So much new in so little time...

Ah August...the first year I'm not attending school...wish I was as a teacher but that will come with time. So, catch up yeah? Three more weeks until I move in to my new apartment...it will be so nice, it's two bedroom - two bathroom. Beautiful and my roommate is wonderful, can't wait to move in with him. Getting there may kill us but it's worth it...all of a sudden it was - set up power, cable, internet, renters insurance, move and prove you can make it - *falls over* but I have a great support team and a wonderful job and prospects for second jobs so we'll be fine.

I got hired on at Sally's Beauty Supply...I interviewed for that job the same day as my last (and only) teaching job. My boss is so wonderful, she's giving me all sorts of hours I need to make it along with writing a letter of employment to the apartment. Now if subbing will work out it'll be all okay. If it doesn't, then I'll do something else, so happy I'm not worrying...I did have my freak out and signing the papers gave me a fright but it's worth it.

I had another interview with a school to be a tech aide so we'll see, I'm not sure if I'll take it but it gives me experience with interviewing. I think subbing would be better...I have to start packing this week and next *falls over* ...I hate going through stuff and deciding what to take but...kinda need stuff so it's worth it. Can't wait to start fall off the right way. I am so lucky.

Deadliest Catch

I have never liked reality T.V., I find it for the most part petty and pointless, but this show is something completely different.

Tonight we watched the last episode that Phil Harris would be appearing in. He passed away in February of 2010. The addition of "After The Catch" brought a new light. This show tonight said farewell to a Captain, Phil Harris.

I started watching the show when it began and connected immediately with the Cornelia Marie. Seeing the entire fleet go through the hardships and dangers that are almost second nature to them puts my own life into some sort of perspective. I realized that this great man would have passed without the world knowing. It's only because Discovery launched the show that so many people have grown to love and follow the lives of the extraordinary men. It's the show that made it possible for millions of people to witness the passing of a father and captain. I cannot imagine losing my father so I hope that somehow Josh and Jake feel the support of all the people that watch the show. In a twist I went to 'Like' Deadliest Catch - F/V Northwestern and went to their home page and they had instead a black screen with the words "Goodnight, Phil" along with the song "Hear you me" by Jimmy Eat World. So, I thought I would share it with anyone who passes by. This is the only reality TV show that shows men at their most vulnerable and finest all at the same time. I admire the men of the Alaskan fishing fleet and sincerely thank Discovery channel for putting this show on the air.

Sacred and Profane Love
Titian

Which is Sacred and which is Profane?

Give Up?

This is a master work which embodies Neo-Platonic ideas about the greatest of emotions - Love. Awhile back I heard on average a person will "love" seven times...is it the same strength of love as what Titian is trying show? Our English language has but one word for love that has been diluted and used to describe love towards another or love for chocolate.

C.S. Lewis wrote a book about the Four Loves: those loves are Eros (the act of being in love), Storge (affection), Philia (friendship), and Agape (unconditional).

A person can stare at this painting and just the surface meaning is simple beauty, the glowing colors coupled with the movement in the drapery and the calm of the distant landscape...how the painting calls to all begging to be unwrapped and understood. This painting was meant for a sophisticated audience - this is a challenging painting and my small understanding but scrapes the surface.

Just take what one sees, the figures of the two women, the audience has stumbled in on a conversation taking place. Scholars have suggested these two women appear to be sisters. Behind the women there is a child or a cupid stirring the water with his arm in a well shaped like a sarcophagus. Water represents a baptism a rebirth and the Sarcophagus is how humans lay the dead to rest. By placing the two together, out of death comes new life.

Sound familiar?

Titian used very thin oil glazes to capture the light and this painting glows. The time of day appears to be a late afternoon or early evening (a golden hour). The glowing light illuminates all areas in the painting. Moving down to the bottom of the sarcophagus is a traditional looking relief sculpture...but I'll get to the in a minute.

So made up your mind? Think you know who is who?

The Profane Love is the woman on the left in the gown. Looking at the background is the first clue, she is in a cluttered moody dark background, there is a fortress in the upper left corner. Closed off and fortified, nothing can get in and set her soul free. There is a hunter also in the background, he has gone hunting and has not been successful, there are two rabbits sitting staring at the audience. She is clothed in layers, a belt, gloves, heavy layered dress, long sleeves (one red and one white), she isn't open and sure of herself. Her expression appears to be mulling something over, perhaps something her sister has said while figuring a jar that is closed and covered. In her other hand is a rose, something so beautiful has thorns, it must protect itself.

Back to the relief sculpture between them, at first it doesn't look like anything special but upon further examination it reveals devastating realization. The sculpture moves towards Sacred, a man is leading a horse by the mane, another man is holding a man by the hair, there is a screaming woman. Not pleasant depictions. Also the rose bush is between Profane and Sacred - going from focusing on the thorns to the petals.

