Dublin, I Love You

Whew! Sorry it has taken me so long to update. We have been BUSY! The in-laws came in last Friday, then it was off to Ireland early, and I do mean early, Saturday morning. We got back super late Monday, and then were off exploring around town yesterday. Today, we are headed to France. I think I made need a nap, or 5. Anyways, back to Dublin.

We took Ryan Air (a must if you live here!) straight to Dublin. We also took only carry on luggage, which was actually really nice. Nothing to worry about! Once we made it in we took a shuttle to our hotel. Our hotel was outside the city itself, but located on the light rail (LUAS) line. Our hotel was GREAT! It was called Glashaus, and if you go to Dublin you must check it out. We had an apartment with 2 bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. After we dropped our stuff we headed into the city. We had booked one of those hop on hop off bus tours to get around.

We visited:
The Guinness Factory, Trinity College, St. Patrick's, Christ Church, Grafton Street, Temple Bar, St. Stephen's Green, and lots more!


At Guinness (Neat museum, but better if you actually like Guinness.)


Christ Church Cathedral (Beautiful!)


St. Patrick's (Possibly the most un-churchy church I have ever seen. It is basically dedicated to donors, not to God. Pretty sad.)


View of the city from Guinness (The best part of the museum in my opinion.)

We didn't get to see the Book of Kells or Dublin Castle as they were both closed. Grrr!
My favorite part of the city and the trip was probably the people. They really are as friendly as you have heard! SUCH a change from Germany! Speaking the language is also nice, the shopping was Uh-MAZE-ING, and they had a Starbucks, and Mexican Food, and Quiznos, and Papa Johns. Seriously. I was in HEAVEN!!!!! Yes, yes, I ate some Irish food too. Whatever. Papa Johns was so good I ate 6 slices. Nice.

The next day we headed to the Wicklow Mountains. I highly recommend this tour as well. You learn a lot about Irish history, and you get to see the "picturesque" part of the country.

We were able to see the mountains, the place where PS I Love You and Braveheart were filmed, and Glendalough (a monastic settlement from the 6th century). It was beautiful (and VERY VERY VERY cold)!


Wicklow Mountains


Near the Guinness Estate


A Very Cold Couple


Glendalough


Glendalough


All Four Cold People in Glendalough

The last day just Jordan and I headed into town to get some pictures of the beautiful doors. The story goes that when the men were coming home from the pubs at night, they couldn't tell which house was theirs. So their wives being very smart, painted each door a bright color. This way, the men could easily find their way to the right door. I plan on doing a crafty wall decoration project with these.







If you are still reading...
Overall it was a great trip and I highly recommend it. Dublin is the 3rd most visited city in Europe, and I see why. It is a great 2-3 day stop on your way to other places.

Now, it's off to France...

Off We Go...

Well, the in-laws made it in safe and sound, and we are headed to Dublin in the morning. I am SUPER excited! It is always good to add a new country to the list, and the Irish people are so friendly!

Here is the best news:
1. It will be SUNNY all weekend. That's right. Not even partly cloudy- S-U-N-N-Y!
2. They have a Quiznos.
3. They have a Starbucks.
4. They have a Gap.
5. They even have a stinking Papa Johns!
6. My in-laws don't drink, so someone will need to consume their free pints of Guinness! Sweet!

I will post when we get back. Then it will be off again! Yeah!

(PS- Got to talk to my family on Christmas. For 11 minutes. Nice huh?)

Frohe Weihnachten!

Merry Christmas!

Nesting

Over the past few weeks we have been working hard on fixing up our little place. I have been concentrating on the places we are in the most. I thought I would share some before and after pictures. Even though we aren't totally finished, I think we have made a big difference! Also notice the lack of light in the new pictures. Stupid winter!

Living Room Before:





After:




Still to add- large sepia photos above the TV from places we have traveled, sheer taupe curtains in the center of the window, cover for the chair.

Bedroom Before:






After:



Still to add- painted canvases above the bed.

In other news- I'm feeling better today about the GRE thing. Thanks for all your sweet comments. Other than my sister- who finds it funny. Whatever. Anyways, now I am getting ready for the in-laws to come and for our trips. And MAN am I enjoying this break. I could get used to this not working thing....

I'm off to the gym. The cellulite issue is disappearing. AMAZING!

Merry Christmas Eve Eve!

