Lobster (11-27-05)
JBP woke us up early this morning. It all started with the slap, slap, slap of his barefeet on the wood floors. He slapped his way down the (short) hall, into our room and up to our bed.
The following conversation ensued:
JBP: Dada, do you like lobster?
Der Deutscher: I've never had lobster. Why are you up so early?
JBP: I dreamed about lobster.
Der Deutscher: Was it a bad dream? A good dream? An interesting one?
JBP: It was about lobsters..... and spaghetti. (pause) Lobsters. Yuck!
Then he turned around and headed downstairs. It was only 8:30 a.m. (Hey! We've been sleeping until at least 10 since arriving!)
Locked Out
When JBP got downstairs (one flight) he discovered he was locked out of the kitchen.
To put things in perspective, Opa and Ms Gudi's house is a four level home with the laundry in the basement, Mika (Ms Gudi's brother) on the ground floor, the kitchen-dining room, living room and Opa and Ms Gudi's bedroom on the first floor (that would be the second floor for you americans =) and us in the guest rooms w/ bathroom on the top floor.
The stairwell is unheated. Opa and Ms Gudi occasionally close their door (and lock it) to keep the drafts out. It also effectively keeps JBP out.
So, he rang the doorbell. That didn't work. Then he started jiggling the door handle and knocking. Still didn't work.
By then, of course, we were wide awake. Well, at least Der Deutscher was. I was aware.
Der Deutscher called JBP to us and asked him what was up. He explained the door was locked and he was HUNGRY! So Der Deutscher crawled out of bed, got dressed and headed to the bakery just down the street for breakfast. I love Europe!
Snow
Overnight the snow melted. When Der Deutscher left for breakfast there was nothing on the ground and nothing coming from the sky.
After breakfast however, it started snowing again. Big fat flakes. I mean really big. This time I got out the videocamera and got a couple minutes of video (along with a shot of Der Deutscher crawling back into bed.)
I explained to him how I'd tried to take a still photo yesterday of the snow and it didn't work. I said I probably didn't have the camera on the right shutter speed.
However, Der Deutscher took the comment as a slam at his camera, hopped back out of bed, grabbed his camera and proceeded to take a picture of the snow, on the right shutter speed.
Just goes to show him. I got the picture I wanted without having to learn anymore about his danged camera! pflbt!
Packing
Well, with our flight leaving at 7:25 a.m. tomorrow morning and the airport being more than a half hour away, we've already started packing.
When we came, we deliberately came with stuff we could've stuffed into one suitcase spread between two large suitcases with two smaller ones stuffed in as well. I haven't even touched the clothing yet and the two big suitcases are already almost full. I don't know how we're going to make it!
Undone
We have done (and enjoyed) most of the things we'd planned to do while here. However, there are a few things that will simply have to be let undone.
JBP did not get to ride the trains. That'll have to wait for his next trip to Europe. As will a castle with crenellation and towers. We never got around to that either.
I miscalculated and didn't get the last of my chocolate shopping done, oh horrors! But we have hopes of being able to finish that up at the duty free shop at the airport. Wish us luck.
I probably won't get to post again until I go back to work on Thursday, so take care. I'll let you know all about the return trip then (on a proper keyboard). Wish us luck!
Nimitz' Lady
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
JBP's Song
These are the words to the song JBP has made up and been singing almost non-stop for the last hour. "And the little children shall lead them." --Nimitz' Lady
----------
Salvation of the LORD, my Jesus
Now praise Him
Don't spit on anyone
He is mighty
(chorus)
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock! (go back to the beginning and start all over again!)
----------
Salvation of the LORD, my Jesus
Now praise Him
Don't spit on anyone
He is mighty
(chorus)
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock of my salvation
The LORD I love
He is the Rock! (go back to the beginning and start all over again!)
Tag #8
Church (11-26-05)
We actually set an alarm for this morning to make sure we'd make it to church on time. Man it was hard dragging my lazy butt out of bed. But, we made it.
The church is actually just a block away from my MIL's apartment, so Der Deutscher spent the morning with her while we attended services.
It's a small church, Der Advent Kapelle, with about 40 registered members. Maybe 20 were at services this morning. Lots of music/singing. JBP and I really enjoyed that. (JBP is running around singing about the Salvation of My Lord as I type!)
I was also surprised at how much of the service I understood. Yet another reminder I understand more of the local language than I can speak.
The congregation, as I expected, is mostly middle aged and elderly folk. Evidently the youth are all out on "missions". Der Deutscher says the SDA church has a reputation similar to Jehovah's Witnesses here for door to door evangelism. I have my doubts about the effectiveness of such in-your-face methods, but this is not my country and not my church.
There was only one family with children of any age, a two year old little girl and a five week old boy. The mother is Polish, the father German. He spoke quite good english and we conversed for some time after services were over.
The thing that frustrated me the most was during Sabbath School. I understood enough of the discussion that several times I had something I wanted to add. Unfortunately, by the time I'd figured out how to say it the group had moved on to other things.
The most interesting thing about the service was the lack of a 'sermon' as such. The pastor, or it may have been just a chief elder I'm not sure, just read an essay in a magazine written by Ellen G. White. It was informative, about the power of words and being careful what you say, but I'm not sure as to the purpose of reading it.
At the end of the service, they opened closing prayer up to anyone who had something to pray about. I liked that, although JBP was getting antsy by the time they'd finished.
After church, we were going to walk over to my MIL's apartment, but a nice couple insisted on driving us. Getting to the car and driving over actually took longer than it would've taken to walk, but it made them happy.
Der Deutscher, JBP and my MIL then went out to eat for lunch. Since it was Sabbath, I went back to my FIL's house, where we're staying, and napped. (Yes, in case you hadn't figured it out yet, my in-laws are divorced.)
Snow
Yesterday, it was snowing when we woke up. Der Deutscher called it MOI snow, or Melt-On-Impact. Nothing stuck.
Today it was a different story. The snow was coming down much thicker and actually stuck around. It was a very wet snow, so although some stuck around, it still mostly melted and never got very deep. Just enough to make life annoying without making it difficult or impossible.
However, this evening on the news we learned the snow caused power outages in just this state to some 250,000 homes. Sounds like the good old US of A to me!
JBP was quite excited about the snow and couldn't wait to get outside. He immediately started trying to make snowballs out of it. Because it was so wet it packed well.
The problem was, there was so little that after about two snowballs he was into the dirty snow. So, we made him stop. That's when he started turning his head up and trying to catch the snowflakes on his tongue.
Der Deutscher looked at him and asked, "What are you, a kid?"
Weihnachtsmarkt
We hit the Weihnachtsmarkt again tonight. JBP got to ride the carousel, again. I picked up the last gift I planned on buying for a friend who's pregnant. (I'm down to just 11 euro for the rest of the trip, although Der Deutscher says he's still swimming in money. I think his mom contributed. More chocolate! Yum!!!!)
JBP really wanted to go ice skating, but Der Deutscher doesn't know how and my ankles aren't strong enough for ice skates so JBP had to give that dream up.
