5371 Miles Away

Piece of Me: You I think I'll miss most of all

2011-02-03T02:20:00.000-08:00

Two days ago I left my family and Fien. And yesterday I arrived in the UK not having shed one tear. It hasn't hit me yet. And when it does I'm going to be a mess...

This month (February)…

I like: um...without sounding pathetic, it's really hard to think of something right now.
I don't like: realizing how hard it is to say goodbye (more on that story later)
I want you to know: that I think I'm going to keep the title of my blog even though it won't really make sense anymore...and that I really am going to blog about all the things I said I'd blog about it...now I'll have more time seeing as I'm unemployed.
I've planned: six weeks in the UK and Ireland...Edinburgh, Dublin (where Mags is joining), Liverpool, Stratford Upon Avon, Nottingham, Cork, Isle of Skye...you name it...I'm seeing it...if I can afford it...
I want to say to someone special: Dear Holland, Fien, Suzan, Rogier, Sket, Mags, Lily, Kim, and everyone else: I miss you already.

Picture of the Month:

Woord of the Day: Sprokkelmaand - Gathering Month (or February)

He's Perfect

2011-01-26T14:24:00.000-08:00

So as promised...I'd like to present to you...

Sket Stijn Duindam

Born the 24th of January, 2011

Time: 18:44

Weight: 3860 grams

Zodiac: The Waterman (Aquarius)

Adorableness: Off the Charts

Mama and Baby are both doing well. Rogier is a proud Papa. And Fien is immensely enjoying her roll as "big sister."

Let's see how things are going shall we?

Here's Fien ridiculously excited to be in the playpen with her brother. Big Sister/Little Brother shirts courtesy of Kaiser Permanente in California (thanks Mama and Papa!)

Here's me with the Munchkins...

Here's Mags with the munchkins. Romper has been switched to show off the Red Sox accompanied by matching B/Minnie hat (I'll allow this non-A's gear just only because it's so darn cute!)

And here's the crowning glory...the greatest moment of my day...

LOOK HOW TINY HE IS! AND HIS HANDS! AND FEET! AND HE WEIGHS NOTHING!!!

Sigh...what a wonderful week. I'm sure more pictures will follow. I'm going parent-camera-crazy.

Word of the Day: zoon - son

WELCOME!

2011-01-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

My two text messages for the day:

Suzan: Libby, Sket is part of us!! We will be home tomorrow if nothing goes wrong. Love, Suzan

Rogier: Wat een prachtig mannetje. Wat een schitterend nieuw leven. Hij liet even op zich wachten maar ligt nu lekker in zijn bed. Zijn naam is Sket!
Translation: What a wonderful man. What a wonderful new life. He took his time but is now comfortably in his bed. His name is Sket!

(He was eleven days late)

Welcome to the world baby Sket! Can't wait to meet you tomorrow!

More pictures tomorrow!!!

Word of the day: See above text.

3.5 Years

2011-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Well seeing as it's almost Fien's half birthday, I figured Day Three of Fien-a-palooza would be...

Fien's 3rd Birthday!

So Fien turned 3...back in August...here's what happened...

First Fien got her presents from the family...

(princess name plate made by Libby not pictured...must remember to get one of those)

Then we got everything ready for the party complete with the strawberry Dora cake I made her...

Then the Guests arrived! My job was to lead the craft...we made Princess (or Prince) Crowns...

(with some help in the translation department from Oma)

Then it was time for cake. Everyone sang (not Happy Birthday), and of course the Dutch THREE CHEERS!...

But at the end of the day, once everyone had gone home, we just sat back, and used the rest of the arts and crafts to our hearts content...

Of course, like most three year old presents...one of the gifts she recieved would soon be deemed the most annoying toy in the world...

At least she's singing Lady Gaga and Katy Perry

So Happy Belated Birthday munchkin. You're adorable.

Word of the Day: Hippidapip, Hoorah! - Hip Hip Hooray

Day at the park

2011-01-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Hey! It's the second day of Fien-a-palooza!
Today I don't have much to say about it. I think the pictures will speak for themselves.

So today is Fien at the playground by our house in Noordwijk being adorable and doing everything "BY HERSELF!"

Word of the Day: speeltuin - playground (literally play garden)

No animal should require Eight Legs

2011-01-14T10:29:00.000-08:00

Dude, I'm back (don't call me dude.)
I have TWO WEEKS left with my munchkin. That's right. And since there's so much to catch up on, the next fourteen days are going to be dedicated to her. Because you can hear about everything else later.

Here we go...Fien-a-palooza day 1...

Spiders FREAK ME OUT! It's no secret that I have an extreme case of arachnophobia.
I was totally fine with them until that stupid Jeff Daniels movie...what fifth grade substitute thinks that's a good movie to show your class on Halloween?
Here is me overcoming this fear in the summer of 2008...

See that twinkle in my eye? Nope that's just me on the verge of tears. That smile is not real.

In the fall, there is a type of wood spider that comes out and decides that the entirety of Holland deserves to be it's new home. You find them everywhere. You tear down the web and a minute later you are watching it rebuild. They are over your head, blocking doorways, under bike seats...it's not fun. And since they're small and you can't see the webs from a distance, you just look like a crazy person running around ducking and avoiding and being altogether INSANE.

Well Fien and I enjoy walking and taking pictures and since I had an awesome zoom, I decided I could take pictures of them from a safe distance. As my sister would say (when confronted with Mickey Mouse) "I can see them from here."
So here are the creepy arachnids (the small pictures don't really do them justice, but if you feel like it, you can click for a larger image)...

In the backyard.

Above the gate leading to the backyard (and threatening to come down on your head AT ANY MOMENT!)

In the walkway to the gate.

Doorway right outside the walkway

Window next to the doorway

Notice I haven't even walked 200 feet yet...

And then as I stood from a distance, snapping pictures...

There's nothing like being made to feel a wuss by a three year old who doesn't even like when I turn on the vaccuum cleaner.

Well winter came, and they all seem to be gone. And I'm thankful I'll be gone before they decide to return.

Word of the Day: spiner - spider

Piece of Me: the month when there's always snow

2011-01-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

I know I already did one for 2011, but I still have to do one for January.
Since I've already been dong this for a full year (!!!) I'm not going to repeat the word of the days. Instead I'm going to give you the literal translation of the descriptions of the month. Enjoy!

This month (January)…

I like: that Suzan's baby is due this month!!! So exciting!!!

I don't like: that it's my last month with my munchkin. I'm already tearing up thinking about it.

I want you to know: I did not go crazy for the end of Christmas sales. Not a single skirt or shirt was bought at H&M. And my credit card is thanking me.

I've planned: to run around Holland and see all the things I should have seen when I lived here for the past year

I want to say to someone special: dear Fien: I hope you like San Francisco because I'm taking you with me.

Picture of the Month:

Word of the Day: Louwmaand - Louw (Dutch version of Lawrence) month (better known as...January)

Piece of Me: The New Year

2011-01-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

I figured since I did one of these at the beginning of every month, it was only appropriate that I do it at the beginning of the year as well. So here is a very special, annual, Piece of Me.

This year (2011)…

I like: what this next year has to offer. It will be possibly lonely, probably challenging, and definitely different.

I don't like: that there can no longer be New Years glasses where the eyes are the "00" in the year.

I want you to know: when I get home, I'm going to see how long I can go without driving a car...I'm buying a bike...maybe a moped if necessary.

I've planned: to apply to grad schools and get my teaching credential!

I want to say to someone special: 2011 - Bring it On!!

Picture of the year:

Word of the Day: tweeduizend elf - Two thousand eleven.

2010 Year in Review: The travel edition

2010-12-31T14:35:00.000-08:00

I realize I could write a lot about this last year. How my life has completely been changed by a three year old. Or how it's been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Or something along those lines. But it's hard to put 365 days into words. So instead...just like last year...I'll stick to pictures...
What's funny is, I haven't even blogged about some of thiese things yet. But eventually you will hear about them. I mean, I ahve to write about something when I'm back home and have no life right?

Anyway...enjoy...and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

In January went and visited my friend Mark in Copenhagen. There I saw my first international city outside of Holland, as well as The Little Mermaid.

In February I went on my first big trip - Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Zurich, Bern, Cologne, and Muenster. My trip including falling in love with cities, making new friends, and ending up on my butt for the majority of my ride down a Swiss Alp.

In March I celebrated my birthday in true Californian style - with Mexican Food and Margaritas.

In April I went with my munchkin to Disney on Ice. Yes it was in Dutch. But that didn't stop me from seeing Disney for the first time through a child's eyes.

In May I did probably the most Dutch thing there is to do - visited the Keukenhoff.

In June my sister came to visit. We started off our Europe adventure with a trip to Barcelona and Southern Spain.

In July, Nina and I continued our travels ending in an amazing long weekend in Paris.

In August I went to London to hang out with one of my best friends, Kate, and see Sister Act the musical...magic.

In September I took advantage of my last few days living on a beach and ran around in the sand among the sand castles with the little one.

In October I went on a seventeen day vacation including Muenster, Munich, Venice, Florence, Rome, and Athens. Some of my favorite cities by far.

In November, Sinterklaas once again arrived in Noordwijk. And this time, Fien ad I were ready for him!

And this past month I spent my Christmas sadly, away from my family. But happily, in my favorite European city...Prague with a bunch of fellow orphans.

I can't imagine aother year of my life being more exciting than this...seriously.
I promise that one of these days I will get around to blogging about these things. Until then...enjoy the pictures...
How was your year? Are you looking forward to the next one?

See you in 2011!!

Word of the Day: Oude en Nieuw - Old and New (New Year's)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

Just a little pre-recorded video that still turned out to be late.
Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!

Better than Catching a Foot

2010-12-19T14:51:00.000-08:00

Well it’s been pointed out to me (because I hadn’t noticed) that there are several things that I have yet to write about. But if you are anything like me, if you have to write about something, you usually don’t want to. So I was putting it off. But because I knew I had to write about it, I didn’t write anything. Until eventually, once I assumed enough time had passed, I just completely forgot about it and never wrote about it.

Well I’m going to fix all that. On the weekends (or whenever I feel like it,) when I’m playing catch up anyway with the rest of my life, I’m going to catch up on this blog. With stories that I hinted at but never actually told you about. I could come up with a name and make a nice picture for it…maybe I will. I like those…they distract me from actually writing. :-P But not today.

For this first one we’re going back…way back to July when Nina was visiting…WHOA!

So Nina and I decided to take a little weekend trip down to Belgium for the weekend. We started it off with a quick stop in Den Haag and ended it with an outrageous crowd of Orange in Amsterdam. But between those two things, we did manage to make it down to another country.

Since I had already been to Brussels, and Brugge is apparently the city for lovers, Antwerp seemed like the obvious choice in this situation. Antwep is an artsy, multi cultural town in the north of Belgium. Here they speak Flemish, no French, which came in handy until the locals actually heard me and then said in English “oh you must be Dutch.” Which I guess is a compliment to my Dutch, but I don’t think they meant it that way.

Anyway, our first night there we indulged in some Belgium fries…mmm mmm mmm. And by first night, I mean, first night, the following lunch, accompanying dinner, and a late night snack. What can I say? They were cheap.

But other than that, we didn’t do much our first night…just made friends in the Hostel and discussed all our world traveling plans before going to bed in a ridiculously hot room only to be woken up by sirens outside the window and the itching of a bunch of mosquito (at least I hope) bites.

Anyway, it was time to wander the city. It’s a fairly small city, so I planned out our own personal walking tour and we set out. First we stopped here…

The towns first bakery, over 100 years old and home to some DELICIOUS pastries.

Then we continued to the Old Church...

Because every European city has an “old” church even if there isn’t also a “new” one. This one had a clock tower…

We also visited the City Party Hall where they have epitomized the word “boujie” by creating a Champagne Bar…shaped like a Champagne glass…

Fancy huh?

We also got lost in the shops, not only name brand stores, but also fun thrift stores down allies. We also saw some street art…

And some statues…

And what is soon to be the entrance to China Town…

Then we went and saw the major tourist thing…the town hall…

And in front of it is this…

Yes that is a man with a hand. Not just any man though – Brabo. Because the legend of Brabo, based on a Dutch fairy tale, is how Antwerp got its name. There was a tyrant giant who was ruling over them who would cut off the hands of men who wouldn’t pay the toll. So in a delicious act of irony, the hero Brabo cut off the Giant’s hand and threw it into the river. And the giant went on his way…I’m assuming… Anyway, Antwerp in Dutch (yes Dutch, not Flemish) can be derived from “hand werpen” – Antwerp…see?

Well, it was getting late and we were getting hungry (fries not being a suitable form of sustenance surprisingly) and we made our way to a little sidewalk café for the traditional Belgium sea food – mussels…

Nina stuck with soup…with fries of course. And I introduced Nina to the wonders of Belgium beer – Kriek Cherry Beer – or as I like to call it, Candy Beer. Seriously…tastes like candy. Anyway, she liked it...

But then it started raining…no not raining…pouring. And while we were quite fine under our umbrellas, I was not fine when people decided that standing under our umbrellas right next to us (and I mean RIGHT NEXT TO US) to escape the rain while we ate was a socially acceptable thing based on the current state of the weather. But eventually, we were escorted inside. Not because we were wet, but because they couldn’t be held responsible if an umbrella fell down and killed us. But it was fine! We had our own little balcony with one other table where we enjoyed some hot drinks and listened to the rain fall.

And then it was time to go back to the hostel. But not after dancing in the rain…

The next day (dressed in our Dutch colors) we headed back to the train station (the third prettiest train station in the world apparently…)

And squished onto an already packed train car full of people dressed in Nederlands colors heading to the city…just like we were.

Antwerp was a cute little city. It wasn’t the coolest city I’ve been to, but I’m glad to have one more culture stop to cross of my list...oh and also we ate chocolate...lots and lots of chocolate!

Word of the Day: hand werpen – throw a hand

Top Ten: 30 minutes of Holiday Cheer

2010-12-14T15:50:00.000-08:00

Being once again in the Christmas mood, I decided to do another themed...

And this one also ties in with my...

All the Christmas episodes are coming out now, which makes me happy. And it got me thinking about my favorite ones. When I looked back at some series though I was surprised to realize that some just weren't big on the holiday themed episodes...in fact all of my just watched series - Frasier, Cheers, and Gilmore Girls were scarce on the Holiday Cheer and the ones they did have didn't have the stuff to make it on the list. Ah well...
If you've seen any of these episodes, you'll know they're adorable. And if you haven't...be on the lookout this holiday season...those reruns are popular!
So here are my...