The Relief Sculpture provides dynamic symbolism, Profane must go through something like a rite of passage or a hardship in order to reach what Sacred is possessing. Profane must die to her old ways to reach a life of new, some rites of passages include; baptism, puberty, conformation, Marriage

Be baptized in the mystery of love

Sacred is the nude holding an oil lamp - purity doesn't need anything to hide behind. The clouds frame the lamp with a lit flame pointing towards heaven, the background is clean and open. She is the dominant figure, when one first looks at the painting the eye goes to her, that was no mistake. The white around her lower abdomen and red drapes have life and are reflected in Profane's sleeves. There is a flock of sheep with a shepherd (the Good Shepherd) and there is also a huntsman who has been successful and returns with a kill. The church steeple points upward.

Sacred is asking Profane to let go and be venerable to love - to put something on the line for love - open herself up - take a leap - Trust

Can you rise to the plea? Can you love like this?

Dear Doctor

Dear Doctor...I regret to inform you, you are stupid. That's right I said stupid. Oh I know it must be very hard for that inflated head of yours to wrap around the concept of lack of intelligence but believe me sir, you, have taken the cake. Not only did you prescribe an antibiotic without really talking to me...no you walked in the room looked at my finger and within a minute I had a prescription for the drug from hell. Yes that's right from hell...you didn't tell me side effects, all you said was "don't go out in the sun"....which I followed. You neglected, very stupidly I might add, to tell me that this drug will make you feel like you're going to die. It will kill all the good bacteria along with the bad and make you basically have the flu...complete with chills and stubborn fever.

For posterity a list of my side effects:
Fever, chills, heaviness in limbs, confusion, restlessness, swelling of lymph nodes, runny nose, restlessness, slight shortness of breath, hives, severe headaches, soreness of muscles, loss of appetite, and upset stomach.

No, no warnings about rashes or hives or shortness of breath...especially no mention of the need to be replacing the good bacteria that it was killing. So, two and a half weeks after I stopped taking the medication (oh yes I went against doctors orders and stopped because I said "I have hives = really allergic" they said "keep taking") I visit my newborn nephew and end up in prompt care, (after having called you doctor to ask what I should do...you replied "take Bactrium" ...asshole.) with "raging tonsillitis" wanna know how I got it? Oh that's right...from the Bactrium you prescribed. So after an actual shot of penicillin and a new antibiotic of augmentin I pray I am on the mend or the next visit will be a stay at the hospital...

Dear Doctor again...four visits, three antibiotics later and my allergic reaction - raging tonsillitis is now officially mono...once again, thank you.

So yes doctor...you indeed are an idiot.

A warning for the rest of you: DO NOT take Bactrium it is a sulfa drug and if someone prescribes it to you MAKE SURE you get the complete list of side effects. I am allergic to said drug and wish it would be pulled off the market after all the horrible posts from others who were subjected to the drug. It is entirely too aggressive.

The Rocket Summer - Walls

Late Nights.

Ah night time, a time I am beginning to dread...so many things slammed before me and I'm not sure where to go or what to do. This is my test, can I stand on my own and take my steps without help or do I wimp out and take refuge in a safe haven. No, nights aren't good, too many possibilities and options and disappointments looming. I feel like I've been trampled, broken promises, people saying, "oh great job" and "you do so well of course I will support you" and nothing comes...no letter, no acknowledgment, it hurts more than I let on. I busted my tail to work and I was given feedback that I did a wonderful job and then...silence. Nothing but darkness in the night, both embracing and cold. I don't like uncertainty and every road I am looking down is full of it. So, which do I choose?
I'm not saying I regret anything, because I don't...but it doesn't make it easy, or enjoyable. I pretend to be fixed when in actuality I feel like the Beatles lyrics "...take these broken wings and learn to fly...take these broken eyes and learn to see..."

So begins my road.

Zodiac

EMILY

To Strive or Excel or Rival

MAYAN
Mayan Sun Sign: Crocodile (Imix) : Crocodile receives messages of primal creative force. This energy is simply the beginning of all things. Crocodiles who follow their hearts are seen as geniuses. There is no order to the primal messages, so Crocodile persons should direct their energies toward practical and cooperative efforts to bring productive results. Crocodiles have a strong nurturing energy and will work hard to provide security to family and friends. Being extremely territorial, Crocodiles must watch not to be over protective or too dominating. While in these states, Crocodiles are insecure, indecisive and emotionally volatile
Mayan Galactic Tone 5/Empowerment : At the center of the cube we find Five. Five is an intelligent, organizing force which manages communications, materials, knowledge and application. Fives are natural net workers who gather what is needed. These persons can probe directly to the core of any situation making them excellent investigatorsCHINESE
Rabbit : Kind, affectionate but often over cautious and can be superficial at times.
Positive traits: sensitive, tactful, home loving, refined, prudent, discreet, long-living, ambitious, cultured, well-mannered, artistic, considerate, scholarly, suave, graciously hospitable, modest and calm.
Timid and attractive, the Rabbits of the Chinese Zodiac tend to act more like bunnies, whether they like it or not! This Sign is extremely popular and has a wide circle of family and friends. Its compassionate nature leads it to be very protective of those it holds dear, but where romance is concerned, the Rabbit's sentimentality can lead it to idealize relationships. The sweet, sensitive Rabbit often ends up giving more of itself to a partner than is realistic or healthy. The good news is, when this Sign goes off-balance, the Rabbit's core group of friends and its stable home life help bring it back to center.

