Five Habits Meme

It’s good to be home! Before I start a cleaning frenzy because in just two days, my folks come to town, I must attend to some unfinished blog business. It appears I’ve been tagged, not once but twice. I’ll complete one today and the second a little later this week.

Over at her web, Charlotte tagged me with a Five Habits Meme and I am always happy to oblige a good meme.

Five Habits Meme

What was I doing 10 years ago?
I worked for a large computer software company as a multimedia project manager. We developed educational software for middle and high school. For some time, I worked on social studies projects, but later moved to the sciences and Spanish language. It was a wonderful experience!

Five snacks I enjoy in a perfect, non-weight gaining world:

Pizza
Enchiladas
Cheese
Wine and fanciful martinis
Chocolate anything

Five snacks I enjoy in the real world:

(see above)

Five things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Take care of my family, Max’s family, and close friends

Settle in a large city and have a summer home in the Mediterranean

Spending time traveling the world

Sponsor an orphanage

Invest, Invest, Invest

Five jobs I have had:

Waitress
Secretary
Radio Announcer
Traffic Manager (the scheduling of daily programming, commercials, etc., at a television station).
Project Manager

Five habits:

I wake up every morning and immediately download the following podcasts: Hardball with Chris Matthews, CNN Politics daily, The Daily Dish, Meet the Press, Face the Nation, This Week with George Stephanolpois, Countdown with Keith Oberlin. What can I say-- politics is my thing!

I drink exactly two cups of espresso, and begin the task of working my way down Google reader. Currently, I subscribe to over 100 blogs.

I work on my own post.

I watch Larry King at 11am every day.

Every Thursday afternoon I call my folks. It’s a promise I am happy to keep.

Five places I have lived:

Brick, New Jersey
Boones Mill, Virginia
Greenville, South Carolina
Raleigh, North Carolina
Bad Durkheim, Germany

Five people I’d like to get to know better:

I tag the following:
Trivial Affairs
Maca’s World
Over the Rain
This Old Farm
Utenzi

Summer Meme

Last week, Fabulously Me tagged me with a summer-time meme. I was so busy fretting over my party plans, I didn’t have time to give her meme my full attention, so I am presenting this a few days late.

Things I Couldn’t Live Without This Summer

1. Multiple fans to keep me cool by day



2. Cool, dry German Rieslings to quench my thirst



3. Salsa music and dancing to spice up my weekends



4. Trips to exotic places to break the monotony (We leave for Sharm El Sheik, Egypt on Thursday!)



5. Waterproof mascara – 'nuff said



6. Spanx to help me better fit into my summer sun dresses



7. Wireless Internet connection to keep me blogging wherever I travel



8. Farmers markets to buy fresh fruits and vegetables



9. A fly swatter – because without central air, my windows stay open



10. Sleeping mask (It becomes very bright here by 5am.)



11. A great companion to share in my summer days and nights




What couldn't you live without this summer? It’s always tough to decide whom to tag! But this time, I tag

Being Katie
G in Berlin
Swenglish Expat
Earth to Danie
Snooker
BluePaintRed
Jean Ann

6 Random Facts (The German Version)

The divine Danie tagged me all the way from India. She’s asked that I do a random facts meme with a German twist. So, here it goes.

Random Fact #1
Most people hate to look at themselves in photographs, but I feel just the opposite way. For some reason, I photograph well and usually look better on film than in person (especially now with digital, I can instantly delete a disappointing photograph of myself rather than having to wait for it to come back from the processing lab, already developed, before destroying it.).

But on my second day in Germany, I had the *the worst* photograph taken of me. I was jet lagged, without a functioning, 230V blow dryer, and swollen from all the peanuts and pretzels I had inhaled from the plane ride over. I would have preferred to wait a few days before having my photograph snapped, but NOOOOOO---I was required to register with the government on the first, working day after arriving and my truly horrible photograph (which had to meet strict requirements) would become part of every day life in Germany. It’s on my residency visa, my driver’s license, and every any official document I have acquired since coming to this country.

Have I mentioned it’s a really, really bad photograph? Sometimes the guys at Frankfurt International Airport’s passport control do a double take and smirk when they see it.

But just to show you I’m not as vain as you and I think, I’m willing to post it. But first, you'll have to ask really nicely and promise not to laugh. This, however, might be asking too much.


Random Fact #2
I am really starting to love it here in the Rheinland Pfalz. Everywhere I look I am surrounded by beauty—the rolling hills, the vineyards, the flowers, the cobblestone, the vineyards, the beautiful old churches, the vineyards (yes, it’s worth repeating). I like it so much that I can actually picture myself living here longer than the four years Max’s company has stipulated. But please, don’t tell my mother, ok?

