Scandinavia!

My word, I have SO much to blog about! Haha... I have to say that my last vacation was pretty spectacular. For all of you who did not know, I took off a week and a half ago and headed to Norway and Denmark for a week! There was a giant YSA (Young Single Adults) Convention with church members and their friends in Oslo, Norway to celebrate the Norwegian Independence Day on the 17th of Mai! It was totally cool, and I met some AMAZING people. The people in Olso are SO warm and friendly, and I completely relished in the city. I loved it there.

When I first got into the city, I was set to sleep at a girl's place who was from the ward there in Oslo - Barby. She was AMAZING! We both met, hugged, and started chatting away! We were like old friends reunited and it was GREAT! We laughed and joked around, and I she was sweet enough to say, "You're sleeping at the school for the conference, right? No, you're not. You're staying with me for the week!" Haha... So, I did! I crashed there and ended up helping out with much of the weekends events. I kind of became a committee tag-along, helping with decorating and getting things set up with each activity for most of the week. When I have told my parent, Koko, and Patrick this they don't seem shocked at all - haha! I just really like to take charge and help with things... what can I say!? Haha...

Anyway, it was great! I had SO much fun and met people from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Spain, The Netherlands, and even three other Americans! Haha... So random. It was fabulous and I'll give more details below...

Denmark was great too! I met a friend in Copenhagen (a true Danish girl) who showed me around a bit and told me all about the sights there. Plus, it was just great to see her again, to sit, talk, and laugh... It was good. Copenhagen is a city I found a lot of beauty and "coolness factor" inside, but it wasn't a place I would visit over and over again. For me, little things about the city stood out, but overall it was merely another city to visit for me. Sorry, friends... You can disagree, but that's how I felt. Now, disclaimer, that is NOT saying I didn't like it or enjoy my stay (because I did), but I am saying that I will most likely not be planning another trip up there unless it was to visit friends.

All the above being stated, I will now forge forward and tell you all the details of my awesome excursion to Scandinavia! Haha...

First, I have to say that I love to fly. I have no qualms with getting onto an airplane and flying somewhere. I don't even mind waiting for my luggage (if I check a bag) after we have landed. However, I HATE the process of getting TO the airport. I hate the stress that I could miss my flight, even if I'm leaving the house two and a half hours early. What is there is mad traffic that morning, or what if the trains are running late? I always have a feeling or nervousness before going somewhere from the airport, and it has nothing to do with actually flying... it's the fear of missing the flight.

That being said, I made all my flights with plenty of time to spare at each airport. However, right before my first flight to Oslo (Norway), I was getting packed and noticed the ticket was for Dusseldorf airport, and not Cologne. Yea, that's an hour away instead of thirty minutes from here. I panicked, took some deep breaths, made some calls to people in my ward who might know what trains to take to get there, and then took the quickest shower, etc. I could to get there on time. I would be there about two hours before the flight if I hurried... what if the trains had issues though? Needless to say, I got there just fine... and even noticed that I had AGAIN mis-read my ticket and it was for an hour LATER than I though... so I was there about three hours before my flight. I got a Starbucks hot cocoa and read Harry Potter while I waited... Haha!

Another note, before I go any further, I have never gotten hit on more than during my time in Germany... This is just one story from the trip to share. While I was in line to check in for my flight, a gentleman from Kenya who now resides Germany was chatting with me in line. I was really friendly and didn't think much of it till he started to be overly touchy for a first encounter. Then, before the flight he came and got me to make sure I was getting on the flight and ask me where I was staying in Oslo. He offered his hotel... Yea. We had just met and chatted for about twenty minutes. WHAT?!

Later in Oslo I also experienced some attention from two overly eager boys toward me after only chatting with them for a few moments, and not about anything with great depth. In fact, every time I tried to speak about something non-surfacey these two boys would offer some kind of "line" or "smooth talk." I was NOT in love that... In fact, it was much the opposite. As flattering as being told you're beautiful is, I just want someone who wants to listen and talk about things that matter... or even our likes, dislikes, etc. It's about taking general interest in someone and caring about what they say, think, feel... and not just looking at someone good-looking and wanting to "tap-that." Yea. I'm glad boys here think I'm cute, but it's not even making a blip on my radar right now.