The Rabbit is a rather delicate Sign that needs a solid base in order to thrive. Lacking close, supportive friends and family, the Rabbit might just break down in tears at the first sign of conflict. Emotional upsets in this Sign's life can even lead to physical illnesses. Rabbits dislike arguments and other conflict and will try anything to avoid a fight; this results in something of a pushover nature. Rabbits can also lapse into pessimism and may seem stuck in life -- often to mask their insecure natures. Rabbits tend to move through life's lessons at their own, rather contemplative pace; it's a waste of time to become exasperated with this Sign's seeming disinterest in facing its problems and conquering them.

With the right partner -- meaning someone whose high principles won't allow it to take advantage of this sensitive, giving Sign -- the Rabbit can make an incredibly loving and protective partner or family member. Rabbits love to entertain at home and always make sure their house is comfortable and tastefully-furnished. What Rabbits need most is a stronger sense of self-worth and the security that comes with it. Their discerning natures, coupled with some hard-won assertiveness, will help these happy creatures go far.

Fire: unspoken magnetism and mystery to the Rabbit. A burning desire to live life to the fullest, active and adventurous and love anything that sparks their creativity or curiosity. Fire Rabbits are charming and tend to push their emotions into the backs of their minds, but will speak up if necessary.
Those of you born under the influence of the Chinese Element Fire burn through life with your fierce charm, your impulsive enthusiasm and your restless emotions. A natural leader, you inspire with your decisive action and dramatic expression; people can't help but be magnetically drawn to you. Where will you lead your followers? Likely into an exciting adventure of some sort. You're instinctual, but your mind sparks with new ideas and clever solutions. In love, you're highly-charged -- even combustible at times! Hot tamales to the core, these dynamic individuals can see straight to the heart of an issue and make it work for them. You may seem single-minded, but you just refuse to be swayed from a cause they believe to be important.


WESTERN ZODIAC SUN SIGN
Taurus : Ardor, patience, determined, logic, industry, sensuality. Taureans never slap or sting. Rather, they creepy up on you, affect you deeply and leave their indelible impression on your soul. Think of Taurus as a long sensual kiss.Your element: EarthYour ruling planets: Venus
Symbol: The Bull
Your stone: EmeraldLife Pursuit: Emotional and financial securityVibration: Determined energy
Taurus Secret Desire: To have a secure, happy and wealthy life/marriage.
Description:
Underneath their cool, calm and collected exterior, Taureans differ greatly from all the other signs of the zodiac. Taureans manage to discreetly stay apart from the crowd, even though they have a well-earned reputation for being social. They will let others get close, but only so close as they want them. Some claim that trying to get your point across to a Taurean, should they not want to hear you, is rather similar to talking to the trees – they simply won't budge. And, there is no such thing as an open-book Taurean. Their feelings, fears and desires often run far deeper than anyone around them would guess. Like the butterfly that chooses to remain hidden in its cocoon until it is ready and prepared to emerge, so the true Taurean spirit remains hidden behind a veneer of day-to-day activities. That's why Taureans are sometimes regarded as snobby, withdrawn, boring, or even sulky.
The truth is, when Taureans manage to operate very adequately on their own form of automatic pilot, they can switch off from the world around them very efficiently. And when they do switch off, they are actually gathering in their inner reserves to deal with the outside pressures. This sign is also very closely connected to 'feeling good'. Most Taureans like their creature comforts and hate change because it takes them out of their automatic pilot condition of separating themselves from the world around them.
Because they hate to be put in jeopardy of any kind, this is the sign that strives to create tomorrow in advance, rather than leave it to fate. In love, Taureans are regarded as extremely sensual beings. An earth sign, they deal well with the personal, physical senses and consequently all the pleasures associated with what they can see, touch, smell and taste, add up to a special delight to them. Often nature and pet lovers, Taureans are closely associated with all things off the earth and nature.