Random Fact #3
Despite a promise to myself, I have yet to unpack my bicycle--the very same one Max put together for me--and take it for a whirl around town. Germany offers many wonderful bike paths. I could literally peddle from my house, through a couple lovely vineyards, all the way to the center of town without the bike tires ever hitting the streets. With gas prices hovering close to $8.50 a gallon here, I should be using my bike more often. I am ashamed to admit I don’t.

Random Fact #4
Speaking of gas prices… When Max and I arrived back in December, it cost 64 euros to fill up our Mini Cooper (about $100 in the U.S.) at the pump. Last night, we spent over 84 euros ($132) to fill up the tank, and prices are predicted to go even high in the coming months.

Random Fact #5
I love love love the taste and consistency of the yogurt here in Germany. Some days I start and end my day with yogurt, having it for both breakfast and dessert. And I wonder why I have put on the pounds!

Random Fact #6
I think German people, as a whole, are among the most misunderstood group. Before I came here, I was warned about all the usual stereotypes you hear about. But in my experience, none of this has held true. We have been so warmly welcomed by the local community! I have also discovered this is a country where the people find any reason to celebrate. And as proof, here in German you can find a well-attended, town or city festival on any given weekend. I think it's pretty terrific, really.

So that's my list. Now it's your turn. I'm tagging the following folks.

An American in Norway
Blogging Mama
Lynda in Lulusbay
Jeweled Concrete
Just a Trumpet Player

Project Pyramid

Lynda at Lulu's Bay, Cairo is always coming up with something! She's started Project Pyramid, a unique meme where she asks bloggers to find objects in nature, at home, or just around that resemble pyramids. Admittedly, I am cheating a little bit. My "pyramid" was bought in Egypt and inspired by pyramids. It's a gold and stone pendant, a wedding gift to me from Max's family. Next to my engagement ring, it's my favorite piece of jewelry.

Now head over to Lynda's and see what those who haven't cheated found.

7 Random Facts

Many thanks and a shout out to Charlotte for tagging me with this meme. Quite honestly, I’m not sure what I would have blogged about today if it hadn’t been for her.

7 (more) random facts about me

1. Everyone has one daily chore that they could live without. It’s the chore you tend to put off for another day. Well, here’s mine-- sorting and putting away the forks, knives, and spoons after they have been cleaned in the dishwasher. I don’t know what it is about this simply task, but I will let all my utensils pile up and run through several cycles before I actually put them away. Sometimes, I even leave it for poor Max to do for me. Strange, I know.

2. I recently learned that one of my old flames actually has an online fan club devoted to him. A narcissist in the truest sense, I thought he must have created it for himself, but was surprised to discover someone else had actually devoted it to him. Even though it’s only 15 member strong, I wanted to gag. Bleh!! He is such a prick! How could he warrant a fan club?

3. I feed my dog bottle water, because I worry about the high lime content in the taps, and mix basmati rice in his dry dog food so he is more likely to eat it.

4. My parents started me on ballet classes at the age of 5-years old to make me more graceful and because I “walked like I was pushing a wheel barrel.” Way to give a girl confidence, eh? I ended up taking ballet lessons for 12 years and performed in my last recital at 17.

5. I’m not a beach person. In fact, I would choose almost any other vacation over going to the beach. I don’t like water, sand, baking in the sun.

6. This goes against popular opinion and I almost dare not say it, but I believe in a woman’s right to have plastic surgery. Grow old gracefully? Sure, if that’s your thing. But I, for one, will probably look for less refined ways to go through aging. ☺

7. Can someone be taught how to snore? If so, I believe Charlie learned from his daddy, Max. Now I have two fellows keeping me up at night. Can anyone offer a suggestion on how I can combat this? I need a good night sleep!


I'm tagging fellow expat G in Berlin!

A Tale of Two Bookcases

G in Berlin tagged me with a quick meme to show what's on my shelves by displaying a bookcase.

In truth, this could be an object lesson in the idea that 'sometimes people aren't what they appear'. I have two bookcases, but only one is on display for all the word to see.



This bookcase houses some old, leather-bound classics, decorative items, and framed photographs. It's the sort of bookcase I hope people notice, admire, and think, "Diane has such classic taste." Little do visitors know that I've never actually opened any of the books to read. But that's besides the point.

Here's my second, well-used, bookcase. It's hidden my loft, out of sight of most house guests. What does this bookcase say about me? Be kind with your answers.



In truth, I'm not much of a reader. After seeing my shelves, you probably could guess this. But in fairness to me, I spent 8 hours catching up on all my blog subscriptions after returning from Italy. At least, I'm reading something.

Now it's time to tag a few of you. What's on your bookcase? I tag Utenzi, Kenju, Tenacious D, and the Grunt.

February 14: Self Love Day

Kismet, perhaps? Two separate events inspired today’s tale.