Anyway, let's do this entry this way - Oslo Highlights:

- The Whisperer: When I first got off the plane in Oslo, I had some time before Barb got there (her train was delayed) and so I walked around the airport for a bit and found this machine that I called The Whisperer... seriously, the coolest and creepiest thing I have ever seen. Haha! When you walk under this dome hanging down from above, there's a pressure point on the floor to say someone is standing there. When it feels the weight of a person there, the dome starts to whisper words of inspiration to you! No joke! The dome above told me, "You are strong. This journey is unique... Life lies ahead of you." Haha! I HAD to show Barb once she got to the airport and we died laughing... so classic.

(That airport was the friendliest airport ever too! The information desk ladies let me use their personal phone when I could find Barb, they had a free internet sights to use while I was waiting, everyone was super kind and smiling, and they had a whisperer or encouragement - classic.)

- The dances! There were two dances during the weekend and I had a great time bustin' out some classic "Linze" moves. The best moment was when this one guy pulled me aside after the last dance and said, "Linze, great moves! I can definitely see the American influence..." Haha... I had to laugh. Everyone loved to bring attention to the fact that I was American... and I didn't mind, cause I was often prone to do the same. Haha! As much as I love Europe, I suppose I'm just proud to be an American!

- Being invited by my new friends Hannah and Cristina to come visit where they are living at (Netherlands and Norway), and how great they are! I seriously met some people I was just very impressed with. These two girls and I grew close quickly and I just adored them!
- Seeing Mike! I haven't seen him since he left Bonn, and it was GREAT to revisit with him! We went sight seeing on Tuesday together and took a boat ride around the harbor - it was great and so nice to visit again.

- The Naked Park! Or, in my text, the Finnish Park - haha! It was this giant park in Oslo that has a bunch of naked statues in random positions and it was a blast to imitate and take pictures with a bunch of the statues... so classic. We also had a BBQ on Monday and played soccer AND American football there till 10:30pm at night - I taught some of them to throw a spiral, and they taught me how to kick a spiral on a "real football" - haha! I love how in the summer it stays light so late there, too.

- Saturday morning a bunch of YSAs met at a local soccer park (huge with TONS of fields) to play for two hours. I was beside myself with the talent that surrounded me - such great footwork from some people! I am no amazing soccer player, but I have really grown a love for the sport and playing it... It was a lot of fun, but the best part was that I had no tennis shoes and had to play in my snow boots - haha! The cherry on top was when one of the boys, Sindre, yelled out, "Hey, America! You're good." To this I replied, "A European just told me I was good at soccer!" Haha...

- My "sexy, man voice" that came into play for MOST of the weekend as my voice called it quits before the end of the second day - and I have no idea why! Anyway, it was frustrating, but funny too... It became a running joke that I had the "man voice." It made for funny impressions and stories... :)

- My nicknames: America, Voicey, Boom-Chicka-Boom Girl... Haha!

- The Boom-Chicka-Boom cheer: Saturday afternoon we all met at this local school to play games and had a little cheer off (we're so EFY! Haha...). So, naturally being me (and still having most of my voice at the time) I took charge and suggested we do a cheer I knew from middle school called "Boom-Chicka-Boom!" It's posted below... and perhaps it's worth two minutes of your life. You decide.

- Jamming! I couldn's sing because of my "man-voice," but when someone asked if I could play piano and I said a little bit, they took full advantage of that and pushed me to jam with them. I tried it out and though I wasn't amazing, I did it! I took courage and made myself come up with some melodies and rhythms as I tickled the ivories... Haha! I'll never get better if I don't push myself and take chances, right... scary for me, but so fun! (What's funny is that is it were me jamming vocally, I wouldn't hesitate at all...)

- Testimony Meeting in English! For the first time in five months, I had the opportunity to attend a testimony meeting in English. I couldn't bear my testimony because of my voice, but I didn't need to. It was just so wonderful! I was so moved by the spirit there, and the testimonies from people from all over the world - literally. It was VERY cool! Also, there was a moment the mission president's wife was bearing her testimony and said, "I feel like I'm looking at the Armies of Helaman... and their girlfriends!" Haha... loved that.
- Watching the parade from the palace steps! We were lucky enough to get tickets to stand on the King's steps outside the palace in Olso and it was SO cool to see the parade marching toward us from the looooooooong Karl Johans Gate. It was just awesome! Also, it was pretty classic watching one of the boys from our group get banished from the grounds till 4pm for jumping into the parade and marching with the band's drum major. Haha!