Taurus Basic Profile:
conservative, sensible, responsible, meticulous, artistic, loyal consistent, dependable, generous, physically strong, sexual, but can be rigid, stubborn, selfish, suspicious, hot-tempered

MOON SIGN--VIRGO
The Moon in Virgo individual knows intuitively that the world is complicated and multi-faceted, and many things need to be done to keep afloat in it. If he or she is an energetic person, they can easily become workaholics as they will fuss endlessly about every detail, unable to relax and calm down until a whole pile of different chores have been sorted out. The inability of these people to relax can often lead to nervousness and disturbances of the digestive system. They can become over-critical and sometimes this makes them highly-strung and rather unbearable to those around them.
On the other hand, sometimes if the Moon in Virgo belongs to a passive person, he or she might end up doing nothing at all. They know very well how many things ought to be done, but because they know they will be unable to do everything, they just stay idle.Since they have a good memory and are resourceful, Virgo Moon people often succeed in areas where it’s necessary to keep a lot of details in mind, and they can prioritise, systematise and put things in order. They are curious to know how the human body works and how to make it more efficient, and as a result they may find themselves studying medicine, nutrition or some kind of healing. In fact, knowledge of what to eat and when to eat can be really important for Virgo Moons because in their physiology, the state of their health is very closely related to their digestion. Perhaps this is the very reason why Moon in Virgo people are so selective with food. Never will they eat just anything! Ever!To stop being stressed out, these people find it helpful to do housework: cleaning, washing up, tidying. Domestic chores can serve as a kind of shelter from the problems of life. Another much less desirable way to deal with their nervousness is to pass it on to others! They do this unintentionally, because it can be so difficult, given their attention to details, not to find something wrong with someone and then latch on to it and nag.
Parents with the Moon in Virgo want to teach their children how to work, how to do everything themselves, and how to keep things in order. Perhaps this is because their own mother taught them how to do all these things, in the same way.

Virgo Basic Profile:Analytical, rational, fair, methodical, talented, planner, hardworking, discriminating, tasteful, motivated, reserved, intelligent, creative, orderly, structured, but can be critical, rigid, sarcastic, snobbish, narrow-minded

COMPARED TAURUS SUN AND VIRGO MOON

• Symbol--------------------The Bull-------------------The Virgin
• Element-------------------Earth----------------------Earth
• Group---------------------Emotional----------------Intellectual
• Polarity-------------------Negative------------------Negative
• Fav. Colors---------------Green/Brown------------Navy/Neutrals
• Key Body-----------------Part Neck/Throat-------Nervous System
• Ruling Planet------------Venus----------------------Mercury
• Cross/Quality-----------Fixed-----------------------Mutable
• House Ruled-------------Second---------------------Sixth
• Opposite------------------Scorpio--------------------Pisces
• Lucky Gem---------------Emerald-------------------Peridot

EGYPTIAN
Anubis' are clever, full of compassion, a bit of a fatalist, slightly ambivalent or inhibited but deep...Female color Crimson, male color sienna


AZTEC
Name - Cipactli
English name - Alligator
Tonal name - 1
Description
Alligator is a good and creative nature. She tends to be very helpful individual, and carries much concern worries of the others. Sex plays important part in alligator's life but is not necessary item although sex has deep significance for her. Alligators are mostly very faithful partners.



NATIVE AMERICAN
Beaver - methodical, perseverance, inventive, headstrong

CELTIC
Willow
Physical Goal: To encourage a comfortable relationship with the material world, which is full of lessons and cycles of changing values. Change is paramount for growth...and values are no exception.
Mental Goal: To gain understanding of a particular concept...a steady accumulation of facts is the foundation of understanding. Not everything may be learned in one lesson...the key is repetition.
Spiritual Goal: To learn that there must be periods of rest rather than continual activity.

DRUID HOROSCOPE
Name - Jasmine
Dates - 1.5-14.5,3.11-11.11
Type - Feminine
Element - Fire
Description
Jasmine is swift in her talks, thoughts and moves. She's sensitive, emotional and pessimistic. Jasmine does considerateness, diplomatic and farsighted actions. Jasmine looks for independency and does not want to be tied up to anything.

FINNISH HOROSCOPE
Main sign - Wild boar (lynx)
Heart sign - Lynx
Dates - 17.4-8.5
Description
This boar is very efficient combination, charismatic and lives on the edge of present. Her humour is demanding, even strange, because she resents obvious things. There are some, who start to dislike this boar because of her originality.
There are two kinds of people among these board: Positive basic wild boards, and extreme divas. She feels same time as a calculative as dreamiest. She thinks impossible dreams being needless waste of time, and plays only with safe cards.
She lets her inspiration to affect everything and after she's finished her project, she's open for praising.

BLOOD
Type A – The Farmer
calm
patient
sensitive
responsible
overcautious
stubborn
unable to relax

AUSTRALIAN
Hairy-nosed Wombat - Fertility = End of Cycle


http://www.angelfire.com/wi/innerwisdom/auzastrology.html
MAYAN - http://www.mayanmajix.com/TZOLKIN/index.php
WESTERN - http://www.psychicguild.com/horoscopes_zodiac.php?sign=Taurus
MOON - http://lunarium.co.uk/sign.php
EGYPTIAN - http://hubpages.com/hub/Egyptian-Astrology
NATIVE AMERICAN - http://www.brownielocks.com/NativeAmericanHoroscope.html
CELTIC - http://www.novareinna.com/constellation/willow.html
AZTEC - http://www.thebookofshadows.net/aztec-horoscope/cipactli.html
DRUID - http://www.thebookofshadows.net/druidhoroscope/jasmine.html

Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas Celebration

Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas Celebration

I used to love this video and was so sorry when I accidentally taped over it. Yay for Google though, I typed it in and Boom took me to Fanpop and the next thing I know I found it!! YAY! Hope ya'll enjoy...I know it's early for Christmas.

