example to me that there is nothing in this life that you cannot handle. She has also continued to have a strong testimony and live the gospel, her faith has been her guide. I LOVE ya Grandma! (Pic of me with her on her birthday)

So next was my birthday-my "Golden" birthday. It was a simple birthday but I really enjoyed having the family over and spending time with them. The best gift I got was this fabulous video on my phone from my beloved neice and nephews. (Hope it works-this is my first vid to post).

I must say I bawled hardcore when I received it because I really miss them! I couldn't even talk to them on the phone I was so teary-eyed. They are my heroes!

The last thing I will post for today (so it isn't long because I have more to share) is this cute picture of my nephew, Kyler, and my mom. This kid LOVES his Grandma! He won't even come to me if Grandma is within 100 feet of him. Anyways, this is a picture of him right after he woke up, threw a fit, got the diap' changed and got a snack. He sat there cuddling my mom for 5 or so minutes. It was precious!

Ich Bin Gestellt Worden!

2008-10-22T18:16:00.009-07:00

I love mail!! It is just a wonderful, joyous, exciting, ecstatic, time when you receive something just for you. I have to say that it is more exciting than email. Yes, I check my email everyday, sometimes several times and I get excited when I have something there to tell me about how you guys are doing but its not the same as getting a personal handwritten or typed letter from the good ol' post office. (I know run on sentence there). This week has definitely been no exception. I have received gift after gift from the pony express. First I received notice that I passed my AEPA test for teacher certification and today I received this...

I have received my placement to do my student teaching in Ansbach, Germany in a 4th grade classroom! I am very excited for this! I still cannot believe that I will be leaving my little town of Taylor and entering the unknown world of Germany. The adventures that await me in the classroom and outside the classroom are just too amazing to even grasp. I can't wait to get in the classroom and work hard and put to work my pedagogy (<--means pretty much your teaching philosophy - nothing like a little new vocab every once in awhile eh? Now try to pronounce it...). And I can't wait to get out and really 'see the world'! Germany holds SO much history along with its many neighboring countries. Prague is 3 1/2 hours away, Paris 6 1/2 hours, Rome 10 hours, Berlin 7 hours, Munich 2 hours...and the list goes on. Of course these are driving time so probably riding time will be shorter on the Metro (european train system).

This will definitely be a time in my life that I cannot and will not forget. I plan on forming memories to last a lifetime (sigh-ahhh). All I can say is bring on the German Chocolate Cake! I am ready for it!!! (so much for a diet eh?!)

P.S. Anyone know German????!???!!!?

YiPeE for mE!!!!!

2008-10-20T10:59:00.002-07:00

Do you know how long a month is? Besides the 'sunday school answer' of 30 or 31 days except for February which has 28 or 29 days depending on whether it is leap year or not. Or 744 hours or 44,640 minutes or 2, 678, 400 seconds - really what is a month?? Here is what a month is...

An everlasting, black hole which conceals every movement into a canister the size of a pinky finger and goes on and on and on and on with no way of nowing when this black canister is going to end. Okay so I am not the best metaphorical master but that is what comes to my mind. Now the next question, why would I share with you this meaning of 'month'. Well a month ago today, Sept 20th, I entered a testing room at Gilbert High School to take the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment (AEPA). I was locked in a classroom with no electronic device that would get me out in an emergency, the emergency being a brain-attack or complete exhaustion. It was just me, 10 pencils, 1 eraser, 1 bottle of yucky water, a bubble sheet, and test booklet. (I void out the others taking the test because I could not even concentrate on them.) For three hours I was flashing back to every past moment of my education courses over the last 8 yrs. I KNOW my brain had never worked so hard. Ms. Cunningham's AP Seniors English final wouldn't have even come close to the pain and suffering my poor brain cells had to go through for this test. My synapses have never snapped in such fashion or cleaned off so many dusty shelves in the 'long-term memory' department. I'm telling you this was the bar exam for teachers. Not fun!

Well, today is October 20th, a month later and I have finally found the end to this black hole canister that my brain has been concealed in. I have received word that I PASSED the AEPA test. I CAN NOW OFFICIALLY BE A TEACHER in the state of AZ!! - I still have 8 weeks of school left this semester and my student teaching (which I still have not received word on where I am going) but I know I will pass the rest of the schoolwork so I am in good shape!

I dedicate my sucess for this test to Mozart, bananas, Moki's chicken katsu and a mighty brain who stayed with me throughout the whole 3 most agonizing hours of my life yet. YiPeE for mE!!

An insight...

2008-10-13T20:54:00.005-07:00

I really don't have much to add to the blog but since it has been awhile and I am waiting for some big news I will give ya something to read about...

For those who might not know, my brother David is serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Rome, Italy right now. This past week he wrote to us and told us about how the members of the LDS church reacted to the announcement of a temple in Rome. He said it was like a soccer game! Now if you need to know how the Italians (or any European for that matter) celebrates 'futbol' then you need to google World Cup 2006 and watch the videos. I must say that not only was this the response here on this earth but also the rejoicing of generations in Heaven. For all areas that are blessed with a new temple, not only is it felt here on earth but in Heaven because the door is opened to so many others to receive the blessings of our Heavenly Father who in this life did not have the opportunity to accept His gospel. It's absolutely amazing to think of!

