Raindrops on Roses and Whiskers on Kittens

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

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

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

Because is not an answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday Fragments: Reflections of a blogger...

I'm gonna try and start another thing...themed Fridays.  There's so many words that start with F...and most of them are appropriate.  So today is Fragments. I got the idea From Tracie.  And I feel like today is a day to talk about my blog.  And how it's going.  And all that stuff.  In fragment form (Hey!  Another F word!)

-This construction means that my internet keeps going in and out preventing me from exploring the bloggie world and posting on time.  I've discovered scheduled postings and I like it!
-It's been almost a months since my SITS day.  And because of that wonderful opportunity, I made lots of new friends and got lots of new comments and followers.  And I have yet to visit them all!!!  Ugh I know...horrible.  But I'm really trying a promise.  I don't want to just visit a blog and go "cool there it is."  I want to explore and find out more about you!!  So I will get to them all...eventually.
-I want to start doing some "mini-series."  I've already got some ideas lined up - Stereotypical Holland, The Nanny Blogs, etc.
-I want to change my layout.  I want three columns.  And a fancy button.  And a little square thing up by the URL.  But I'm html challenged.  Alas, I have yet to win a blog makeover, and these things cost money which I could be spending on, oh I don't know, a train ticket to Paris.
-Upon reading my comments, I have RECEIVED AWARDS!!!  Do you know how exciting that it?  Now I just need to figure out who to pass them on to and write a post about it.  Because I think giving them to someone is actually more exciting!!!
-This does not have to do with my blog, but I still haven't seen Sex and the City 2.  And I'm dying inside.
-How do you make a condensed blog url for twitter?  Someone help me!!!
-I haven't blogged about Fien in a while...here's a cute picture to hold you over.  Please notice Swiper on the tv.  That sneaky fox is probably going to try and swipe the tart-y goodness.

-I was looking for a fun comic to end this strip.  I found this one...plus 25 others.

Word of the day: luilak - slacker

TOP TEN: I feel pretty

Let's keep this simple shall we? I do top tens every Tuesday because I like alliteration.  You should join me!

TOP TEN THINGS I WANT TO SAY

AFTER MY VERY SPECIAL SITS DAY

-The above rhymes...it was on purpose.
-Heather and Tiffany - THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
-New Visitors/Followers - You all rock so hard core I can't even begin.
-My mom thinks I'm a blogging superstar...it's true and hilarious.
-To all you wondering, my family LOVED the pumpkin pie I made - it really did turn out delicious, plus I added fresh whipped cream using honey instead of sugar.
-Ronnica from The Ignorant Historian gets my favorite comment EVER award - she said "So instead of "SITS" or even "Siits" it should be "Hgzids"?"  You gotta search for it, but when you see it, it's hilarious.
-I promise I will visit each and every one of your blogs...because that's what SITS love is all about!
-I'm so excited to meet/find other Expat bloggers.  Just another one of those happy communities to become a part of.
-Although I cannot and will not condone adultury in any way, shape, or form, it's true I would not mind being one of Jude Law's special "nanny-friends"
-Is it possible that I love blogging even more?

Word of the Day: Ik voel me vrij - I feel pretty

Hooray, Hooray, today is SITS day!

WELCOME!!!

Why, fellow bloggers, have I suddenly decided to welcome you to my blog?  Since when did I get manners you ask?  And why does coffee have yet to be offered*? Because today I expect an influx of new readers!  Because it's my SITS day!

SITS is a blogging community and stands for "the Secret is in the Sauce." OK, maybe it should be Siits...just saying ladies...you might want to get on that.  The Featured Blogger commands it!  (Wow one hour and I'm already drunk with power...which is a nice change from just being drunk...kidding!...sort of...)


So shall I tell you about this blog?  Well...

It's a little of this...

Without the constant cooking (which makes me super sad)

And a little of this...

Without the horrible child or parents (which makes me super happy!)

And a little of this...

