New Year thoughts

I'm starting to think ahead about the New Year and what I'd like to do different. I don't want to call it New Year Resolution, I like goals for the New Year.......

Everybody's favorite -Lose weight....aka get healthy

Realistic -Learn German....aka understand my neighbors

Read more.....Knit more....aka stop wasting time on playing Free Cell online!

That's all I have so far, how about you? Started thinking about it yet?

Luggage where are you?

Chicago airport has commandeered our luggage .............! We have been in Utah without luggage starting day two, they promise we would have it Sunday morning. The United counter lady is a liar, I know its a harsh word, but I really believed her when she cheerfully said it would be on the next flight and delivered Sunday morning.

It's great to be home and thank god for my favorite place in the world "Target" because of them I'm not in the same clothes I wore two days ago. I really want my luggage though, I'm sick thinking about all the authentic German gifts for family and friends. My favorite shoes .....basically all my favorite things I pack to come home. All Craig and Katelyn skis and ski clothing etc....yes all replaceable but at who's expense.....mine! Ugh!! Not the way I pictured the start to my Holiday in Utah...but we are home and it is a WONDERFUL life..........!

Mini Bremen Christmas

We did a mini Christmas today before heading back to the States for Christmas. We really didn't want to buy too much here, considering the exchange rate, quality and selection. We both got each other something authentic German and I'm really excited to have started building our showcase of German goods aka Knick Knacks!

Nutcracker for me

Skier Smoker for Craig

Katelyn received some nice German ornaments but she mostly wants American clothes! It was fun to open a couple gifts before we head out of town. The best gift is boarding the plane tomorrow and heading home....Home is where the heart is ....so true!

What can you recommend?

Looking for some suggestions for good books to read? I'm heading back to states for Christmas and need to stock up. English books are hard to come by here in Germany, and it is very expensive to ship. I love all books and I'm guilty of following Oprah's book picks for many years. Out of touch with whats new and popular since summer time, hope you all can help!

Bremer Weihnachts Markt 2008

Last night at the Christmas Market for the West Family before heading back to Utah. Despite the weather being cold and misty rain tonight, we still enjoy ourselves. It is so festive, with the lights and happy Germans, drinking their spice wine, eating and shopping.

Craig and Katelyn in the City Center

Here comes the Gluiwein (Hot spiced wine)

Warms you inside and out........

We finished up some last minute shopping and enjoyed a Bratwurst and these little donuts. I can't pronounce or spell the name, but I call them "little pillows of love". One of our purchases tonight was one candy cane, it cost one Euro! Candy canes are hard to come by in Bremen, the market is the only place I have found them. But one Euro for a single candy candy and it's not even Bob's Candy Canes!

OMG The Fitness Team is looking for me!

Okay I know it's been a couple weeks since my first "training" session at my new German gym and I haven't been back. But its because it is the holidays and I told myself I was going to enjoy them and focus on the new year! All very logical conversation me and my mind had, and we totally agreed with each other! So today I received an email from The Fitness Team......panic OMG what do they want ....Of coarse I could not read the email because it was in German, so my handy Google translate language tools guided me to the answer!

Here is the email:

Hi Kathy,

after your successful first training deadline are now a powerful and an endurance test. (what no one told me there was a test! I haven't studied )We want you with a muscle measurement and a heart check, so we find the optimum conditions for an even zielorientierteres(OMG the word doesn't translate what the heck is it ) have training. Join with us, please 0421/2760001damit we have a suitable date for you can find. (could damit mean something else in German or are they swearing at me because I 'm not in optimum condition)

Your team Fitnesspark

Okay Google translate is not the best, but that is kinda how there English sounds! I'm nervous they said damit call sounds kinda demanding, what have I gotten myself into ? What kinda Gym is this....? Seriously how many of you have Gyms emailing saying damit make a date for a test on Fitness! Ah!!!!!! maybe damit is part of the phone number? You know how business do that ....maybe they aren't yelling at me for not having optimum fitness!

Santa comes early for Sophie

Sophie received her special gift from Santa early this year, since we will be apart on Christmas.

She played and played with it some more.........

Getting tired........fading........fading.......fading.......

Out like a light...............!

Katelyn's Christmas Cookies

Katelyn stayed home sick from school today, she is starting to get a cold and was in need of some rest. But as the afternoon came, boredom set in, so I put her to work making cookies.

They turned out so yummy, and it was a really nice afternoon. Katelyn said it felt like she was baking with the paparazzi ! I have to say, I'm not glad she is getting sick but I was really glad to have the day with her.

Count down begins and the stress is starting....

Four days.......until we leave to go home for Christmas, the excitement is building, and the stress is starting! Christmas season this year is particularly special to us, we have been living apart from family and friends, and everything familiar and constant in ones lives, for almost six months.

Can you even Imagine.......our excitement to pack our bags and head to the airport for our long journey ahead! I really do feel like a child on Christmas Eve...I can hardly sleep !

But in the back of my mind the stress is building....I'm not done shopping, I haven't wrapped a present and then there is all the people that we want to see.....! Will there be enough time in the day to do it all, who's feelings will be hurt? Will I have jet lag for very long? Please nobody get sick....!

Its all so stressful lets hope it doesn't take away the joy of the holiday season!

No white after Labor Day?

Okay I know I have lived in Germany for five months now and really have been without real media, like a TV or magazines. But everyone here is still wearing their white jeans....maybe that rule doesn't apply past the Atlantic Ocean? Or has there been a fashion update that hit the streets this winter and I'm totally unaware...White Jeans and boots are okay!

First of all I'm heading back to the states for the holidays and I have no intention to rush out and look for white jeans, way to muddy here for white anything! Secondly I don't think white will look good with the extra beer,chocolate and bread weight I'm currently sporting BUT I will stop shaking my head at every German girl I see wearing white jeans! And applaud them perhaps!