TOP TEN TELEVISION SHOW CHRISTMAS EPISODES

Friends

Season 7

The One with the Holiday Armadillo

Ross wants to teach Ben about Hanukkah, but can't think of any type of character that can compete with Santa. Then the costume store has nothing left and he's stuck in a giant armored outfit attempting to explain the Festival of Lights only to have Chandler show up as the Jolly man in the big red suit and overshadow the "weird turtle man thing".

(This runs a close second to The One With The Routine but that one is technically about New Years not Christmas)

Will & Grace

Season 5

All About Christmas Eve

Grace continually switches her date for Christmas Eve from Will to her new husband Leo (Harry Connick Jr...sigh) based on Leo's on call duties. The continuous calls back and forth are funny, but even better is Jack and Karen wearing bathrobes in their expensive hotel suite and ordering room service just so they can carol to the bellhops.

Community

Season 2

Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas

Claymation...self explanatory.

Big Bang Theory

Season 2

The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis

Probably the funniest episode of Big Bang ever if just for the final sixty seconds. Penny brings gifts over for the boys and Sheldon must then figure out the gift equivalent without knowing what he is equivocating it to. But when he does open his gift...it seems he was unprepared...

30 Rock

Season 3

Christmas Special

This one is on here for many reasons, but for one above all others...Elaine Stritch and Alec Baldwin singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." And she's apparently back this year! Can't wait!

Modern Family

Season 1

Undeck the Halls

Christmas gets canceled over and over again as the Phil and Clair try to figure out who was smoking in the house. At the same time Cam and Mitchell share Christmas dinner with Santa after getting him fired...only to fear for their lives should he ever find out it was their doing.

Raising Hope

Season 1

Toy Story

This episode shows a new twist on "sacrifice for family during the holidays" with the must have toy of the year being passed around for favor upon favor.

Full House

Season 2

Our Very First Christmas Show

I haven't seen it in years, but I still remember this episode. Stephanie wonder how Santa will find her family when they're stuck at an airport on Christmas Eve. The mystical element at the end when Joay is revealed to NOT have been the Santa that just visited caused me to believe in him for just a little longer.

Psych

Season 3

Christmas Joy

The classic Psych comedy combined with Mall Santas, Nativity scenes, and Phylicia Rashad is a thing of beauty.

Monk

Season 8

Mr. Monk and the End (Part 1 & 2)

Ok it's not technically a Christmas episode. But it did premiere right before Christmas and it had the mystery of who killed Trudy tied back to a special Christmas gift Trudy left for Adrian their last Christmas together. A very heart warming episode.

Well..as you all enjoy your Christmas breaks and catch up on the tivo, let me know what your favorites have been!

Word of the Day: geest - spirit

Friday Follow-up:

2010-12-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Hooray for being back on schedule! Wow! We've had A Piece of Me, A top Ten Tuesday, and now an alliterated Friday! So today it's...

Now since it's been a while, some of these you may not actually remember...but that's a chance I'm willing to take...now let's begin...

February 7 - Wow! Million years ago! But it doesn't matter. Because one of the pictures I posted on that site has been selected for the 2012 (yea I have to wait a year) I Can Haz Cheezburger Day by Day Calendar! I'm so excited...and it's pretty adorable too if I do say so myself...

So go out and buy it!
In a year...

September 2 - Before I started watching the Gilmore Girls, I couldn't have cared less about movies just because Alexis Bledel or Lauren Graham were in them. But then I discovered this movie and besides being completely in love with the other main characters in this movie, she plays the Mom and I was excited!
Oh but that's not the point of this Follow-up...the point...is...THIS!
AAAHHHHH!!!!

September 29 - Yes I'm still obsessed with watching these videos online. But apparently...I'm not the only one! Check it out! (P.S. the last one is priceless)

October 5 - I finally uploaded my photos of me at Oktoberfest so you can go check me and my dirndl out. Pretty good I must say...

October 25 - I totally forgot that I had this photo. I've been saving it for probably the entire time I've been here waiting until I went to Florence and saw the David. Ok I didn't actually see the David, but I saw a replica. Plus this picture is hilarious...

October 29 - Yea, fairly sure this one is self-explanatory...GO GIANTS! (However, come March, it's back to GO OAK-TOWN)

November 1 - On the title I wrote that we weren't going to have turkey...we did. Just sayin. I'll actually write a post about it...eventually.

Word of the Day: ingehaald - caught up

Top Ten: You can play these while you decorate the Christmas Tree...

2010-12-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

It's Tuesday! And you know what I haven't done in a very long time?

That's right. So to get you in the Christmas spirit (because I am!) here are some songs you can play while you make cookies. Mmmm.
Now there are so many Christmas songs I LOVE, but I decided to go with the songs that I like how they are sung, not just the song itself (hence no Jingle Bell Rock, or It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year).
Here are my...

TOP TEN CHRISTMAS SONG

All I Want for Christmas is You

Performed by Mariah Carey

O Holy Night

Performed by Mariah Carey

(I normally wouldn't put the same singer twice - but these two are probably my two favorite of all)

White Christmas

Performed by Bing Crosby

You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch

From How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Performed by Judy Garland

Baby it's Cold Outside

Performed Live by Velma Middleton and Louis Armstrong

I Want a Hippopatomus for Christmas

Performed by Gayle Peevey

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Performed by The Jackson 5

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Performed by N'Sync

But for a magical music video, click here (embedding was disabled)

Here Come Santa Claus

Performed by Elvis

There's so many more I could list, but oh well. I'm off to listen to all of them!

What are you favorites?

Word of the Day: Het is de mooiste tijd van het jaar - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I did not get Shoe Fruit

2010-12-06T15:31:00.000-08:00

Well, Sinterklaas came and went. It was a pretty awesome little party.
Photos from the actual night (along with the awesome presents) will be up shortly.

But until then...let's talk about when Sinterklaas first arrived a couple weeks ago.
Since Noordwijk is on the sea, and he comes by boat it only made sense that he should arrive in our fair city. And just like last year...Santa comes with the need for speed! Yep...he arrives on a speedboat which is then hoisted onto the sand by this other mechanical thing...

(

See him? Yea! I actually got a picture of him this year!

Fien, being a year older, and no longer afraid, had a blast waiting for him with Papa...

And enjoying the company of the yet to be deemed racist Zwarte Piet (and their accompanying Peppernoten!)...

Once the crowd got a little crazy, we decided to head out. Suzan being unbelieveably pregnant had held back with Aunt Hester, Uncle Maarten, and cousin Quinten, who, not being as old and mature and experienced as Fien, was not enjoying the festivities. Fien (having all the above named qualities) attempted to calm him to no avail...

With the crowd following Sint like sheep, we took advantage of the desserted beach for some quick family photos...

Me and my munchkin

Mama, Papa, Fien

The neighbors - mom is also pregnant!

Later as we wondered down the Hoofdstraat, we entered the Hema only to find SINTERKLAAS WAS IN THERE! Unlike mall appearances, this was a once a year, couple hours in the day sort of thing. And as we entered the workers swept Fien in to be the last kid seen by Sinterklaas! What a lucky girl!
She was a little cautious, but once Mama stepped in, all was fine...

AND the mayor even came over, Shook Fiens hand, and held her up for a photo! She had no idea who he was however, so she was a little weirded out...

(Suzan believes this is because I had my big camera and looked like press - which I totally believe)

It was a wonderful day! My only regret is that I didn't get my own photo with Sinterklaas or a Zwarte Piet. Oh well. Fien still had a fabulous day...

And to continue from the last post with "Sinterklaas in the Media" - allow me to share with you a Stephen Colbert clip from his very first season, five years ago!

The Colbert Report Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Real Christmas
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

What's funny is, if I had seen this five years ago, I would have thought it was ridiculous. Now I know that (besides the shoe fruit) it's completely true...which makes it that much better!

Word of the Day: Zwarte Piet - Black Peter

You better watch out...you better not cry...

2010-12-03T14:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I have many more travel entries to write, but I think I figured out a way to do that. So today I'm going to tell you about something else...

SINTERKLAAS! You all remember Sinterklaas right? The Dutch (skinny/racist) version of Santa?

Well he's in town. And we're celebrating this weekend!

So to get you in the holiday season, I'd like to share this with you...

Ok here's what's going down... (because yes, I actually UNDERSTAND IT!!!)

If there's a full moon on Dec 5 (Sinterklaas Dag), Sinterklaas comes back from the dead to take revenge for his brutal murder...so watch out!

Then a guy has a gift for a girl...but actually it's not a gift it's SEX!! (Chances are, he dies.)

Then a little boy gets told Sinterklaas doesn't exist because he's scared.

And then a guy wants to stop the celebration of Sinterklaas...all festivities!

And then we discover that the 5th is NOT Sint's birthday, but rather his MURDER DAY!

And then a random guy says the obligatory horror film statement of irony, this one being "Presents are nice, but you end up getting things you don't want."

And then a famous song (along the lines of Santa Claus is Coming to Town) gets song by a girl with a creepy voice.
...
And then a guy says "we're gonna need a bigger boat." (or something else, I wasn't listening)

Wow! Doesn't it seem awesome? Don't you want to see this movie?
Actually...I do not. And not because I will not be having my childhood mythical creatures destroyed by slasher films thank you very much, but rather because (as unscary as it looks) I DO NOT like scary movies. Cannot handle them. My mother did not watch Diabolique while I was in her tummy. (Inside joke - my grandma did that.)

So now I'm going to go upstairs, pray for no nightmares, and take comfort in the fact that the fifth is actually a new moon - as far from a full moon as you can get.

Hartelijke Sinterklaas Dag!

Word of the day: vechtjas - slasher (BUT "slasher film" is "slasher" in Dutch)

Piece of Me: FIVE GOOOOLD RINGS

2010-12-01T14:53:00.000-08:00

So I only did one of these two posts ago...yes...I need to get writing again. BUT since this is so easy, I have no excuse. Here's...a Piece of Me.

This month (December)…

I like: that I can officially start playing Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas is You" and not feel weird about it.

I don't like: the cold!!!! It is already snowing!!! And it was -10 C today!!! WHY THE FACE?!

I want you to know: that Lady Gaga was in Noordwijk at this boujie hotel and Fien and I fer realsies took a picture (drawn by Fien) to the front desk and asked them to deliver it. I don't know if they did, and I have no way of knowing because Lady Gaga is offline right now for the World AIDS day campaign (which you should TOTALLY go and support).

I've planned: Christmas in Prague! My favorite city in Europe seems like the perfect place to spend the holidays (besides the Bay Area.) Plus I'm seeing the Nutcracker and Swan Lake. And then on my way home, a stop in Munich to see what the cities like when it's not covered in Beer.

I want to say to someone special: dear Sinterklaas - I've been very good this year.

Picture of the Month:

(Miss you family! Have a wonderful Holiday Season)

Word of the Day: December -December

Paintings and Popes

2010-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:00

WHAT!?!?! A blog?!?!?!

I know…I’ve been MIA for almost a month! (Know how I know this? My last post was A Piece of Me.)

I just haven’t been in the writing mode. And since I have been traveling, I know I have to write about the places I’ve done and share photos…and I just don’t feel like it. I mean…I want to…but I don’t feel like typing “And then I went here…” “And then I did this…”

Anyway…I’ve got a whole list of things that I need to write about. Hopefully I will have the motivation to get through them all. I don’t have anything to do this weekend, so we’ll see.

Anyway, there’s a bunch of pictures, and post of them don’t really need explanations (besides an explanation of what they are.) So the next couple posts are just going to be the pictures…with the explanations…ok?

So let’s get right down to it…

Remember when I went to Italy? Well after Venice and Florence, I continued on to Rome. And I went to the Vatican City. Ok here's my one beef with the Vatican...their website. It's very well put together, and extremely easy to navigate, especially compared to some tourist sites I've been to in this past year. And you can translate the website into over eight languages. But one of them is Latin. And you know what? That's just showing off.

Ok end of that. So I went to the Museum…

And the soldiers who guard it (known as the Swiss Guard...)

I mean…WOW! That place is incredible. I’m not usually a big fan of the coffee table art books, but had I the money, room, and strength, to buy one and fit/carry it in my backpack I would have. Because there’s no way you can see everything! I mean, every inch of most of the walls is a piece of art. Including the ceilings…

Including the famous “Creation of Adam” in the Sistine Chapel…

Now, I did not know that it was just one of many paintings…

And after seeing everything else as well as the works of art that surround it…I wasn’t blown away. Don’t get me wrong, I was blown away by the Sistine Chapel no doubt, but just the one painting? I don’t see why when there were so many other’s to discover…

Of course, there were some rooms without painting wall paper…the sculpture rooms. Which were just as awesome…

After the Museum, I made my way over to St. Peters Square. The square itself was awesome. Not much there…just an obelisk, and a whole lot of people, but the architecture of the columns and the saints on top are pretty cool looking...

The line to get into the church was super long so I decided to come back another day. Later when I did come back, I snuck in at the end of the day without any wait. The church itself is beautiful. However, I made the mistake of going into it after discovering several other Roman churches. And after a while…they kind of all start to look the same. Anyway, it was impressive none the less…

So...yea...basically the Vatican City is AMAZING! And it's pretty cool how people of all religions seem to feel the awe when they're there. And fortunately people are respectful of it as a place of worship. Well most people at least. Some people are still stupid tourists.

Anyway...it was definitely a highlight of Rome.

Oh and did I mention…I saw the Pope…

Boo-Ya!!

Word of the Day: La Santa Sede - The Holy See (official name of The Vatican) (Italian)

Piece of Me: We're going to have a chicken, not a turkey

2010-11-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Wow! With me NOT writing anything for a while, my last one of these was only a few posts ago...whoops!
Anyway, here's...A Piece Of Me

This month (November)…

I like: All the winter stuff I (really did have to) buy in which I can now look stylish in - leggings, hats, and some very awesome boots.

I don't like: having to put away all my summer clothes. Or should I say...mail them home. It's not like I'll be needing them.

I want you to know: that I have been introduced to pretzel M&Ms (thanks Auntie Jeanie). I'll never eat any other kind of M&M the same again. And no...no they don't have them here in Holland.

I've planned: a border jump to England. Walking tour, drinks at the Savoy, seeing friends again, and most likely a Broadway Show. No it's not illegal. I have the immigration email to prove it. But it's still fun to call it a border jump.