We did splurge on some sweets, little cakes called poffertjes for JBP and pineapple rings fried in a cake batter and topped with cinnamon and sugar (ananasringe) for Der Deutscher and I.
JBP wanted cotton candy again but we told him he'd have to wait until tomorrow night. So I guess we're going back to the Weihnachtsmarkt at least one more time. Which is good, because I keep forgetting the camera and want to get some pictures of JBP there. He has soooo much fun. Plus, there's all sorts of yummy looking food I have yet to try.
Last time we went, I gave him 5 euro to spend on whatever he wanted. He got a cheap toy and some candy. Tonight he wanted to keep wandering around the Weihnachtsmarkt, that is until he realized he had no money to spend. Suddenly he was 'nearly frozen to death' and wanted to go home.
Nimitz' Lady
We actually set an alarm for this morning to make sure we'd make it to church on time. Man it was hard dragging my lazy butt out of bed. But, we made it.
The church is actually just a block away from my MIL's apartment, so Der Deutscher spent the morning with her while we attended services.
It's a small church, Der Advent Kapelle, with about 40 registered members. Maybe 20 were at services this morning. Lots of music/singing. JBP and I really enjoyed that. (JBP is running around singing about the Salvation of My Lord as I type!)
I was also surprised at how much of the service I understood. Yet another reminder I understand more of the local language than I can speak.
The congregation, as I expected, is mostly middle aged and elderly folk. Evidently the youth are all out on "missions". Der Deutscher says the SDA church has a reputation similar to Jehovah's Witnesses here for door to door evangelism. I have my doubts about the effectiveness of such in-your-face methods, but this is not my country and not my church.
There was only one family with children of any age, a two year old little girl and a five week old boy. The mother is Polish, the father German. He spoke quite good english and we conversed for some time after services were over.
The thing that frustrated me the most was during Sabbath School. I understood enough of the discussion that several times I had something I wanted to add. Unfortunately, by the time I'd figured out how to say it the group had moved on to other things.
The most interesting thing about the service was the lack of a 'sermon' as such. The pastor, or it may have been just a chief elder I'm not sure, just read an essay in a magazine written by Ellen G. White. It was informative, about the power of words and being careful what you say, but I'm not sure as to the purpose of reading it.
At the end of the service, they opened closing prayer up to anyone who had something to pray about. I liked that, although JBP was getting antsy by the time they'd finished.
After church, we were going to walk over to my MIL's apartment, but a nice couple insisted on driving us. Getting to the car and driving over actually took longer than it would've taken to walk, but it made them happy.
Der Deutscher, JBP and my MIL then went out to eat for lunch. Since it was Sabbath, I went back to my FIL's house, where we're staying, and napped. (Yes, in case you hadn't figured it out yet, my in-laws are divorced.)
Snow
Yesterday, it was snowing when we woke up. Der Deutscher called it MOI snow, or Melt-On-Impact. Nothing stuck.
Today it was a different story. The snow was coming down much thicker and actually stuck around. It was a very wet snow, so although some stuck around, it still mostly melted and never got very deep. Just enough to make life annoying without making it difficult or impossible.
However, this evening on the news we learned the snow caused power outages in just this state to some 250,000 homes. Sounds like the good old US of A to me!
JBP was quite excited about the snow and couldn't wait to get outside. He immediately started trying to make snowballs out of it. Because it was so wet it packed well.
The problem was, there was so little that after about two snowballs he was into the dirty snow. So, we made him stop. That's when he started turning his head up and trying to catch the snowflakes on his tongue.
Der Deutscher looked at him and asked, "What are you, a kid?"
Weihnachtsmarkt
We hit the Weihnachtsmarkt again tonight. JBP got to ride the carousel, again. I picked up the last gift I planned on buying for a friend who's pregnant. (I'm down to just 11 euro for the rest of the trip, although Der Deutscher says he's still swimming in money. I think his mom contributed. More chocolate! Yum!!!!)
JBP really wanted to go ice skating, but Der Deutscher doesn't know how and my ankles aren't strong enough for ice skates so JBP had to give that dream up.
We did splurge on some sweets, little cakes called poffertjes for JBP and pineapple rings fried in a cake batter and topped with cinnamon and sugar (ananasringe) for Der Deutscher and I.
JBP wanted cotton candy again but we told him he'd have to wait until tomorrow night. So I guess we're going back to the Weihnachtsmarkt at least one more time. Which is good, because I keep forgetting the camera and want to get some pictures of JBP there. He has soooo much fun. Plus, there's all sorts of yummy looking food I have yet to try.
Last time we went, I gave him 5 euro to spend on whatever he wanted. He got a cheap toy and some candy. Tonight he wanted to keep wandering around the Weihnachtsmarkt, that is until he realized he had no money to spend. Suddenly he was 'nearly frozen to death' and wanted to go home.
Nimitz' Lady
Friday, November 25, 2005
Tag #7
Nothing Much
Due to JBP's obvious need for some quiet time, we didn't do much today. Mostly stayed home and read books. JBP spent his time playing happily with his toys on the floor. Mostly new lego vehicles his Opa and Ms Gudi got him.
We did hit the stores once this afternoon to do a little bit more shopping, mostly a few household items that need replacing at home and some gifts. I'm saving the last of my money for our visit to the Weihnachtsmarkt tomorrow evening. It opened last night and we went for a short time.
JBP bought a cheap toy and some cotton candy and had a blast. Until Der Deutscher confiscated the toy because JBP almost hit someone in the face with it. He simply wasn't paying attention.
I'll try to write more tomorrow. Got to go right now. It's way past JBP's bed time (like we've paid much attention to that this week!) and he's got to get up for church tomorrow. Hope we find the place.
Plus, he's acting up. I think he's just overtired, but we can't let him get away with it.
Happy Sabbath
Nimitz' Lady
Due to JBP's obvious need for some quiet time, we didn't do much today. Mostly stayed home and read books. JBP spent his time playing happily with his toys on the floor. Mostly new lego vehicles his Opa and Ms Gudi got him.
We did hit the stores once this afternoon to do a little bit more shopping, mostly a few household items that need replacing at home and some gifts. I'm saving the last of my money for our visit to the Weihnachtsmarkt tomorrow evening. It opened last night and we went for a short time.
JBP bought a cheap toy and some cotton candy and had a blast. Until Der Deutscher confiscated the toy because JBP almost hit someone in the face with it. He simply wasn't paying attention.
I'll try to write more tomorrow. Got to go right now. It's way past JBP's bed time (like we've paid much attention to that this week!) and he's got to get up for church tomorrow. Hope we find the place.
Plus, he's acting up. I think he's just overtired, but we can't let him get away with it.
Happy Sabbath
Nimitz' Lady
Tag #6
"Don't Wanna Go" (11-24-05)
I can tell our on-the-go vacation is starting to get to JBP. This morning, my little boy who starts each morning with the words, "Where are we going today, Mommy," vehemently fought going anywhere. This presaged a very difficult day ahead for us.
Autobahn
Despite JBP's reluctance we did hit the road today. This was Der Deutscher's second chance to drive the autobahn. Every American male's dream.
As soon as JBP realized where we were going, he asked, "Daddy, will you speed for me?"
