Vienna Waits For You! : Austria, Part I

"I'm going to Austria. I've been there before, but this time I'll be in the Austrian Alps and it should be pretty cool, I guess..." - Me
"Linze. Can you believe that you can just say that?" - Sarah

I guess it's official. I'm a travel snob. Sorry.

Along with taking care of two of the most adorable children on the planet, I also get taken on pretty awesome trips sometimes. Usually while the family travels, I have been known to venture around Europe by myself. However, this last time there was vacationing time I chose to go with the family to the Austrian Alps for a week! Other than a WAY too long car ride (I've become spoiled, because I travel that much in a car all the time in the states -but I'm not use to car rides anymore...), it was a pretty classic trip. I even was lucky enough to hop over to Vienna for two days - which was FABULOUS! I really love the beauty and solidarity you feel in the countryside, but I'm a complete city-girl at heart.

So, where to start? Well, the first day we were in Austria we decided to do a hike around the lake and take in the basic beauty around us in the small (mostly touristy only to Austrians) of Mariazell. My word, it was SO lovely there. Yep, I said lovely. It was quaint and calm, and just pure beauty. Walking through the lake's back trail, the smells were like that on the Soarin' Over California ride in Disneyland. I'm not kidding... You know what I'm talking about. On that ride they spray the scents of citrus and pine - and that was the smell in Mariazell's forests. I wish I could have captured it with a camera - haha! I did, however, capture the LOOK of things with my camera, if not the smells.




After the hike we laid out on the beach for a bit and soaked in a few rays before heading back to the place we were staying for dinner and visiting time. While this was going on, I packed for Vienna!

I left on Monday morning on a real cool, old train and rode through the Alps (a trip that should take 45 mins, but takes about two hours on these old trains) toward Vienna. It was beautiful, and though I often fall asleep on the trains here, I just couldn't cause I was drinking in the sights around me. I got into Vienna late in the morning and headed to Koko and Patrick's old apartment in the city. Now, their nephews live there and they allowed me to crash on their couch to save me some money and time with looking for a place to stay. It was really nice of them AND there is SO much history in this apartment... all the way back to WWII, which I didn't know at the time. I'll get to that later.

I dropped my stuff off at the apartment and headed into the city to start seeing the sights and walking the streets. I started right in the center of the city with St. Stephen's Cathedral and then ventured out from there, walking around and gettting a bit lost until later in the afternoon when I FINALLY stopped in the Rathaus (City Hall) for a map. I should have done it in the beginning, but I had basic notes from Patrick and Koko and they told me where the tube stops for things were... So, I just followed the tube stop to St. Stephen's and then walked from there to other places. The city is a pretty close together one, so it was simple enough to walk a lot and I think people see more doing that. I mean, there are so many RANDOM pictures I have in cities from just wondering around. I mean, you don't wanna go into the shady places, but one can carefully wander and keep themselves safe and seeing quite a a bit.





On the first day I saw St Stephen's, the Anchor Clock, Parliment, the Hofburg Gardens and outside of the palace (I never went inside because time was short and I chose to focus on other things), the Rathaus, University Bldgs., and a lot of downtown Vienna. I also took a ride on the #1 around the city. The city is set up like a giant ring, with areas inside and surrounding the ring of trains that run AROUND the city. The U-bahn and buses run through the city, but the some of trains along the ring are old school and really cool.





Vienna is SUCH a cute city - yep, a cute city. It has a lot to offer and you feel safe and secure walking the streets there. I was never worried I was going to get jumped or pick-pocketed. I was still smart, as one should always be in ANY city around the world, but I could wander without worry - which was nice.

That night I stayed in with Perry and Christian - Patrick's nephews - and some of their friends to watch my first movie in German - Runaway Jury. Luckily I had seen it before and was able to use my knowledge of the film from before to follow where my language gaps were. However, I was surprised with how much I generally understood. That's good, right!?