I want to say to someone special: dear Immigration...no seriously...I have the email to prove it. Please let me back into your country.

Picture of the Month:

Word of the Day: November - November

Fever Friday: Fear the Beard!

2010-10-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's Friday! And right now, missing the Bay terribly, I can really only write about one thing...

THE 2010 BASEBALL WORLD SERIES!

Yes I am an A's fan. But you know what? I don't know why you can't like more than one team.
When I'm in another city at a baseball game (like Anaheim when I was at school), I always cheer for the home team. In fact I am a huge fan of home team support...unless your home team is playing the A's...then my green and gold sticks out like a sore thumb.
And right now, the Giants are my home team.
Plus my dad was raised in San Francisco.
And unlike my friend James who has decided to make them his own mortal enemy, I love all things Bay and am gladly cheering for them right now. Tonight they're taking a break, but tomorrow they'll be back to (knock on wood) score a 3 game lead over the Texas Rangers.
Now all these games start at 1:30 in the morning my time. And since I have to be bright and chipper with a three year old starting at 8:00 every morning, I choose to do the correct thing and go to sleep and just check scores the next morning.But I'm still rooting for them!

So sorry to all you Ranger fans out there. Also sorry to the Yankee fans. And the Philly phans.

But I'm really hoping for a victory in the Bay...I just wish I could be there to see it.

Word of the Day: serie - series

My how the time has flown

2010-10-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

I promised today was a special day in my aupair world...here's why

Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

2010-10-26T14:50:00.000-07:00

Yes today is Tuesday. But Today is a VERY SPECIAL Tuesday. Because today is my...

200th POST!!!

(Commence fireworks and ticker tape parades)

I've been writing this blog for a little over a year now. Although my first four were over the course of four months and were just me warming up to the idea of keeping a blog so that my family and friends could see what I was doing while abroad.

But here we are, 196 posts later. Some of these entries have been heartfelt, some have been funny, some have been the epitome of lazy, and some (and by that I mean many) have been one just like this...a Top Ten.

And so in honor of it being my 200th, I'm going to attempt something that will probably require editing as soon as I hit "Publish Post." But oh well. Without furthur ado, I give you...

MY TOP TEN FAVORITE THINGS

Family and Friends

Mexican Food

Tap Dancing

The Princess Bride

Holding Hands

The Beatles

Prague

Linguistics

Cabernet

Fien

Word of the Day: tweehonderd - two hundred

Firenze Fotos

2010-10-25T14:06:00.000-07:00

Before I get on to the promised picture of Florence, I'd like to let you know that tomorrow is a very special blogging day. And Thursday, is a very special aupair day. So stay tuned!!!

And as I said, here are pictures of my (far too) short trip to Florence with Marissa my Love. Explanations in captions...

(The Duomo Cathedral...inside and out)

(View of the Duomo from the Uffizi Gallery)

(OH MY GOD IT'S THE DAVID) (Oh wait...this is a replica) .

(Ponte Vecchio Bridge)

(Two very important men in Italy's city of culture)

(San Lorenzo Open Market)

(Typical Italian - smoking, working, and not caring)

(This store front gets set up every morning)

(This girl asked Marissa to take her picture. No joke, it turned into a twenty minute photo session with the girl continually asking "one more" and switching poses and locations. I just laughed)

(Sunset on the River Arno)

(Marissa and I enjoying a lovely glass of wine with dinner)

(Piazza de Michelangelo...man this guy is everywhere!

And for you musical theater nerds...this is "The Piazza" in which there is a "Light In")

(Panoramic view of the skyline line at night...a perfect ending)

Word of the Day: foto - pictures (Italian)

Marissa and I relive the good old days

2010-10-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

So my second city on my Mediterranean Tour of Awesomeness was Florence! And there I got to see one of my really good friends from UCI. But why type what happened, when I could show you?

Note: I'll upload pictures of Florence tomorrow.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRAMPYS!

City of Bridges and Boats, Masks and Merriment

2010-10-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

Well I’m sitting here on a Saturday. I’m in my house because it’s raining so there’s no point going outside. The water heater shut off this morning so staying under the covers in bed seems like the warmest place right now. Fien is at Oma’s. I have absolutely no money courtesy of the last three weeks. And I have caught up on the majority of my shows. I guess there’s no better time than to actually write about my vacation...

So we’ll start with the first city…Venice (or Venezia as the locals call it.)

Oh Venice. The most romantic city in the world people say. So what I was doing, going there alone, I’ll never know, but I figured why not. I was arriving at 11:00 at night. Knowing my hostel was only a ten minute walk away from the train station did nothing to calm my nerves about the possibility of having to venture down a deserted alley with my worldly possessions strapped to my back in search of an unknown building. But when I walked out of the train station…it was breathtaking. I actually stopped and said “wow.” Now I’ve been to the Venetian in Vegas. And yes that place is completely romanticized, and much cleaner, and smells a lot nicer…but they got the gist of it…

Ahead of me lay a canal and above a clear midnight sky sprinkled with stars. As I walked down a (perfectly lit) street, past shop owners closing up, I admired all the elaborate shop windows filled with Carnival masks, blown glass, and the odd Tratoria with the chairs up on the table and a lone staffer mopping the floors. Yes it sounds like a storybook…and that’s honestly how I felt. We all know that Venice is a city with canals. But I could never really imagine it. There are NO cars. And every “crosswalk” is a bridge. And the buildings are all bright colors. And it is honestly just…beautiful.

When I got to the hostel, I was let in and not two minutes later, ambushed back out along with around 15 other guests as we headed to the local bar. Immediately making friends, we soon learned where everyone was from (including two girls from Northern California!) Once at the bar we celebrated a birthday, watched some football, and gave some much needed advise to some young Aussies looking to pick up chicks. (And yet us Cali girls were the ones that got free drinks out of it.)

The next day I headed to the one must see sight in Venice – St. Mark’s Basilica...

The square itself was great for people watching – from the violin band playing outside of the café to the little old man with the camera taking pictures of you surrounded by pigeons...

Before heading into the church, I made my way down to the water – not a canal, the actual Venetian Gulf connected to the Mediterranean. There I admired the boats cruising by, the couple strolling by, and yes…the gondolas floating by.

The church itself was incredible. Although a note to all travelers…when they kindly ask you, out of respect for the sanctity of a place, to not take pictures…DON’T TAKE PICTURES!!! I was getting fairly annoyed. But what was I to do? So I silently strolled through, my camera holstered, and admired the breathtaking architecture. Now this was my first experience with an Italian Church - little did I remember I was about to be in Rome and by the time I got to Athens I would be warmly embracing the Polytheistic way of life (kidding 99% of modern day Grecians are Orthodox.)

Taking the long way back, I stopped to admire the various canals as a peek into civilian’s life. Laundry hanging to dry, personal boats anchored to the side, and gelato places at every corner...

When I got back to the hostel I joined a game of poker with some fellow travelers. Little did I know three would be Philly Phans, and although at the time I considered them new found friends, for tonight, and possibly Monday, they remain mortal enemies (GO GIANTS!) Soon this tiny card game turned into a table wide one. And soon this table wide card game turned into a drinking one. And by the time free dinner rolled around, everyone in that hostel was friends. One of the Philly boys was even victim to an explanation of Linguistics. Poor guy never saw it coming when he asked “and what exactly is that?” But I loved the breaking down of everyone’s accent, which is made all the better when you’re surrounded by people from different cultures.

The remainder of the night was spent wandering the streets of Venice with my new friends. Of course all this walking around and traveling was reeking havoc on my hurt ankle (don’t now how it happened) so by the end of the night I was hanging on a guy, not out of flirtatiousness, but out of necessity to navigate the up and down of the cities thousands of bridges.

The next day, three girls and I joined up to explore. What’s great about meeting people in Venice, is that the majority of them are doing the same thing you are…Venice to Florence to Rome, so we made plans to meet up later (some of which actually happened!) We wandered the city crawling through every side street we could imagine and having fun with photography...

(this one's my favorite...this cat was just sitting there staring at me!)

Our sites included a flooded street (a common occurrence in a city built on water)...

Some beautiful bridges (upon which I actually got to be in some pictures)...

And of course, a different view of the city from the seat on the obligatory gondola ride...

After, we decided to call it an early night and headed back to the hostel for a much more subdued version of the night before.

And the next morning, it was off to Florence. Although there wasn’t much left to do in Venice, I would have gladly spent a couple more nights in that beautiful city.

Word of the day: canale - canal (Italian)

A Status Update (or two...or...)

2010-10-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from my epic vacation. And yes it was wonderful. However, I was supposed to be updating the entire time. Not only that, but I was also supposed to be participating in this blogging event at SITS all about building a group of support blogs with a like minded theme - my group understandably being living abroad/travel.
But...the internet in Italy SUCKED. Like hard core. It would take ten minutes for a page to load. I had to do with the quick email to the parents to let them know I'm ok, and a quick facebook update to make sure all my friend back home were jealous. :-D
So while I unpack the last seventeen days of my life, organize papers, clean my house, make my dinner, and very possibly watch an Italian movie, I'll leave you with the last seventeen days of facebook updates...in the hopes that you can get a good idea of what happened...and hopefully look forward to the full story...

Seventeen days worth of luggage is not going to pack itself. But if I sit here watching TV, maybe it will become motivated.

Pick up Fien, go to the Bakker, run some errands, get on a train, PEACE OUT Holland!

Enjoying cold Germany before heading to warm Italy

Its kind of official...I hate Oktoberfest

Venice...wow

Teaching people linguistics while tipsy makes me happy

I have learned more drinking games from more foreign people in the past three nights than I knew to begin...US you are not ready for them!!!!

Goodbye Venice! Off to Florence to see the love of my life!

One hour in Florence and my previous definition of gelato has been thrown over a cliff and kicked on the way down.

Plan: full day of touring, followed by getting to wear a dress to go to dinner, followed by a night of music and wine...why are you so good to me Florence?

Ankle continuing to swell, but my dad's remedy of Tylenol and wine before bed seems to be helping.

Midnight view of the Firenze skyline...what a way to end a visit.

Six days in Rome with a side trip to Naples for pizza...hmmm...what to do first...

I feel inappropriate making cheap pasta with canned sauce for dinner.

You know when you say you've had heaven in your mouth? Unless you've had pizza from Naples, you were just exaggerating...

At one point I actually muttered "Holy Crap" while walking into a room of paintings in the Vatican. Inappropriate in so many ways.

Oh...hello buildings that were built 2700 years ago. I'm 24.

Union strike in Athens means the Acropolis costs free.99

The Grecian humidity and my hair have decided to single strandedly attempt to bring back the Farrah Fawcett look...they are failing...miserably.

Note to self: Two hours on a plane does not make up for not sleeping the night before. End of vacation = primetime.

Word of the day: status update (pronounced STAH-tus, UP-daht.) - status update

So there's this festival in Munich...

2010-10-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about my brief encounter with that thing know as Oktoberfest…

I DID visit friends in Germany

Because I wasn’t planning on spending the night in Munich (see below), I decided to first stop in Muenster and see my friends Julia and Jonas. It was a nice evening of catching up, as well as making plans for future travel (like New Years!)

I DID NOT meet with people at the fair

I knew of two separate groups of people going to Oktoberfest…neither of which got back to me in time to tell me where to meet them.

There was also a Couch Surfing daily meet-up scheduled. We were supposed to meet in front of the Bavaria statue…

But instead there was a massive bandstand with music…

I don’t know if this happenes every day (if so it was VERY poor planning on the event coordinator’s part) but it left me wandering the surrounding areas looking for other people who possibly looked like they were there alone…which was no one. Which left me alone and very frustrated surrounded by drunks.

I DID wear a dirndl…

At first I was a little apprehensive…until I arrived at Munich Central Station. Wearing a dirndl or lederhosen to Oktoberfest is like wearing red, white, and blue on the Fourth of July…you, and everyone else, just does it. Especially kids. And oh man are they adorable. I actually was able to join in in the festivities! Julia had one and when I visited her before I left for Munich, she let me borrow it. It made my day a little more authentic.

I DID NOT stay in a hostel…

Yes they’re expensive, and yes you have to book them about six months to a year in advance, but I would highly recommend attempting to enjoy the fair instead of worrying about arriving and catching trains. What I did instead was take a night train from Muenster. This involved me and four guys with horrible BO in a compartment. They had the top two bunks and the bottom two which left me stuck in the middle, which only gave me a surround sound experience to their constant snoring. To be fair, they were really nice, and the train conductor even took me aside and asked if I was comfortable staying in this cabin by myself. I thought that was nice of him.

I DID eat a pretzel…

If you’re going to eat a Pretzel, get it from a cart that is getting them fresh from the bakery inside the beer tents, not some random cart that has them stashed away among sandwiches and nuts. They are so much better, so much bigger, and not much more expensive…and so worth it.

I DID NOT drink beer…

I KNOW! Ok here’s the thing…Beer halls get filled very quickly. Tables upon tables of people eating, drinking, and being merry. But if you’re not a part of any group, it’s not nearly as fun. First you have to find a table with an open seat. Then you have to figure out if they speak English AND are willing to do so for the remainder of your company. Then you have to ask if you can join their table. And only then can you comfortably order a giant liter of beer from a beer maiden and feel comfortable about it. Since that was really difficult to do, I bypassed it. I hear at night, this is much easier. But when people are first starting out the day, they are on a mission to get drunk now, be merry later. However, I would never forgive myself if I left Munich during Oktoberfest having practiced a form of unwarranted prohibition, so I did get a bottle of Bavaria “Oktoberfest” beer at the train station and ate it with my sandwich while I waited for my train.

I DID take pictures

Of course, I’m not actually in any of them…which means they all look like every other photo of Oktoberfest out there…but still, they’re mine.

I DID NOT make a train reservation

Ok this is partly my bad. But I could not get the website to do so before I left. And when I got to Germany, EVERYTHING was booked. I could not get a night train out of Munich, which left me with catching a train at 3 in the afternoon instead. I’m not complaining anymore however, seeing as I had finished my solo tour of the fair grounds and gotten a relaxing lunch and still had an hour to kill. So here I am on a train to Venice a day early, costing an extra hostel night out of my wallet, but happy to finally be able to relax.

I DID enjoy myself

Ok, I wasn’t participating in Oktoberfest the way most people do…but I still enjoyed walking around for the couple of hours that I was there. I went into most beer tents and saw how they were decorated…

I saw all the horse drawn beer wagons…

I grabbed a coffee and just watched the fair go by.

