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.

View from the kitchen window

How do people come up with these great ideas? Today’s post is the brainchild of Lynda at Lulusbay in Cairo. She requests that bloggers post a picture of the view from their kitchen windows. Please know this request is not only reserved for expatriates. Anyone can share his or her view, the sight you see everyday while sipping that cup of morning joe or perusing favorite blogs.

So here’s the view. I don’t have much to look at because my kitchen, once the barn of this 1000-year-old house, opens into the courtyard. My house is shaped like an ‘L’ and the courtyard completes a rectangle with the house. For this reason, none of my windows offer a view outside the stone walls.

In fact, only one small window, positioned rooftop, offers a view of the vineyard, which is in crawling distance to the house. Now only early February, you might not be able clearly see the vines. But rest assured, it will be in full grape production this summer.


So, now it’s your turn. Show us your view! Post a picture from your kitchen window and tell Lynda so she can add a link to it from her site.

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.