The second day I spent the entire morning at the Schonn Brunn Palace. I have been to quite a few palaces in my day (I know, that sounds snobby again... hm.), but this one had SUCH an impressive garden. The palace it's self was cool, but only okay. The one in Salzburg is MUCH more beautiful and interesting in my opinion. However, I had a great time! It was fun to walk around and see everything the palace, grounds, overlook & viewpoint, and maze had to offer. Oh yea, there was a maze yard! Haha... There was an adult maze and a kids one, and a game one. Yea, a game one! Haha... The game one was super fun because there was all these random water games you would stumble across, AND there was a tanzen glockenspiele (Dancing Bells)! It's basically like one of those giant foot keyboards... and I took a video of me dancing on it! Haha...
Here's testing who actually reads this blog - which block did I NOT step on?


The last thing I did at the palace was hit up the bakery for the "Apple Strudel Show!" Haha... When in Austria... It was just a cheesy little demonstration about how to make Austrian strudel and eat some (YUM), but it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed myself and then headed back into town right after to grab some lunch and chill around the city.






I hit up the Nachmarkt - a giant street market with clothing and food products - and it was really cool to see. However, the more and more I travel around to different countries the more I see the little differences in each place, and the similarities. Every country has those markets, but each one is slightly different. It's different in how the sellers approach buyers and how the products are displayed. However, the content is mostly the same, as are the ideas and methods used for bargaining. There are only slight differences in each city Market... but enough that I'm SURE someone could write a dissertation about it - if it hasn't been done already.

I bought an eighth of a giant watermelon and ate that in the park for lunch - Es war ser schön! Really. I headed from this little park over to Carl's Church, oder Karlsplatz. It's another old church, but it was fantastic. I love churches with old art on the walls, and beautiful carvings. I loved how the receipts said, "Thank You for your generous donation!" too, when they MAKE you pay to enter. Haha... I just think it's funny. I would perfer no sugar coating. For example, "Thank You for not sneaking in!" That would be much more delightful.






After visiting good ol' Carl's I headed off to the apartment to take a little nap and do some scripture reading - which I have really been getting into and doing great with! - before I headed back to the Rathaus for the evening's event. What was the event, you ask? Three animated opera shown on the giant projection screen to hundreds of people. The operas were The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville, and Carmen. With each piece, the animation and voices got better and better... it started out cheesy, but ended with cool animation and presentation. It was just a lot of fun and made me want to bust into opera again. Haha! PLUS, I had a lovely dinner view in front of the Rathaus - they had TONS of restaurant vendors there set up around the Rathaus, and I found decent Mexican food there!!! Be still my heart... decent Mexican food in Europe? Love it.




After the operas were through, I headed to the apartment to watch The Grown-Ups (The new Adam Sandler movie) with Perry and Christian. It was pretty hilarious and not too inappropriate or anything... It was a good one-time see at least! :)

The next morning I boarded a train and headed back to Marazell - riding the same beautiful way I came through awesome countryside. It seriosuly reminds me of Pennsylvania and Wyoming mixed in Austria. They have the hilly farmlands and then the massive mountains with gorgeous pine trees... but they're greener! I have AMAZING pictures of the Alps, but I'll have those for the next post. For now... I gotta be out and gettin' my sleep on. This week is putting me in FULL care of the boys all day because school is out for another week and a half. So, I get the little tykes full days - which has actually been a BLAST! I'll be sure to write a blog about our adventures this week... It's been a great one!

Austrian Alps - Austria, Part II... Coming Soon to a Blog Near YOU!
*muah*

Song of the Day: This is a fabulous choice that I discovered on Koko and Patrick's IPod along the Austrian roads. Black Devil Car, by Jamiroquai = BLISS for a long road trip! :) Enjoy!

Caricature of a Character Within

These past few days I have begun to hone in on another home-making skill - sewing. I have never been a grand sewer or anything, but I can hold my own. So, when Luise said her jeans needed hemmed, I offered. I mean, I can do it, I just don't... so why not do it more and keep the skill a bit sharper? Well, for one, it's a lot more work and time than one would imagine. However, it's time well-spent and I enjoy it. That's right. I said, I enjoy it! I found that sewing has a unique calming affect on me and it keeps my hands busy, which I like. Not that I'm offering to do everyone's sewing - no, no, no. However, I like a little bit of my own sewing. I think I might even buy a pattern and fabric, and make a skirt! Why not?!

As I sew, I like to put on a film and let it play in the background... It nice and I take moments to watch sometimes. Once I've seen a film the first time, I don't like to sit and watch it again - even if I really like it. I like to do something else while I watch, so sewing is the perfect activity. Perhaps though, it takes me so long to get my sewing done because the film distracts me from time to time... but I don't care. I like it that way.