Uhm...Well I was going to post more but it is of a different 'tone' so I will post it another time.

P.S. For those who are reading this and would like to know more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, please go to www.mormon.org.

My Dream Come True!!

2008-09-21T16:59:00.006-07:00

It's not a snow-white fairy tale dream that came true but this is pretty big to me. Last March I went to this meeting about setting up my student teaching for this coming Spring semester. I was sitting in the meeting, listening to the presenters about this and that, talking about all the paper work I would have to complete and lo and behold I heard "DoDDS program...You go to Europe and do your student teaching on an American military base." Boy did I about jump out of my seat. I thought to myself "How cool would that be! I have saved for years to go to Europe but how awesome would it be to go there AND do my student teaching!" The more and more I listened the more I had a feeling that this is what I needed to do. It did take a little bit of push and support from Lynell and my parents, but I have now gone through my interview with NAU and luckily they have selected me, Yes me, to be a part of this awesome program. Some stuff is still in the works but come January, I am 99.92435783214837% give or take a few millionths sure that I will fly to Germany, Italy, or England and teach kids on an American military base! Europe...Here I Come!!!!

I Got Tagged!

2008-09-21T13:35:00.004-07:00

20 years ago...
1. I was a pupil in Mrs. Roger's kindergarten class.
2. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Carlee (Shumway) Cullen.
3. I was learning to read.

10 years ago...
1. Got my driver's license.
2. Had my first date.
3. Survived Ms. Cunningham's Sophomore English

5 years ago...
1. Thought I was almost done with college.
2. Worked with Moneeka and Sara
3. Obtained my Associates degree from MCC

3 years ago...
1. Still lived the dream of a college student
2. Visited Carlee and her family in Connecticut!
3. Parents moved down to Mesa, I moved in with them.

1 year ago...
1. Moved back to Taylor to complete my education through NAU
2. Made new friends with all the gals in my cohort.
3. My brother and sister-in-law adopted one of the cutest kids ever, Kyler
4. Cut my hair REALLY short.

This year...
1. Enjoyed the summer without having a job.
2. Went to Utah and hung out with Becca.
3. Got selected by NAU to be in the DoDDS program.

Yesterday...
1. Lynell's car got a flat tire before we took the AEPA test.
2. Took the AEPA Profession Knowledge test (for teacher certification in AZ).
3. Destressed over a delicious plate of Fettucine Alfredo at Macroni Grill.

Today...
1. Traveled back from from Mesa to Taylor.
2. Blogged, check email, and my history test score.
3. Celebrate my Grandma Rowley's B-day.

Tomorrow...
1. Hopefully sleep in.
2. Read Pictures of Hollis Word for class on Tuesday.
3. Go to class and learn how to assess students.

In the next year...
1. Celebrate my golden birthday - 26 yrs old on the 26th!
2. Complete my student teaching in Europe!
3.GRADUATE FROM NAU WITH MY BACHELOR'S DEGREE IN ELEM. EDUCATION!!
4. one more for good luck - GET HIRED!!!

I tag Becca, Katie, and Bethany. Hee hee enjoy!

2012 Olympics: Here I Come!??!

2008-08-23T17:21:00.004-07:00

Maybe it is the feeling of you can do anything you put your mind (and body) to as you watch the olympics and hear of the many stories of how someone reached their goal as an olympian or its the cool weather in the morning or insanity setting in but I accomplished something this morning that I probably never would have thought I would do probably two weeks ago. Over the summer, I have (sparatically) been walking in the morning. Well about a month ago my right foot started to really bother me and if I don't wear arch supports or wrap my foot, it feels like I have left cactus needles in my heel for two years. So instead of walking, my friend Lynell and I started to ride bikes so we could still do a little bit of exercise. I think I am past the sore 'hiney' now but today I really pushed myself and I am pretty proud of myself that I did it. (Even though I was slower than the others).

So what did I do to make myself think that I can be an olympian? I rode from my house to the stoplight in Snowflake! Our guess is about 10 miles (I'm clocking it tomorrow) but this is definitely a big physical accomplishment for me. And its harder than you think. When you drive between Snowflake and Taylor 20 billion times in your life you do not notice all the hills. Let me say that if you ride a bike you will notice every slight incline there is. You know the phrase "Uphill both ways", thats what it felt like.)

There was only one time that I did loose my sanity temporarily and had to chant to myself "pump, pump, pump" as I climbed a hill, but I did okay since I am not Ms. Exercise herself (I just hate to sweat-a little phobia I have, I know I am weird). And I am not sore at all either, but I did take a nap because I was so drained and did not have enough energy to even keep my 2 oz eyelids from closing this afternoon, so I do feel good about it.