So maybe I need to go back to Oktoberfest. I know I at least have to go back to Munich. Then I can actually get a beer, tour the city, afford a hostel, etc. At the beginning of the day, I was grumpy and not looking forward to the fair. But as I type this, I realize it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. And it’s something that I can say I was at…and not many others can do the same.

Word of the Day: Beer - Beer (German)

Piece of me: Not in Holland

2010-10-02T03:53:00.000-07:00

I gotta make this quick...I'm on VACATION!!!

Here is A Piece of Me

This month (October)…

I like: That winter foods are coming back...brussell sprouts, spanish oranges...yum!

I don't like: that this is my LAST official month as an aupair. Yes I'll still be here for a couple more months (or longer) but technically...my visa is up in 27 days.

I want you to know: that I have no idea what I'm doing now, in a month, in three months, or come next school year...NO IDEA!

I've planned: a very nice long vacation. In fact I'm on it right now...Seventeen days including Oktoberfest, Venice, Florence (and one Marissa), Rome, and Athens!!!! Be jealous!

I want to say to someone special: Dear Parents...thank you for all that you do. I love you!!

Picture of the Month:

Word of the Day: Oktober - October

Can you tell me how to get?

2010-09-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

As I kid, I really REALLY enjoyed Sesame Street. It was always on at the end of the day at preschool when we were allowed to watch TV while we waited for our parents to pick us up.
And recently, I've been watching way too many Sesame street clips on YouTube...see below.

Almost every clip they do on that show is genius! They're so cute and funny. I mean seriously...have you watched it lately? The only thing I HATE is that Cookie Monster eats fruit...I mean...ugh.

When I was little I did a dance that involved five kids paired with five teens who were dressed like sesame street characters and we did a remixed version of the theme song. I got to be with the count which meant that 1. I had the only boy. 2. I had a major crush on him. and 3. I got to be carried around on his shoulders. And yes it was awesome. I don't ahve a picture of it, but I'll try to find one later.

In high school we had to make a video about other countries economic and political crises and we took footage of sesame street and dubbed it with info on the Colombian Drug Wars. OK maybe it wasn't appropriate for PBS, but we still found it funny.

In college in the drama department, group costumes are a HUGE thing. My last Halloween of college, a big group of us decided to do Sesame Street. Well, not exactly Sesame Street. We described it as "The episode of Project Runway where they are asked to create a look for the BET awards based on characters from Sesame Street." It was an ever evolving title. But check out our costumes...

The girls - Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, and Big Bird

Bert and Ernie - they go'n cut you

Me with the Count and Cookie Monster.

Fien also loves Ernie. Everytime we're on the Hoofdstraat she asks(in Dutch) "Do you have money for the Ernie car?" If not, she still sits in it...

Of course, here it's in Dutch...and Big Bird is blue...

Well a few weeks ago, Katy Perry went and visited her friend Elmo over at Sesame Street in the hopes of playing with him. And although she had fun, Moms asked that the video be bnned because Katy Perry was showing too much skin. Which immediately made it an online sensation. You can judge her outfit for yourself. All I know is that I love it.

I just love the adult jokes that Sesame Street inserts when they have celebrity guests. It's so cute. You can even go on the Sesame Street YouTube channel for promised clean clips to watch with your kids. Here's a couple more of my favorites...

It's really her voice. And notice the Tom Cruise Reference...

For all you Sex and the City Fans...

And I just love him...

This one's a two part of amazingness...so check it out.

But this isn't my first time looking up Sesame Street clips. And i have to admit, only part of the time, it's with Fien next to me. Here is by far my favorite. My friend Pat (Ernie above...or Bert) even figured out the Piano and now has the sheet music for it.

And there's so many other...Michelle Obama, Colin Farrel, Jason Mraz, Ellen Degeneres...AAAHHH...too many!

Ok so I know that was a really random post. But I feel like there was actually a lot of Sesame Street in my life. So I thought I should share it with you. Hope you enjoyed it!

Word of the Day: Straat - Street

Top Ten: Father's/Birth Day

2010-09-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Both times I've typed the above title, I feel like it's linguistically misleading. I want it to mean birth-day and father's-day. But when I type it out it looks like it's my birth father's day. Which I don't even know what that is. I mean...my father is my birth father (right mom?)...I don't have a step dad or foster dad but when I put Birth Father it looks like someone other than who I would normally refer to as "my dad." But then if I flip the two it just looks like Father's Birthday. Which is also what this is. Ok maybe I'm just way over thinking this. You've probably tuned out already anyway...
Moving on...since I just did my long over due Father's Day post, I'm following up with my Father's Day...

But unlike Mother's Day with it's Mommy Dearests and Mrs. Robinsons, bad fathers don't make you love to hate them...you just hate them. So these are actually good fathers (ok most of them.) So here are my...

TOP TEN FICTIONAL FATHERS

George Bluth Sr. - Played by Jeffrey Tambor

Arrested Development

Cliff Huxtable - Played by Bill Cosby
The Cosby Show

Scott Calvin - Played by Tim Allen
The Santa Clause

(My dad's initial's are also SC - we use it to convince him that he too, is Santa Claus)
(Also, I chose this one over Home Improvement even though Tim Allen is also an awesome Dad in that one)

Mr. Bennet - Played by Donald Sutherland

Pride & Prejudice

(And all other Jane Austen dads)

King Triton - Voiced by Kenneth Mars

Little Mermaid

(My dad used to say "Ariel" just like he did when I was "in trouble")

Professor Henry Jones - Played by Sean Connery
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Clark Griswold - Played by Chevy Chase
Any and All, but most importantly, Christmas Vacation

Chris Gardiner - Played by Will Smith
Pursuit of Happyness

Daniel Hillard - Played by Robin Williams
Mrs. Doubtfire

Darth Vader - Played by David Prowse, Voiced my James Earl Jones
Original Star Wars Trilogy

(Don't forget...vader is Dutch for Father!)

So what do you think? Do you have any to add? I know there are so many others!

Word of the Day: beschermer - protector

Well it's No Vesuvius

2010-09-27T14:49:00.000-07:00

You know what I haven't done in a while? A post about Fien and Me. And how we rock.

Just so I can prove I do still earn my keep here in the land of bulbs...no it's not just television, visiting friends, and trips to far off lands (speaking of which...I'm going to Italy in four days!!!) I present you with a Mad Scientist Monday...
Fien has tons and tons of play doh. Her parents bought her a 50 pack or something about a year ago and it seems like every time she brings out her clay box, there's a new color (because they were smart and did not let her play with all of them at once.) Anyway, the reason she gets new colors so often, is because when she's a good girl and cleans up on her own...she tends to not seal the containers all the way causing the paly-doh to become hard and difficult to form.
But I came up with a solution to that...

That's right. I built a tiny baking soda and vinegar volcano!
They have never done this before in Holland! I mean, I'm sure someone has. But it's not like in America where about half of all science projects involve some sort of Mini Mount Pelee. So trying to tell Rogier and Suzan what I was up to, was difficult. Then I had to spend four days attempting to figure out what "baking soda" is in Dutch and where I can buy it (not at the grocery store I can tell you that much.)
But then...

Don't you like the delayed reaction? It was so cute...she was so proud of herself. She even took it to show Mama, Papa, and the neighbors...

And she continued to do it over and over again. I let her...the supplies cost around 2 Euro.

But then we got ambitious. And I had a spare plastic bottle. So we decided to make our own clay and build a GIANT ONE!!!

That then sat in the sun for a good week or so before it was actually hard. But then...

WE SET IT OFF!!!

It really wasn't that spectacular. And she didn't really understand the "slow and steady gets it done" part as you can see." Or the need to reload soap and baking soda before pouring more vinegar in. But she still loved it. It then sat in the backyard for a while longer until I think Rogier threw it away. Fien hasn't noticed, but she still makes tiny ones with her Play-Doh and asks to set them off.
I have created a Scientist!!!

Word of the Day: zuiveringszout - baking soda

Happy Birth/Father's Day!

2010-09-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

Today is my Dad's birthday. And I never did a Father's Day post even though I did one for Mother's Day and I said I was going to. Bad Libby!
It really bums me out that I can't be home to celebrate his birthday. But the funny thing is, for the past five years, I haven't celebrated any birthdays with my family because I was always off at college (with the exception of my brother and his summer bday.) But somehow, this is just a little worse. Maybe it's because I have to schedule a time to call and say Happy Birthday. Or the fact that if I forget or procrastinate (like I do) the birthday cards will not arrive on time. Or maybe it's just missing home. But either way, three months later, I give you my...

FATHER'S DAY POST

Happy Father's Day Papa! You know I never actually called my dad Papa until I came here...it's the Dutch word. Also "vader"...as in "Luke I am your..." which is AAAAWESOME! Although I'm pretty sure my father's not a part of the dark side.
Anyway, because I'm never actually sure what to write, I thought I'd tell you some stories...

This one time when I was about five, we were rock climbing in Yosemite (I was hard core back then.) And we slipped and fell (we were strapped in, but still.) Well my dad grabbed me, turned me around to face out, and slid down the side of the rock, completely cutting up his back in the process, just so I wouldn't get a scratch on me.

When my mom was pregnant with my brother, my dad ended up taking me on a family cruise to Mexico with my Grandma. I don't remember much of it, but I do know that the formal picture we took is still on his dresser, and apparently there was quite the memories made with my dad and Uncle and Senor Frogs at a certain port.

When I was about six, by dad put on the tape of "The Eagles Greatest Hits." And he said, you're going to learn this song. And he proceeded to have me sing "Take it To The Limit" while feeding me the words right before each line. It's still my favorite song of all time, and our song as well.

We used to go to Disneyland all the time when I was little as a family. But after a lull, we returned, just Dad and I. And Dad was set on going on Splash Mountain and we raced into the park and he said "I don't need a map, I know where to go" and then with his hands on my shoulders, raced me through the crowds towards the ride that is the longest distance from the main entrance. And no...he did not need a map. Although, to be fair, neither do I anymore.
On that same trip, California Adventure had just opened, and we saw an "Eagles" tribute band and they sang "Take it To The Limit." Just to tie all that back in.

I was in this Father Daughter group called "Y-Indian Princesses" and one year my dad was HEAD CHIEF! At camp that year, I felt so cool because I got to stand at the front during the ceremonies and beat a drum. Our tribe was also basically the best...just sayin.

I had broken up with a boyfriend, and the next day my dad came in my room and handed me a stuffed Snoopy keychain. It was cheap little freebie thing, but he thought it would cheer me up...it did.

On my dad's 50th birthday, my best friend from childhood and I played against our fathers (also best friends since high school) in a game of beer pong. We lost...so so so incredibly badly.

(this is us with our dads after the game...we were gracious losers)

So I don't know if you can tell...but my dad is basically awesome. Of course, don't get me wrong, so is my mom. But she already had her day...sorry Mom.
Happy Birthday Daddy. Love you.
Oh and Happy Father's Day.

Word of the Day: vaderdag - Father's Day

Brand Spankin' New

2010-09-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Ok we’re nearing the end of Premiere week on fall TV. The reviews are in. But are mine? It’s…

Today we’ll be focusing on the new shows. Now like I said before, I love going through, planning out my schedule, programming the DVR, and sitting down and watching a show unfold. This year it was a little different. First of all, I had no pre-conceived notions as to how the shows would be because I had seen no advertisements for them. And the “programming” was a little different…write down what shows I wanted to see, figure out when they aired, and the next day attempt to find the pilot episode somewhere online that supports a non-US based internet connection. But I still did it! With the exception of one show I couldn’t find and three that haven’t premiered yet…I’ll get back to those ones later I guess.

Now remember…I don’t watch crime dramas. Or really any dramas. Although I usually give non-crime-drama dramas a chance because usually they’re awesome but unfortunately I end up putting it by the way side (ex: The Good Wife…if you like drama…watch that one!) So here’s me reviews of the new shows…and whether or not they’ll last…

Boardwalk Empire

Sundays at 9 on HBO

Will it Last: Definitely!

Plot: Steve Buscemi, the guy who has made a career out of playing “the weird creepy dude” has landed a lead as a 20s gangster. He plays politician Enoch Thompson, a man set on keeping Atlantic City wet during the era of Prohibition. Lots of relationships being built, and historical figures have a role including a young driver by the name of Al Capone.

My Review: It’s BRILLIANT! A Sopranos of the Charleston era when Gangsters really did run the streets. Beautiful and historically accurate costumes, sets, and performances including (unfortunate) minstrel and racism. Buscemi is genius in his portrayal and it’s about time he got his recognition.

The Defenders

Wednesdays at 10 on CBS

Will it Last: I hope so

Plot: I already have broken my no-crime-drama rule but I just love the actors. Jim Beluchi and Jerry O'Connell are low end Las Vegas defense lawyers. They’re the required amount of rebel mixed with sincerity to create any good court room drama.

My review: Both actors usually play comedic roles and star in sitcoms. So this show is a big step for both of them. I like that they are remaining true to themselves and not trying to reinvent themselves as “serious” actors. But they’re going to have to add some more plot if they want to last over all the other crime and court dramas out there.

Hellcats

Wednesdays at 9 on the CW

Will it Last: On the CW – yes. If it were any other network, probably not.

Plot: Alyson Michalka has lost her college pre-law scholarship and is forced to join the cheerleading squad to pay her way through. Ashley Tisdale plays the spunky and deeply religious team captain. Think "Bring it On" in TV form.

My review: I like dancing, and this how delivers enough dance sequences to keep me interested. It’s the same reason I (and others) watch movies like Step it Up, Burn the Floor, Center Stage, etc. The plot lines aren’t great, but the dancing makes it all worth it. And although I have never watched a full High School Musical through, I do love Ashley Tisdale…I think she’s adorable.

Lone Star

Mondays at 9 on FOX

Will it Last: If they can add new plot twists

Plot: James Wolk is a man in love with his wife in Dallas Texas and his girlfriend in midland. He’s also a scam artist raised by his father. Trouble is, he’s starting to develop a conscience and real feelings, which is getting him in deep. Can he make both work without getting run out of both towns?

My review: It’s an interesting concept, and he’s obviously smart, which will keep me interested and lets me wonder what problems they’re going to throw at him to see how he solves them. But the attempting to hide both lives will get old fast, so new plot lines will have to be introduced into the upcoming shows/seasons. Jon Voight plays the perfect rich Texas oil tycoon father in law to add a touch of drama.