Well, with all this movie watching the question arose: what movie character are you most like? I'm not talking a look-alike contest, or some funny and sarcastic answer. Think about it. I have watched many a movie where I could relate better to the film because of a certain character, and their uncanny likeness to myself. However, if you could only pick a max of three film-depicted characters, who would you say you are truly most like ?

I found two to which I believe I hold a close likeness.

I use to say Jules in My Best Friend's Wedding, but that was merely situational... and though the situation still appears relevant in many instances, I have come to realize I am not like Jules... I'm not overly obsessive about anyone or that competitive either.

I would say that I am most like the following:

First - Elizabeth Bennett (aka:Lizzy) - Pride & Prejudice

The other night as Koko, Luise, Nico, Finni, and I were watching the new Pride & Prejudice film I made a comment about how I could never have survived back then. "I'm too strong-willed, and would never adhere to their rules and social regulations. I don't believe in those status barriers and even if they exist I fight against them. I'm too sarcastic and I walk my own way..." Luise replied, "What... like her [Elizabeth]?" She was right... I'm outspoken and defying to so many social "boundaries." In SO many ways, I am a LOT like Elizabeth Bennett, but if that means I end up with my own Mr. Darcy.... :) Haha!

Second - Claire - Elizabethtown

For all of you who have never seen Elizabethtown, shame on you. It's my favorite film. Yep, if I had to pick one... this would be it. I can't describe why, because it's not some AMAZING plot or anything... but it's real to me. I like it because it's like watching life unravel before your eyes - a piece of someone's reality. I just really enjoy it.

So, Claire. Claire is a girl who is a little bit quirky and bizarre, but really connects to people. She's kinda like the one who does awkward and funny things randomly, and some might think, "This girls a bit crazy," but she just connects to people in a way that they don't care. That's how I think of myself. I mean, let's get real here... I've always been the girl with lots of friends around her, and who makes friends fast, but I'm also the girl who always makes an awkward comment or gesture, or laughs in a way that people laugh more AT her than WITH her. I'm a girl who is a bit out-of-step with the world surrounding me, and yet people tend to walk out-of-step with me for a bit.

That's another thing... Claire seems to make friends easily and make DEEP connections with people quickly, but that doesn't mean she's always surrounded by the same people. Her surroundings change often, and so do her friends - like me in many ways. I'm a girl "on the go" constantly, and while I maintain friendships that are important, I also tend to find my social circles change frequently. It's not bad. It's not good. It just is.

Quotes from her -->

"I don't know a lot about everything, but I do know a lot about what I do know, and that's people."

"Do you wanna hear my theory? You and I have a special talent, and I saw it immediately. We're the substitute people. I've been the substitute person my whole life. I'm not an Ellen – I never wanted to be an Ellen. And, I'm not a Cindy either... although, Chuck's love me. I like being alone too much. I mean, I'm with a guy who's married to his academic career. I rarely see him, and I'm the substitute person there. I like it that way, it's a lot less pressure."

--> This quote above is, however, an excuse in so many ways so she doesn't get connected too deep in a relationship... so she can't get hurt. I think I am definitely guilty of using this analogy too in order to distance my heart and emotions to stay "safe." Even if it is true to date... I'm not sure it's completely true when you meet the right person. Perhaps that makes no sense outside my head... again. There's another reason I'm like Claire.

My third, and last (because those are the rules), character comes from a television program - that can count too, I suppose (I'm making up the rules, right?)...

Lois Lane - Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

We all know I love Superman - Clark Kent - and the actor, Dean Cain. This is no secret. However, that in no way causes me to relate myself to Lois Lane... It's just a happy coincidence. Haha! Seriously, Lois is the work-oriented, driven, power-woman, who puts on a strong and impenetrable exterior, but is a hopeless romantic at heart. She knows deep down what's really important and makes an effort to keep that in minds-eye, even if she messes up from time to time. She's a writer, a winner, a comedian... and passion flows through her with every story she takes on, and every idea she believes in. She's tough to love at times, and yet, you can't help but love her. I think, my alter-ego is Lois Lane.