Okay so I may not end up waving to the Queen of England as I race through London in 2012 as a cyclist but I do have a smaller fear of not doing 'this' or 'that' because my mind tells me I can't do it because my body is weak. I am definitely the little train who not only said "I think I can" but "I know I can." I still have a long ways to go to receiving the title of Ms. Exercise but I know that I can do it. Just takes a little bit of will power and a good friend to get you up early each morning to do it.

DAWN has BROKEN

2008-08-03T19:52:00.007-07:00

Okay, I know I wasn't the only one out there that was psyched to have the final book of the Twilight Saga published. I only became a fan of Twilight at the beginning of the summer because before then I really had no time for 'recreational' reading. Thanks to Deb who insisted I read the books, I have been entertained this summer (along with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law). Anyways, I was a 'Twilighter' that attended a "Breaking Dawn Party" at Barnes and Noble. It was fun and I made a shirt with my sis Heather and friend Debbie to wear to the party. (No we were not crazy enough to dress up in a prom dress or vampire outfit, definitely not that crazy). Here's a pic of us showing off our newly acquired shirts.

The party was fun. We spent over an hour doing the trivia. Of course we didn't win anything but we sure got the book. I was actually the last one to purchase a book that night (long story) and I am definitely glad that I purchased it. The story is very INTENSE!! If you have not read the books and need some good reading I highly recommend the saga. Stephenie Meyer's is simply put - a GENIUS!! (I also recommend "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer).

1 Year Anniversary...

2008-07-29T16:55:00.007-07:00

Well, it has now been a year since I left my (some) family and fabulous friends in the "Valley of the Sun", quit Country Ins. ;(, and moved back to Taylor. I cannot believe that a year has passed. (For those who I have not stayed in contact with I moved back to complete my bachelor's degree through NAU). As hard of a decision it was, I am truly really, without a smidgeon of doubt, glad, that I made the move. Yeah it's been hard and wEiRd, but it has been great for me. I definitely see my schooling coming to an end. Its not a facade! Yahoo! One more year and I will be an official teacher!

Not only has the move brought me closer to my degree but also has given me the opportunity to establish new friendships. It was hard to move back knowing that most of the high school chubs were not here but I have been blessed with additional people that I have added to my circle of friends. :) I've even gotten to ride in a jeep!! Thanks Lynell!

Another plus has been the wonderful weather!! The sidewalk still burns my feet when I go get the clothes off the line, but I don't have to take a bath after 10 seconds of being outside. Cool, crisp mornings, starry sky, and clean air I have thoroughly enjoyed. Nothing like reading a good book (yes, from the twilight saga) in the shade, lounging in the green grass. You just have to watch out for bugs but it is still delightful.

The negative-not all has been 'smiley' because I did leave good friends and family. I really miss my niece and nephews, who are definitely a big joy to me. And of course, I really miss my Moki's, Olive Garden, and Tia Rosa. Above that I miss Kohls. --that's about it. Oh just kidding Mo-I really miss my ol' job. My first and only job (technically because I wasn't hired to be a substitute) was definitely a BIG highlight of my 6 years in Mesa. All ya'll that I worked with - Monique, Sara, Tara, Lena "Hammy", and "Dobbie" - truly blessed my life and helped me through those good and hard times. The laughs are treasured :) Love ya lots. (pic of me, Monique, and Sara to the left)

The next to year to come...Like I said, I have one more year of schooling till I complete my bachelor's degree. January I will be doing my student teaching which I am applying to do in Europe (one month till the interview!!). I really hope I get this experience for several reasons. To name a few (1) get to give a little bit back to the service men and women of our country 'cause I will be teaching the kids on American military bases. (2) Hello! Europe!! and (3) get to experience different cultures that will hopefully open my eyes to more beautiful (and different) things in this blessed world.

Beautiful Sunset

2008-07-22T19:33:00.002-07:00

Arizona is very popular for its sunsets. This is one that I captured the other night after it rained a little during the day. Very pretty isn't it??!

The first of many (hopefully)

2008-07-22T19:10:00.001-07:00

At the request of several people, I decided to dive into the life of a blogger. I cannot guarantee that it will be exciting (I only live in Taylor so only so much can happen) but I cannot guarantee that it will be boring. Its what life gives me. For those who read this and want to know what I am up to keep reading...Right now my life is open to any possibility. (Except maybe participating in the 2008 summer olympics in Beijing. I think qualifying is over but who knows maybe 2012 will be my year.) Actually I am living a 'free' life right now because school is on break and I am taking a break from a job for the summer. This past year I substituted and boy was it an experience. I ended up being the FACS teacher (cooking) at Snowflake Junior High for the last semester. Yep, teenagers and knives! Only one kid cut herself so I think it was successful. Whether or not those kids can cook anything besides ramen now, I don't know.

Starting in August I will be starting the FINAL semester of College! I am almost done and I thank all those who have been with me and supported me throughout the VERY LONG process of getting my bachelors degree in Elementary Ed. I will be doing my student teaching in January and I hope to have the great privilege of doing it in Europe on an American military base. (Long story, can give more details later).