- Sight-seeing in Oslo! Oh, and Seeing the painting, "The Scream," in the Oslo National Gallery - it was just cool seeing the original! It was a cool museum overall! Also, going to Henrik Ibsen's house was way cool! If you don't know who he is, go read the play "The Dollhouse," and then talk to me. He's brilliant in my eyes. This picture to the right is taken at the Opera House entry there in Oslo - they have a WAY cool design for the house there - very inventive!

- The red pants! There are these red pants that all "seniors" in HS of that year wear the last few weeks of school to show they are graduating. These are overall pants and they flood the cities... they have chosen sayings and patchwork all over them - it's really unifying and cool to see! They earn "knots" in the graduation caps by doing "knotty/naughty" things or hard things that someone from previous years supervises... I just really wanted my own red pants after being there for a week! :)

- Dinner and walking through the city the final night! I went around the city with Barb, Vegard, Mike (from back here!), and Naz and it was just a good way to end things. I really met amazing people while there!

Copenhagen Highlights:

- Seeing Michelle! This picture to the right is of us at a fountain in downtown Copenhagen. This rather shy boy almost darted from us when I asked him - it was rather funny. There were also the most AMAZING street performers there! I have seen a LOT of street performers in my life... even been one once. However, this boy on guitar, girl on bass (cello bass) and older man playing a metal tie around his neck... and they sang too. They were FABULOUS!

- Also, stumbling across this beautiful park one night... We were walking around the park and taking pictures with each other, laughing and saying how this would be a great proposal spot for someone someday... Well, then we saw a few shady things - people hiding in bushes, groups of gay couples... Turns out it was a gay/lesbian park. Now, I have no qualms with gay people - I have gay friends whom I loved and adore. However, I think that I'll pass on getting proposed to there - haha! Though it IS sooooooooo beautiful!

- Going to The Round Tower, the palaces, and just walking the streets of Copenhagen. I think that the Royal Opera house was actually my favorite bldg. there though - haha! So beautiful! I also got to see the Copenhagen Temple (LDS) and it was SO cool! It's right in the middle of the city, rather small, and red brick, which is unusual. It's fabulous! I got invited to go and do some work there, but I didn't have my recommend with me - if you have more questions about the temple, please feel free to contact me. :)

- My SHADY hostel location! Okay, this wasn't a highlight really, but I had to write about it... I was in this bizarre part of town, outside city central, and could not get back too late for fear of my life. Haha! The hostel itself was kinda "blech," but the craziest part was hearing weird things outside my windows at night, the triple bunk beds, one girl having bed bugs, and the bathrooms SUCKING. However, I survived to tell the tale... and all is, therefore, good. The picture to the side is just of the city... I didn't bother taking one of the hostel - haha! :)

- Eating one of the best danishes I have ever had in my life - a danish in Denmark?! Get it. Haha... Also, I had the best ice cream at this place called Paradises on the main shopping stretch there in downtown... I think Italy might be able to beat it with gelato, but we'll see. Haha!

- Seeing the original Christus statue at a church (non-LDS) there, and learning more about it. The Christus is a giant statue of Christ that is symbolic in our religion and to me personally... it's so beautiful and brings a lot of emotions to my mind. It can be found in most LDS temple visitor's centers and depicts Christ showing us his hands and feet, pierced from the nails that hung him on the cross. However, what I didn't know that was when the original Christus was first created it was made with the arms of Christ reaching upward. However, over night, the material that the sculptor used sunk and the arms dried lower than anticipated - now representing Christ reaching out to show us his hands. My thoughts? Christ has already ascended and shown himself to the father, but it is we who need to see and recognize his atoning sacrifice for each of us. So, he reaches to us in hopes that we will accept his sacrifice for us and all men. I think it's no accident the original Christus dried this way... :)

Overall, I had an amazing trip! I saw new and interesting places and things. I met new, fascinating people, and had a blast forming new memories. Really, the people are what really sold me on the whole trip. I will keeping in touch with some of the girls and boys from that trip for quite a long time. Next adventure... London, Paris, and ITALY! Really, I've been to London a lot before, so I should just say the others... however, I am STOKED for it all! It's going to be great! :) If there are ANY suggestions for sight-seeing, food, etc. (I already have places to sleep), PLEASE post them below for me! I want to have a great experience, and planning is hard work - haha!