However, no matter how much I am like someone else in movie to some extent, I am still simply me. I am simply, Linze. If someone were to play me in a movie someday they would describe the "character to be portrayed" as... outgoing, passionate, bubbly, silly, a bit odd, funny, and perhaps a bit vivacious. They would also say that I am overly hyper in speech at time, and leadership driven - to a good and bad extent at different times. I'm sure that some would say I'm somewhat dominate and controlling... but I know how to listen and give... or at least I'm getting better at it with each day. I think they would all say I do my own thing and I'm not held back by the social "norm" or what I am "suppose to do" in life. I blaze my own trail, and I don't look back for long. I am a moving force, and sometimes I get worried over dumb things... and I tend to make awkward comments on a daily basis. I am simply Linze.

"I've never met a girl quite like you." - Drew
"That's because I'm one of a kind." - Claire
"You don't have to make a joke. I like you without the jokes." - Drew
How would they describe YOU for a movie? I normally don't care about responses, but it'd be nice to hear other's responses about their character and what how others would describe them... and seriously, not sarcastically - unless... that's who you are? Haha!

Conclusion: Perhaps these are merely caricatures of who I truly am, and not completely settled with my real characters. However, I still see myself within them, as you do with any caricature.

Sidenote: I leave for Austria in three hours!!! WOO-HOO! I'll be staying in the Alps for a few days and seeing Vienna for the first time - so excited... Pictures to come! :)
*muah*

Song of the Day: Here is Imagine Me, by Kirk Franklin... Just SUCH a good song with SUCH great meaning - listen to the words... Incredible. Enjoy!

A Perfect Weekend - Phantasia & Testimonies!

There is SO much I need to better about recording, but alas... I just never make enough time to blog. However, this entry is a MUST!

This weekend was my friend, Luise's, 25th birthday! We spent the entire weekend celebrating and it was great. We probably would have spent the time together anyway, but it was more fun to think of everything as a celebration of some-sort! Just as a sidenote, Luise is awesome. I feel SO blessed to have a friend like her here in Germany. She really is someone who makes me laugh and think, and want to be a better person. I am BEYOND thankful for her.

Now, on Saturday we decided to take a trip up to Bruel and go to... PHANTASIALAND! Haha!!! I saw an advertisement for it last week while I was in McDonland's for Nico and Finn's reward day, and I've been DYING to go since. So, we took the first chance we got and headed up for the day. It was CLASSIC. What is Phantasialand, you ask? Well, basically a wannabe Disneyland 45 minutes from our house that is SO much fun! Haha... Really, there were rides that were scaringly similar to those at Disneyland, minus the Disney characters and Disney music --> cue other cheesy music and new characters.

There are pictures of rides and places throughout the park (their version of Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Tower of Terror), AND a video of our FAVORITE ride... I'll post the video! Luise is great to go to amusement parks with because she was intense about riding things, but chill about just walking around and taking it all in for this first timer experience of mine. We stumbled across this ride and got in line, not knowing what we were getting in line for. Little did we know, we were in for the "ride of our lives!" Literally. I called the ride the "Temple of Doom," but the real name is the Talocan. It was in the "Mexico-Land" part of the park and the ride included, giant fountains, real bursting fire balls, epic music, and a giant spinning set of seats that hung you upside-down and flipped you around and around. It was AMAZING! Epic.

Overall, the day was just really good. I felt fulfilled. Haha! Patrick was saying tonight he ha never been and really wants to take the boys, so I think when we return from Austria we're gonna try and go. It'll be fun to take the boys... There are lots of little kiddie rides too and shows that the boys will LOVE. I'm glad, however, that my first time was void of responsibility, and I could just go and have fun with Luise. It was a GREAT Saturday! She came over afterwards for a movie with Koko and the boys (Pride & Prejudice) and chill chat time.