Without the Jude Law (which really just makes me cry myself to sleep every night)

So for those of you who couldn't figure it out, I'm a nanny living in a foreign county and I write a blog about it...also I love Jude Law.  For those of you who couldn't figure out where, regardless of the large windmill and tulip picture adorning the top of my page, I live in Holland!  I started this blog as a way of keeping my family updated on what I was doing, and for the last six months, it's grown into something I'm really proud of.

And, for those of you already bored and looking for a little excitement, allow me to direct you to some of my favorite postings...

The first entry I ever wrote - Although it was published second, I actually wrote the majority of this as a journal entry much earlier while attempting to figure out if I had the guts to leave the country for a year

My Pumpkin Pie recipe - trust me, you've never read one quite like this...

Why I hate the Swiss - Ok I don't really hate the Swiss (like at all), but I had some problems in their country while doing a trip through Central Europe.

Potty Training - I feel like all the mommy bloggers out there will appreciate this one. 

Also, if you feel like browsing instead of reading, check out the numerous posts with mainly videos and photos about just Me and Fien...oh and how awesome we are.  Including a video I made all by myself!

Enjoy!  Looking forward to making tons of new friends!!!

Word of the Day: Het geheim zit in de saus - the secret is in the sauce (I thought you'd enjoy that)

 *coffee has not been offered because it is the internet and I can't actually give you any...duh

Top Ten: 100th BLOG!!!

Guess what today is?  Today is my 100th POST!!!

Happy Blog Day to me,

Happy Blog Day to me,

Happy Blog Day to 5371 miles awaaaay,

Happy Blog Day to me!!!

Isn’t that exciting?  But what have I even been writing about this entire time?

A whole lotta Fien, that’s for sure.  And aupairing seeing as the two go hand in hand.

And Holland…understandable…and with that home as well.

Also food.  Damn I like food…

Fortunately I’ve been able to travel and tell you all about it.  And a lot of times I’m lazy and just do list blogs. (Not unlike this one.)

That seems to be the topics I like discussing.  Apparently.

But what should I do to celebrate?  Cuz fer realsies, I have no clue.  So I’ll just make it a tradition…key blog posts will be nothing more than lists of things that have nothing to do with my blog, but everything to do with the number.

So here’s my…

TOP TEN THINGS THAT HAVE TO DO WITH 100!!

It's all about the Benjamins baby...

 

50 states x 2 Senators a piece...

One day I will watch them all...

Lady Gaga is in this years...

National Syndication!

YUMMY

Er...a bloody, drawn out war?

But really, the only one you care about is number 1...

Oh (American) football fields...how I miss you...

And finally...President Obama should call my blog and wish it a happy birthday...

See you tomorrow for another exciting, but not nearly as monumental post!

Word of the day: honderd - hundred

Tweet this mutha

I have a confession…

Now, every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each and one of you simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for the irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in. I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my friends and to my readers. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.

…

I am officially a tweeter.

Or a twat.

Or maybe a twit.

Anyway you spell it, it’s pronounced “hypocrite.”

When I first heard of twitter I swore I would never have one…ever.  We were even throwing around the idea of having it for a class so that we could give opinions during lecture to be read later…still against it.  And I’m glad they didn’t decide to do it, because I think I would have flat out refused. 

But then I got a blog.  And when looking at another rss feed type thing, I liked that the author had updates as to the status of any new material…”currently writing” or “no post tonight” etc.  So I got a box for my blog.  And then I deleted it deciding I hated it.  But then I got one again.  I liked it for the plain fact that Grammy and Mama wouldn’t think I fell in a ditch in the middle of nowhere because I failed to post one night. (No they don’t really think that, and no I have yet to fall into a ditch in the middle of anywhere)

Then fellow bloggers started having giveaways and you got an entry for following them!  Well that sounds like a deal to me!  Commence the following of blogs, and possible retweets.