Der Deutscher tried to explain that when there are no posted speed limits you can't be speeding. But JBP just doesn't get it. All he knows is here his Dada drives really fast on the highway, something he can't do at home.
Needless to say, Der Deutscher was perfectly happy to accede to JBP's need for speed.
But, about five minutes into the drive, JBP suddenly became quite anxious to slow down. He thought there was a cop car behind us. He really didn't get that it's legal to drive that fast here.
Mall
The concept of the mall has unfortunately infected Europe. That's right we went to a mall, right here in the middle of the continent. There wasn't even the excuse of a nearby American base. It simply is.
Although it is like an American mall in that it's a series of stores all under the same roof, etc, there are a few important differences.
- The temperature. The mall here is kept cool enough that you're comfortable leaving your coat on throughout your shopping expedition. But it's not so cool that you'll gte cold.
- The interior decorating. They've done their best to make it look like you're strolling down an indeterminate european street doing your shopping at traditional stores, not in an americanized shopping center. The decoration even includes false second story balconies, etc, in the food court.
- The Food Court. Yes, there is a food court. But other than the ubiquitous McDonald's and Subway stores that you now find everywhere, the offerings are uniquely european. For example, we stopped at a yoghurt parfait store for lunch. I ordered something called an Amarenabercher because it looked like it had blueberries in it. There are no blueberries in europe. Forget it, they simply don't exist. What I got actually had cherries in it (Kirsche in the local lingo.) It was OK, but not what my mouth was all set for.
Convenience Stores
You know, the stores attached to gas stations around the world. They sell all those little items you may need on a trip, at an outrageous price.
One major difference here, instead of advertising things like 'breakfast sandwiches' and Krispy Kremes they advertise Brotchen. That's my kind of fast food!
Nimitz' Lady
Tag #5
Breakfast (11-23-05)
Due to jetlag (although minor) JBP's eating habits have been a little off kilter. Mainly, he's not been hungry at standard eating times. For that matter, neither have I.
Anyway, this morning he, again, didn't eat at the breakfast table. But, shortly after we left the house, he started saying, 'I'm hungry.'
Ironically or not, this occured right after we rounded the corner and passed the first bakery.
Being the suckers that we are, we let him pick out one thing to eat. His first choice, an American-type donut. Der Deutscher vehemently vetoed this choice, with my full support.
JBP's second choice: something called an Amerikaner. It looks absolutely horrid, sort of like half a hamburger bun with plain white frosting across the top. Yuck! We vetoed that as well.
His third, and final choice, a Berliner. Needless to say, I then had to share with my 5 year old the JFK Ich bin ein Berliner joke. He actually seemed to get it.
Castle
JBP's one great passion about this trip has been to see a CASTLE. Today we tried to appease that passion. Although he enjoyed the trip, I don't think he agrees that he's actually seen a castle.
The problem, no towers and no crenellation!
His favorite part of the trip however was when we reached the top floor and what appeared to be an attack. The museum had it set up like a children's nursery, full of toys, etc.
JBP particularly seemed to like learning what sort of toys came from the time of Laura and Mary, from the Little House on the Prairie series which we've been reading.
But he's still not convinced that it wsa a castle. Even though I reminded him how his book about castles says not all castles have crenellation and towers, they remain his definition.
We'll have to see if we can find something appropriate before we leave. But I'm not sure where or when.
Movie
While out and about today we ended up shopping, again. Poor JBP is getting pretty fed up with us about that.
Anyway, today we stopped at a music/movie store. Der Deutscher was looking for some CD's he hasn't been able to find in the States. (He found them, by the way.)
Well, while there, JBP started looking at all the kids movies. I'd love to have gotten him some of the Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder stuff. Unfortunately, VHS tapes sold here won't work on American equipment and most DVD's are region protected, so they won't either.
I told him we'd have to find something that would play on a Region #1 DVD player and I doubted that was possible. He was determined however, between my genes and Der Deutscher's he has no choice about stubborness, and eventually found a movie that should play on our DVD player at home.
It's a basic DVD with a local kids' show on it. I didn't really think he'd watch it, even though he insisted on buying it. But, he sat down as soon as we got home and watched all three episodes on the DVD! Completely in German. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn.
Croation Supper
Tonight we ate supper at a local Croation restaurant. It's owned by, big surprise, a Croation national who's lived here for some three decades. He's also a friend of Der Deutscher's family.
He was quite excited when we showed up and especially enamored of JBP. Who isn't?
While we were there he managed to take several pictures of the young man and promised to post them on the restaurant walls. He also gave JBP a free ice cream desert.
Obviously he knows this family well. It's love is easily won with a little bit of ice cream.
On a side note, the food was good but, of course, mostly meat. So, I had just tomato soup, salad and djuwetische rice, which is something like spanish rice but with more of a kick to it.
SDA
During supper tonight, Ms Gudi asked JBP if he'd like to accompany her to the airport on Saturday to pick up her daughter. When I told her he couldn't because we'd be in church I then had to explain why we'd be in church on Saturday.
Explaining Seventh-day Adventism can be tricky at the best of times, but across the language barrier? But after several tries, and with some very recent and quite helpful advice from my pastor ringing in my ears, I got the point across.
Basically, we're Christians. We believe in Jesus, Salvation through Grace, etc. The 'Adventist' part stands for our belief that Christ will return. (That was a fun one. For awhile they thought that meant Jesus would be born again!) The Seventh-day part means we believe God never changed the Jewish Sabbath from the seventh day of the week, which remains Saturday, no matter what the European calendars say!
)(?=(%/$$§&%$- Catholic Church!
Now we just have to find our way to the church Sabbath morning and hope it hasn't moved since it's address was posted on the web.
Too Much Sugar
Ever since we've gotten here, JBP has subsisted on a diet of almost pure sugar. This is a combination of jetlag-induced odd eating habits and grandparents wishing to treat him.
Unfortunately sugar affects him very quickly, and not in a good way. Needless to say the angelic behavior from the first few days is long since history. Not that he's become Bart Simpson or anything, but his behavior has definitely deteriorated.
So, this morning I told him, 'No sugar today, for either of us.' I've been hitting the sweets department a bit hard myself that last few days. He didn't have a problem with this pronouncement. He never does when it involves both of us.
But, it was next to impossible to adhere to too strictly. Between bakery meals, hot chocolate instead of coffee (yeah, right, I'm going to let Mr. Energy ingest caffeine!) and gifts of ice cream he still got plenty of sugar. But, his behavior is also slowly improving, so it wasn't a complete wash.
Due to jetlag (although minor) JBP's eating habits have been a little off kilter. Mainly, he's not been hungry at standard eating times. For that matter, neither have I.
Anyway, this morning he, again, didn't eat at the breakfast table. But, shortly after we left the house, he started saying, 'I'm hungry.'
Ironically or not, this occured right after we rounded the corner and passed the first bakery.
Being the suckers that we are, we let him pick out one thing to eat. His first choice, an American-type donut. Der Deutscher vehemently vetoed this choice, with my full support.
JBP's second choice: something called an Amerikaner. It looks absolutely horrid, sort of like half a hamburger bun with plain white frosting across the top. Yuck! We vetoed that as well.