A Link to My Pictures from Sweden

Folder to Share

Alas all things must end.

I am very sad that this is my last blog about my trip but all good things must come to an end. Sorry it was so late at the end of my trip I didn't have a lot of time to write.

17th - Monday
Today was filled with shopping and walking around the city it was very nice always wonderful to be with David. I bought some gifts at a few stores and dragged him in a few clothing stores, he was such a sport. When his mother came home we chatted for a bit and went for a drive, she took us to the beaches that David and Evelina went to when they were young Gullvik and Nyänget. Some guys in a shack on the beach were wanting to buy my camera...I didn't know what they were saying so Christina answered for me.

18th - Tuesday
Today we met up with David's father and walked to Cafe Uhe for sandwhices and chatting it was nice to see him, we walked down to the harbor right as it started to sprinkle and we met another family member and talked for awhile he was nice and we walked back to the apartment so we could get his gift and said goodbye, I realized my stay was coming to a close, and that made me sad.

19th Wednesday
Today was special (every day was) we went back to morfar (David's mothers' father) for a visit. The majority of the conversation was in Swedish of course and David's grandfather was so wonderful he tried to speak to me and they made me feel so welcome. David has such a wonderful family everyone has been absolutely amazing.

20th Thursday
movie day, yay movie day

21st Friday
Today was my last day at the apartment we hung out with Maria she came into town and we went down to the harbor where we saw his father again so we sat and talked some more and walked around a little more waiting for Anton (Maria's boyfriend) to get there then her father to pick them up. After they left we walked back home and chilled for a bit, David had something up his sleeve and I knew it but he kept a great poker face.
Turns out Christina planned a wonderful meal it was three courses, avacado with shrimps, yummy meat with potatis, and corn and a mushroom sauce then a homemade chocolate mousse it was absolutely amazing. They gave me hard bread, porridge, and chocolate, pure yummy chocolate, with the sweetest letter. It was so amazing and I was completely surprised (David did good keeping the secret).

22nd Saturday
Boy was today a long one, we got up about 8ish had to be on the bus at 10:10 to Ostershund where we met with David's friend, Björn, Larsan, and Peter and we had to buy wood...it was an adventure the guys are really David has very good friends. So we get back to Peter's apartment (I felt bad because my bag was heavy...stupid books weigh a lot)...and David started asking for, what I thought, was a girl....Kistine. I was thinking...who is Kistine...and why dont I know about her...dun dun duh... turns out Kistine is an allergy pill...that's ok haha. So we played some games (it was awhile before the dinner) and I had coffee to keep me awake...yay kafe. Then two girls walked in, one with her hair all done (the bride Lindha, Peter is the groom) and another girl (Linda). They introduced themselves and the bride was getting things together and Linda sat down next to me on the sofa we started talking. Yay new friend, we have a lot in common and I showed her my DS Lite (we were talking about games) and just chilling having fun.
At the dinner I met Hanna (Linda's sister) and her boyfriend Mattias and three other guys that are apart of their group we had dinner and listened to very nice speeches made and more talking with the group. Linda's boyfriend knew about Waco Texas...Dr. Pepper Museum and wants to go there. After dinner we hopped in a taxi and went to the airport (Larsan calls it a field...he's right) where the sun was starting to set. About 10 the bride and groom made there was to a ring of tiki torches and were hitched, Yay Peter and Lindha! We were then ushered inside to warm up and have fika, yay fika. We went back outside for a fire performer (very entertaining) then back inside for cake and socializing. It was a lot of fun Linda, Hanna and I talked up a storm and I didn't feel at all out-of-the-loop or alienated. All of them are so nice and welcoming and it made me want to live there. A little later (after more caffine to keep me awake) we went outside and sat by a pit fire, David made me a hamburger and we talked with everyone and joked around. Around 3 a.m. we were eating candy (again to keep us awake) and decided the after party was done, Peter and Lindha offered for us to come back and wait at their apartment before we had to catch the train.

23rd Sunday
At about 6 a.m. we were out on the street waiting for the bus to show up to take us close to the train station (still haven't slept). I was getting a little cranky...but trying to maintain my good mood. The busdriver dropped us off close to the station but we had a hard time finding it...so I thought. David is of course calm and cool and trying to keep me calm...we had plenty of time I think part of it was I was so tired. So we found the station and at 8 we hopped on the train to Arlanda (the Airport at Stockholm). I finally fell asleep on the train and slept pretty good. At the airport I bought a bag (I needed something to take away some weight from my check bag) and we found the shuttle to the hotel. Checked in just fine went up to the room to find a cute little room with two twin beds and very contemporary design. We passed out and slept...yay sleep. I woke him a little later because I was so hungry we hadn't eaten since 2:30 that morning and it was about 7 in the evening. So we walked down to the little mall and everything was closed except a McDonalds...we ate. We needed food and it was pretty good. Went back up and slept, we were so tired.