GRE

So, I went to the New Horizons Frankfurt office to take my test. You know, the one I registered for in FRANKFURT. Well, after much driving around and freaking out, I find the street and building. Turns out it's a bank.

That makes a lot of sense.

Why you ask? That's because the test was in Herschborn! It's like Houston vs. Clear Lake, or Dallas vs. Fort Worth. It is an ENTIRELY DIFFERENT TOWN!!!

Note to stupid test people: It might be helpful to list the town as Herschborn not Frankfurt (Herschborn) so I go to THE RIGHT FREAKING PLACE.

Once I realize this I walk around downtown Frankfurt bawling my eyes out trying to find my husband and the car. I'm sure I look like a homeless person. I should have added a 40 oz. to complete the ensemble.

Yeah, so, it was too late to make it to the OTHER FREAKING TOWN to take the test. Bonus- the place I need to call is in the states and doesn't open for several more hours. So, we drive the hour and a half back home and I call the place. They will give me a refund and let me reschedule.

The next available test date? January 19th. Great. Now I have the stupid thing hanging over my head for another month.

Merry Christmas.

I'm Here

Well, I survived the last week of school before break.

Wednesday- Field trip to a German ballet production of Rumplestiltskin. My favorite part? The drunk girl carrying around her bottle of Vodka. In a kids theater performance. Ah, Germany.

Thursday- Polar Express day. Wore pajamas to school, which was a huge bonus. TBought and made hot chocolate for all the kids.  Printed tickets for the train ride for all the kids. Brought the movie. Set up the "train." Had frozen bells delivered from the North Pole. I'll take my teacher of the year award now :) (PS- I can't post pictures because I may or may not have worn pajamas sent to me by my in-laws for Christmas. :) Oops.)

Friday- Christmas party! I was happily surprised when my room mom had most of our party set up and ready to go. We decorated gingerbread houses, had a book exchange, listened to a story, gave presents to the moms and dads, and watched the Grinch. Busy, but fun, day. And, the kids were pretty well behaved. And, I didn't even drink until I got home.

Now, it is time to hunker down and study ALL WEEKEND LONG. Jordan and I are heading to Frankfurt on Monday. My GRE test starts at noon. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Pray for me!

Tschuss!

It STILL Blows My Mind

I am still totally amazed each time we book a trip. I honestly never could have imagined seeing all that we get to see in just a few years. I thought I might come to Europe one day, but REALLY?!?!? I am so blessed.

Here is what I am currently tweaked about:

December Trip with the In-Laws-
Dublin, Ireland
Metz, France
Belgium
Rothenburg, Germany

February (Valentine's Day)-
Venice, Italy! Get ready Denise!

April (Spring Break)-
EGYPT! Seriously! We are cruising down/up the Nile. How freaking amazing is that?

December 09/Jan 10-
South Africa!

I could crap my pants. (Like how I snuck "crap" in there? Ha!)

Oh yes, and in regards to my military life post, what struck me most is how amazing people found it. I honestly thought it was normal. How telling right?!? Hopefully it provided insight for those who don't understand, and laughs for those who do.

Tschuss!

Life As a Military Wife

The other night when we went to see a movie on base, I thought about how different base life is. And let me tell you, IT IS DIFFERENT Y'ALL! I mean, if I have to hear "I totally understand" one more time- I may just scream. Now, of course, all of this has yet an entirely different meaning when you are overseas. So, I realize this may or may not apply to every base. PS= The "you" referenced below will be a general (not General), non-military, stateside wife.

1. You see a movie whenever you want. I see a movie at the first available time because it may never show on base again. Oh, and I stand up for the National Anthem before my movie starts.

2. You shop where you want, wearing what you want. I have to be aware that I will be going to my husband's office to shop, and must plan accordingly.

3. You are a spouse, I am a dependent.

4. Your husband goes on business trips. My husband goes TDY.

5. You go to your local grocery store, I go to the Commissary and begrudgingly tip my mandatory bagger.

6. Your husband pushes paper, mine protects our freedom.

7. You worry about your husband on his commute. I worry about my husband going to the sandbox.

8. You know your husbands boss. I must know how to read rank and identify ALL the bosses.

9. The most common acronym your husband uses is NFL. Mine speaks entire sentences without uttering an actual non-acronymed word.

10. You decorate your home, I attempt to purchase things that could go in 10 different homes over the course of a career.