His third, and final choice, a Berliner. Needless to say, I then had to share with my 5 year old the JFK Ich bin ein Berliner joke. He actually seemed to get it.
Castle
JBP's one great passion about this trip has been to see a CASTLE. Today we tried to appease that passion. Although he enjoyed the trip, I don't think he agrees that he's actually seen a castle.
The problem, no towers and no crenellation!
His favorite part of the trip however was when we reached the top floor and what appeared to be an attack. The museum had it set up like a children's nursery, full of toys, etc.
JBP particularly seemed to like learning what sort of toys came from the time of Laura and Mary, from the Little House on the Prairie series which we've been reading.
But he's still not convinced that it wsa a castle. Even though I reminded him how his book about castles says not all castles have crenellation and towers, they remain his definition.
We'll have to see if we can find something appropriate before we leave. But I'm not sure where or when.
Movie
While out and about today we ended up shopping, again. Poor JBP is getting pretty fed up with us about that.
Anyway, today we stopped at a music/movie store. Der Deutscher was looking for some CD's he hasn't been able to find in the States. (He found them, by the way.)
Well, while there, JBP started looking at all the kids movies. I'd love to have gotten him some of the Thomas the Tank Engine and Bob the Builder stuff. Unfortunately, VHS tapes sold here won't work on American equipment and most DVD's are region protected, so they won't either.
I told him we'd have to find something that would play on a Region #1 DVD player and I doubted that was possible. He was determined however, between my genes and Der Deutscher's he has no choice about stubborness, and eventually found a movie that should play on our DVD player at home.
It's a basic DVD with a local kids' show on it. I didn't really think he'd watch it, even though he insisted on buying it. But, he sat down as soon as we got home and watched all three episodes on the DVD! Completely in German. Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn.
Croation Supper
Tonight we ate supper at a local Croation restaurant. It's owned by, big surprise, a Croation national who's lived here for some three decades. He's also a friend of Der Deutscher's family.
He was quite excited when we showed up and especially enamored of JBP. Who isn't?
While we were there he managed to take several pictures of the young man and promised to post them on the restaurant walls. He also gave JBP a free ice cream desert.
Obviously he knows this family well. It's love is easily won with a little bit of ice cream.
On a side note, the food was good but, of course, mostly meat. So, I had just tomato soup, salad and djuwetische rice, which is something like spanish rice but with more of a kick to it.
SDA
During supper tonight, Ms Gudi asked JBP if he'd like to accompany her to the airport on Saturday to pick up her daughter. When I told her he couldn't because we'd be in church I then had to explain why we'd be in church on Saturday.
Explaining Seventh-day Adventism can be tricky at the best of times, but across the language barrier? But after several tries, and with some very recent and quite helpful advice from my pastor ringing in my ears, I got the point across.
Basically, we're Christians. We believe in Jesus, Salvation through Grace, etc. The 'Adventist' part stands for our belief that Christ will return. (That was a fun one. For awhile they thought that meant Jesus would be born again!) The Seventh-day part means we believe God never changed the Jewish Sabbath from the seventh day of the week, which remains Saturday, no matter what the European calendars say!
)(?=(%/$$§&%$- Catholic Church!
Now we just have to find our way to the church Sabbath morning and hope it hasn't moved since it's address was posted on the web.
Too Much Sugar
Ever since we've gotten here, JBP has subsisted on a diet of almost pure sugar. This is a combination of jetlag-induced odd eating habits and grandparents wishing to treat him.
Unfortunately sugar affects him very quickly, and not in a good way. Needless to say the angelic behavior from the first few days is long since history. Not that he's become Bart Simpson or anything, but his behavior has definitely deteriorated.
So, this morning I told him, 'No sugar today, for either of us.' I've been hitting the sweets department a bit hard myself that last few days. He didn't have a problem with this pronouncement. He never does when it involves both of us.
But, it was next to impossible to adhere to too strictly. Between bakery meals, hot chocolate instead of coffee (yeah, right, I'm going to let Mr. Energy ingest caffeine!) and gifts of ice cream he still got plenty of sugar. But, his behavior is also slowly improving, so it wasn't a complete wash.
Tag #4
Xanten (11-22-05)
Today we visited an ancient Roman city on the northern-most edge of the Roman empire, Xanten. The ruins were discovered shortly before the turn of the century. The last one that is, not this one.
It's surprising just how excited a 5 year old can get about ruins. The most impressive piece was the partially reconstructed Roman temple. JBP could've spent all day exploring that.
They also had an example of how Roman homes were laid out, using shrubbery to indicate the walls.
The most fun for JBP was the playground designed to look like a Roman fortification. He probably would've wanted to stay all day, except it was getting cold out. Mostly the wind.
JBP was just as happy to check out the museum in town that accompanies the Ruins-Park. He was so eager to find out what happened when that he'd beg us to explain one display to him and then be off to the next one before we could get halfway through it.
We also checked out the cathedral there. JBP was impressed although he still has a little trouble understanding my explanations about religious differences and respecting said differences! It'll come.
"Shut-up!"
Every time Der Deutscher gets out of the car we've been loaned for the week, it starts dinging at him. Most of the time he mildly tells it to, "Shut-up".
Today, when Der Deutscher got out to close the garage door behind us, the car started dinging. Before he could say anything, JBP chimes in, "Shut-up!"
We laughed.
When we got to Xanten, JBP tried it again. Der Deutscher had to remind him of the rule, "Once, funny. Twice, annoying."
Chocolate Shopping
This evening, Der Deutscher and I took off solo for town to do our first round of chocolate shopping. (Aren't grandparents a wonderful thing?)
We checked out one store but chose not to buy anything there. At the next store however, we loaded ourselves down with just about as much chocolate as we could carry.
Most of it we still have. I must admit I've already broken into some of it! I still plan on buying another $20 or so worth of chocolate before we leave.
English Class
My Father-In-Law, aka Opa, and Mika attend an English language class at the local, I guess it's roughly equivalent to a community college. They were supposed to go tonight and take JBP with them for a little show-and-tell.
JBP was very excited and spent much of the day packing and repacking the little lunch bag Opa and Ms Gudi had given him.... for school!
For some reason, I couldn't quite figure out why, they decided to skip class tonight. Der Deutscher had told JBP this, but it didn't really sink in for him until bedtime. At which point, he wailed, 'But I have to go to schooooooooll!'
Nimitz' Lady
Today we visited an ancient Roman city on the northern-most edge of the Roman empire, Xanten. The ruins were discovered shortly before the turn of the century. The last one that is, not this one.
It's surprising just how excited a 5 year old can get about ruins. The most impressive piece was the partially reconstructed Roman temple. JBP could've spent all day exploring that.
They also had an example of how Roman homes were laid out, using shrubbery to indicate the walls.
The most fun for JBP was the playground designed to look like a Roman fortification. He probably would've wanted to stay all day, except it was getting cold out. Mostly the wind.
JBP was just as happy to check out the museum in town that accompanies the Ruins-Park. He was so eager to find out what happened when that he'd beg us to explain one display to him and then be off to the next one before we could get halfway through it.