Sidenote: Other highlights throughout the weekend/the past two days -->
- Vapiano's with Koko, the boys, and Luise for her birthday.
- Watching movies and improving my sewing skills.
- "Itsy Bity Spider" with Luise during our walk - HAHAHAHAHAHA!
- "If you wanna hold my hand, you have to ask." - HAHAHAHA!
- Almost lighting Luise's cake on fire on Sunday night! I made a chocolate cake that wasn't huge and put 25 candles on it... yea, I almost burned the cake up.
- Having the YSA's and missionaries over for FHE last night, which included a spiritual thought, homemade cheesecake (my cooking is getting better and better!), games (What's Your Like?, War, and Spoons... HAHA!), random pictures and video making, and just hilarious conversation. I have some great friendships that are forming here... and I love that!
I also HAVE to talk about Sonntag. Church was great! When I got there I spent most of Relief Society playing with my friend, Ben's, little nephew (Jullian - so cute!) and then joined the missionaries for a teaching lesson during Sunday School. I've actually gone a few times to teach with and help the Elders here in Bonn and it's great because it helps me learn more German and gives me a chance to share my testimony more. I just really want to help in anyway I can and I feel like I am being blessed with opportunities to do so here in Germany - I really like it.

Anyway, after Sunday School I went into Fast and Testimony meeting - first Sunday of every month in our church, we give the members the opportunity do a sort of "open-mic" meeting instead of talks from people in the Congregation. It allows anyone who would like to, to come forward and bear their testimony about gospel principles, like faith, prayer, or our Savior. It's one of my favorite times of the month, even when you get someone quirky up there who tells a bizarre story - they have good hearts.

So, I have been here in Bonn for seven months and I have yet to bear my testimony to the congregation in that setting. I was trying to wait until my German got better, but I realized this month that this excuse has help me back from LOTS of things here and I wasn't going to let my language barrier (aka: my uncomfortableness with speaking the language) hold me back any longer. Thus, when a Spanish sister got up and had another girl translate for her from Spanish to German, it dawned on me that I could do the same thing. I leaned forward to Luise and asked her to translate - to which, she suggested our friend, Glenn, do it. He happily agreed.

As I went forward to bear my testimony I was beyond nervous, and already emotional - you have to watch out when you're already getting teary before you start to speak. Haha! I wasn't nervous about saying anything wrong or about being in front of people... I was just nervous because I was going to have my words translated. It's a weird feeling, but Glenn made it SO simple for me and made me SO comfortable. It was wonderful. As soon as I began speaking the nerves were gone, but the emotional was full-force.

I was SO overwhelmed as I said, "I've waited seven months to bear my testimony, but I don't want to wait anymore. So forgive my language barrier, but I am so thankful Glenn has agreed to translate for me." Then, I just opened up and spoke... I talked about how the last seven months have taught me the power and truth of prayer. I talked about how I know the Holy Ghost is a real guiding force and comforter. I talked about how I was SO blessed to be here and learn so much about a culture, a family, and who I am. I talked about how I know I have a Savior who lives, and who loves me. It was just short, simple, and to the point... and I never felt better.

I sat down, fulfilled and so grateful. I hope I can always remember those feelings. And, I'll say one thing that I recall saying on the stand. If you do not know for yourself whether you have a Savior who lives and loves you, I encourage you find out for yourself.

*muah*

Song of the Day: This is a GREAT dance number! I saw it on, oh... So You Think You Can Dance... of course! Haha... Beggin' by Madcon - Enjoy!

madcon beggin
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Snippets

Yesterday, I was having a heart to heart with Phineas because he had said (while laughing and joking, "You're stupid! That's funny..." Let me say in his defense that he has been starting to say this word when he's angry, but in this instance he really thought he was just joking around. So, I explained to him that when he's angry and he says that something is stupid, I don't like it very much. However, calling someONE stupid is NOT okay - ever. We talked for a few moments about how it hurts people's feelings and it's a MEAN word that way. I told him, "You're a nice boy, not a mean one... so you want to use nice words, right?" He agreed and said he was sorry - very cute. However, THEN this was said... to which I almost died laughing, but contained myself:

"It would be cool if God said that stupid was an okay word..." - Finn
(Repressing laughter) "Yep, Finn... but I think God would want you to use other words."
"Yea. But, it's okay because he let's us draw whatever we want. We can, we can draw fire..."

Um... I live Phineas. I love him to the moon, to Jupiter, around the milky way, and back. That's a lot. Each time we say we love each other it's always some crazy distance or amount, and both boys think this is quite funny. Sometimes, I switch it up and say to him or Nico, "I love you more than one million M&Ms on a chocolate cake!," but we seem to mostly talk in distances.

This morning on the way to school, these lovely little remarks were made as Finni rode his bike next to me on the way to school.