First, a recent post by the very witty Catherinette reminded me of something I wrote a couple Valentines ago. I contemplated whether to polish it up and bring it back for an encore posting as my Valentine to you, dear bloggers.

I was hesitant. Then, something happened to convince me to go ahead and re-post it. Through the virtual grapevine, I learned today is Snackie’s Self Love Day--an event any blogger, with or without Valentine, can happily celebrate. It’s a day where we not only proclaim our love for those most important, but also ourselves. If you’d like to participate, click on the link included or see the rules at the end of this post.

This concept of loving yourself is one I learned many Valentines ago. Before Max, most of my forty, forty-one Valentines have been anything but hearts and flowers. And so you know just how unromantic past holidays have been, I share this tale from February 14, 1985.

Back in the day when big hair and even bigger shoulder pads were all the rage on campus, Franklin County High, my old stomping grounds, accepted floral deliveries on Valentine's Day. Given the fact this countywide school boasted a student population of over 1500, the administration had to make no fewer than three 20-minute announcements throughout the day, requesting lucky gift recipients drop by the administration building to pick up their prizes.

Trust me—February 14 was the one day out the entire school year when you actually wanted to hear your name on the loud speaker followed by the words, "Please come to the principal's office." On this holiday, you would have thought the high school’s announcer was Bob Barker. And although she never verbalized it, you could tell each young lass was secretly whispering, “Pick me! Pick me!“

It seemed like every girl, even the otherwise unpopular, got picked expect one-- me, also know as Dead Girl Without Valentine Walking.

As students rendezvoused at lockers to sneak a quick smooch with the objects of their affection, I skulked through the narrow halls humiliated and empty-handed. Year one, I blamed the problem on being a freshman--there just hadn't been time to acquire a boyfriend. But by my junior year, with neither a Valentine nor a valid excuse, I could tolerate the humiliation no longer.

Because I worked at my father's restaurant most nights, I had a lot of expendable capital for a girl my age. And so for my 17th Valentine’s Day, I decided to use my earnings to warm up the coldest day of the year by sending a dozen red roses to myself.

That day, I beamed when I heard Mrs. Bateman call my name over the loud speakers. She really did sound like Bob Baker.

"Who sent you flowers?" the curious asked.

"It was a secret admirer!" I flaunted the hand-written card in people’s faces and pretended to gush, my acting worthy of an Oscar.

I adored the attention the delivery brought me. It didn't matter that I had to be my own Valentine. As far as anyone else knew, I was among the cherished few specifically chosen by FTD.

Sadly, however, my thrill ended before I got home from school. You see, I couldn't bear to have my nosey sister discover what I had done and subsequently ditched the long-stemmed dozen in the dumpster down the road from where I lived.

Still, this all-time Valentine's charade reaped wonderful benefit. In its aftermath I learned a couple important lessons. First, there wasn't any harm in being my own Valentine. Second, I didn't need anyone else to validate that I was lovable. I just was. I never again pretended to have a special someone. Single or not, I was already special.

In the years since that Valentine, despite broken relationships and failed marriages, I've never forgotten these lessons of my youth. And just to make sure, I treat myself to fresh flowers or a box of chocolates every February 14th and never feel a twinge of silliness in doing so.

Now show your self-love…

1.) Post a self-love banners on your blog and declare February 14th as the day you not only love your one and only, but the day that you love yourself!
2.) Post one nice thing about yourself......then ask others to post one thing that they really like about you.
3.) Enjoy yourself!

Make My Day

Sometimes, it’s the little things—you know what I mean?

Today, Karey M bestowed a Make My Day Award upon me. Wow! I’ve only recently discovered Karey’s blog, and I couldn’t feel more honored. It certainly did make my day.

Now it’ s time to spread the wealth and bestow a few of my own awards on fellow bloggers, who consistently make my day.

Since, I couldn’t possibly be as eloquent as Karey in making my awards post, so I’m going to rely on good old fashioned gimmick instead. The images I chose for each award are all part of a very specific (and obvious) theme. Can you tell me what it is?

Now on to the awards….

It seems only appropriate that I give this first award to the very first blogger I ever started reading, Jamy of Grateful Dating. Back in the day, when I first started blogging, I searched out women that I could relate to and Jamy fit the bill. With every post and no matter what is happening in her life, she always manages to find something for which she is grateful. I think that is pretty terrific and certainly worthy of a Make My Day award.



I’ve never understood why certain folks have stuck with me and all my ramblings these many years, but I certainly appreciate those who have. Mr. Single in South Beach, Dan-E, is one of those people. Whenever Dan offers his comments (even the sarcastic ones) it certainly makes my day. (PS. Dan, that’s right. You’re tagged!