We also checked out the cathedral there. JBP was impressed although he still has a little trouble understanding my explanations about religious differences and respecting said differences! It'll come.
"Shut-up!"
Every time Der Deutscher gets out of the car we've been loaned for the week, it starts dinging at him. Most of the time he mildly tells it to, "Shut-up".
Today, when Der Deutscher got out to close the garage door behind us, the car started dinging. Before he could say anything, JBP chimes in, "Shut-up!"
We laughed.
When we got to Xanten, JBP tried it again. Der Deutscher had to remind him of the rule, "Once, funny. Twice, annoying."
Chocolate Shopping
This evening, Der Deutscher and I took off solo for town to do our first round of chocolate shopping. (Aren't grandparents a wonderful thing?)
We checked out one store but chose not to buy anything there. At the next store however, we loaded ourselves down with just about as much chocolate as we could carry.
Most of it we still have. I must admit I've already broken into some of it! I still plan on buying another $20 or so worth of chocolate before we leave.
English Class
My Father-In-Law, aka Opa, and Mika attend an English language class at the local, I guess it's roughly equivalent to a community college. They were supposed to go tonight and take JBP with them for a little show-and-tell.
JBP was very excited and spent much of the day packing and repacking the little lunch bag Opa and Ms Gudi had given him.... for school!
For some reason, I couldn't quite figure out why, they decided to skip class tonight. Der Deutscher had told JBP this, but it didn't really sink in for him until bedtime. At which point, he wailed, 'But I have to go to schooooooooll!'
Nimitz' Lady
Monday, November 21, 2005
Tag #3
No Pictures (11-21-05)
I found out last night that Der Deutscher chose, chose!, not to bring the computer attachments for his camera. This means there will most likely be no pictures for the duration of this trip.
Sorry folks. I will do my best to post pictures as soon as possible after our return.
Shopping (11-21-05)
Today we met up with my Mother-in-Law (henceforth to be referred to as MIL)and hit the city center for a little shopping. Mostly of the window variety.
JBP picked the first store, a bookstore. The little one sure has the reading genes! Now if we could just get him past the passive listening stage and into the active reading to himself stage! I'm starting to lose my voice here!
In the long run all we bought was a toothbrush for me (we packed one less than we needed and I've been making do with Scope for the last three days), a pair of tiger claw slippers for JBP (The house has all wood and tile floors. Too cold for barefeet and too slippery for plain socks.), and brötchen.
Ahhh! Brötchen. That's probably what I've missed most about this country. I've been savoring at least one a day (I am trying not to go overboard here!) since we got here. But today was my first chance to get some fresh brötchen.
I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!
Mottes & Baileys (11-21-05)
Since, after all that shopping, JBP still did not appear tired, Der Deutscher and I took him for a stroll through the local Castle Park. It's the area surrounding the city's castle that has been turned into a public park.
JBP has been crazy to learn about castles ever since he learned we were headed to Europe. So, when we got there I started explaining to him how the raised area we were walking along was the original defensive wall called a motte. And the lower are we'd played soccer in yesterday was part of the castle's bailey.
The rest of the walk, JBP kept asking me if he was walking along the motte.
On a side note, in one part of the park's center there is a playground area. It includes a trapeze/monkey bar type pyramid for kids to climb on. JBP saw it from about 50 feet away and was off. Der Deutscher soon joined them.
I took pictures. Although to tell the truth, the only reason I stood by and played the adult was because my coat was too long to join them in their cavorting. Oh well, it looks good on me. The sacrifices we make for fashion!
Kezboarding (11-21-05)
You maz notice an occasionally rather weird tzpo from me. That's because I'm using a European keyboard with a slightly different configuration. For example, the Y is where the Z should be, and vice versa. It really bites! Not to mention how it slows me down when I'm in the middle of a good storz. So, please forgive anz strange typos.
Gute Nacht!
Nimitz' Lady
I found out last night that Der Deutscher chose, chose!, not to bring the computer attachments for his camera. This means there will most likely be no pictures for the duration of this trip.
Sorry folks. I will do my best to post pictures as soon as possible after our return.
Shopping (11-21-05)
Today we met up with my Mother-in-Law (henceforth to be referred to as MIL)and hit the city center for a little shopping. Mostly of the window variety.
JBP picked the first store, a bookstore. The little one sure has the reading genes! Now if we could just get him past the passive listening stage and into the active reading to himself stage! I'm starting to lose my voice here!
In the long run all we bought was a toothbrush for me (we packed one less than we needed and I've been making do with Scope for the last three days), a pair of tiger claw slippers for JBP (The house has all wood and tile floors. Too cold for barefeet and too slippery for plain socks.), and brötchen.
Ahhh! Brötchen. That's probably what I've missed most about this country. I've been savoring at least one a day (I am trying not to go overboard here!) since we got here. But today was my first chance to get some fresh brötchen.
I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!
Mottes & Baileys (11-21-05)
Since, after all that shopping, JBP still did not appear tired, Der Deutscher and I took him for a stroll through the local Castle Park. It's the area surrounding the city's castle that has been turned into a public park.
JBP has been crazy to learn about castles ever since he learned we were headed to Europe. So, when we got there I started explaining to him how the raised area we were walking along was the original defensive wall called a motte. And the lower are we'd played soccer in yesterday was part of the castle's bailey.
The rest of the walk, JBP kept asking me if he was walking along the motte.
On a side note, in one part of the park's center there is a playground area. It includes a trapeze/monkey bar type pyramid for kids to climb on. JBP saw it from about 50 feet away and was off. Der Deutscher soon joined them.
I took pictures. Although to tell the truth, the only reason I stood by and played the adult was because my coat was too long to join them in their cavorting. Oh well, it looks good on me. The sacrifices we make for fashion!
Kezboarding (11-21-05)
You maz notice an occasionally rather weird tzpo from me. That's because I'm using a European keyboard with a slightly different configuration. For example, the Y is where the Z should be, and vice versa. It really bites! Not to mention how it slows me down when I'm in the middle of a good storz. So, please forgive anz strange typos.
Gute Nacht!
Nimitz' Lady
Tages #1 & #2
Missing the Mark (11-17-05)
It's been ten years since the last time I traveled to Europe. Since then the money has changed. The last time I visited each country had its own currency and it was still doubtful whether the European Union would survive.
Today, the EU is a strong, going concern and it has co-opted all its members currencies with the ubiquitous Euro. It looks european enough, but it just lacks the history of the DeutchMark, the Franc, the Pound, etc.
Yet another change in this life I quess I have no choice but to accept.
Little Traveler (11-19-05)
JBP has once again proven what an excellent little traveler he can be. This 5.5 year old child sailed through the 14.5 hour trip across the ocean.
He only complained about his ears once, on the quick hop from our hometown to Chicago. After that he did fine.
On the long flight overseas, he spent most of his time watching the Cartoon Channel. This is not a channel I normally approve of, but it was the only child appropriate one available. So, I made an exception.
All our flights went well, except the last one. Fog at our destination city kept us sitting on the tarmac for more than an hour, waiting for permission to land. (As the flight was only about 45 minutes long, the tower wouldn't let us take off without landing permission.)
