Planning for the In-Laws

Josh's dad and step-mom arrive Saturday morning and will be here for about 9 days. Although he doesn't say it, I think Josh is excited for his dad to get here. This will be their first time in Germany and in Europe. I had asked them what they wanted to do, stating I would help plan out anything. There was only two things which I was told: Oktoberfest and Dachau. That's it. I prodded (many times) to see what else they may be interested in. Castles? The Alps? They kept sayings "Oh... we don't know... we know you'll find something great!" Um. Alright. Leaving it up to me... again. I just want to make sure people enjoy themselves and get to do what they want to do.

So... partially for convenience and partially because it was a great trip, we are going to some-what follow the same path my parents and I did. We'll be staying in southern Bavaria and doing day trips out from there. The day trips will be similar to the ones I did with my parents - Neuschwanstein Castle, Zugspitze, the Eagles Nest (which will hopefully be open since it wasn't when my parents were there), Dachau, Munich... and then finally Oktoberfest.

 I'm going to be honest here. My desire to go to Oktoberfest is nonexistent. On a scale of 1 to 10, my desire to go is at about a -5. The reaction I get when I tell people this is either one of complete understanding, or one of shock (as in *gasp* you live in Germany how could you NOT want to go to Oktoberfest wow that sounds awesome I really want to go). So let me explain. I like to drink. I like beer. We've been to some German festivals, and I see how it is or how it works. Lots of food, beer and wine, fair rides and games. Got it. Oktoberfest is this on a bigger scale with a lot of tradition. It's the bigger scale part I'm not real sure of. I am not a fan of crowds, especially huge crowds where you are crammed into a space and it is difficult to move. I also do not enjoy being in a crowd of obnoxious drunks (Griz football games are exempt from this generalization). I have heard from many people (coworkers, patients, friends) who went to Oktoberfest that this is pretty much what it is like... very crowded, tons of people, hard to move, lots of drunks. A coworker went so far as to describe the level of crowding saying she couldn't really move her arms as she was smooshed between so many people, and it took her over an hour just to get from a tent to the bathrooms. I've also heard the tales of drunks passed out on the ground, in the parks surrounding Oktoberfest, people throwing up... basically a mess. As I said, I've had people understand my lack of desire... and they understand because they share their own tale of Oktoberfest (which is generally one of disappointment, annoyance, or disgust). I also just generally don't understand why you would drink liters upon liters of beer and then go on a fair ride. I can't hold my cookies when sober... let alone after beer.

Anyways, my lack of enthusiasm is due to the fact that I'm afraid Oktoberfest is really just going to be a crowded mess. But. That is what my in-laws want to do, so we are going. I did some research... and we are going to go on a Tuesday in the morning. Quick explanation - to drink you must sit at a table in a beer tent. To sit at a table there either must be an opening or you must have a reservation. To make a reservation you must have 6 people. We only have 4, so we can't make a reservation, we'll just have to wait for an open spot. So. When looking online I saw most of the tents still had reservation spots open on Tuesday afternoon. It is also during the week and not a Saturday... so I figured it would be less busy during the week in the afternoon. This could cut down on the crowds/drunks and could possibly make it more enjoyable for me. I also am thinking if I have no expectations, or bad expectations, that if it is anything above horrible I will be pleased. In reality it is something that should be on my Europe bucket list. I can say I've gone, I've been there, done it. So. Good. Let's get it over with.

I'm done being a negative Nancy now. I am excited to spend some time with the in-laws - they are great people and I'm sure we'll have lots of fun. I'm also excited for Josh to finally get to see the things I did with my parents. I think he will enjoy it as well. And... well, who isn't excited about taking a trip and not working? Even if it is something I've seen/done before, I'm excited.

The Graduate

This is a bit delayed... by a full week. I blame it on the massive, nasty cold I have gotten. Well, correction. After going two weeks with no voice, a sore throat, runny nose, and cough with no improvement I finally went to the doctor and discovered I have a sinus infection and dual ear infections. I left the pharmacy with a bag full of goodies. Thus far I'm still not feeling great, but hoping the antibiotics start to work their magic soon.