I'll write more about the boys and my life here in Germany in the next few days... I really am so blessed. No matter how hard it can be, and how home sick one can get, I know I am beyond lucky to be here - and I really do love it.
*muah*

Song of the Day: As always, there are a few I would love to chose, but today we'll make it a recent find. I recently discovered this band, The Kooks, and fell in love with their stuff! My favorite song from them right now (we'll this was a hard choice too!) is called Mr. Maker. So, here is it - Enjoy!

Planning, Planning, Planning...

You know, I never understood how much time and energy can go into planning a trip. OH MY WORD! Haha.... I am so thankful for all the time my parents have spent planning vacations for me and my family - It's a lot of work - some tedious, and some exciting. I am seriously astounded at how many hours I have spent researching and creating my THREE WEEK summer holiday in June - traveling Europe.

So, you may be asking, "Linze, where have you decided to go? What have you decided to see?"

Well, the first question can finally be answered with ease. The second is still up for debate in some areas.... suggestions are welcome. I am going to be flying out from Bonn on June 12th and making my first stop in London, England. I know I've been there before, lived there before actually, but I just had to go back. I was aching to be somewhere that was fun and familiar... Somewhere I could speak English and I knew my way around, and go see a musical! PLUS, I really wanted to be in an English pub to watch the England vs. USA World Cup game. Haha... You'd be crazy to believe that I'll be rooting for the USA inside of an English pub during game time. I'm very passionate about America - my country. However, on this note I must say sorry to my country, because I'll be supporting the Brits. England has been my team in this arena since 2006, at which time I started to love soccer. YES, I will support USA first in other sporting areas, but I just can't do it this time. Haha!

Anyway, I head to London for four days of wonderful, chill fun... I'm just going to walk around the city and sit in the parks, and eat at my favorite little cafes... It's my favorite city on the planet, so I'm stoked.

Next, I am catching a train in London, which will take me to... Paris! I wasn't planning on going until later in the year, but my friend from college is on a study abroad in England and will be going for a few days before she heads home. Thus, I am going to be meeting up with her in Paris! It'll be fabulous! She'll only be there two days, but I've booked it so I will be there a day before her and get in a bit more sight-seeing.

After Paris, I will fly down to Venice, Italy. Italy is the country I am MOST excited about seeing, so I'm going to be doing a nine-ten day tour of the countries greatest cities! I still have to work out how the train stuff works before I can know exactly how many days I'll be where... I can't seem to figure out if I just buy the InterRail pass and get on certain trains, or if I still need to book... I'll get there.

Anyway, I start in Venice for a day-two days only, and then head over to Florence. I'll be in Florence and the surrounding areas for three days, and then I'll head to Rome. Oh, Rome! I am beyond excited for Rome! There is SO much I long to see there.... It's going to be exquisite! I'll be in Rome for four or five days and then will finally head home at the end of the month! It's going to be 17-18 days of straight travel, so I'll be EXHAUSTED. However, I could not be more excited! It's going to be AMAZING.... I feel to fortunate.

Now, let's just pray that my research has paid off and I've booked good flights, trains, and hostels... Well, I'm not done booking the last few legs of my trips, but I think I'm almost there. Hopefully by tonight I'll be done with that... Then, it's just creating a basic itinerary of what I want to see in each place. I know the basics, but I want to make sure I know where I really want to go to see certain things....