24th Monday
We got up early to have a really good breakfast provided by the hotel and the went back up and fell back asleep (7:30 is too early to be up haha) when we woke back up we had been given some tickets for transportation by his mom should we choose to go to Stockholm. Since it was so late in the day and we were ending our stay I really just wanted to lounge around and not deal with traffic and people. So we walked around the little mall attached to the hotel and had lunch at a cafe and just enjoyed a relaxing day. That night we had a nice dinner at the hotel restraunt it was just a nice peaceful day to spend with him. What we needed.

25th Tuesday
Today is a hard day...we woke up and had breakfast got ready and went to the airport...my least favorite place today. We walked around I got checked in where I was asked numerous questions about bag packing and if tweezers qualified as a weapon. We sat I cried of course I of course don't want to be without him. Finally I had to go through the checkpoint to get to my plane, walked back had another passport check and again had to answer questions about bag packing and presents. The flight wasn't full at all and I sat next to a really nice Serbian woman who ended up being my traveling buddy. It's nice to have someone to stand next to you in long lines and I needed the company. Philly was fine customs was fine and the plane back to Dallas seemed to take forever. I was so happy to see my parents it was weird because it didn't feel like I was gone for that long. I guess I have two places I love to be, Sweden and America.

I´m a bear etc.

12 Augusti 2009
So we racked our brains...cant remember...this is what happens when I wait too long to post. Probably movie and chilling...yep still blank.

13 Augusti 2009
Today was not a happy day, we had an appointment to see Lena, she helps with visa´s etc. In short she said getting a work visa was near impossible but good luck anyway...real encouraging. She did however tell us to contact the US Embassy in Stockholm...which is only open from 1 to 2 pm...and it was 1:30 by the time we got home...again encouraging. After 2 a guy randomly picked up the phone and didnt give us a much better solution but we are finding options and it will work so no worries. Just was a *Debbie Downer* day.

14 Augusti 2009
Friday...David planned a romantic dinner on top a mountain. The dinner was a Greek buffet...hard part. On top of a mountain. How to get there? A. Walk around the mountain B. Find a series of little paths. or C. Crawl up the ski jump stairs... which did we choose? Why C of course that makes the most sense it was quicker...shoot me. (this is all in a good humor tone). So we proceed to *run* (as David tells me I did) up the 200+ stairs (no joke). The ski jump is 90 meters high about 300 feet. So we make it ...the first part of our journey. We then had to crawl up a steep hill (due to my stubborness of not wanting to go around) and through a forest path until we reach yet more stairs. joy. Crawled up those to be greeted with a gorgeous view and 15 minutes to spare. Again. Shoot me.

But seriously it was a romantic dinner with the best possible company ever and I look back on it and smile. He asked jokingly if we would go down that way and quickly answered it himself. We walked down the road and then found a little path and wove our way to the bottom (much much much better). It took almost an hour both ways but it was so much fun and I loved every non thinking-I-was-going-to-pass-out moment. Afterwards BANANA CAKE! I am bringing home the recipe it is A.mazing.

15 Augusti 2009
Today was so much fun we went on a drive around the High Coast...what is the High Coast one might ask...well...the High Coast is a part of Sweden that was once covered under a glacier (like everywhere else) but what makes it special is the land has rebounded almost half an inch each year. It also possess´ breathtaking nature, which I think all of Sweden is beautiful. So we began our drive and went by the tallest mountain in that region of Sweden...they asked if I wanted to go up on a hike...I declined with a smile. I am not the best hiker. So we went onto a few cultural places along a designated nature reserve road. Part of the World Heritage Fund. Very beautiful, we saw local artwork and Micke found really big blueberries with lingonberries too...so of course we had to eat. Very yummy so sweet and mmm. So we kept going til we stopped at Mannaminne and walked around the outdoors museum through different periods and countries. Very nice collection of works and ideas and it is always growing. We then had a fika...yay fika and then headed to the coast.

We drove to the outside of a nature walk (reminded me of Funks Grove) and walked through the woods and you could hear the sound of the ocean. We met the ocean with huge, I want to say Granite, slabs and miles of them. We had another Fika...yay fika consisting of cavier yummy bread and bacon cheese with sopas! Then went to the water to feel it and of course it was cold but so refreshing. David and I walked along the rocks and through the surf for awhile til it was time to head back to the summer home for the night.