"It was raining and then it just stopped... That's funny." Then, he proceeded to giggles tremendously and ride faster. It was ridiculously cute.

I asked him a few moments later:

"Finn, what do you want to be when you grow up."
"I want a bigger bike."
"Ok, but what do you want to BE, not have, but BE?"
"I want to be someone who has a different shirt."

The simple minds are the best sometimes. If that's what he wants to aspire to, why, he'll have reached his goal in the next six months or so. Perhaps I should lower my ambitions.

Unlucky for me, the rain that had ceased as we rode to the Kinderhaus started right back up again after the boys were in the door. I said a silent thank you prayer though, because riding with the boys when it was raining hard would have caused whining, tears, and very wet clothes for their day. I had the latter upon my return to the house. I was SOPPING wet, but luckily had decided to stay in my PJs until I worked out and was coming home to do just that. Thus, I just slipped em' off and headed up stairs to find some dry workout clothes. Done and done.

One last note. I have been reading in Alma with the boys in the morning before school, and we just finished reading about the Anti-Nephi-Lehis burying their weapons although the Lamanites were coming against them. So, I quiz them a bit after I read to them to see what they got from the story and we talk about it on the way to school. Well, tonight after dinner they were playing with their wooden swords and I asked the boys to tell their Dad what we'd been reading about. They knew the names and such, but later as they were getting ready for bed upstairs, I heard Dad say, "Boys, enough. It's time for bed. Put the swords away." Nico said seriously to Finni, "Finn, let's bury our weapons of war. Let's not fight any more."

It made me smile... :)
*muah*

Song of the Day: Luise pointed me in the direction of this song and I cna't believe I had never heard it! It's Craig David and Sting - and AWESOME! Here's Rise and Fall. Enjoy!!!

Current YouTube Obsessions

First, I just have to say that I adore when Finni busts out singing Lenny Kravitz's songs... It's a few times a week occurance, and one of the cutest things I haev ever seen.

"I don't wanna be a star! Sitting in an air guitar!"

Okay - those aren't the right words exactly, but he's four. Give him a break.

Okay - this entry is present for no real purpose besides recording some of my current favorite YouTube videos... In a few months, these links could cease to exist for one reason or another, so enjoy them while you can.

Shout out to Steffi for teaching me how to make the videos fit right on my blog - THANK YOU!!!

First - The Funniest Kid Alive (That's the title, but he is pretty hilarious):


Second - Jessica's "Daily Affirmation" (LOVE this! There's a follow-up video of her now, she's thirteen, and she is QUITE a smart girl):


Third - Always (A Disney Tribute)... I was reliving the Atlantic Starr music days of my youth and loving on some Disney classics... I miss Disneyland. What more can I say? If you're gonna skip watching one - skip this one. This is more for me to record where to find it - haha!:


Sidenote: I love "Kiss the Frog!" It's the newer Disney video and I adore it - totally cute and of course, has a great message. Plus, the prince in this one is one good-looking cartoon character! Haha... no, but seriously.

Fourth - Sara Bareilles, "Gravity" (I found this music video right after it came out like two years ago and have loved it ever since -it's ingenious. The lyrics and video together... so creative. However, it has recently become an obsession again... Seriously, this is REALLY cool to watch.):


Fifth, Last, and Most Important - Our True Identity, by Dieter F. Uchtdorf (He's just my favorite, and my love for him has even increased since I've lived here in Germany. This is a BEAUTIFUL message, and I am SO thankful for the reminder to remember how amazing we our in the sight of the one that matters - our Heavenly Father.):


*muah*

Song of the Day: Yep, I am still gonna have a song of the day! Um, remember Will Smith? Yea... and now think if his ADORABLE son, Jaden. Remember him? So, he teamed up with Justin Bieber, who I currently am loving (fun, up-beat jams, appropriate for the boys - perfect.), on a song for the new Karate Kid movie - which was not a priority for me to see, but one day I am sure I will. Anyway, here is Jaden Smith and Justin Bieber's song Never Say Never. Enjoy!

Justin Bieber - Never Say Never Ft. Jaden Smith - Click here for funny video clips

It Could Always Be Worse...

If you're thinking about how bad your day has been, how stressful your life is, and all the negativity around you...It could always be worse.