Mike & Molly

Mondays at 9:30 on CBS

Will it last: Nope

Plot: Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy play over eaters who meet at an OA meeting and flirt a little. Mike is a cop, and Molly is a school teacher, and their co stars include the pot head sister, token black guy partner, and Swoosie Kurtz as the sassy chocolate cake loving Mom.

My review: This show is just a one long stand up routine about being fat. It’s kind of sad. And I love both actors (especially seeing my recent completion of Gilmore Girls) and I think there can be more to it than that. I’ve seen them both do things that have nothing to do with being overweight. Also, something that pisses me off…why can’t there be any average sized people in this show? There’s sizes 0s and 2s and plus sizes…where are the average size 6 through 10 women (and men)?

My Generation

Thursdays at 8 on ABC

Will it Last: Yes

Plot: A mockumentary follows ten 18 year olds on the verge of their year 2000 high school graduation are interviewed about their upcoming lives and hopes for the future. A remarkable entanglement of all “cliques” results in a much different entanglement 10 years later. It’s hard to describe all the relationships, so I won’t try.

My Review: If you are aged 23 to 32, you will love this show. The 28 year olds in the show are you in some way or another. And the flashbacks to 2000 (and the music!) really bring back the school days. My only complaint is the fact that the intertwining seems a little far fetched…I mean…all ten are still all up in each others lives even though they were so different in high school. Doesn’t matter though. It makes you think about your own life a lot and the direction that it’s taken. Not that I got pregnant on prom night, married the rich kid, am an army wife, or work in DC as a lawyer…but it’s still crazy how my own life has taken it’s turns. And I’m sure everyone who watches it will think about their own life as a documentary.

No Ordinary Family

Tuesdays at 8 on ABC

Will it Last: Most likely

Plot: A family turns super hero after a plane crash in South America. The Dad has super strength (meaning muscle, [almost] bullet proof, and super jumps.) The mom is super fast (with the ability to see everything in slow motion when she’s moving at super speed) the teenage angsty daughter can hear thoughts (when looking into eyes) and the used to be learning disabled son is now super smart. It’s Fantastic Four meets the Incredibles.

My review: It’s cute. Like most super hero shows, I’m sure the first season or two will revolve around episode constrained cases that they solve together. But eventually some long term problems will have to present themselves to keep people tuning in every week.

Outsourced

Thursdays at 9:30 on NBC

Will it Last: I hope not

Plot: A middle class American is transferred to India to manage a call center for an American Novelty company. Can he transform his bunch of misfits into hard core selling machines while catching the eye of the Aussie managing the company next door.

My rewiew: Horrible. And I usually give NBC shows a chance. It’s an attempt at The Office while making all the inappropriate (but hilarious in that setting) Michael Scott type racist comments…but only about the Indian culture. And the introduction of the necessary “white” characters seems to be a bit hap hazard. And the fact that it was totally a movie. I’ll keep watching because I always try and watch more than one episode, but I don’t think I’m going to enjoy it.

Raising Hope

Tuesdays at 9 on ABC

Will it Last: sure

Plot: Lucas Neff plays Jimmy, who has a one night stand with a girl after rescuing her from a crazed lunatic. Turns out however, she’s the crazed lunatic, as well as a serial killer, and 15 months later with a six month baby on his lap, Jimmy watches her fry on the electric chair. He gets no help from his red neck family including mom and dad who got pregnant with him at 15, cousin who likes to rave, has a finger mustache tattoo, and lives in a tent in the laundry room, and senile Great Grandma who walks around with no shirt (and sometime no bra as well.) In the end however, they decide they can do this and rename Princess Beyonce with mom if-it-was-a-girl name – Hope.

My review: This was a lot cuter than I thought it would be. The red neck aspect adds humor, but there are some sweet moments as well like when Mom and Dad sing a lullaby to help the baby fall asleep. I think there’s enough plot to keep this going for a while without the need of additional drama, so here’s hoping it only gets better.

Running Wilde

Tuesdays at 9:30 on ABC

Will it Last: PLEASE!!!

Plot: Will Arnett is a spoiled rich boy who is in love with his teenage crush, played by Keri Russell. Only problem for him is, she’s a hard-core activist set on bringing his family’s company down. Only problem for her is, her daughter seems to like him…as does she.

My Review: It’s Gob Bluth all over again and I’m not complaining. Will Arnett makes me smile in so many ways and I think this show has a ridiculous enough background (rich guy who can do whatever he wants including buying mini horses and thinking six liters of soda costs $100) that it’s going to keep bringing the laughs.

$#*! My Dad Says

Thursdays at 8:30 on CBS

(It’s pronounced “bleep my dad says”)

Will it Last: If it stops being a stand up routine

Plot: William Shatner plays a racist, sexist, Girl Scout hating father of two boys. Jonathan Sadowski, one of the sons, has come to live with him after losing his job at a magazine and running out of money. They have a strained barely-see-each-other relationship so situational comedy is sure to ensue.

My review: I love William Shatner. And there’s a great moment where the son is imitating him and he says “Why can no one do a good impression of me?” which made me laugh a lot. But every line (by every character) seems to be a joke about what a politically incorrect father would say. So hopefully, they can get away from the gimmick and just focus on Shatner being the offensive one.

I know I know...it was a lot. But tell me...which ones sounded interesting to you?

Word of the day: nieuwe - new

Friday Follow-up: They Brought it Back

2010-09-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well it’s Friday…and it’s still another day in my mini series. Which means…

I had to wait to write anything because all the good shows were on Thursday. SO there would be no point of writing about Fall TV when I hadn’t seen the majority of it. But this works out because...

Today I’m following up on Monday’s posts…the shows that were returning. And where the season premiere fell on my awesomeness meter...except not really because I currently don't have an awesome meter.

Ok so here we go…

30 Rock

Favorite Part: Carol (Matttt Daaammmmmoooonnnn) crying over his need for a real relationship.

What happened: Liz and Carol (Maaat Daaamonnnn) move their relationship forward when Jack hijacks their plans and forces them to spend a real night together. Tracy misses Kenneth (who was fired at the end of last season) and goes on a quest to get him out of his head. Jack loses a fight without knowing it to Avery over the color of their master bedroom wall. And finally, Jenna receives a producer credit, but after actually being good at it, realizes she has to quit in order to make room in the budget.

What we learned: Kenneth works for CBS and David Letterman, Liz is on a waiting list for an adobtion baby, Carol (Maaaaaatttt Damoooonnnn) was touched by a priest but everything is fine, and Jack is a gay man magnet (just look at those baby blues.)

What I thought: The best of the returning shows’ premieres, 30 rock really proved it’s worth after it’s threat of being cancelled last season. Even after it’s slight upset at the Emmy’s, the show and actors are back and more willing than ever to prove why they won all those awards years ago.

The Big Bang Theory

Favorite Part: Sheldon using math to (correctly?) assume the number of dates and or sexual partners Penny has had.

What happened: Walowitz “borrows” a space station robotic arm to show to the guys. Unfortunately he discovers all the uses of a robotic hand and is rushed to the emergency room where a nurse is able to reboot the computer, releasing what the hand thinks to be “a screwdriver.” Meanwhile Penny is forced to drive Sheldon on his date with his not-girlfriend and then chaperone as the two discuss ridiculously inappropriate matters with mere scientific curiosity.

What we learned: Penny may or may not have dated 198 men and slept with 30.6 of them.

What I thought: Slightly disappointing. Don’t get me wrong, it was funny and Sheldon delivered as usual, but I was hoping for something a little more dramatic on the “Sheldon has a girlfriend” front and was a little disappointed there was no Penny and Leonard drama.

Community

Favorite Part: Betty White as the crazy Anthropology teacher who drinks urine and shoots people with blow darts

What happened: Britta becomes the women’s hero after being rejected by Jeff in public. To get back, Jeff asks her to date him and the two begin a one-up-man-ship of epic proportions that leads them down the aisle…until Annie confesses her and Jeff’s kiss to the group which ends up with the group being torn apart…that is until Jeff is attacked by their crazy anthropology teacher and they all agree to be friends again. Meanwhile, Troy writes every racist/sexist/offensive thing Pierce says under the Twitter name “WhiteManSays” to thrill of millions of followers, and Abed tries desperately to make his life more “like television.”

What we learned: Annie likes Jeff more than he likes her, Senor Chang is Golum, and the most powerful weapon is not respect, but rather a hammer/lasso/blowdart/staff/arrow/gun hyprid.

What I thought: This episode did a great job of wrapping up last season as well as presenting new problems for the upcoming one. I hope Betty White can return as the crazy teacher, but her character has currently been “suspended.” And also…it was really REALLY funny.

How I Met Your Mother

Favorite Part: Continuing “Dibs” joke

What Happened: Lily and Marshall decide to try and make a baby but Lily gets angry when she discovers that Marshall has told everyone (and they mean…everyone) their plans. Later she reveals her fears of letting him down…which of course she could never do. Meanwhile Ted sees ex, Cindy, at a bar with a hot girl who he thinks is her roommate whom he’s never met but knows (as do we) that he is destined to marry. However to Ted and Robyn’s surprise and Barney’s delight, it turns out they’re not their as friends, but rather on a date. Robyn is also attempting to get over Don by dressing like a slob and eating what she wants and only “sundresses up” when Barney declares that she may have lost it…which she clearly hasn’t…even to Barney.

What we learned: Cindy’s a lesbian, Marshall likes to make love to banjo music, and Ted mt his future wife at a wedding as best man.

What I thought: It was great, funny, I laughed, but honestly…can we meet their mother already? I don’t know if the show will be over when that happens or if we’ll actually get to see the courtship, but if my father was telling me this story for six years, I’d be a little frustrated by now.

Modern Family

Favorite Part: Cameron reading Lily US Weekly because if he has to read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” he “WILL SNAP!”

What happened: Cameron attempts to build a Princess Castle for Lily with the help of Jay in the hopes that Mitchell doesn’t kill them with the nail gun, drill saw, or hammer. Claire wants Phil to sell the old Station Wagon, but after she finds old memories in it she doesn’t want to get rid of it. Phil takes her to their old picnic spot where she can relive the old days only to have the party interrupted by a spider, a seat vs. soda accident, Luke throwing up, and the car eventually rolling down the hill. Manny invites a girl over to study where Gloria makes it her mission to make sure she stays the number one girl in her son’s life.

What we learned: Mitch can’t use tools, Gloria is a Columbian mother, and a Starbucks used to be a Burger King…in other words…nothing new.

What I thought: The show delivered all it’s usually hilariousness. However, nothing special seemed to happen to mark the season premiere. In fact, I found it somewhat lacking.

The Office

Favorite Part: Scranton “Lip Dub”

What Happened: Michael hired his nephew over the summer break to be the new office assistant. Only problem is…he’s horrible. After repeatedly giving him another chance, Michael is forced to “punish” his nephew in the same way he did when he was five…spankings. Meanwhile, Pam messes up a prank Jim is pulling on Dwight so she makes it up to him by switching the elevator buttons resulting in the two of them getting stuck in the elevator.

What we learned: Erin left Andy for Gabe. Dwight owns the Scranton Building.

What I thought: Very cute. But there was no mention of Holly…which is what we all really wanted to see.

Word of the Day: criticus - critic

Top Ten: Shows I DON'T Watch

2010-09-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday, and it's mini series time!

Let me just start off by saying, that I cannot get into dramas while they’re running. I need a show to be over so I can find out what the problem is in the pilot and learn how it’s been solved by the time the weekend is over. This is why you will almost never see me referencing those shows that everyone goes crazy for.
First of all, I'm not going to put any crime dramas on here. Because I do watch those...just not in any particular order. I don't care if I haven't seen the episode before, and I don't set my tivo to record any of them. But if they're on (and I can start from the beginning) I will watch them.
Also, some of these I started watching, but somehow they fell by the wayside. After all, I can't keep up with every show. And if they came out in the last two fall premieres, chances are I at least saw the pilot. And eventually, they will make it to my Blockbuster DVD my mail account, and I'll catch up.
However, that doesn't mean other people don't love the shows I'm about to mention. Which is why I'm calling on you fellow readers...will you guest blog for me and write a review of one of the shows below? Things like, where we left off, what happened in the season premiere, and what we can lok forward to in the upcoming season? Take a look at yesterday's entry for an example. I'm looking to publish these next Tuesday if I can get all ten reviews. So, just leave a comment, and we'll be in touch!

Here are the...

TOP TEN SHOWS I DON'T WATCH BUT I KNOW I SHOULD BE

90210**

(Began its 3rd season Sept. 13th, 8:00, on the CW)

Chuck*

(Beginning it's 4th season Sept. 20th, 8:00, on NBC)

Desperate Housewives*

(Beginning its 7th season Sept. 26th, 9:00, on ABC)

Dexter **

(Beginning its 5th season Sept. 26th, 9:00, on Showtime)

Glee**

(Beginning its 3rd(ish) season Sept. 21st, 8:00, on FOX)

Gossip Girl

(Began its 4th season Sept. 13th, 9:00, on the CW)

The Good Wife**

(Beginning its 2nd season Sept. 28th, 9:00, on CBS)

Grey's Anatomy*

(Beginning its 7th season Sept. 23rd, 9:00, on ABC)

House M.D.*

(Beginning its 7th season Sept. 20th, 8:00, on FOX)

Private Practice

(Beginning its 4th season Sept. 23rd, 10:00 on ABC)

*have watched at least one season in order
**Saw the pilot and maybe two or three more episodes

Word of the Day: drama - drama

Bringin' It Back

2010-09-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

It’s day two of my mini series…

And today we’re focusing on the returning shows. More importantly…which ones you should be watching/catching up on for their season premieres this week. There’s gonna be some spoilers, so if you haven’t seen the show and plan on it at some point…just don’t read that blurb about that show! Again…these are just some the shows that I watch, which is why many well known ones aren’t listed here. But it also means I have a request for you readers at the end!

30 Rock
(Beginning its 5th season Sept. 23rd, 8:30, on NBC)

We left last season with Liz meeting who she hoped wasn’t the love of her life (adorable Brit Michael Sheen) only to find he was just a path to lead her to true love of her life, pilot, and lover of TGS, Matt Damn (Maat Daamon.) Meanwhile Jack had to give up his love for childhood sweetheart Julianne Moore to go with his other (pregnant) love, anchorwoman Elizabeth Banks. This season, we’ll hopefully be seeing a budding romance, a wedding to be planned, more hilarious antics from Jane Krakowski and Tracy Jordan, and hopefully more than one guest appearance from the incomparable Elaine Stritch as Jack’s mother Colleen.