We got back to the summer home and had dinner (really good kyckling and potatis with sallad and Loka) Then out to the fire...dun dun duh. My boyfriend is a pyro but that is okay. We sat outside and talked for a long while. Once we had gone to bed I made David tell me what he and his mom were talking about early but wouldnt tell me. Apparently about 3 days ago a bear had been stumbling around up in the woods nearby the summer home and Christina found the proof that there had been a bear (draw your own conclusions...it is the obvious one). Also she found the remains of a moose...somebody was hungry. Anyway, there are a lot of bears up in that area (brown bears in case you were wondering) but they havent had encounters with humans. So I wasnt worried but definately didnt want to out at night by myself...for good measure. Anyway no I have never seen a bear while I was there and probably wont. So dont worry mom.

16 Augusti 2009
It is raining and cool and we are taking it easy. Peace.

It has been awhile

So where did I last leave off...it has been forever since I last wrote...

28 July 2009 Tuesday
David took me to the museum where he wanted to show me the history of his city...too bad the city decided to nix their exhibit and put in two new ones for the duration of my stay. Oh well, it was a textile exhibit and a womens awareness one. I thought of TWU during that one it was very well put together and was a current issue.

29 July 2009
On Wednesday we walked around town a little just enjoying the day enjoyed the docks and sun and people sitting everywhere. Very pleasant day.

30 Juli 2009
A movie day just chilling at home taking it easy before our big weekend in Umeå

Friday
So Maria and her parents picked us up and took us to Umeå for a big fair on Saturday, we stayed at Maria´s apartment and had a wonderful chicken dinner...it was chicken with a pinkish sauce, very tasty and we just talked throughout the evening.

11 Augusti 2009
It is the first of August...my stay is drawing nearer to its end...very sad indeed. Today we went to Nolia mässan....a huge fair with 8 different parts and plenty for all to see. The food tent was the best but I was told smaller than previous years. We had deep fried cheese with cloudberry jam and let me tell you it was absolutely amazing. I also had like a reindeer pita for lunch...it was yummy. After we got done with the fair it was dinner time so we headed to a O´Learys...which produced a menu of five options so we quickly threw out that idea and set off to find another.
We passed by this place called All Stars and it looked good so we sat down and looked at the menu...let me mention there was Texas Smokehouse Sauce...lol. So we ordered, I had the best chicken pasta it was amazingly tasty and David was kind enough to let me try his steak...melt in your mouth goodness. I also had a Murphy´s Red Beer which was so good. We then went back to Maria´s, with the addition of Anton (Maria´s boyfriend) and watched a movie just chilling.

Sunday
Home movie day and kingdom hearts

3 Augsti 2009
David took me to a shop where I found a few gifts for my parents and Jennie and Michael and something for myself. I like the Art Noveau movement and I found a gorgeous ring that I couldnt pass up getting.

Tuesday
More walking around and chilling

Wednesday
David had a meeting down in the library complex so I tagged along to keep him company and I wanted to of course. So we went down and after he was done checked on some visa things and then decided to pay his farmor a visit (father´s mother). So she was home and we had a good visit, I got to see where she volunteers and we talked and of course had fika.

Thursday
David treated me to a picnic outside in the cool evening, he is the best chef if I havent mentioned that already...never hurts to again lol. We took it easy watching clouds and we started reading the sixth Harry Potter book...since we saw the movie now we want to read the book lol. It was a lovely evening.

Friday
Dun dun duh....tried to watch Event Horizon...dvd played temporarily died so we played Kingdom Hearts and Dofus.

8 Augusti 2009 Saturday
David received, as a birthday present, a trip to an island called Ulvön (wolf island...no, no wolves there). At 8 in the morning Maria, Jocke, David and I headed for the ferry, it is a 2 hour ferry ride to get there it is one of the biggest islands around here and beyond that island is open ocean until you hit Finland. The ferry was nice we got to be up on top with fresh air which was very nice rather than being down and stuffy. Once we got to the island we headed up to the hotel for a buffet that was part of his present...we got there and the man told us that we would have to come back for second seating because there was another ferry that took the first seating. No worries. So we walked back down the stretch of road (btw. no cars can drive after 10 p.m....they want to keep the quiet little village quiet). We headed to the store because Jocke and David were hungry and then headed back up to the middle where there is the first church in Sweden I believe...or maybe that region...idk first something.
Inside this little wooden building where painted murals of the saints and other important stories from the bible. I took a few pictures then we sat on the tables outside to wait for lunch. Lunch was fun...there was potato salad, raw salmon, cooked salmon, smoked some other fish, fish in lasagna, fish in a tomato sauce roll...fish fish fish. Wasnt my favorite buffet but wasnt bad dessert was amazing. Blackberry and another type of berry cobbler with creme. Amazing, and of course coffee. After that we headed back down the road to catch the ferry to come home. I am getting a tan. Quite nice.

