Go ask Alice

I'm absolutely loving all the Alice themed fashion going on!

My new love. J. Crew Betty Bag. So girly

Beige with a hint of Purple and Brown.

Bringing back some memories. This is Oktoberfest 2009 in Munich. One can only imagine the chaos. I'm glad Mike and I had a chance to go; it was a great experience I will never forget. People wait in line for hours to get into a tent. Lines form outside at around seven in the morning. We woke up early but not quite that early, I especially didn't wait in line. I don't have the patience.

Anyhow, outside the tents are rides and gingerbread cookie stands, and sausage stands. Lots of food, a handful of rides and too many drunk people. Honestly it's sick. You walk through the carnival, which becomes so packed full of people that eventually you can't step two feet in front of you without running into someone; and you see drunk people hurling over vomiting, other intoxicated ones passed out just laying on the ground and if you're really lucky you might not step in throw up. I'm not exaggerating, that's how it was. Besides all that, the tents were a blast; live Bavarian music, everyone dressed Lederhosen and Dirndls (the Bavarian attire), and the traditional Bavarian food Pretzels, Brats, Kase Brot etc. People chant to the songs, get up on tables and dance; it's really a fun thing to experience. I'm glad we went.

Okay enough of memory lane.

My stomach is growling, I think I need to eat something before I pass out. But before I do I have added something to my wish list.

Chirp

It's Beautiful here in Lampertheim Germany. The Sun is shining in my window now. It's hard to focus when I'm inside reading. Maybe I'll find a tree in the park here and study :) I have a feeling it's going to be a beautiful day.

                                                      "Reading in Light" Mookio

Street of Dreams

I'm wired today. I've only had one cup of coffee yet I'm about to have my second cup as we speak. I'm so distracted today; I think it may be the fact that I'm so ecstatic to be home. I can't seem to sit still and work on one project. 

Our place is immaculate as far as cleanliness goes, I mopped the tiles and disinfected every possible surface in our flat, but there still seems to be clutter everywhere I turn. I need more time in my day. I wish I could adjust the hours in a day to what I need. 

I've always been into home decor and art as well as jewelry and makeup but lately I've been finding myself embracing it way more then usual. I think about Mike and I building this beautiful home and it gets me really excited about decorating. And well shopping has always been my thing. I've gotten some makeup suggestions from some friends and I'm really excited to try them out. 

I love the use of colors used in this living space. This is from Portland's Street of Dreams.

Simple and Artsy.

This is my favorite. I'd love to have my own personal library office just like this. 

Vanilla Latte

The sun is shining! It’s been a while, Oh how I’ve longed for this day. I’ve been dreaming of nice warm days, sunny beaches; and pictured myself just lounging with a liquid beverage without shoes while listening to some Shwayze or Jack Johnson.

I’m exhausted today, my eyes have dark circles beneath them; my sclera has blood shot pathways leading to my tired pupils. It's not pretty.

It’s awesome I not only feel like crap, but I look like it too.

We were hustling to get out the hotel door this morning. We left our hotel in Kallmunz for good. It was a great experience. I really appreciated the friendly family that owned the Pension we stayed at. I think Marco and This family has made the greatest impression on Mike and I since our move to Germany. They really went out of their way to make it a pleasurable experience for us.

Tonight..Back to LA, also known as Lampertheim. I’m excited to get some normalcy and stability back in my life although mixing it up is fun too.

I feel drained I can’t even think straight. I just want to take a nice little nap here at the Java Café in Hohenfels. I’ve lived here the last couple days; Studied and hung out in the library. I’m pretty impressed with myself actually, I’ve been extremely productive. It’s been interesting for sure. Everything you ever thought or stereotyped about the military, military wives and the lifestyle is probably correct. It’s exactly how you picture it. I’m so thankful I never grew up on a military base and have never lived the military lifestyle, but I have to give it to them. They work hard for our wonderful country and they work hard for a living. They believe in family and fitness and they sacrifice for our freedom and that’s pretty awesome. I’m so proud of Mike and my dad for dedicating years of their life to this cause. They both have had some amazing experiences; my dad was a Navy Seal in Vietnam and Mike had two assignments to Iraq..so they’ve both seen and experienced some pretty crazy stuff I imagine (or can't imagine :)).

                                                                        "Hot Coffee" by Cocoip


Anyhow I’m getting back to my Vanilla Latte and the Café Gossip forum going on right before my tired eyes …and maybe I might try to get some work done too. Toodles.

Swiss Reminisce

Look it's me in Switzerland! I loved visiting here, but Geneva was totally overrated. Well besides the restaurant we went and had swiss cheese fondue! Montreux and Basel were so much more admirable. Basal was classy and sheik, the streets were lined with homes that reminded me of the United States White House. We went to a Michelan five star restaurant and walked by the water and down the streets. Montreux is totally stunning, probably one of the prettiest places I've ever been to in Europe. It's a beach town with gorgeous homes and lots of history. Right on the water is The Castle of Chillon. I probably won't get a chance to go back but it was definitely a memory I love keeping. Here is a link to the cities homepage..Montreux so Gorgeous!

Anyhow enough reminiscing.

I'm bouncing of the walls at the moment. I've had four or five cups of coffee and it's only 11 am. Yes I will probably die from osteoporosis and my teeth may turn brown or yellow, well unless I bleach them of course :) Anyhow it never stops snowing here. I swear the weather forecast calls for rain everyday in the Northwest where I'm from originally.. and that is annoying; but here the forecast is snow with a chance of rain. And yeah well that is even more vexatious. I think I could be happy never seeing snow again to be honest. I love snow in the mountains though; let me just make that clear.