Der Deutscher and I had gotten little to no sleep on the long transatlantic flight and were pretty much in a stupor by then. JBP spent the wait quietly playing with the toys in his backpack. That let us sleep. Unfortunately, it also left us with toys spread out all over the place to pick up when we finally did take off.
After three flights and only four hours sleep, he was still able to be the perfect little gentleman upon arrival. He charmed his Opa, Miss Gudi, her brother Mika and his wife Miss Austria. (They all live in a charming four story home near the city center)
No Customs (11-19-05)
The first time I traveled to Europe, I was quite disappointed when I didn't get a stamp in my passport. Things have not changed under the EU. In fact, "customs" has gotten even easier to pass than ever. All the agent did was glance at my passport picture (which by now barely resembles me) then at me and ask me the purpose of my visit, before waving me through.
Ah well, at least I got a stamp in my old passport for entering and exiting Hungary!
Dream Kitchen (11-19-05)
Anyone who's visited my home knows my dissatisfaction with my kitchen, designed for a family that cooks with the microwave and eats out.
Needless to say, that is not my family.
Miss Gudi's kitchen, on the other hand, has enough room to move, plenty of storage for things like pots and pans, and a table that seats up to 10 people. Big surprise, my dream kitchen is in Europe.
Don't let me start about the bathrooms!
No Spanish Here (11-19-05)
I've spent the last several hours struggling to communicate in what is actually my third language. This is the language I've had the least training in and the least practice.
The most frustrating part of it is, since I'm trying to communicate in a language that is not English, anytime I can't come up with the word I want in the correct language my brain brings up the Spanish version.
The problem with this is, Der Deutscher does not speak Spanish. Nor does anyone else around here. So, while plenty of people speak at least some English, I might as well be in a county where no English is spoken.
Se habla espanol, anyone?
Schnell und Schneller (11-19-05)
JBP knows only one speed and that's full speed ahead. So, despite the seven hour time change he's just gone through he's still keeping a house full of adults hopping.
At least with six of us we can rotate out and get some rest.
Speaking of all these adults, JBP considers them nothing more than new toys. And, like any child with new toys, wants only to play with them. Forget the old, comfortable toys that have brought so much joy over the years.
While this is exhausting the rest of the household, it has allowed Der Deutscher and I to get some rest. Sort of.
(Wounded) Soccer Star (11-19-05)
JBP has a new favorite ball game, soccer. Our first night here, the family gathered around the TV to watch a recap of the day's games. Then, Sunday morning we all went to the local Castle Park to kick a soccer ball around with JBP.
He thought it was the next best thing to basketball. At least this is a "football" I can wrap my mind around!
JBP spent the next couple of hours running the lot of us ragged across the half-sized soccer field. During this time he took several tumbles, but rarely complained. Until the last one that is.
That time I was the goal keeper and, whilst defending my goal, accidentally kicked his feet out from under him. He landed with his elbow bent underneath him. No serious damage but a couple minor bruises and lingering aches.
Actually, it looks like I, the non-european, non-soccer playing Mommy, somehow came out the winner of the free-for-all we pretended was a game. Still haven't figured that one out.
Bis später, Nimitz' Lady
It's been ten years since the last time I traveled to Europe. Since then the money has changed. The last time I visited each country had its own currency and it was still doubtful whether the European Union would survive.
Today, the EU is a strong, going concern and it has co-opted all its members currencies with the ubiquitous Euro. It looks european enough, but it just lacks the history of the DeutchMark, the Franc, the Pound, etc.
Yet another change in this life I quess I have no choice but to accept.
Little Traveler (11-19-05)
JBP has once again proven what an excellent little traveler he can be. This 5.5 year old child sailed through the 14.5 hour trip across the ocean.
He only complained about his ears once, on the quick hop from our hometown to Chicago. After that he did fine.
On the long flight overseas, he spent most of his time watching the Cartoon Channel. This is not a channel I normally approve of, but it was the only child appropriate one available. So, I made an exception.
All our flights went well, except the last one. Fog at our destination city kept us sitting on the tarmac for more than an hour, waiting for permission to land. (As the flight was only about 45 minutes long, the tower wouldn't let us take off without landing permission.)
Der Deutscher and I had gotten little to no sleep on the long transatlantic flight and were pretty much in a stupor by then. JBP spent the wait quietly playing with the toys in his backpack. That let us sleep. Unfortunately, it also left us with toys spread out all over the place to pick up when we finally did take off.
After three flights and only four hours sleep, he was still able to be the perfect little gentleman upon arrival. He charmed his Opa, Miss Gudi, her brother Mika and his wife Miss Austria. (They all live in a charming four story home near the city center)
No Customs (11-19-05)
The first time I traveled to Europe, I was quite disappointed when I didn't get a stamp in my passport. Things have not changed under the EU. In fact, "customs" has gotten even easier to pass than ever. All the agent did was glance at my passport picture (which by now barely resembles me) then at me and ask me the purpose of my visit, before waving me through.
Ah well, at least I got a stamp in my old passport for entering and exiting Hungary!
Dream Kitchen (11-19-05)
Anyone who's visited my home knows my dissatisfaction with my kitchen, designed for a family that cooks with the microwave and eats out.
Needless to say, that is not my family.
Miss Gudi's kitchen, on the other hand, has enough room to move, plenty of storage for things like pots and pans, and a table that seats up to 10 people. Big surprise, my dream kitchen is in Europe.
Don't let me start about the bathrooms!
No Spanish Here (11-19-05)
I've spent the last several hours struggling to communicate in what is actually my third language. This is the language I've had the least training in and the least practice.
The most frustrating part of it is, since I'm trying to communicate in a language that is not English, anytime I can't come up with the word I want in the correct language my brain brings up the Spanish version.
The problem with this is, Der Deutscher does not speak Spanish. Nor does anyone else around here. So, while plenty of people speak at least some English, I might as well be in a county where no English is spoken.
Se habla espanol, anyone?
Schnell und Schneller (11-19-05)
JBP knows only one speed and that's full speed ahead. So, despite the seven hour time change he's just gone through he's still keeping a house full of adults hopping.
At least with six of us we can rotate out and get some rest.
Speaking of all these adults, JBP considers them nothing more than new toys. And, like any child with new toys, wants only to play with them. Forget the old, comfortable toys that have brought so much joy over the years.
While this is exhausting the rest of the household, it has allowed Der Deutscher and I to get some rest. Sort of.
(Wounded) Soccer Star (11-19-05)
JBP has a new favorite ball game, soccer. Our first night here, the family gathered around the TV to watch a recap of the day's games. Then, Sunday morning we all went to the local Castle Park to kick a soccer ball around with JBP.
He thought it was the next best thing to basketball. At least this is a "football" I can wrap my mind around!
JBP spent the next couple of hours running the lot of us ragged across the half-sized soccer field. During this time he took several tumbles, but rarely complained. Until the last one that is.
That time I was the goal keeper and, whilst defending my goal, accidentally kicked his feet out from under him. He landed with his elbow bent underneath him. No serious damage but a couple minor bruises and lingering aches.