FIRST though, I have my trip to Norway and Copenhagen this weekend! I head up on Thursday and the YSA Conference begins on Friday. Luckily with this trip, there isn't a ton of itinerary planning - just one day in Oslo (spent sight-seeing because the Conference isn't really about that. - haha!) and basic things I want to see in Copenhagen when I'm not with Michelle. However, I'm sure she'll point out some things as we walk around there together. I'm so stoked to see her! It's going to be a blast... I see Mike in Oslo, and Michelle in Copenhagen - perfect.
I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit nervous about meeting new people at the YSA Conference... I know, I know. You're thinking, "Linze, nervous about meeting new people?! Never!" However, truth be told, I get a little nervous at first when it comes to these things... I love meeting people, but hate the initial feelings of unease before it happens - especially when I'm alone. It's a weird facet to myself that I have not fully explored or grown to understand... It makes no sense with my personality, but it's true. Anyway, I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun up there and I'll meet some great people over the long weekend!

Oh my, trips, trips, trips! I think July is going to be home-base time! Haha... It's crazy touristy all through Europe that month anyway, so it'll be the perfect time to take a back-seat to everything. Plus, it's the aptitude time for catching-up on sleep. Mmm.
*muah*

Song of the Day: This song is actually dedicated to my mom, in honor of Mother's Day. I am SO thankful for her and all that she has done, and continues to do, for me. I truly have an INCREDIBLE mother, and am SO blessed. So, I recorded me singing a song calling, I Believe by Nikki Yanofsky - because my mom is one that always taught me to believe in myself, and others. I'm a bit apprehensive about posting myself singing on the internet, and the fact that this recording doesn't sync my mouth and voice together, doesn't help... Nevertheless... This one's for YOU, Mom! Enjoy!

The Book of Mormon

Take some time to watch the link below:


I too have a testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon. I know that it speaks truth and my life has been greatly blessed through its pages. I know my Savior lives and loves me with an even greater knowledge as I read the words inside... I encourage all to discover for yourselves that power and divinity that lies within the Book of Mormon.

*muah*

The Beauty's In The Details...

MY friend, Julie, had this blog entry link posted on her facebook today...

http://donmilleris.com/2010/04/29/does-god-have-a-specific-plan-for-your-life-probably-not/

I randomly took the time to read it through, and it's been on my mind since. I don't agree with EVERY point, but I do agree with most of what he's written. I don't believe his main point is to say God does not care or that he doesn't have any plans for us in this life. I think he is mostly saying that God let's us grow and learn for ourselves... The dinner analogy he uses is perfect.

Overall, it's an entry talking about this man's belief on whether God has a plan for us in this life or not. I believe that God has plans for us, but we also make our own choices and aren't "pre-destined..." It's a tricky moderation.

I think we need to come up with our own plans, present them - utilize our relationship with God in that way, and then carry them forth. God is still at WORK in our lives (definitely), but it's about us learning to use our agency and trust Him... as well as ourselves. There are moments in my life that I see specs of God's specific plans for me, but mostly I make up my own life and destination... If I'm living right, he'll stop me if I'm wrong... That's what I think.

Another note: God is all-knowing. Thus, I believe he knows what I am going to choose and knows the plan that will be mapped out in the end... but being here on earth is about more than listening to our Heavenly Father's directions for us. That IS important, yes, but there's more... It's about work. It's about taking ACTION.

Most people use the analogy that a child won't learn anything if the answers are just given to them. However, I think this sentiment is a little off. The answers are around us and in us... but we have to uncover them - with or without help. A child has to discover the answers for a history exam, through the answers the teacher (and book) provides. Likewise, Heavenly Father has provided the answers for us, but we have to do the WORK to discover them... We have to make some effort, and choose to do so, in order to make successful decisions in life from a secular point of view as well as spiritually.

There was a comment near the bottom of this man's blog entry that I thought was great for me to come across... It reads:

"I spent years trying to hear from God what 'his plan' for my life was. In the end, i think it was just an excuse not to make the hard choices. I was passively waiting for some kind of sign so that I wouldn’t miss 'his plan', because if I missed 'his plan', then I’d ruin my life, right? What pressure!! How are we supposed to know who we’re 'supposed' to marry, or what job is 'his plan?' "

I think that I've been doing that a little bit these past two years... Not on purpose, but nevertheless, I have been excusing decision making because I was fearful. It was a way for me to put things off... until my decision to come to Germany. That's when I started taking action again.

I can not express how wonderful, trying, and perfect this opportunity has been (and will be) for me. I definitely saw God guiding my path in this choice and leading events to allow me to be here. So in this case, I felt that strongly... but I think the next steps are about me figuring it out for myself. Man, I am so blessed... I learn more and more about myself with each day I'm here - in Germany, and on this earth.