The Big Bang Theory
(Beginning its 4th season Sept. 23rd, 8:00, on CBS)

What I believe to be one of the most underappreciated shows currently on TV, we left last season with Penny and Leonard having a drunken night together only to find that it meant more to one than it did the other. But the real cliff hanger was the discovery that Sheldon (played by Jim Parsons who came in as the underdog and, in my opinion, deservedly, won Best Actor Emmy this year) may have met his soul mate. Hopefully we see an actual (if not hilariously awkward and…sterile) relationship bloom there, while attempting to still care about the Ross and Rachel type drama between hall mates.

Community
(Beginning its 2nd season Sept. 23rd, 8:00, on NBC)

Again, an underappreciated show, this series about misfits at a community college provides laughs in every episode. We left last season with Britta and Professor Slater both declaring their love for Jeff. Escaping from the pressure of the situation, Jeff ends up kissing Annie. The question is…who will he choose in the season opening? But what I’m looking forward to are the horribly politically incorrect statements of Chevy Chase, and the multitude of movie references and spot on impersonations of Danny Pudi.

How I Met Your Mother
(Beginning its 6th season Sept. 20th, 8:00, on CBS)

Now we haven’t actually met the mother yet…probably the only frustrating part of this series. Last season ended with the discovery of the fifth doppelganger (though not really) and Lily deciding it was time for her and Marshall to make a baby. Which means this season is going to involve lots of pregnancy type episodes, and a season finale most likely taking place in the hospital. Still, as long as Neil Patrick Harris continues his legen-waitforit-dary comedic timing, and Josh Radnor doesn’t get too annoying in his quest to find his soul mate (spoiler: he will), it’s should be an AWESOME season.

Modern Family
(Beginning its 2nd season Sept. 22nd, 9:00, on ABC)

A hit from the beginning, and winner of the Best Comedy Emmy, there wasn’t much left unspoken during the finale last spring. But that doesn’t mean we won’t be back for more glimpses into a completely normal, if not slightly unconventional, family life. What I’m looking forward to are more cool-dad attempts by Ty Burrell, the nonchalant-fatherhood stylings of Ed O’Neill, and the Lily-has-two-daddies comedy of Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet.

The Office
(Beginning its 7^th season Sept. 23rd, 9:00, on NBC)

The big question here is…will this be the last season for the employees at the Scranton Paper Company? With Steve Carrell confirmed to leave at the end of the current season, you gotta wonder whether the show can make it without the man behind “The (albeit American) Office.” Last season left with a promise of the return of Holly…something I think we all are looking forward to giving the adorableness of her and Michael’s relationship. We’ll also be seeing some more adventures in parenting from Jim and Pam, and lets not forget the Dwight has entered into a Baby making contract with Angela. I for one, can’t wait!

So there you go. Six returning shows you should be programming your tivo to record right now!

Tomorrow I’ll be focusing on shows I don’t watch. And then it will be the reviews of the new shows.

HOWEVER…if after reading tomorrow’s post, any of you readers want to do a guest blog on the shows I’ll fail to cover…let me know! I’d love to have a couple more opinions!

Word of the Day: terug - return

Number One Reason I Love Fall

2010-09-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

I am OBSESSED with Fall TV. When new shows are announced, I love looking at who’s gonna be new, guessing which shows will last, and carefully and meticulously setting my DVR to record all necessary shows. And even better is every day discovering what new show has been recorded from the night before. I actually get really excited…I know…nerd alert. But I love it.

So…I’m going to do a little mini series for the next couple weeks. And it’s called…

My must see TV.

We’re gonna start off the series by paying tribute to the shows of last season that ended or got cancelled. Of course there are plenty of shows out there, but these are the ones I watched.

Accidentally on Purpose (1 season)

I feel a special bond with this one because my Mom and I got to see the pilot early while being a part of a test panel. And I love Jenna Elfman. But the show had one fatal mistake…a pregnancy (the entire premise of the show) only lasts nine months. From there it’s a completely different show. And there weren’t enough problems introduced to make me wonder what was in store after little Harry was born. Hooray, they’re getting married and gonna live happily ever after with the annoying sister, cheeky Irish friend, and stoner roommates b there side. And…there it was…the end.

Gary Unmarried (2 seasons)

A Divorced Man’s Everybody Loves Raymond, Jay Mohr always had me laughing on this show. The show itself was a little slap-sticky, and I don’t know any twelve year old girl that concerned about global warming, but I still enjoyed it. I think the relationship Gary had with his ex wife, played by Paula Marshall on the show, was fabulous and their chemistry was cause for some great laughs. Add in some cameo appearances from Rob Riggle as the army brother, and Ed Begley Jr. as the psychiatrist turned fiance, and you put the "sit" in sitcom (as in situation...not sitting.) The cliffhanger at the end of last season taught us that Gary was still married to Allison making us wonder whether they would be getting back together. I was excited to see how they figured that one out. I for one, will be sad to see it go.

Hank (1 season)

I watched about five episodes of this one. And apparently there were only eight. And I never enjoyed it. I mean, I tried really hard, especially considering my relationship with Kelsey Grammer, but it was just another dysfunctional family sitcom and it just…wasn’t…good…or funny. It’s a shame, but I’m sure Mr. Grammar has plenty of things awaiting him and I wish him luck.

Scrubs (9 seasons)

Although I didn’t watch it in it’s later seasons, I did watch the entire first four on DVD while sick in college. And whenever it was on, I always watched it. And itt was such a great cast led my Zach Braff and John C McGinly with Neil Flynn lending exceptional comic timing as the Janitor out to get Braff's character J.D. But I’m sure there will always be reruns, so I’m not too worried. In fact I know there are…even here in Holland. You had a good run Doctors…I wish you the best!

Ugly Betty (4 seasons)

I did not watch at all last season. But that doesn’t mean I won’t be renting the final season on DVD eventually. But it’s not on the top of my list. Because it was great when I did watch it and America Ferrera earned those awards, but unfortunately the show was essentially a fad. It didn’t have enough to keep it going, and the public fizzled on it fairly quickly.

So sorry you guys have to leave. But I wish all the luck to you actors out there. And I’m sure we’ll see you soon.

What about you? Any shows you’re sad ended?

Because is not an answer

2010-09-17T15:09:00.000-07:00

Alright it’s the final countdown (cue music and a dancing Gob.)

It’s one more Back2Blogging (at least I think…I can’t be bothered to go to the first page with the description to see how many prompts they’re actually are…)

(You can even "Like" Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances on Facebook!)

And you can bet us girls are putting the "Back" in Back2Blogging (along with Butts, Minds, and Sore fingers) to work. I mean…five posts in five days? That’s like a record for me! And just when you think you can go no further, and you’d rather eat your soup and watch TV, those SITS girls give you this prompt…

Why do you blog?

Wow…well if there’s one to make you think and then motivate you to write, I guess it would be this one.

Ok well let’s start with the obvious…why I started this blog. A couple of my friends traveled after their graduation and their blog was how I kept up with them. They didn’t post often, and usually, just pictures or a quick description of where they had last been. But I was still able to keep in touch with them through it…oh the joys of the technology age.

So I thought…why not? My Grandparents can use a computer, my parents are at one every weekday from 9-5, and the majority of my friends spend more time on the web than they do at school (or often at the same time.) So that’s how I’ll keep my friends and family close while I'm far away. (Of course facebook doesn’t hurt either.)

But then it happened…and I know it’s cliché and starry eyed…but I saw Julie & Julia. And there’s that line where she says “I could write a blog. I have ideas.” And I thought…hey!…I write a blog…and I have ideas. And I’m not saying that this blog should become a movie starring Meryl Streep (and by that I mean, Meryl Streep PLEASE make a movie about my blog) but I do think that people would enjoy what I had to say.

But why do I blog now?

Well…it is to keep my family informed. And I think do a pretty good job of it (we’re ignoring the fact that I have yet to write about my trips to London or Paris.)

But there are other reason…

Because Fien is adorable. And what “parent” doesn’t like showing off and telling funny stories about their kid. Because she is my baby. And she’s also hilarious.

And because I like writing. I like that I can type fast enough that the ideas that spill out of my head can be transcribed in some way for me to make sense of later (or let’s face it…never.) I like writing exactly what I’m thinking or what I’ve said.

And because the blogging world connects everyone from all over. Regardless of whether you live next door…or maybe just 5371 miles away.

Word of the Day: Datom - because

To influence, move, or guide

2010-09-16T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ok this one is harder. It's day four of SITS Back2Blogging.

Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances are going to give these to me...I've already decided it.

And we have to do something that I have always dreaded doing...which seems weird when you hear what it is...but its true.
We have to write about a woman who inspire us.
In second or third grade we had to do this timed essay where we had to choose someone to write about. And I don't actually remember who I wrote about. I think a dancer. But a friend informed me that she wrote about her mother. And I immediately felt guilty. Because I hadn't written about her.
Then in sixth grade we had to organize a "dinner party" for a project. I invited historical figures such as Betsy Ross and George Washington. But a friend informed me that she had invited her family. And I immediately felt guilty. Because I hadn't invited them.

Then I tried looking up the definition. I don't know how you would define "inspire." But I don't know if any of these definitions quite covers it. What is it that...inspires?

Then I read Life in the Pitts and I finally realized something...the prompt does not say "write about your mother." Sorry Mama. Because you know what? I know that my mother knows I love her. And I'm fairly sure that she knows she inspires me. You do right Mama? She is the woman who made me the woman I am today.
But it's the women my mother allowed me to be introduced to; the ones she urged me to interact with, watch, study, talk to, and, by example, have a wonderful relationship with.
Those are also women who inspire me. And that's allowed. And they are...

The women who showed me what "family" meant - Grandmas, Aunts, Sister, Cousins Great Grandma, Family Friends, Best Friends
The woman who told me to become an actress - Mrs. Delegeane
The women who showed me what it means to be a survivor - Aunt Mary and Eva
The women who fought the system - Harriet Tubman, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Rosa Parks
The women who make me laugh - Ellen DeGeneres, Elaine Stritch, Bea Arthur, Tina Fey
The women who are stars - Meryl Streep, Julie Andrews, Liza Minelli
The women who made me want to dance - Ginger Rogers, Debbie Reynolds
The women of today - Michelle Obama, Oprah, Tyra Banks
The women who looked good - Coco Chanel, Jackie O
The women who ruled - Eva Peron, Princess Di, Queen Elizabeth
The women who took me to far away - Beatrix Potter, Louise May Alcott, Laura Ingalls Wilder
The women who paved the way - Amelia Earheart, Juliette Gordon Lowe, Madeleine Albright
The women who were girls - Anne Frank, Shirley Temple
The women who I remember idolizing - Kristi Yamaguchi, Martha Graham
The hundred upon hundreds of women that deal with oppression, and ignorance every day.
The thousands upon thousand of women who have fought for this country
The millions upon millions of women who have died for their country

These are all women who inspire me. Every one of them has added something that has shaped me into the person I am today. I will not pick just one.

But you know...
There is also my Mom.

Word of the Day: inspireren - inspire

Feed, Starve, and Inebriate still apply here

2010-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

Wow those SITS girls don't let up! We have to do ANOTHER post for Back2Blogging today.

(I blame Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances for this forced typing event)

Ok we don't have to. But you know...I want to...so I will.
Plus this one is easy. Well, actually it's Tuesday's. But remember I did blog titles yesterday. So...anway...You have to re-post on that you wish more people would have read.
And I find this one highly appropriate seeing as I've spent the last three days getting over a cold. I'm much better, don't worry. I spent the whole day drinking tea, watching Absolutely Fabulous, and doing a 1000 piece puzzle (not finished with it yet.)
So here it is...
Originally titled...

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever, Inebriate everything else

Well…it finally happened. I got sick. I wasn’t feeling too good yesterday and my stomach was kind of queasy which was not helped by the fact that Fien chose yesterday of all days to conduct her “How high can I jump and land on Libby’s stomach” experiment. I spent the majority of the day lying on the couch praying for a break and even left dinner early (meaning leaving some delish potato leek soup) hoping to get some sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

Fast forward FOURTEEN HOURS later, when I wake up to a text from the mother – “Libby, how are you feeling? We are all sick as well!” Laughing, I pulled myself out of bed, took a long and deserving shower, and went into the house to get ready to pick up Fien from school. Suzan had stayed home from work and was waiting for me so that she could drive me. On the way there, we attempted to figure out if it was something we ate, but since it had just been the weekend, we had eaten all meals separately. We also commented on the fact that when men get sick they are complete and utter babies. It’s true...
After picking up Fien (the only one feeling ok) we went home, had lunch, had a nap, and was mercifully allowed to put Fien in front of the TV for the day. That Dora is a lifesaver I tell you…
What I long for now, was our never-fail college remedy, passed down from someone’s Grandma, and stupidly into the minds of ready and able college students – “Take two shots of brandy, put on sweats, and sleep it off.” I swear this always worked. Unfortunately I do not have brandy on hand, and I’m not sure how good it would look if I asked my host family for it. Even more unfortunate is the unbelievable memory that, as college students, we almost always had brandy readily available – well at least the Yacht Club did. It must have been the extreme amount of class we embodied…or perhaps it was the sneaky punch. Or maybe it was both...Since I have enough brains to know that the equivalent of two shots of brandy in the form of alcohol that I do have on hand - one of the red grape persuasion - would not help, but hinder my current health status, I make do with a cup of hot tea, another episode of Cheers, and the knowledge that tomorrow at 10:00, Fien will be at Oma’s for the rest of the day.

Word of the Day: Tee - tea

Top Ten: Blog Titles

2010-09-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's another Back2Blogging entry!

(And thanks Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances for bribing us to write with the promise of appliances!)

I've decided to go a little out of order. Because...you know...I can.
Plus it's Tuesday. Which means it's a...

So I'm using Wednesday's topic which is all about blog titles. And why you like titles. I mean they really are what sometimes draws other people to read it. I know that's how I function.
Ironically...this title is a bit boring...I guess most of my Top Ten and Pieces of Me's are. Oh well.
So here are the...

TOP TEN BLOG TITLES I'M PROUD OF (and why)

8/20/2010 - It's a Pocahontas Reference
The entire entry has nothing to do with Pocahontas except for the final sentence which is one line from one song.

8/1/2010 - You can also watch it on the Ocho
I like titles with obscure references to movies. I like it even better when people get them...