Then I read this entry at my good friend Ali’s blog.  And my interest was peaked.  And after seeing this amazing comic last firday and discovering I could tweet a congrats to him, my mind was blown.  Not only can you basically send personal messages to any celebrity who also owns one (read: EVERY celebrity) but they can reply back?!?!  That was it.

And here I am.

Now I’m no Perez Hilton, or Britney just yet.  And unlike Miley, I don’t think I’ll be deleting it anytime soon. And I have yet to understand the whole #thing.  And texting costs me a lot so there's definitely not going to be a constant stream of updates.  But it doesn't matter because I’m now on the search for people I’m a fan of.  And I will let them know when I think they’re awesome.  And when I have something thought provoking.  And maybe…just maybe one day…there will be an @LibbyCox510 waiting for me…preferably from LadyGaga.

P.S. The first part is a direct quote of Tiger Wood’s official press conference.  In case y’all were wondering.

Word of the day: gekwetter – twitter (they actually have a word for it!!)

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day when you’re Single

Ok I know you're all wondering how I managed after my late night/early morning wake up call.  Well I'll tell you...I decided to take a 7:00 train instead.  Yea...I realized I was crazy as I was woken up by my roommates coming in and getting ready for bed (they were quiet and courteous, I just woke up.)
So I spent the morning on a train talking to a couple Czechs coming back from a backpacking trip.  Then I found my hostel and it wasn't until I saw the hearts that I remembered it's Valentine's Day!!  So here's what I did to celebrate...


1. Participate in the Valentine’s Blog Exchange

Holly over at Domestic Dork started this valentine’s blog exchange.  You may have seen the emblem in my little column over there.  Of course it’s not there anymore it’s right here…

You can click on it if you like.  Basically everyone who wanted to participate got paired up with someone.  Then you sent Valentines to each other.  It was such a great idea, but I was worried I wasn’t going to be allowed to participate being so far away.  But Holly was SO nice and paired me up with her!!

I sent Holly some Dutch chocolate (preferred by the Queen I’ll have you know,) a keychain, a post card, a regular card, and a cell phone charm.  The point of the exchange was that you had to make the gift.  So I took a page out of my frog earrings project and made her a yeti hat key chain and charm.  She has this yeti hat, and she loves it, and on her blog it seems to have a mind of it’s own, so the idea is not completely from left field.  You can read about all that here.

But then I got the BEST PACKAGE EVER!  She sent me this lovely foam heart…

And inside it were awesome magnets!  I’ve been looking for something to decorate my fridge with.  Or maybe just my face…

Also peg dolls…one for me and one for Fien!  How thoughtful!

Also some other fun goodies as well!!

Thank you so much Holly!  You’ve made this a Valentine’s Day I’ll never forget!!

2. Go see one of the greatest love stories of all time…La Traviata!

I went to the opera tonight in Prague.  I know people say that Paris is the city of love, but I think Prague is one of the most romantic cities I’ve ever been in.  And I only saw it from the tram.  All the architecture here is beautiful!  And of course the opera itself was so wonderfully heart breaking.  And damn can those people sing.  I had the greatest seat, even though it only cost me 12 euros!  I was on the side basically in my own little box.  At one point I felt like a six year old resting on the banister in front of me smiling and watching.  Ok maybe it wasn’t the greatest seat for most people, but I liked it.  I had a view of the whole audience…

And the orchestra…

And the stage…

At one point I could practically see down every single ball-goers gown.  Because they need the room up there to expand the rib cage, etc. etc, but I mean...it was a little loose.  And at intermission I got a glass of bubbly because it was classy and then settled down for act II…

Of course pictures weren’t allowed during the performance, but flashes went off like lightning at curtain call so I whipped mine out too…

It was beautiful.  I'm so glad I got to see it at such a beautiful theatre!

3. Watch the Princess Bride

Cuz it’s my favorite movie of all time…

So that’s my Valentine’s Day.  I hope yours was just as amazing!!

Word of the day: hart - heart