The beauty of life lies in the details... and we decide what to garnish our lives with.
*muah*

"The personal challenge is not to wait successfully but to live richly, fully, & joyfully. The real fun of life is in overcoming obstacles while still happily hoping everything will work out. Fill your life with service, education, personality development, love for all, & other such meaningful traits. Live with purpose each day." - Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Song of the Day: I know that this song was popular a few months ago by a different band, but this girl's version of this song is fabulous... I like it better than the original for me. Here is Laura Jansen singing Use Somebody. Enjoy!

Oh, The Places I've Been...

As an Au Pair I have the wonderful opportunity to do a lot of reading the the boys. I get to help their love of literature and reading grow, and in the process discover ways to encourage those feelings for my own future children. Luckily, with these boys, the love for books is already present. I'm sure that's because the parents and nannies in the past have taken a lot of time to read to them... My goal is to start reading more WITH them. I hope to start teaching them more of HOW to read, especially with Nico starting real school (first grade) in the Fall.

Sidenote: I am currently reading all of the Harry Potter books in the English form - English like, England. Haha! After I have finished a book, I watch the movie! I am currently on the third book in the series, and am finishing the second movie tonight. Classic.

One author I have fallen in love with all over again, and will read often with my children, is Dr. Suess. Man, that guy could write. He was ultra creative and convincing... What do I mean by convincing? The man created a new language using the platform of Children's Literature. He created words and mental images of characters and settings that were unique and completely bizarre - and they worked. Children and adults love his work because of these reasons, along with the fact that each of his stories teach valuable life lessons.

What started this particular blog entry, you ask? Surely it must have been reading Dr. Suess with the boys... well, boy - Finni. After dinner tonight, Patrick was trying to tackle violin practice with each of the boys - always a task - and so to distract Finni after his turn (so Nico could practice) I pulled out a few books and let him choose one. He made the brilliant decision to have me read him, Oh, The Places You'll Go.

What an amazing book. That book is not only about teaching young ones to reach for their dreams, that it is okay to fail at things sometimes, and to persevere through those times of failure to reach success, but it also teaches adults the same thing. Each time I read that story with the boys I am amazed at how motivated and redirected I find myself. I truly love the clever writing inside of those pages and way it reminds me to believe in myself.

Right now in life, I am coming to a major cross-roads... Okay, I'm not coming to a major crossroads, I'm there. Yea. I graduated from BYU two years ago - TWO YEARS! That's a bit crazy to me... I loved going to college, but was happy to be past that point in my life. I was ready to move on, but I still miss it at times. I have spent a good amount of time since April of 2008 thinking about where to go to Graduate School and what to study. My direction seems to bend and change with the week, and I'm coming to the point in my life that I must choose a road to go down... The roads I have already taken since graduation have all been very meaningful and enlightening for me... They have all felt right. However, though the decision of Grad School seems right, I have not yet felt right about any street I have looked down... wondering if I should venture that way.

Since graduating from college... Oh, The Places I've Been (and things I have done):
- Been a Building Counselor (BC) with the Especially For Youth (EFY) program.
- Been a substitute teacher for grades K-8 in Utah.
- Worked in the Special Education Department as a Paraeducator at a local K-8 school.
- Spent two years volunteering as an Assistant Stage Manager (ASM) for Staduim of Fire in Provo, UT
- Gone to the American Idol Finale two years in a row.
- Auditioned for American Idol.
- Gone to Hawaii.
- Moved to Germany to be an Au Pair for an entire year (I've already been here 4 months!).
- Been to over fifty concerts of a random assortment.
- Moved back in and out of my parent's home.
- Learned how to really cook.
- Traveled to four new countries (Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and The Netherlands... England wasn't new, but still that was cool!), and planned trips to at least eight more (Norway, Sweden, Italy, France, Greece, Czech Republic, Poland, and Denmark).
- Dyed my hair numerous times.
- Seen over a hundred new films and listened to over a thousand new songs.
... and read tons of new books.