11. You take a vacation. We beg for leave, and buy insurance just in case.

12. You buy something you like. I buy 50 of the thing I like, knowing the BX/Commissary will never have it again.

13. You get weirded out seeing a gun. I think nothing of a man in the Burger King with an automatic weapon.

14. You drive home at 4:30. I can't drive at 4:30 without getting a ticket. Why? Well you have to stop for retreat and the anthem of course!

15. You feel flattered when they ask for your ID. I pull mine out before going into the restroom. I mean, you never know when they might ask for it...

16. You get excited about sales. I cry when given a military discount.

17. You know your husband's birthday. I know my husband's social security number better than my own.

What about the rest of you? Anything to add?

Now, please know, I am not in anyway complaining. I am so glad my husband has chosen to make this a career. I really do love the military life. It's just- different.

I Sense A Trend

Yesterday I officially added "wife peeing in pants" to my search terms. Do you sense a trend?

In other news, this weekend calls for more errands and a Christmas Market. You know, the usual. Oh, and LOTS of studying for the GRE. I take the test in just over a week! Ahhhh!

Speaking of grad school, on a recommendation form one of the categories for rating is "tolerance for ambiguity." Is this supposed to be a positive quality? It is really throwing me off! Everything else is along the line of people skills, organization, self direction, etc. I find the tolerance for ambiguity one quite odd.

Anyways, I hope to have all my application stuff finished and in the mail before I take the test. This way, all I have to do is wait for my acceptance (thinking positive!). After the test, I can focus on my in-laws visiting. More on that later.

Enjoy your Saturday!

STOP Googling me Creepy McCreepster!

In the latest round of "yet another reason to have Google Analytics," we have the most recent search terms leading to my blog...

1. "inurl:blogspot.com inanchor:"clarks" "
Whoa! That is WAY specific. I think I may have a stalker, no?

2. "moving living in germany blog wife"
Totally normal I think! I hope that person enjoyed their 8 minutes on my blog. I hope I was able to help. Plus, I hope I didn't scare you with stories of the suckiest BX on the planet.

Here is where it gets good...

3. "wife pee"
Um, R Kelly? Are you reading my blog?

4. "show me your wife peeing"
DO WHAT?!?!?!?! I mean seriously Mr. Kelly that's just freaking weird. STAY AWAY!

Yeah, that's right add another one to the creeper count. You still don't have GA? Well, if this doesn't convince you, I don't know what will!

In other news...
Many of you commented on my stupid ticket. I did want to clarify that you do not pay for tickets on base. You just have to go tell your husband (since you are a lowly dependent), who then must report to his commander. Also, I would like to point our that the base has a 30 MPH speed limit everywhere but right in front of the gate. Retarded. The commander can do anything from take your license away (which over here is HUGE, it's not just losing your base driving) to counseling you on the ramifications of irresponsible driving. Here is the counseling I got today...



Smart butts...

Oh Crappy Day!

What an appropriate matchy title for today, don't ya think? (PS-If you don't think so, I don't care.)

The day started out well enough. School, then to a brunch for the governing board of our spouses club. At the brunch we did a dirty santa exchange. You have never seen anything so sad. I swear. A beautiful ornament came out of a bag and everyone ooed and ahhed. Then, of course, it was stolen. The person that brought the gift wanted to really rub it in to the original picker so he said, "And I got that at Hobby Lobby. In the STATES." You would have thought we all died and went to heaven. I thought people might cry. We got SO excited about a gift from the states. I mean, you think my boots from Paris are cool, but us, we like crap from Hobby Lobby.

(As a side note, I MUST be a 4 stars wife. MUST. We went to their house for the brunch. Her house is completely furnished of course, but not only that- it is decorated. For every holiday. Oh, and she has staff. For her. 2 AF Sergeants entire job is to work at her house. They made all the food, served drinks, and cleaned up. Um, hello, sign me up for THAT!)

I digress.

After leaving the party and heading back to school, I was flagged down as I was going out the gate. I think nothing of it as they do random checks all the time. Oh no. Not for me. I'm getting a ticket. I was going 30 MPH in a 20 MPH zone. Whoa Speed Racer! I do think she enjoyed giving the ticket to an officer spouse. Grouchy lesi girl. Whatever.

Then, it was time for Christmas program rehearsal at school. FOR AN HOUR AND 45 MINUTES. Shoot me in the face. My kids were good, mind you, but that's a LOT of Christmas songs. Ugh. And they wonder why I talk about drinking under my desk. ;)

Be sure to come back tomorrow for a Google search update. It's a doozy!