Well I think I better get back to procrastinating on learning something that will open doors for my future. I do it oh so well.

I'm overjoyed I got to talk to my sister on the phone this morning. She totally made my day! Hope we all have one. A day that is..and well a great day too! Just remember "If God is for us, who can be against us."

Home Skillet

I've heard this before and I'm still in love with it!

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." Desiderata, by Max Ehrmann

>>>>>Slovakia>

Today has been pretty great so far. I woke up; that was one great thing. Well I was able to make a cup of coffee so I guess that was another fantastic thing to add to my amazing day. Pathetic but um..oh so true.

I wake up every morning at 6 and go to bed every night around 12. I think that is an accomplishment in itself considering I have no where to be. I like to remain on a normal schedule. I do have a job in a way and that is educating myself, being a personal assistant, I cook, clean, run errands and do everything I would do as if I was working; but I'm pretty excited to get back to working in the next year. I go stir crazy without a job. I can't handle it. Some people like staying at home..I feel like working gives me a sense of purpose, although it doesn't, it makes me feel that way. I've gone to school and worked since the day I turned 16 up until this year. I'm ready to go back! I want to go back and get my Masters and Doctorates too..but one step at a time. Am I the only one that feels that way? Does a job; well maybe I mean career, give you an identity? Traveling is my favorite thing but business and pleasure can be mixed..and i mean that in the literal sense. I can work hard and play hard. I think life should be that way. After all you only live once. I want to do everything I've ever dreamed of doing.

I think that is why Mike is such a great match for me. He never stops running and he loves to do just about everything and he's willing to try new things even if they are questionable in his liking.

Artsy Fartsy

So here is the town we are staying in near Regensburg. It's cute; it has some charm to it. I wont take credit for this picture, but the vibe here is friendly, warm, (although the temperature is cold) and the scene is pretty artsy. Two famous German artists are from this town. At the top of the hill is a castle and there is plenty of trails to walk on around here.

I feel so blessed. I get to travel to all these places. I have everything I want in life at this moment. Although there is always room for more, but I do feel very lucky God has blessed me. I have love, a wonderful boyfriend who treats me with respect and love and is so much fun. I have health, I am able to do things outdoors and do things that better myself. I have all the resources too. I have an education, goals, a relationship with God. Great true friends and loving parents. Everything anyone could ever need and want. God is Good and so is life.
I'm looking forward to my two best friends (Laura and also Kelly) getting married in the coming months. Megan is getting married too. I love these girls and they have wonderful guys too. I can't say that for everyone I know, but these two have some special relationships and I'm so happy for them.
Looking forward to our Berlin trip with our friend Ricky from Slovakia. Also this weekend Mike and I are going to hang out in Regensburg the one day he has off. He has been working and studying so hard. I don't see him enough but I am so proud of his accomplishments in school and in work.
Loving everyday!

That really Chaps my..

My lips are so chapped; I think it's the weather. Either way it's driving me insane! I buy chapstick and lipgloss in all different brands and arrangements and it just doesn't seem to help. Honestly I think that stuff is bad for your pretty little lips anyway.

We have been staying in Regensburg Germany the last month. I really like it here actually. There is quite a bit of culture and I love the fact that there are Aveeda salons and shisha lounges and beautiful churches only about 15 minutes from our doorstep. This area is so pretty. We live where two rivers meet..funny thing is, I don't know what they are named. The suburb we stay in is called Kallmunz, it's a cute little village and in the center of the city at the top of the hill is a Castle (Schloss)that overlooks the city. I can actually see this castle from my window. We are staying at a Pension, it's actually more like an apartment; a big apartment with a kitchen and two bedrooms and a flat screen..pretty much everything we need and more. It's tastefully decorated in art. I love that!

Besides that Mike and I are doing well..We have been snowboarding almost five times now; I am getting better, I'm able to control my board and transition between toes and heels, which means I can shred! Yeah! I still would like to get more practice.

I love being active, I feel like here, there are so many outdoor activities, and since walking is mandatory in many areas just to get around.. i feel like my daily routine of sitting on my butt reading and studying and working isn't so bad.

Austria has been our vacation spot this winter. Its such a beautiful country; people are friendly, it's artsy and contemporary and has beautiful mountains. Solden is are spot. Although we have been to Hintertux too; as well as Vent, Vienna, and Innsbruck and crossed through other areas..Solden has been our favorite "fun" spot. Vienna has a lot of culture, old buildings, horses with buggies, and is scowling with tourists. Vent is way up in the mountains; a quiet little party city. Innsbruck is where the Burton headquarters is located; it kinda reminds me of Portland in a way. There are tons of little bars, lounges, skateboarders, snowboarders and art with rivers that run through it... and mountains in the background. Solden has great restaurants, a poppin night life and has a young crowd of skiiers and snowboarders. There are always concerts and fun things to do. I mean you can't even walk into a shop without them asking if you want a shot of alcohol..it can get crazy I guess. We take it easy for the most part. On the mountain we like to get Glue Wine (warm wine) it's our thing.

Anyhow so much to say, I need to stop though and get some things done today. Mike isnt feeling well so I wanna make sure I get some things done before he comes home, so he can just relax and get better :)

A couple more weeks till Berlin with Ricky! So excited!