4/17/2010 - I Want You to Hit Me as Hard as You Can
I like this because it started off my IMDuBit series and the idea to just use a movie quote for the title instead of the actual movie title or some sort of commentary. I also tend to do that with my television series entries as well which is also a good sum up of the time I've put into watching them.
4/11/2010 - From Spring to Sisqo in ten steps or less
There are no steps involved in the entry. But I do mention Spring, and end with The Thong Song.

3/17/2010 - The Luck of the Hollish
I had already explained what Hollish meant at this point in my history of bloggingbut that doesn't mean that everyone knew that I knew it was "Dutch" not "Hollish." At the same time "Luck of the Dutch" just doesn't seem to work as well.

3/10/2010 - Are the Made with Real Girl Scouts?
Again...obscure movie reference. But I like it.

2/24/2010 - There are no Kangaroos in Austria
Nothing about marsupials in this blog...I just had to clear up any confusion between Central Europe and the land Down Under.

2/20/2010 - Czeching out Prague
Haha...it's funny because it's a play on words...

12/21/2010 - My Happy Ending...To Be Continued
I think this one describes everyone's life. There is no ending...there's happy beginning, happy middles, but there is always something after it. And it's up to you to keep it...well...happy.

12/17/2010 - Blog of a Young Girl
I think this ones sums up my entire blog, not just the post. Granted 5371 Miles Away sums it up pretty well too...but this one has a little more sentiment.

So there you go...what do you think? Don't you just want to read them ALL?!?!?

Word of the Day: titel - title

5 Reasons you should decide to go abroad

2010-09-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

So over at SITS, they're doing this thing called "Back2Blogging." They even have a cute picture for it. See...

(And yes...I could possibly win that washer and dryer (for that er...house...that I have...) thanks to Standards of Excellence, Westar Kitchen and Bath, and Florida Builder Appliances.)

And I'd like to think that picture is the direct result of ME. Mainly because I left a comment that said "you should make a picture!" And then I got a response that said "We'll get on that!" And then look! They did!!!

Anyway, back to blogging is a way for all of us to start blogging again after what commonly happens during the summer when you have slightly more exciting (read: France, Spain, England, family, etc.) things to do than stare at your computer screen.
Not that blogging isn't exciting. I mean it's part of the reason I do it. Which brings me to tonight's topic...
My very first blog post.
First of all you should go read it here...
It wasn't the first one I posted...it's true. But it was the first one I wrote. It started out as a journal entry. Just something I typed while sitting on a balcony in a time share in Vegas waiting for a skype call on what was a free (but possibly not legit) internet connection from an aupairing family in Finland.
And I decided to work out why I wanted to go. And what I had told my friends as my reasons for going. And what they had told me as a reason to go.
Now I could talk about how I think it's written, or why I wrote it, or various other things. But instead I've decided to do a rewrite. A look back at you will. And so one-year-younger-Libby-who-has-found-a-way-to-time-travel-and-can-read-this-in-the-year-2009...here are the

5 Reasons you should decide to go abroad

1. The passport
You don't actually know much about European border regulations, so it turns out your passport only has two additional stamps and a temporary visa sticker in it. But that doesn't mean you won't visit places...and by places I mean over ten different countries with different cultures, different foods, and different people at every stop.

2. The economy
You think you have it bad right now trying to keep up with being a student, having little to no bills, and trying to find a job at that time? You will learn to live on the equivalent of 400 dollars a month. Sure you'll get food and a place to live, but budget takes on a whole new meaning. Comparison of cheap versus extravagant comes into play in so many ways as you research train tickets, hostel accommodations, and having to PASS on bags of peanut M&Ms (side note though...you are starting to look gooood.)

3. The best friend
Suzee is still there. So is Pat. And so are the people who matter, because if they matter, they will remain in your life. It'll take a lot more than 5371 miles to break that bond.
AND...you're going to make new friends. Tons of them. From all over the world. In all different environments. Of all different ages. And you will have wonderful passing days and nights spent with each of them that you will never forget.

4. The boy
Forget the boy. You may have hoped to have your heart stolen. And the truth is...you will...by a three year old girl. You will have a bond with this girl that is unlike any other. Most of the aupairs will tell you that they no longer want to have kids after working abroad. Do not listen to them. Because that feeling of loving someone so completely is something that you will want...and don't worry...will eventually have one day.

5. The family
There really is no change to this one. You were completely right...they are going to be there for you...always.

Word of the day: gelukkig - happy

Back to Spain

2010-09-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

So I thought I was on the home stretch of blogging about my trip with Nina. And then whilst uploading pictures to facebook, I realized I had completely forgot about our adventures outside of the hostel in Malaga. Because I did say we went places…and you know…we did.

On the first Day was El Chorro. A National Park claimed to be beautiful with a neat suspended bridge between two cliffs. Well we got to the park…but then had no idea where we were going. We found this…

Maybe that was it? No…no it wasn’t. Upon climbing to the top…

We discovered it was railroad tracks.

So we just kept driving. And then we saw it…

Wow doesn’t it look cool? Wouldn’t it be awesome to climb inside?

Yea well we thought so too. And we drove towards it…or so we thought. We just kept driving…and driving…and driving. Until finally we came to this clearing. And it wasn’t the bridge. But who cares? Because what we saw was much more breathtaking…

It was absolutely beautiful. So content with our trip through a Spanish national park, we headed home, stopping occasionally to take the odd picture or see something a little better. Until we realized there was NO PLACE to stop for food and we were hungry and our blood sugar was dipping dangerously low. Then we settles for Nina strapping on the camera and taking pictures from the interstate while I drove…

Oh well…still beautiful.

The next day we headed to Granada. I knew nothing about it except for the fact that I had a faint recollection of Mia Rudolph impersonating Donatello Versace saying this word in her low sing song voice. Which meant that I said “Granada” like so every time it was mentioned. But other than that, we had no plans.

Well it turns out one of the guys in our hostel was heading there as well so we offered him a ride. Which gave me someone to talk to while Nina slept in the back. But when we got there…we were lost…so so incredibly lost. Our GPS just kept telling us to take turns where there were no streets. And at one point we stopped to ask for help and were informed we were on a pedestrian street and then had to reverse down a narrow alley to try and get back to the main road.

Finally we gave up…and parked…and walked around…and didn’t see much…

(that's Columbus' head...and it's bigger than I am)

Still, it was a nice day of walking. And we got good sandwiches for lunch. And finally we headed home. The next day another sibling team at our hostel informed us that they too had problems with their GPS. And they had an appointment that they were trying to get to.

Oh GPS…you one crazy bitch.

Word of the Day: perdido - lost

Sandcastles in the Sand

2010-09-08T13:58:00.000-07:00

It's Sand Sculpture time here in Noordwijk!
Every year to mark the end of summer, artists get together and carve great big sand sculptures. Then they get judged. They remain on the beach for about a month or so. Fien and I enjoy going down and looking at them almost every day.
Yesterday Fien and I headed over (on the gorgeous day that is was.) This year's theme was Space. Although the poster had this picture of a giant rocket. And there was no rocket in sight! I really wanted a giant sand rocket!
Oh well. Enjoy the rest of them...
First there was Snoopy goes to the moon complete with dog house. This one was from the Noordwijk Space Expo which is currently having a "Snoopy in Space" exhibition. Fien and I might go see it one of these days...

Then there's this weird Adam and Eve vs. Adam and Robot? I don't know...but it's very well crafted...

And this satellite one which unfortunately has broken on the side...

And there were two Toy Story ones...both Fien's favorite.

(Fien did not knock down the barrier)

But my favorite was the Wall-E one...because he's just so cute...

And then just because we were on the beach, Fien couldn't resist being Queen for a moment.

(The statue is of Queen Wilhelmina.)

It was raining today (fickle weather,) so tomorrow we're going to go check to make sure there wasn't too much damage. I don't really know how they protect them. Oh well.
Hope you enjoyed your quick trip to the beach! With love, from the North Sea!

And for those wondering what the title of the blog is...

(it's from How I Met Your Mother)

Word of the Day: sculptuur - sculpture

Top Ten: Why America is a Fat Nation

2010-09-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the States. And besides the obvious things like family and friends which are givens, there are so many things I miss. When our family friend Mark went off to boot camp, they told them to write a list of things they wanted to have to eat when they got home after having boot camp food for what seemed like forever I'm sure. I thought it was sweet, especially when you see the adorable-ness of some of the things he wrote (mom's cooking) and think of the tough egg-head (I say that with love) who wrote them. And let's face it, here in Holland, there are just not as many things available. Or it costs way more. Or it's just not the same. Also I'm really hungry right now. Also, I'm a fat kid at heart. And so, without the toughness (or egg-headedness I hope) here are the...

TOP TEN THINGS I'M GOING TO EAT WHEN I GO HOME

Chipotle- Burrito Bowl with chicken, peppers, all salsas, rice, and black beans

Chevy's- chips and salsa, margarita, and flautas

Panda Express- Broccoli Beef, Kung Pao chicken, chow mein,

Jamba Juice- Strawberries Wild, no bananas, extra fro-yo

Costco - Polish Day with spicy mustard and Peach Iced Tea

Safeway- California Dreamin' Sandwich

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

In n Out- Hamburger, Fries, and a Coke

Two Buck Chuck- Cabernet

Ole's Waffles- Mexican Omelet

Word of the Day: Ik heb honger - hungry (literally "I have hunger")

All American Holiday

2010-09-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

Of course I totally forgot that on the 4th I was going to do a post about the 4th…of July. Ok so it’s the 6th. So sue me. No wait don’t do that. But I decided to make it today because it’s still a holiday! Happy labor day all you lucky people who have off work. Hope you’re liking that heat over there. Are you…huh?

So two months ago, while Nina was here, we decided to show Holland what an American holiday is all about. So we brought in recruits (read: Mags and Esther) and planned a good old fashioned bbq.

We all got into the spirit of things. Even Fien turned into an All-American girl…

Thanks Nina for the shirt!

And she was a lucky girl too, because she got to hang out with four really cool older girls all day…

First thing needed though…an actual barbecue. There’s not many around here, but there are plenty of cheap disposable ones so we stocked up on those. We did as the instructions said and lit the coals and waited. Of course Rogier go impatient so he sped the process along using what he liked to call “the man way”…

Little did he know that if used incorrectly, the man way leads to a giant hole burned THROUGH THE BARBECUE! We did not let him forget that one all day.

So when the coals were done, Nina cooked the burgers…

And Mags poured the sangria…

And Suzan made an announcement…

Yep! I know I already said it, but that day was when we found out that Fien was going to have a little brother or sister! And we were ecstatic!
And we ate...and ate and ate and ate. We had cheese burgers, kabobs, sausages, grilled zucchini, grilled pineapple, fruit salad, and Greek pasta salad. And everything was eaten.

The day was beautiful (if not a little windy), the food was delicious, and the company the best. After the dinner with our bellies full, Fien, Suzan, and Rogier went to Oma’s (where they were staying during the construction) and us girls sat around and talked through the night.

But not before the home made dessert…

Red White and Blueberry cheesecake…Yum.

Word of the Day: patriottisme - patriotism

When you're in love with a married man, you shouldn't wear mascara

2010-09-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

No I'm not having a completely scandalous affair. It's just time for another...

IM-DuB-it is my quest to watch all the movies on the IMDB top 250 list. Of course this is ever changing, so my quest will never actually be fulfilled. If I can get myself to the theatres, I can knock out Inception, and if I understood more Dutch, Toy Story 3 would be crossed off at the beginning of summer. But I have no desire to spend 8 euros on a movie when that can buy me a round trip ticket to Amsterdam or a meal (or two) on the traveling road. But I can still try to watch others. And with the miracle of the internet, I present you with my latest film at number 97...

The Apartment

Released in 1960, directed by Billy Wilder, and staring the very young and very adorable Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon.
A ridiculously cute little movie, it was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning five of them, including Best Picture.
It was inspired by the Noel Coward film "Brief Encounter" which was inspired by his one act play "Still Life." It also went on to inspire the musical "Promises, Promises."

According to IMDB, Bud Baxter is a struggling clerk in a huge New York insurance company. He's discovered a quick way to climb the corporate ladder - by lending out his apartment to the executives as a place to take their mistresses. He often has to deal with the aftermath of their visits and one night he's left with a major problem to solve.

I love Lemmon's character. There's something about it that could only be pulled of in those days. If someone were to create a character with that amount of slap stick and over acting, he would never make it in the film business. But back then, what he did was an art. And I love him for it.
MacLaine is just too adorable for words. And her haircut makes me wish I had my short hair again. She's just so cute and vulnerable you almost overlook the fact that she's having an affair with a married man. And then Lemmon comes in and awkwardly attempts to sweep her off her feet.

The movie is a quiet comedy. No real laugh out loud jokes, but a constant smile none the less. If you're in the mood for a movie from the golden age of film, I'd highly suggest renting this one, curling up with some tea, and having a wonderful night in.

Word of the Day: appartement - apartment

Where you lead, I will follow

2010-09-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Remember when I finished Frasier? And then I announced I would be starting my new show? Well I finished! Yes already.

Gilmore girls is done!

And I’m a little sad. Because I really really enjoyed it!

So here’s the breakdown…

-153 episodes.

-63 days (I took out the five weeks Nina was here since I didn’t watch it at all then)

-Divide that ish up and you get – about 2.5 episodes a day.

Which seems to make sense. Because I obviously didn't watch it every day and when I did, I usually watched an episode and a half before megavideo cut me off for not being a member. Waited an hour (cleaned, cooked, blogged, etc.) Then watched the other half and another episode. Ok so these episodes are a full hour (well, 40 minutes without commercials) as opposed to the half hour Frasier and Cheers. A little more than 2 hours of TV a night…perfectly normal and healthy right?

Anyway…on to the review…

The writing is very witty. And although a little over-exaggerated because I don’t know anyone who could be that sarcastic/witty/on at all times, it was still very funny. Especially Lauren Graham’s Lorelai (the Mom.)

I also really liked that Alexis Bledel was the same age a Rory was supposed to be. It meant you got to actually watch her grow up on the show. And I didn’t have to waste effort pretending this twenty five year old was too young to have had her first kiss.

Ok so sometimes the romance storylines pissed me off. I mean…come on ladies, get it together. Especially Rory with Logan…and Dean…and Jess for that matter. Yea I think that covers it.

Ok and I don’t want to give it away, but for those of you who know…how cool is Rory’s job that she gets at the end? Knowing what has happened since in the world, it’s so cool to think of her working where she is. I know that’s cryptic, but I don’t want to give it away in case sometime in the future you decide to watch it.