Oh Happy Day!

I am a happy lady today. Yes, even on a Monday. Why, you ask? Let me show you...



That's right. They started carrying the drink from heaven at the Commissary. I swear to you that Cherry Coke Zero is the best drink ever invented. Ever.

When I saw it in another ladies' basket, I skipped and frolicked all the way to purchase 2 packs for myself. I would have frolicked all the way to the cash register, but, ya know 2 12 packs in your hand makes that more difficult.

All is right with the world again.

Update

For those 3 of you who regularly read this blog, you know about my creepy mccreepster issue on the google search. Yeah well, Mr. "Baby Bump Porn" search has now returned 5 times. Either that or 5 totally whacked out creepers are coming to my blog. Ewie!

The child mentioned in the last post with the alchy dad was dropped off this morning at school by none other than- alchy dad. Of course, I take it upon myself to share the story with him. He ended our chat by saying he was disappointed she wasn't more specific in her choice of words. He said Corona would have been more accurate. Nice.

This weekend consists of getting crap done. I need to finish my grad school application and get some GRE studying done. Then it is errands and other boring married people stuff. Don't worry though, at the end of this month we will be going to 5 countries in a week, so my life will be more exciting then. I just hope you can wait that long...

Kids Say Crazy Crap Volume 3

Story 1-
Our German teacher came in today, upon hearing I am not a hugger, and of course- hugged me. Then I punched her in the face. Okay, not really. Anyways, one of the kids asked why I cringed and I said that I only like to hug little people.

Child 1 replies, "But you hug Mr. Clark don't you?"

Me- "Of course. But he's the only big person I can hug."

Child 2- "My mom and dad are ALWAYS hugging and kissing."

Me- "That's what moms and dads do."

Child 3- "Not mine. My mom won't touch my dad. She never does."

haha ha ha ha haha!


Story 2-
Scene: Lunch Table

Child 1- "Mrs. Clark, do you love Diet Coke?"

Me- "I sure do. The cherry one is my favorite."

Child 2- "My mom likes Diet Pepsi."

Child 3- "My mom likes regular Pepsi."

Child 4- "My dad's favorite drink is alcohol."

I seriously almost spit out my drink. Funniest thing EVER! You may remember this child from an earlier version of Kids Say Crazy Crap, in which she said she helps by making sure her brother doesn't break her dad's small glasses with pictures on them. I sense a trend.

Story 3-
Today we started learning blends/digraphs. Our first was the /sh/ grouping. We were all brainstorming a list of words with the /sh/ sound.

Child 1- Shoe!

Child 2- Shop!

Child 3- Sh- i- t, Shit, Uh-oh!

SO FUNNY! Good thing the other kids had no idea. I pretended I didn't hear it. Guess that is what I get for teaching the /sh/ sound the day after I teach the -it family.

Hope you enjoyed the latest edition of my life as a Kindergarten teacher!

For Your Enjoyment

This is some funny crap! This girl has an entire myspace page for her "music." Perez Hilton even talks about her.

This is the perfect example of how being positive and encouraging with your child can go to far.

Enjoy!

Followers and a Meme

So I lost and gained a follower today. Happy, and yet so sad. What did I do? Was it the homeschooling hatred? Or were you, *gasp*, a fake follower for contest purposes. Oh you Prodigal son, when shall you return? This follower stuff is stressful.

You know what isn't stressful? Winning crap. (I think I should put the word crap in every single post from now on. Look for it. It will be like Where's Waldo?) Check out New Girl on Post, but don't enter her contest because I am going to win. Ha!

Now for the meme. I think this is cool. You just bold the things you have done. Here we go:

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band (Rock Band!!!)

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (Um, that would be Rock Band again!)

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort (Well, I just saw snow for the 3rd time last year, let's take it slow.)

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (February!!)

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie (The Ringer, look for me!)

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class.

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp

67. Bounced a check (Oh, High School...)

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car (I'm married to Dave Ramsey Jr., this will never happen.)

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

<88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life (Lifeguard! Holla!)

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous (Andy Roddick, Gery Senise, John Ratzenberg)

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person (Texas Texas, Yee Haw!)

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

I feel so accomplished! I tag anyone who wants to see if their life has been worthwhile :)