Josh graduated from his training last Thursday. I, luckily, had the day off and was able to go and support him. I didn't realize (until Josh told me) what an event his graduation would be. It was a semi-formal dinner complete with a cocktail hour, dinner, and guest speaker. Not what I thought of when I heard the word "graduation." Since I had the day off, I had (originally) thought it would be a great idea to make an appointment to get a manicure and pedicure in the afternoon before graduation as a way to pamper myself prior to shoving myself into a dress (I uh... hate dressing up. I do it well, but I don't love it). And it was a good idea in theory... but in the day of graduation my cold (now infections) was in full swing. I woke up feeling horrible. I spent the majority of the time at my nail appointment wishing it was socially acceptable to blow my nose like there was no tomorrow. I also spent a lot of the appointment dreaming of taking a nap. I did get to take a short nap after my nail appointments and before we got ready... but it really wasn't enough. I still felt pretty crummy and wasn't looking forward to going anywhere.

We arrived at graduation to enjoy cocktail hour. Enjoy really isn't the word I should pick as I really wasn't enjoying myself. I ran off to the bathroom about every ten minutes to blow my nose. I also had a wonderful cocktail of water, which is fine as it allowed Josh to enjoy a beer. We wandered around and chatted with Josh's classmates. I did get to meet a few wives and attempted to chat with them... but it was unsuccessful. I'm starting to wonder about my success at military functions... although my mom pointed out that maybe the other wives are just very shy and nervous and unlike me they aren't able to channel that nervousness into something productive. Maybe. Or maybe they are all just bitchy. I'm still deciding.

The highlight of the evening was that Josh's supervisor came down for graduation and I was sitting next to him at dinner. He has an excellent dry sense of humor, and he made dinner entertaining for me. I spent most of the dinner and the speeches which followed dinner in the same state I was in at my nail appointment - wishing it was socially acceptable to blow my nose loudly and frequently... and instead had to settle for frequently sniffing and dabbing my nose with a napkin to keep snot from running down my face (graphic, yet true). I'm bummed out because really this could have been a fun evening had I not felt like death. And it's an evening which I won't get a chance to do over. Oh well, I suppose. We'll hope for another event down the road.

In Josh's career field he rarely has to wear his dress uniform - it would be covered in oil, grease, and hydraulic fluid if he wore it. I had promised my mom I would take pictures of him at graduation in his dress blues. Originally I planned to get pictures of the two of us together as I was wearing a dress (something which only happens about once a year.. last year it happened twice since I got married and had a separate reception. A record, perhaps) and would be "done up" ... however my nose was red, my eyes were bloodshot... and I just figured I would pass on having photographic evidence of myself on that evening. But. Here are some pictures of Josh (for you mom). In one picture the lighting is a little too bright, but it's the only picture where he's smiling.

Smiling because he's happy to be done

TSgt Lehman and MSgt Naglack

Even though this is a little late... Congratulations on graduating from Non-Commissioned Officers Academy Josh. I know it took hard work and you put in a lot of extra time. You also had to do things outside of your comfort zone. I'm proud of you.

The Beans Have Spilled

So I had said before I hoped my mom spilled the beans about who my "guest" was in November. It wasn't her who cracked, it was the guest herself! Most of my family members read my blog (pretty sure they are the only ones who do - ha ha!), which was the point of my last post. I was attempting to "communicate" with my "guest" while still letting them maintain their surprise. After learning my guest was a female (not my brother), I went back to thinking it was going to be one of my aunts. I posted a link to my blog on my cousin Noelle's Facebook page, thinking she would communicate with "the guest." It turns out... Noelle is the guest. She told me so herself. I had thought of her, but then kind of ruled the idea out for a few different reasons. I am surprised (as I said I would be!) and now even more excited for her and my mom to get here. And more excited to plan... especially because Noelle's birthday will be while she is over in Europe! What a fun way to celebrate! I am so glad the beans have spilled and we can all start planning!

Planning for "The Guest"

Continuing in my trend of being lazy and procrastinating... I am spending my Sunday afternoon battling a cold and trying to plan my mom's November visit.

I have discovered, through a friend who had enjoyed a few drinks and loosened her lips, that my "guest" is female. This blows my first prediction of my brother out of the water. At least this answers a few questions and dismisses a few worries I had (such as can "the guest" share a bed with my mom?). A few things have changed... first, when I thought it was my brother coming, when I was thinking of things for us to do, I wasn't too worried about what Kyle would want (uh, sorry Kyle). I just figured we'd go do it and if he didn't like it... tough. I also was originally thinking when my mom came out that it could be much more laid back with less travel and more hanging out. But... I want to go do things and see stuff. I'm taking time off of work... I want to use it. So forget laid back. I want to plan things out. The trouble I am having is I have no idea what "the guest" will want to do/see. I am concerned about making sure my guests get to see and do what they want. I'm worried about this when Josh's dad and step mom come out later this month. They didn't give me a lot of input when I was trying to plan their trip, and so I just kind of... did my thing. I hope they like what I've planned out and it fulfills their expectations... because I would hate for them to be disappointed. I'm having the same concerns about November.