And maybe it was me getting older, or my biological clock ticking, or the fact that I myself take care of a three year old and have a younger sister, but I found myself siding with Lorelai! Like every time! And I believe that had I watched the show when it was actually airing, I would have been in teen mode and thought that Rory was “soooo right – I can’t believe Lorelai is angry that she wasn’t listening!” But I guess with age, comes the wisdom to side with fictional TV moms. In fact sometimes I thought she was too lacks in her punishments. I was like “Come on Lorelai…punish her…send her to her room!” And I look at these relationships, and though I’ve come to love and appreciate being allowed to poke inside their private lives, I wouldn’t trade any of it for my own. My life has made me a completely different person, but who ever said I wanted to be Rory Gilmore?

So on to the next. And I already know what it is...Buffy the Vampire Slayer, followed by Angel. Or is it "along with," not "followed by?" Because they ran at the same time right? Can someone explain this to me? I've seen one episode ever - the musical one. I know I know...what did I do as a teenager having never seen any of these shows? But I'm catching up now. So wish me luck!

Word of the Day: dochter - daughter

Piece Of Me: Not much going on

2010-09-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hey look! It's the first of the month! And I remembered to post! And since this didn't take very long, I might even write another post for tomorrow. Key word here is might.
So here is A Piece of Me...

This month (September)…

I like: My new haircut. I got it today.

I don't like: that summer is already gone! I didn't get enough beach time! Or sun time for that matter!

I want you to know: that I have two months left, then three months of exploring Europe on a visitors visa, then about a month in England, then probably Egypt, but THEN...I'm coming home...just don't ask me for the date.

I've planned: to hopefully see school friend and fellow blogger Ali, and a weekend trip to Friesland, the northern-most province of Holland

I want to say to someone special: Dear bro-sif...it's ridiculously cute how you try to be cool, but then leave posts on my facebook letting me (subtly and rudely) know that you actually miss me. Love you too.

Picture of the Month:

Word of the Day: September - September

Top Ten: Gross

2010-08-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

I used to love cooking...but never be very good. When I came home from college I would make things for dinner for my family and they would eat them but with no high praises of my culinary expertise. I'm not angry about this or anything...I really wasn't that great, but I can tell you that all of it was edible and my Tortilla Soup to die for.
Anyway, flash forward to living with a family where my job requires that three nights a week I make dinner for four. Not just four, but one three-year-old who doesn't like much, one pregnant lady who can't stomach much, and one weekly delivery of various and changing vegetables leaving me to get creative with what I make as well as learn a whole lot about a whole bunch of greens I never knew existed.
Ok, yes eventually getting to the point. Regardless of the ever changing supply of veggies, tomatoes seem to always be in the package. And I hate tomatoes. Ok...I did. Well...I sort of do. I know...I'm weird. I went 24 years without liking tomatoes, spaghetti sauce (pizza was a different story...except for...see below), tomato soup, even salsa for a time.
But it all started with a salad. The Mozzarella Caprice salad from Panera. And I loved it.
But then I had a tomato again...and it was disgusting!
But after ten months of cooking with tomatoes I have figured it out...it's the seeds that disgust me. They're gross, slimy, and taste foul. But a nice plump skin of a tomato? I think I actually like them. Which is why I painstakingly carve out the seeds of every single tomato be it fist sized, or twenty different cherry ones.
And I realized I was like that with a lot of things. There are foods that I look at and think I bet that is delicious...too bad I think (insert main ingredient here) is absolutely disgusting.
And with that being said...and with a new icon that I made...I give you...

FOODS I USED TO HATE BUT NOW LOVE

Tomatoes

Pizza - yes seriously there was a while where I was crazy and didn't like this Italian wonder

Guacamole (and avocados in general)

Hummus - I didn't trust garbanzo beans

Artichoke - except for the unmentionable artichoke sandwich incident of 2009

Salmon - maybe it was the pink

Cheese - any and all kinds...I know I was weird

Cottage Cheese - Not exactly cheese, but twice as questionable with its chunks.

To be fair...that looks disgusting

Brussel Sprouts - I think this stemmed from it having the reputation of "punishing food" in all children lore

Spinach - but still...don't give me no frozen crap...fresh all the way baby

However...I do not...and swear to my grave...that I will NEVER like mushrooms.

Word of the day: tomaat - tomato

They're called siestas in Spain

2010-08-30T14:55:00.000-07:00

Ok so...I still have to tell you about a ton of things. Like 4th of July (maybe I'll post that one on the 4th...just to pretend like it was planned), Antwerp (or maybe not...Chocolate, beer, and waffles...done), Paris (that one might take a while), Fien's Birthday (including DORA cake), and London (from which I just got back!!)
But right now I'm going to bed. And since I can't even stay awake long enough to skype with my family at home, I'll leave you with this...

We're trying to get Fien wiened of her necessity for afternoon naps.
Why, I have no clue, because I still enjoy the occasional one every once and a while. But we're trying.

Also...it's not working...

Note: I was gone five minutes.

Word of the day: slaape -nap (or "a sleep")

She-Woman Man-Haters Club

2010-08-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

Not only are there rain storms happening outside my window right now, but there are winds howling and reaching up to 30 miles an hour. And there's this lovely garden next to my house situated between my house and another two story and it creates the perfect wind tunnel...perfect for rattling windows, and keeping me awake all night. Even when it wasn't raining, venturing outside was a risk because it was actually difficult at times to push the stroller. And then when Fien was walking the wind ALMOST KNOCKED HER OVER. I kid you not.
So instead we had a wonderful day indoors.

Since we were going to be stuck inside all day, first we needed a headquarters. A place to go to make plans for the day. Hence...

The Fort

P.S. No boys allowed.

P.P.S. Papa doesn't count.

Fien really liked it...

Then we needed food. And since being inside sucks all the energy out of you, what could be better than...

OVEN S'MORES!
And no...they've never had them before. And yes...they were delicious. And no...you do not get cavities just by looking at them. And yes...those were pink marshmallows. MMMMMM

Of course, eventually we had to take the tent down. That was a sad time...

But I made it up by reading one of my favorite books which has now become Fien's favorite and also the only one she chooses for me to read (because it's the only one she currently owns in English)...

So overall...
Day deemed a Success!!

Word of the Day: vesting - fort

Top Ten: Back to School

2010-08-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

Wow it's been a while since I did a top ten hasn't it? At least a typed one. I'll try to be better about it. It's pretty easy to do...
Anyway, since it's still back to school mode, I figured i'd do a Top Ten about that. So I decided to do movies. Now in order to avoid the entire list being 80s Brat Pack flicks, I decided to limit it to movies whose plots are about school issues/events not just have scenes that take place on school property. So movies like Pretty in Pink and Sixteen Candle can be removed to make room for others. Get it? Ok. So here are my...

TOP TEN BACK TO SCHOOL MOVIES

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Grease

Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

Breakfast Club

Dead Poet's Society

Stand and Deliver

Clueless

School of Rock

Napolean Dynamite

Mean Girls

Word of the Day: tiener - teenager

It's a Pocahontas Reference

2010-08-20T15:08:00.000-07:00

School has started!

Ok is it just me or does school just start earlier and earlier each year? Here in Holland they only have six weeks of vacation! That’s nothing! What if you wanted to run off for two months?!?! Not possible!!!

Well anyway, Fien had a blast at her first day…

And since her birthday was over the break, she got to have a little party at school which just made her super excited.

But it’s Friday so that means I’m going to do a…

Yep we’re going back in time. About 15 years ago (give or take a month because I don’t think we started as earlier as these crazies.) Anyway, fifteen years ago I started 4th grade. But fourth grade was special. Because for the first time, I was attending a public school! For kindergarten through third, I was at a private school, two years of which consisted of the stereotypical schoolgirl plaid skirt.

But this year was going to be different! I was going to wear cool clothes, and make lots of friends, and have tons of fun. Not that I didn’t have fun or make friends at Challenger, but after a while the plaid thing seemed to fade. Actually, now that I think about it, I’m not sure I wanted to leave challenger. It was quite the discussion. But I suppose that Marie Calendar’s dinner is one for another Friday.

So there it is…the first day of school. And we’re sitting at our desks and I’m staring straight ahead focusing on Mr. Suplick and thinking this year was going to be great! And then Mr. Suplick asked us to write down what we wanted to learn this year. And then we went around the room, introducing ourselves, if we were new here, and we talked about our answers.

Well it was my turn. And as much as I liked being in front of people, I can be a bit awkward. So I tell them I just came from a private school and I was really excited and…that I didn’t know what I want to learn. To which the teacher asked if I knew everything (in a kind way…he was nice) but which then made everyone think I was trying to be a smart-ass. But what I meant was that I didn’t know what I wanted to learn because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Which is very profound for a fourth grader if you think about it.

Mr. Suplick then proceeded to tell me things we were going to learn and whether or not I knew them. Most of which I said no. Which me look like just an ass minus the smart.

It was a sad day.

I mean I eventually got over it and had a wonderful year and had my first crush and make a ton of friends (one of which was gotten by actually asking if she wanted to be my best friend…yes…awkward much?)

But I still think back to that first day and wonder what would have happened…

If I had just walked the footsteps of a stranger…I’d learn things I never knew I never knew…

Word of the Day: school – school (pronounced totally differently)

It's where the Queen lives

2010-08-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

On our way down to Antwerp for a weekend, Nina and I decided to stop in Den Haag. I’ve been to Den Haag three times before…twice on computer related incidents and one with the family. But this time I got to do some sight seeing! (...and shoe shopping)

First we walked around Parliament. This is where the senate holds session and where the queen occasionally stops in to check in with her homies. It’s a pretty cool area with a gorgeous courtyard…

We even almost got to see someone of importance. I say almost because all we saw were the paparazzi.

Then there’s the entrance into the courtyard. Apparently there’s something to do with ceremonies and important people walking through the middle and tiny people ducking through the sides. We just took it as an opportunity to showcase how tall Nina is and I am not...

Yes same door and yes I am on tiptoe.

Then we went to the Mauritzhuis. A museum with beautiful works of art mostly by Dutch artists including the haunting Girl with the Pearl Earring...

Too bad people were looking at it “from a distance” which just meant no one else could get close enough and risk being in their way. So I couldn’t study the earring like I wanted too. But it was still gorgeous. One of the few works that lived up to its hype. By hype I mean having read the book and a week after seeing the painting itself, watching the movie. By hype I am also talking about the think that the Mona Lisa did not.

I also really liked these uncovered paintings of a family consisting of a mom and dad, and all eight of their kids that all looked alike. I like to think of them as the original Jon and Kate plus 8…

But Nina and I were not in the stare-at-a-bunch-of-paintings-that-will-eventually-start-looking-the-same so instead we started recreating poses from the paintings. Usually when alone. Until I think two of the guards caught on and started following us. Also we can’t be sure that there weren’t cameras behind all the mirrors in the rooms. I’m sure there were security guards with tubs of popcorn enjoying the show.

Afterward we headed to the Escher museum. It was SO cool. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Netherlands. The museum is housed in what used to be the royal palace so it’s four stories of the abnormal. Plus some really cool chandeliers…

The bottom floor was how he made his paintings. The second and third were his works…

And the fourth was a really cool hands-on floor with experimentation in all the weird types of ways you can recreate what he did. And boy did we...

We ended our trip with the obligatory shot in front of the beautiful pond that reflects the Parliament building…

And then it was on to Antwerp. But Antwerp is a story for another day.

Word of the Day: illusie - illusion

I Blame Giambi

2010-08-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Usually when I talk to people here and they ask where I'm from I say San Francisco. It's the easiest because if you know a city on the west coast, chances are it's San Francisco. However if for some reason we start to talk about sports, they then assume that I am a Giants fan. And when you assume you make an ass out of u and any other Giants fans out there. Ok I don't actually hate the Giants. And congrats to them for actually doing well...always.
But I am an A's fan. Oak-town pride.

I discovered said pride ironically when I moved away from the green and gold to the land of blue/red (otherwise known as Dodgers and Angels.) Because nothing makes you become more in love with your home then being 300 (or 5371) miles away from it. And I LOVE going to baseball games. It's one of the many things I miss being over here.
And yes...I know...we suck. But we're doing better than the Mariners...knock on wood.

Anyway when I moved here, Mags, the Maine girl, had Fien looking like this...

But now (and thanks to Nina,) I'm proud to say that Fien looks like this...

Oh yea! Go A's!

Of course when asked to say Go Anything, her response is "Go Nederlands." So...

Here's a couple more shots from our little photo shoot. Enjoy.

Don't you love how much Fien has grown up? It's incredible.

Word of the Day: baseball - baseball (yea, they don't play it so they don't have their own word for it)

Well I ain't no Dickens, but I'll take it

2010-08-15T14:38:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has a blog is a writer with a story to tell. And now with the wonders of the internet age, these blogs are turned into books, and movies, and tv shows, and any and all things. And I like being a part of that.
So I'm writing a book. Not just any book. A children's book...series. It's a series really. And it's all about this little girl named Fien and her awesome aupair Libby. And how they go on adventures. Like in one book, they'll go to the circus. And in another, they'll go on a sledding trip. Where I come up with this stuff I'll never know...I'm just that creative I tell you.Anyway, here's your chance to preorder said books. Get'em while you can!!!
Alright maybe that's a little preemptive. Seeing as I've written twenty lines of a first book, have no publisher, can't draw to save my life, and will probably be a lazy butt about it for the next two months. But if you really want a sneak peek...here's my picture for the very first page of the very first book...

That's Fien...plus my foot.
I know. I can feel my amazon rating rising as I type.
Alright so maybe I'm not a writer...yet.

But I did find this fun online analyzer that tells you which writer your style of writing is most similar too. It's called I Write Like. Apparently the creators of the program were not the creative type themselves.
And apparently I'm all over the place.
When I write a travel entry, it says I'm like Dan Brown. It's probably all the ellipses.
When I try and be funny with an anecdote, I'm P.G. Wodehouse. Which is awesome!
And when I write about a significant experience, I channel Jane Austen. Well she had to be in there somewhere I suppose.
And when I do an entire page of my blog (as in the last five or so entries,) I'm apparently Cory Doctorow. So really...I'm meant to be a blogger. I guess it was inevitable. Plus i think he wrote a non-fiction book about Disneyland.

Anyway...have fun analyzing your writing. And tell me who you're like!

Word of the Day: schrijver - writer