I've really done quite a lot that I'm proud of, and happy about. I feel like I'm fulfilling so much in my life and accomplishing little goals along the way. However, now, it's time to make a BIG decision and accomplish some BIG goals... In the next two months, I must really narrow down my choices and choose where I want to study for Graduate School. When I go home from Germany, it's time to choose a road and avoid, "The Waiting Place" that I've been in... That's not for me, and it's time to start doing what my blog header says and make things happen for myself. Not that I haven't done that up until now, but I feel like it's time to run... when I've been walking. I really believe that this move to Germany was the start of the slow jog, and once I return to the US, I'll be ready to step it up.

In fact, after JUST talking with Nicole about this very concept - the concept of deciding what to do - she gave me this take on things... Just CHOOSE one already and start prepping for it. When it feels wrong, quit. Then, start the process over again. So, I have a personal goal...

May 21st. May 21st is the date that I have to come to a decision and forge forward. I'll let you know then what I have determined to do... however, it might be before that. I think I already have come to terms with what I need to do. In fact, I want to do entertainment - acting and theater. I want to study that in Grad School... Now, I just have to determine what area I want to emphasize and look at specific programs I would be interested in.

Oh, The Places I'll Go....

Quotes and Moments of the Week:
"My underwear are clean... except for my bum feels a little crumply..." - Nico (HAHAHA!)
- "It's a pool for ants... They can swim."
"How do they swim, Finni?"
.... Finni continued dancing around the yard to show me how ants swim, which was just about the cutest thing ever! Haha...
*muah*

Song of the Day: I just discovered this girl, and I LOVE her... This is Caro Emerald's song, A Night Like This. You can also check out her song, Back It Up, which I adore! Heck, I'll post them both... Enjoy!

Martini Moments - A night like this (Caro Emerald) from The Missing Sync on Vimeo.

Caro Emerald - Back it up from What about Fish on Vimeo.

It's So Much More Than Wooden Shoes...

I went to the land of windmills. I went to the land of tulips. I went to the land of wooden shoes... and only saw one person actually wearing them - a boy walking from a gas station. I laughed to myself about that.

In the land of tulips and windmills, I saw a million tulips (no exaggeration!) and hundreds of windmills. However, most of them were modern windmills and not the ones you see in old school film - these ones are hardcore metal.

I went to The Netherlands (Holland to many outside the country) with my mind on seeing those things and learned that there is SO much more to the country. Yes, the tulips WERE phenomenal and the windmills quite breathtaking in their number, but I also had the opportunity to spend time and meet family I had never even known about... other members of the Struiksma clan, if you will. Haha!

I was ecstatic when my "cousin," (we'll go by that because I'm not sure what we actually are - 2nd or 3rd... something), Klaas, called and invited me to actually come and stay with him, and offered to pick me up from Bonn. There was worry on both sides that it might be a little awkward with a three hour car ride to and from Bonn to Sneek, but it was great. It was like catching-up with distant family - which is precisely what it was. We laughed and jokes and had serious conversations about faith, politics, ambitions, and our lives... It was just great conversation.

Anyway, Klaas picked me up on Friday night and we headed to Sneek. It was dusk by the time we got into The Netherlands, so I could barely see anything sight-wise, but I was just so thrilled to be there I didn't care. Haha! When we got to the apartment, we checked on the kids -he has a seven year old girl and a three year old boy - and then visited awhile before heading to bed. The next morning we headed first thing to Struiksma Bakery! I know - the name thing again... Why do I get SO excited about seeing my name somewhere. Perahps it's celebrity syndrome (I have always wanted to be an actress/singer), but I think it's more than that. I feel excited that I have heritage somewhere and that there's history behind my name (all three parts) in the form of people. When I was at Struiksma Bakery I got to talk for a few moments with Klaas dad and step-mom, and see a portion of how they live - SO stellar! Needless to say, the trip to the bakery was fabulous... and the croissants & jam weren't bad either. Haha!

Klaas, the kids, and I headed off to the Keukenhof tulip (and other flowers) festival afterwards, and found it to be rather crowded and busy... It happened to be the day of the HUGE flower parade throughout a chunk of the country, and it was cutting through Keukenhof that afternoon. Thus, everyone was there to see that... It was still REALLY beautiful and nice to walk along the flowered walkways... It certainly smelled like heaven. Mmm... Haha! The tulips were great and the parade was fabulous... We totally jumped a fence to get out of the park and away from the crowd - everyone was watching and it was pretty classic... :) It was a good time overall! The crowds were excessive, but it happens that way sometimes... (Pictures of the flowers and parade are on a slideshow at the bottom!)