My first thought was to plan a trip to where my great-grandfather is from - a small town on the North Sea called Holtgast. I assumed whoever "the guest" is will be a family member, and so I assume the family member will be interested to chasing roots to where our family came from. I think going to Holtgast sounds interesting... but aside from "seeing" it, there really isn't much around. It is a small town, and it will be winter on the North Sea. My mom has asked me if there are things to see/do around/near Holtgast or that we can do/see on the way there. Which... yes seeing our past is important, but I don't want it to be boring. My mom and "the guest" arrive the day before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving will be busy (and I'm already assuming I'm going to have quite a few guests to feed). I was thinking that weekend we would go to some area Christmas markets and perhaps show "the guest" some local sites. I wanted to add more to this trip..

So. I have spent my afternoon looking around to see what I could find to do. The answers are limitless. I've found great (emphasize the word great) deals for us to go to Ireland (Dublin), or to Edinburgh, Scotland, or to London or to various spots in Italy, or Barcelona, Spain, or Vienna, Austria, or Copenhagen, Denmark... There is also a fast train which we can take into Paris. There are also lots of destinations we can drive to (all over Germany, into Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland)... or places I have been but am more than happy to make a return trip to like Brussels. I want to go do things. My newest plan is to ask my mom to talk with "the guest" to find out if there is something they really want to do/see in Europe. Or... to list off my suggestions and see what sounds interesting to them. Or better yet... dear "guest" who is some sort of family member of mine, what do you want to do? Please pass the word along. Us doing things isn't optional. So give me some input. Please.

Gaga-riffic

Last night I went with two girlfriends to see Lady Gaga in Koln. It. Was. Amazing.

My girlfriends and I decided it would be a great idea to dress up in costume for the show. I have seen pictures  of friends who have gone to Lady Gaga, and they all have dressed up. I don't think the Germans got that notice... we were one of the few who were dressed up... and those who did see us definitely weren't sure what they thought.

Yes, I am wearing two bras outside of my shirt. And a flamingo hat.

I had seen advertised that Lady Gaga was doing a European tour. I really didn't think much about it, assuming I wouldn't go. I was invited by a girlfriend who bought tickets through base. I wasn't sure what to expect. What I will say is this: I did not see a concert so much as an all out production of epic proportions.

The stage was a castle. Seriously, a castle. The castle had all different layers/levels with open areas for Gaga to sing/dance on, and was fully lighted. The castle would open up/expand similar to how a child's toy would. This would show more "internal" areas of the castle. When the show started, the castle glowed purple and the castle gates opened out. Lady Gaga came out (all in black) being led on a real live horse.

 
She sang for over 2.5 hours, and had a costume change for every single song. She also had some sort of interesting prop for every song. For example for one song she came out on a motorcycle, and after the song she chatted with the audience. As she was doing that, a stagehand turned the motorcycle into a piano. She then climbed back on the motorcycle and played on the piano and sang. She sounds amazing live, and really does have a voice. The concert (for the gals and me) was a huge dance party. At once point in time I put my camera in my bras (for storage) and then jumped around so much it flew out and we had to find it. We danced (and sweated) our hearts out. However, there were times during the show when I would just sit back and stare in awe. It was, hands down, one of the best concerts I have ever been do.

 Everyone has an opinion of Lady Gaga. I, like most, hear her songs on the radio and dance around/enjoy them. And yes, I think she is quite weird.
However.
A few months ago I discovered a great show called "Oprah's Next Chapter," which is exactly what you would think it is - Oprah's next step in her life after finishing her talk show. She interviews people in-depth - and she has an interesting list of people she has spoken to. I watched her interview with Lady Gaga - more out of curiosity than anything else. I didn't know much about Lady Gaga and was interested to see what she had to say. What I was surprised to find is she is articulate, intelligent, and has a lot of things to say. One thing she spoke about was how she is using her fame and popularity to help reduce bullying in schools and promote self-love. I was beyond surprised to discover this about her, and found a new respect for her as an artist. It definitely helped me to see past her "weirdness" and into something more.