Judy,Judy,Judy! Imagine someone who has the ability to make meaningful and encouraging comments on posts regardless of topic. I’m sending a shout out and a Make My Day award to a one of my hometown bloggers.



Encouraging and frequent visits aren’t the only characteristics that these two bloggers share. They are also both getting MARRIED! I’m sending a Make My Day award out to Zerodoll and AmyD. Thank you for sharing your sweet love stories with us. Hang in there ladies! It will all be over soon.



June and Runnng 42k, both runners and bloggers, each earn a Make My Day award because they inspire me to at least *think* about getting back in shape. I always feel like couch potato after reading their posts, but I love 'em anyway. ☺



In truth every one who drops by my spot deserves a Make My Day award. Now it’s time to spread the wealth. Who makes your day?

Fashionably Late?

Twenty days ago, BluePaintRed invited me to do an archive meme, but I just saw her request last night. I hope I’m not too late RSVPing to this party.

Archive Meme Instructions: Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you’ve written. … but there is a catch: Link 1 must be about family. Link 2 must be about friends. Link 3 must be about yourself, who you are… what you’re all about. Link 4 must be about something you love. Link 5 can be anything you choose. I think this is a great way to circulate some of the great older posts everyone had written, return to a few great places in our memories and also learn a little something about ourselves and each other that we may not know. Post your five links and then tag five other people. At least TWO of the people you tag must be newer acquaintances so that you get to know each other better….and don’t forget to read the archive posts and leave comments

1. Family: I’ve written many posts about both the complicated relationship I have with my parents and tight relationship I have with my brother. But as soon as I saw this category, I thought of a post about my sister, Christina.

2. Friends: Now that I live thousands of miles away, I’ve missed my girlfriends a lot. Combing through my archives and finding this post about a typical, pre-Max, outing with my girlfriends didn’t help my longing for good company or a stiff drink.

3. I rock: Well, I don’t know about that. But I do know, I’ve changed a lot over the years and my blog has evolved right along with me. This history of my ever-changing template also gives a little insight into who I am, where I’ve been, and what I hope to become.

4. I love: With 60 posts about my love, it was hard to choose the one that best represents Max. Back in our courtship, I thought one small gesture spoke volumes about his character. Turns out, I was right.

5. My favorite post. I was torn between the informative post on Brazilian bikini waxing or my $900 sheet purchase, but instead I’ve decided on this post about my 6th grade teacher. Many of you are or have worked in education, and no doubt must feel as though it is a thankless job sometimes. So, I wanted to share this story about a woman, who had profound influence on my life. I know you make a difference, too.


Ok, here is the part where I am supposed to tag. I know many of you don’t do memes, but I hope you will consider this one request. What better way to get to know the best of your archives? But rest assured, I won’t be offended if you don’t.

I tag:

Ms. Chica
M
Amy D
Me
Meno

Seven Random Things

I’m it--tagged by Tenacious D. I don't consider myslef a meme snob, but it’s been a while since I’ve done one because memes usually make my brain hurt. This one gave me one hell of a headache. I mean, really, what don’t you know about me?

7. When we left Raleigh, I didn’t think I was ever going to get over the loss of my true love, Keurig. A couple months in Germany and I’ve discovered that time does heal all wounds. My relationship was just a crush. Instead, I have fallen in love with a younger, Italian model. He makes waking up in the mornings oh so worth it!

6. Max and I allow our pets, Charlie and Rascal, to sleep in bed with us. It’s odd. Here we have a spacious house, and my little family cuddles all together into one tiny room at night. Especially now that we are in Germany, this has become a ritual. We go to bed, Charlie follows right behind us, and two minutes later Rascal is crying at the door. Fortunately, everyone has his or her own side. Max sleeps on the right; I take the left. Charlie sleeps at the foot of the bed; Rascal snuggles us toward the pillows.

5. My family boasts many artists. Both sisters, a cousin, my niece and my mother all paint beautifully. My brother plays drums and sings. I can’t do anything artistic. In fact, I failed scissors on my kindergarten report card. The teacher said I had bad dexterity.

4. I’m not a picky eater, but I do despise the following: mayonnaise, bleu cheese, ranch dressing, sausage, and ham.

3. Bruce Springsteen once told my mother I was a cute baby. Our parents were friends, and he was just a teenager. My mother’s response? “Bruce, what do you know about babies?” But, what does this say about my mother? Wasn't I a cute baby?

2. Talk about a small world! I went to a Mexican restaurant in Athens, Greece, where Max had worked as a waiter. Weird, huh?

1. I once played Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Donatello, in a weekend television promotion at a mall. Mother was so proud.

This is where things get tricky and I am suppose to tag folks. But I can’t choose between you all! So if you are reading these words and would like to play along, consider yourself tagged.