Before heading back to Sneek, Klaas took us over to a beach so I could see the coast there! I hadn't even thought of that, but it was cool. I picked up some shells to take to the boys and my parents, and then walked along the beach for a short time before heading to grab some dinner and then drive back to Sneek - about an hour North of The Keukenhof. We drove back through the cities and I saw a little bit of Amsterdam, however not a lot. I'll just have to plan another trip up to see that, I guess! Haha...

Sunday I went to church with Klaas, which was a cool experience. They had a lady there to translate for me, who happened to be the preacher's wife. She was a GREAT translator and huge sweetheart. The sermon was on Job and his trials in life... I thought it was a great depiction on the meaning behind the story. I enjoyed the singing and rockin' out a bit during their meeting, but it was definitely different than my own church. I liked it though - I mean, I like learning about other religions and it was a good opportunity for me to learn about Klaas's beliefs, as well as to talk with him about my own - way cool discussion.

Afterward, we headed with the kids over to their grandparents house for a BBQ and so we could get to know each other. I wasn't sure what to expect because of the language barrier and just being different ages and such, but it was great. The dad, Jacob, and I were able to visit quite a bit and I just loved the family. He was super kind too and invited my parents and I back to stay when they were visiting from America... apparently that's not a common thing either, so I guess I came across positively. Haha! They kept saying I reminded them of Klaas sister in personality, but also looks - funny! I guess I really am a Struiksma! Haha...

Sidenote: Jacob, being the amazing baker and cook he is, made this AMAZING potato and such salad... When he walked with it I died laughing, because it said STRUIKSMA in Ketchup on top - haha! So classic for the family, yet again! Oh, and it seriously was the best salad ever... I said that he needed to teach me his mad cooking skills so I could come back to Bonn and impress the family here - haha!

We headed out a bit after three to drop the kids off to be with their mom and start the journey to take me back to Bonn. I was quite tired for some reason, but we spent the trip chatting a lot and laughing a lot... Our family sense of humor carries overseas in a lot of ways - haha! Klaas reminded me of a more Dutch version of Derek - haha! It was seriously so nice chatting and jamming out on the car ride back from Sneek... and it was SO great of him to drive me so out of his way - way cool of him. Haha!

We stopped in Bonn to get a drink before he headed out and we had a funny experience... There was this medical man who had just put up a cone on the road to block the street off and two seconds later this car, who clearly saw the cone, came barreling around the corner and took out the cone. Haha! Funnier still was the medical man yelling at the guy to halt and come back - yea... right. Haha! I shouldn't laugh, but it was pretty classic.... After that the guy stood behind the cone and waved off like thirty cars before we left... Hm. Sad job for him that night - haha!

Anyway, the trip was great! The country is FABULOUS and I'm glad to have my ancestry there - my new goal is to learn even more about that. I want to know dates and more genealogy dating back to Holland and the family I had there. It's going to be exciting to learn more about... It was such a great trip - wow... Just SO good to reunite a family after almost a century. Plus, who would have thought that I could be used as a link for that someday? It was stellar.



Next adventure...? Norway & Sweden is the plan for May, but I still need to plan that and make sure that's gonna happen. I'll keep y'all posted!
*muah*

Song of the Day: I discovered this song while in The Netherlands, and am LOVING on Cheryl Cole lately. She is super! The song is by Snow Patrol, Featuring Cheryl Cole... Here's Set The Fire To The Third Bar. I love them together - Enjoy! (Also, Cheryl Cole's song, Fight For This Love is great!)

Loved Like That

So, I was inspired by the following video and felt the need to share...



I simply love this girl - Catrien Maxwell. I think she's fabulous and a talented writer/singer... I needed to give her some props. Enjoy!

(I also like her song, If I Died In Your Arms)

There's actually a lot to write about, but... I'm tired and it's 1:30am here... Old habits die hard, eh?
*muah*

Song of the Day: Um.... Check the link above.