The things which were said in the interview shown through during her performances. When she spoke with the audience you could hear her sincerity and it seems as if she really does appreciate and care about her fans. She also really does want to help create a "change" so to speak. Maybe that is the platform of all stars. However, I think my opinion has forevermore changed. I am a Lady Gaga fan.

Laziness.. and a Repurposed Nightstand

I always find myself a little... embarrassed I guess when someone (usually a relative) informs me I haven't written anything for awhile. Uh... yeah. Sometimes... I just feel I have nothing exciting to share. Time is sliding by without much excitement. Josh is still at his training. However, since he is having his training near where I work I've actually gotten to see him every week. So it's not bad at all. In a way it's like he's not even gone.

As it is I've been filling my time with more crafts, reading some books, doing some cleaning, and mainly just being lazy. The lazy part has been wonderful. My classes started again, and I haven't quite gotten myself into the school groove just yet. I think being lazy has been more fun.

When I look back at everything we did last summer (and everything I wrote about)... this summer just isn't as exciting. Most of our travel plans/ideas got pushed to the side. Between Josh being sick with kidney stones, my school, work, and now Josh's training... well, I guess traveling took a backseat. Sadly. My school work is interesting to me, but I don't think many people would enjoy reading about the details of it. And my work... well, there's always something interesting or some sort of drama going on there, but again, I don't think anyone really wants to read about it.

So here, at the moment, is my some-what boring life. Josh will graduate from his training soon. At the end of the month Josh's dad and step mom are coming to visit, which will bring the travel back for awhile. AND there is still my mom and "mystery guest" coming to visit at Thanksgiving.

In the meantime... here is my newest project.

I got this nightstand for free. As you can see (even though the picture is a little dark) it's quite dated. The drawers are a darker color than the rest of the nightstand, the knobs are ugly (in my opinion), and although you can't see it well in this photo, the upper left corner is broken off exposing the cheap particle board underneath.

I took pictures of the inside of the drawers, but it doesn't quite show what I wanted it to. Well, let's just say there was years of... grossness inside of it that wouldn't wash off. So I covered it up.

 

I planned on painting the drawers to be white like the rest of the nightstand... so I decided to give the whole thing a new "facelift" and put a fresh coast of white paint on everything. I went out on the hunt for new knobs - which turned out to be a bit harder than I thought it would be. I had to check out a few different stores before I even found knobs... and then when I did find knobs, I didn't have a huge selection. But I did find some newer knobs which look much better than the old ones. I also did a decoupage design on the top (similar to my last projects). This time a friend let me borrow her real Mod Podge, which worked MUCH better than the homemade stuff I was using before.

I'm too impatient to wait until the sun is out... so I realize this picture is a bit dark so it's hard to see the "improved" paint job. But it's there, trust me. 

Some frustrations with this project... I had started painting the drawers with the old knobs still attached. I had to wait for Josh's help/hand strength to get the old knobs off. When we did get them off, there was an obvious ring where the old knobs had been. I attempted to make extra "layers" of paint to get rid of these rings without much luck. The paint on the drawers also looks textured from the paintbrush. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I wasn't in love with the look of it. I decided to try to add a layer of glitter on the drawers to "distract" people from the rings from the old knobs and the textured paint. I had read on Pinterest to mix glitter with Mod Podge or Elmer's glue and it would dry clear with just the glitter showing. First I did a layer with Mod Podge, and it turned out well. I liked how it looked, but I wanted more glitter. So I mixed up some Elmer's glue as I didn't want to use up all of my friend's Mod Podge. And it turns out... Elmer's glue DOES NOT dry clear.... because in certain spots on my drawers there is now a yellowish tint in some areas from the glue. SIGH. Oh well, Josh tells me I'm the only one who sees it. I am also frustrated because the whole time I was working on this project the cats were coming by to investigate what I was doing. That being said... there is cat hair dried on every freaking surface of this thing. On the outside, on the inside... when you look closely you can see black cat hairs dried into the paint. I tried to scrape/pick them off/out with no luck. Oh well... again... something only I would see. You'd really have to be up close to see them. Then again, I know I'm the only person who is going to love this thing, so I guess that's all that matters...