Actually, it looks like I, the non-european, non-soccer playing Mommy, somehow came out the winner of the free-for-all we pretended was a game. Still haven't figured that one out.
Bis später, Nimitz' Lady
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Europe
You won't hear from me for a few days as this was my last day at work before heading to Europe. I will be updating once overseas (Sabbath or Sunday), but have no internet access at home.
See ya in Europe!
Nimitz' Lady
See ya in Europe!
Nimitz' Lady
Dilemma
I have a dilemma. Should I take pull-ups on our trip to Europe or not? I hadn't planned to. But then JBP wet the bed again last night.
To put things in perspective, JBP's only been potty trained for a little less than two years. He's only been able to stay dry through the night for about four months. Up until then he wore pull-ups every night.
After having to get up at 5:30 this morning to clean him up and change the sheets, I'm wondering if I should resurrect pull-ups for the trip?
JBP has already told me he doesn't want to be embarrassed by being a big boy in pull-ups in front of his Oma and Opa. But, would it be more embarrassing for him to sleep so deeply because of jetlag he wets the bed?
And what about the plane trip itself?
Should I just take them along in case he ends up needing them? Should I make him wear the pull-ups no matter what? Should I just wait and if he needs them buy them in Europe?
I don't mind the work of cleaning up after him that much. I just don't want my baby to be embarrassed or have bad memories about his first trip overseas.
Color me confused!
Nimitz' Lady
To put things in perspective, JBP's only been potty trained for a little less than two years. He's only been able to stay dry through the night for about four months. Up until then he wore pull-ups every night.
After having to get up at 5:30 this morning to clean him up and change the sheets, I'm wondering if I should resurrect pull-ups for the trip?
JBP has already told me he doesn't want to be embarrassed by being a big boy in pull-ups in front of his Oma and Opa. But, would it be more embarrassing for him to sleep so deeply because of jetlag he wets the bed?
And what about the plane trip itself?
Should I just take them along in case he ends up needing them? Should I make him wear the pull-ups no matter what? Should I just wait and if he needs them buy them in Europe?
I don't mind the work of cleaning up after him that much. I just don't want my baby to be embarrassed or have bad memories about his first trip overseas.
Color me confused!
Nimitz' Lady
A Chance Visit
We had a visit from Chance today. He's become an unofficial member of our family.
No, Chance isn't a two-legs. He's a four leg. In fact, he's the biggest danged Black Lab I've ever seen. If I didn't know he was a pure bred, I'd swear he was part Great Dane.
He, and his pal Buster, live the next neighborhood over. They're also a couple of escape artists who regularly take off for trips of exploration. Those trips usually end at our front door.
For some reason Chance and Buster have decided to make us their Family Away From Family, I guess you'd call it.
So, once a month or two we make a call to their real family to let them know the duo has shown up on our doorstep again.
Today, Chance showed up solo. When I called his people, only one was home and with no car. So, for the first time I drove Chance home. After more than two years of visits I now know where Chance and Buster live.
Nimitz' Lady
No, Chance isn't a two-legs. He's a four leg. In fact, he's the biggest danged Black Lab I've ever seen. If I didn't know he was a pure bred, I'd swear he was part Great Dane.
He, and his pal Buster, live the next neighborhood over. They're also a couple of escape artists who regularly take off for trips of exploration. Those trips usually end at our front door.
For some reason Chance and Buster have decided to make us their Family Away From Family, I guess you'd call it.
So, once a month or two we make a call to their real family to let them know the duo has shown up on our doorstep again.
Today, Chance showed up solo. When I called his people, only one was home and with no car. So, for the first time I drove Chance home. After more than two years of visits I now know where Chance and Buster live.
Nimitz' Lady
TV Time
For the last couple of years, JBP's been on a limited TV diet of 1.5 hours a day.
It actually all started with 9/11. Up until then, I never let JBP watch Kid's TV. I always watched my morning news shows. I was a news junky. Hey, how else do you think I ended up being a journalist?
Anyway, with 9/11 things changed. JBP didn't really understand what was going on. But he knew something was wrong and that upset him. So, for awhile we went to no TV.
Then, he started waking up before Mommy and Mommy needs her sleep, what little she gets of it. So Mommy started letting him watch PBS Kids.
What started out as a half hour or so a day slowly grew. Until, when he's sick we let him watch TV/movies all day long. The only problem with that? He's constantly sick so he can watch TV.
Plus, my European husband is more of an American when it comes to the boob tube. From the minute his eyes open until he leaves the house and from the time he comes home until he goes to sleep the TV is blaring.
So, JBP was really getting 1.5 hours of TV time with Mommy and 1.5 hours with Dada. That's why yesterday I completely banned TV from the morning schedule. Even if it means I lose some sleep, as I did today.
I'm already noticing a difference in his behavior. Less frenetic, more energetic, more focused, more willing to go play, etc. Which isn't to say the complaints aren't still coming. They're just slowing down.
Nimitz' Lady
It actually all started with 9/11. Up until then, I never let JBP watch Kid's TV. I always watched my morning news shows. I was a news junky. Hey, how else do you think I ended up being a journalist?
Anyway, with 9/11 things changed. JBP didn't really understand what was going on. But he knew something was wrong and that upset him. So, for awhile we went to no TV.
Then, he started waking up before Mommy and Mommy needs her sleep, what little she gets of it. So Mommy started letting him watch PBS Kids.
What started out as a half hour or so a day slowly grew. Until, when he's sick we let him watch TV/movies all day long. The only problem with that? He's constantly sick so he can watch TV.
Plus, my European husband is more of an American when it comes to the boob tube. From the minute his eyes open until he leaves the house and from the time he comes home until he goes to sleep the TV is blaring.
So, JBP was really getting 1.5 hours of TV time with Mommy and 1.5 hours with Dada. That's why yesterday I completely banned TV from the morning schedule. Even if it means I lose some sleep, as I did today.
I'm already noticing a difference in his behavior. Less frenetic, more energetic, more focused, more willing to go play, etc. Which isn't to say the complaints aren't still coming. They're just slowing down.
Nimitz' Lady
Mr. Fantastic 24/7
Did I mention JBP dressed as Mr. Fantastic this Halloween? Well, he did. He looked real cute too, in his sleek blue jumpsuit with the reflective 4 on his chest. The only thing is, he's still wearing the costume!
First thing in the morning, he slides it on over his clothes and won't take it off unless it's bathtime or basketball time. At least he'll take it off then. I've heard of kids who won't.
He slides it on and takes off. He swears the reflective strips and one piece-y-ness of it make him run faster and he races all over the house trying to prove it.
He also goes back and forth between referring to himself as Stretch Man, his title for Mr. Fantastic, and as the whole Fantastic Four team. I don't know where he gets this as I've never let him even read the comic books, let alone see the movie. Daycare, I guess.
Earlier this week I had to peel him out of the costume/uniform so I could wash it. He rediscovered it this morning while helping Grammy fold clothes. My, was he an excited 5 year old.
Now I have to convince him he can't wear it on the plane to Europe!
Nimitz' Lady
First thing in the morning, he slides it on over his clothes and won't take it off unless it's bathtime or basketball time. At least he'll take it off then. I've heard of kids who won't.