This is not my bike. It is also NOT the bike of anyone I know. However, it belongs to someone out there... and now someone new owns the tires. To think the rider thought a bike lock was enough - silly man... or woman... silly individual.

Just so everyone knows, when this picture was taken (two weeks ago) I was pushing a full-sized grill down the street from the U-Bahn in 98Degree weather that we had decided to take to Nico's graduation for the cook-out. I was thinking two things at that time... One: I can do this. Two: This sucks. Then, I saw this bike and started busting up laughing. I put my stuff down and pulled out my camera for a shot, and then I thought of the rider...

It could always be worse.
*muah*

Song of the Day: The OTHER song I am currently obsessed with is the beloved David Archuleta's new single from his upcoming album, The Other Side of Down, set to release in September. Here's David Archuleta's song, Something 'Bout Love. ENJOY!

David Archuleta - Something 'Bout Love (Official Music Video). Watch more top selected videos about: David Archuleta

Dance Party!!!

I am thankful for dance parties. I love dancing... breakin' it down to a new jam = sweet perfection. Now, add two adorable children to the mix and it gets even better!

Since I have been in Germany, I have taken to pick out new songs for the boys to listen to that I think they will love and enjoy. I'm 7-0 now.... That's 7 wins and 0 loses, in case you weren't sure. You can take the girl outta the sports, but not the sport outta the girl... or something like that.

Anyway, let me begin by listing to the glorious songs I have helped my "children" for the year become obsessed with...

1 - Fireflies: Owl City - GREAT song! It's catchy, but chill... and it's got fun lyrics for kids to giggle at and try and determine what the singer is actually singing about. It's a good one, and it's Nico's fave.
2 - We Like To Party: Vengaboys - I did EFY for three summers... what do you expect? I wasn't going to come all the way to Germany and NOT teach these future youth the PB&J dance... No, I wasn't goin' out like that.
3 - Hoedown Throwdown: Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana - The girl with the dual personality wins again. I couldn't resist - the song is PERFECT for kids, SO fun to dance to and sing-along with, and it's clean. LOVE it. Finni loves to sing the echos in "Do the Hoedown... THROWDOWN!" Haha...
4 - Break Your Heart: Taio Cruz - Haha! Okay, perhaps I was pushing some boundaries here, but it's a legit song. Plus, it is TOO cute when Finni starts singing, "I'm only gonna break-break your, break-break your heart!" Is that bad? Nope... don't think so.
5 - Oh, Africa: Akon & Keri Hilson - This one was PERFECT in gearing up for the World Cup, and SUCH a fun song about reaching for your dreams. Nico is also the biggest fan of the harmonies in this one.
6 - Popular - Kristin Chenowith (Wicked Soundtrack) - Yep. The boys are loving on musicals... and I am LOVING on that! Haha... It really is mostly Nico here too. He is SO great with music and picking out harmonies and melodies, and catching lyrics quickly... It's awesome! I also got them addicted to Your A Good Man Charlie Brown when I first got here, but that's faded since about March. They would sing along to Beethoven Day and Suppertime in a heartbeat though - so cute! My future actors!
7 - Most recently..... Love Today: Mika - Chuck, if you ever read my blog, this is thanks to you! Haha... I thought of you dancing around to it the other day and thought it would be PERFECT for the boys to jam to. I was right! They LOVE it! Nico was asking for it all day and even told his mom she HAD to hear the new cool song. It's from a few years back, but still OH, so good! Haha!

Tonight I decided to put on Love Today, after Nico insisted Koko hear it, and we ended up having a MASSIVE dance party between the boys, Koko, me, and Luise for about a half an hour. I got a double work-out in today, that's all I'm sayin'. Haha! This actually happens often with me nad the boys - and I adore it. Music and dancing with my two little loves - it doesn't get better than this right now in my life. Nope - my life is pretty good.

The next song I plan to get them addicted to shall be my "song of the day" - there are two I am vying for, but this is the one I'll start with....
*muah*

Song of the Day: Somebody To Love - Justin Beiber. Don't be a hater - and don't knock it till you try it. I am in LOVE with this one right now!!! I will ask what I asked via facebook... I'm 24 years-old and can't stop lovin' on Justin Beiber's jams... Is that wrong? No. No, it's not. Oh, and the dancing in this video - classic. Enjoy!