He slides it on and takes off. He swears the reflective strips and one piece-y-ness of it make him run faster and he races all over the house trying to prove it.
He also goes back and forth between referring to himself as Stretch Man, his title for Mr. Fantastic, and as the whole Fantastic Four team. I don't know where he gets this as I've never let him even read the comic books, let alone see the movie. Daycare, I guess.
Earlier this week I had to peel him out of the costume/uniform so I could wash it. He rediscovered it this morning while helping Grammy fold clothes. My, was he an excited 5 year old.
Now I have to convince him he can't wear it on the plane to Europe!
Nimitz' Lady
A Clean Basement
Well, after four and a half years in our home, we finally have a clean basement.
I started out today meaning to pick up the standard clutter and go through JBP's toys to get rid of the junk, outdated and just plain unused ones. But once I got started I just kept on going and going and going.
I ended up going through several boxes of things we'd piled up against the wall when we moved in. Fully intending, at the time, to unpack them next week. Next week turned out to be 4.5 years long!
By the time I was done, the size of our basement had doubled. Now, I'm full of Interior Designer Zeal, wanting to re-arrange and do all the things we'd thought about and talked about when we first moved in.
But first I've got to talk Der Deutscher into moving the couch four more feet away from his precious television. Of course, that's a post for a different time.
The real test now will be how long we can keep the basement clean! Wish me luck.
Nimitz' Lady
I started out today meaning to pick up the standard clutter and go through JBP's toys to get rid of the junk, outdated and just plain unused ones. But once I got started I just kept on going and going and going.
I ended up going through several boxes of things we'd piled up against the wall when we moved in. Fully intending, at the time, to unpack them next week. Next week turned out to be 4.5 years long!
By the time I was done, the size of our basement had doubled. Now, I'm full of Interior Designer Zeal, wanting to re-arrange and do all the things we'd thought about and talked about when we first moved in.
But first I've got to talk Der Deutscher into moving the couch four more feet away from his precious television. Of course, that's a post for a different time.
The real test now will be how long we can keep the basement clean! Wish me luck.
Nimitz' Lady
Monday, November 14, 2005
Religion Test
I found this cool religion test. It's a good way to test your understanding of your chosen faith's precepts. My #1 result was completely expected but most of the rest of the Top Ten was mildly surprising. The listed percentages indicate how much I agree with each faith's tenets.
1. Seventh Day Adventist (100%)
2. Orthodox Quaker (99%)
3. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (96%)
4. Mainline - Conservative Christian Protestant (92%)
5. Orthodox Judaism (92%)
6. Jehovah's Witness (85%)
7. Sikhism (82%)
8. Eastern Orthodox (80%)
9. Roman Catholic (80%)
10. Hinduism (78%)
11. Islam (75%)
12. Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants (72%)
13. Bahá'í Faith (68%)
14. Liberal Quakers (66%)
15. Reform Judaism (64%)
16. Unitarian Universalism (56%)
17. Jainism (56%)
18. Theravada Buddhism (45%)
19. Mahayana Buddhism (44%)
20. Neo-Pagan (42%)
21. New Age (34%)
22. Taoism (33%)
23. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (31%)
24. Secular Humanism (31%)
25. Scientology (30%)
26. New Thought (29%)
27. Non-theist (23%)
Take the religion test for yourself.
Nimitz' Lady
1. Seventh Day Adventist (100%)
2. Orthodox Quaker (99%)
3. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (96%)
4. Mainline - Conservative Christian Protestant (92%)
5. Orthodox Judaism (92%)
6. Jehovah's Witness (85%)
7. Sikhism (82%)
8. Eastern Orthodox (80%)
9. Roman Catholic (80%)
10. Hinduism (78%)
11. Islam (75%)
12. Mainline - Liberal Christian Protestants (72%)
13. Bahá'í Faith (68%)
14. Liberal Quakers (66%)
15. Reform Judaism (64%)
16. Unitarian Universalism (56%)
17. Jainism (56%)
18. Theravada Buddhism (45%)
19. Mahayana Buddhism (44%)
20. Neo-Pagan (42%)
21. New Age (34%)
22. Taoism (33%)
23. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (31%)
24. Secular Humanism (31%)
25. Scientology (30%)
26. New Thought (29%)
27. Non-theist (23%)
Take the religion test for yourself.
Nimitz' Lady
To do:
This is a small idea of what I still have to do before we leave Friday afternoon:
- Pick-up my Sabbath dress from the alteration shop
- Buy shoes to match Sabbath dress
- Buy book on tape for JBP
- Buy book about castles for JBP
- Do laundry
- Make compilaton music cd, so I don't have to drag dozens of cd's with me
- Rough pack so I know what's still missing
- Do more laundry
- Clean house
- Buy snacks for trip
- Take JBP on prep-walk to make sure he can handle his backpack the entire trip!
- Do even more laundry
- Stock up on dog and cat food
- Go through JBP's toys and get rid of at least half!
- Clean out my car
- Wash my car
- Pack again, see if anything else is still missing
- Unpack and get rid of half
- Do laundry yet again
- Final packing, dress & depart
I could keep going, but am exhausted just looking at what's on the list so far, not to mention broke! Four days and counting until departure, 1.5 days left at work.
Nimitz' Lady
Quote of the Day
Asst. News Director: "Alright, I'm going downstairs (to the breakroom). Is there anything I can eat for anybody?"
Nimitz' Lady
Nimitz' Lady
APNewsAlert
TOKYO (AP) - A 6.9-magnitude quake hits ocean east of Japan; tsunami warning issued. (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Flying Crows
I just have to share this, we have a reporter with us who's never heard the term "as the crow flies". She's a big city girl.
Another reporter responded, "Maybe it's a rural thing, cause I've heard it all my life." She's a farm girl.
I've also heard it all my life, but having lived in both cities and rural small towns I couldn't tell you if it's particular to just one area.
But, I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that a college educated reporter had to have the phrase "as the crow flies" explained to her!
Of course, that's still not as bad as an argument I had a couple years ago with our female lead anchor. She insisted mutton was a different animal than sheep! And she grew up on a farm! Okay, it was a wheat farm, but it was still a farm!
It took me an hour and a half and a cyber-trip to the National Association of Sheepherders to convince her mutton is just another word for sheep meat!
I repeat, these are the people brining you your local TV news! Some are great, others make some mistakes I just can't believe!
Nimitz' Lady
Another reporter responded, "Maybe it's a rural thing, cause I've heard it all my life." She's a farm girl.
I've also heard it all my life, but having lived in both cities and rural small towns I couldn't tell you if it's particular to just one area.
But, I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that a college educated reporter had to have the phrase "as the crow flies" explained to her!
Of course, that's still not as bad as an argument I had a couple years ago with our female lead anchor. She insisted mutton was a different animal than sheep! And she grew up on a farm! Okay, it was a wheat farm, but it was still a farm!
It took me an hour and a half and a cyber-trip to the National Association of Sheepherders to convince her mutton is just another word for sheep meat!
I repeat, these are the people brining you your local TV news! Some are great, others make some mistakes I just can't believe!
Nimitz' Lady
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