9 August 2009 Sunday
Christina and Micke invited us out to the summer home for the day to wait for Evelina to come home (Evelina is David´s sister who is a year older than me...she is very delighted at this fact...once again I am the youngest in the group lol.) So we went to the summer home and I actually took a swim, it was fairly warm and it was a warm day so the water felt nice. After our swim I was told it was time for me to try surströmming....fermented herring...I will let you keep with those thoughts...

Survival Guide... 1. Cannot eat this inside (the smell is too potent and needs a breeze to take some of it away) 2. Wish you have a good solid cold (so you cannot smell the can of fish) Sound yummy yet? How to eat it....Tunnbröd like a semi hard bread, red onion, potato, and sour cream, butter, and another piece of Tunnbröd.

Basically they cut off the herrings head and throw it in a can add some brime I think and let it sit for a year...you have to eat it after a certain date printed on the can and before another date when it expires. Sound yummy now? My thoughts exactly. Christina kindly fixed a fish for me...removed the entrails, roe, and bones and David, thank goodness, put a tiny tiny tiny bit of fish on my bread. Pretty sure Micke took pictures. I ate it all to say I did...never to again. Halfway through our meal Maria, and Evelina stopped by so Christina could give her some real food and I got to meet her, she is so sweet. They didnt stay to eat (wonder why lol) and thankfully Christina provided Swedish meatballs in the off chance I didnt like the fish. It was still a good meal.
After supper and a short nap all four of us went out fishing on the lake...Christina I think caught two perch, Micke and David caught 1 and I caught two bait fish. We smoked a fish and then came back to the apartment where Evelina was already there. We had of course a fika and then we talked til about 2 I think and went to bed.

Monday
Today we got up and went to Christina´s fathers home for lunch. It is in a little town outside Övik called Bjästa, this is also the town where David was baptized and his mother married in the same church. A lot of history it was nice to see and hear it. We had a good lunch and even better company, Evelina had her boyfriend Robert along so we got to meet him and David´s grandfather is absolutely precious. He welcomed me to the family and I found out later that he was worried about meeting me because the language barrier but we both said it went well. It was such a nice visit and a wonderful day outside. After we left we went by the summer home so Robert could see it and then back to the apartment.
After dinner we went up to play laser tag, up up and up got there got dressed and got our guns and then hiked up some more up and up til we got to the spot. The team was David, me, Robert and Evelina against Christina, Micke, Jocke, and Maria. The terrain was rough I must say I am not conditioned for it but it was a lot of fun. We had face paint and the whole 9 yards and our team won all three games. The last game Robert hit me on accident then Jocke and I stood up thinking I was dead then proceeded to remember I still had hits...then died. Alas haha. We hiked back washed our faces in the lake and had fika of blueberry muffins sooooo yummy. Then went home.
We started a shower procession and Robert started playing the guitar which led to singing and led to Micke printing the lyrics to songs and we sang them. It was a lot of fun, I think we are gonna take the show on the road lol. After that we had yet another fika and talked til about 2ish when Evelina and Robert had to leave to go back to Umeå. We said goodbye and then we talked a little more and went to bed

Tuesday
Im writing my blog. Chilling. Yeah.

What I have been up to

On wednesday we went back to the library because one of my missions was to get a book (or books) in Swedish because..I want to learn and then be able to read. So he asked if I wanted to go to the bookstore but I said better to check at the library. Yay booksale! fill a bag with as many books as possible all for 20 kronor (exchange rate is 1 US to 8 kronor (rounded)). So...I got I think 16 or 18 books...do the math, good deal!

23 Thursday 2009

It was raining and Christina and Micke wanted to take us to the summer home, so we went it is about an hour and half drive out to the house that his grandfather built it has the main house and a little house up the way on a gorgeous lake. It rained for most the evening. We had salmon in foil with potatoes and spring onions (yummy) and of course coffee and schwarzwaldtårta (like a sweet cake with creme and merangie...a.mazing.

Friday

Rain still so we drove to Umeå and walked around, it is like a college town so it is a little bigger than Övik. David was sweet enough to walk around while I played the tourist role, not taking much mind to the shops. (I went with him to RPG and card game shop so all is good ;D) We met back up with them and went to Rhodes a pizza buffet where I had kebab pizza (yummy Bambi).

On Saturday we went back home and just chilled watched movies I played Kingdom Hearts...he helps me with the hard stuff, yay boyfriend!

On Sunday we went to Maria´s parents house for pizza and fun, we had four pizzas with a variety of toppings - tuna, blue mussels, shrimp, corn, mushroom, ham, pineapple, we are good chefs it was a lot of fun. They live on the ocean sound so we walked down and went for a dip...COLD! I did dunk under so I am not a whimp lol. It was refreshing and so much fun (yes I took the picture)

27 Måndag 2009

A movie day, we went to the store and bought muchies and watched LOTR.

Dun dun Duh...Tuesday

Yes me, Emily Anne, rode a bike and didnt do half bad. Not use to street bikes but it was fun and I think I picked it up kinda ok need to practice more, David is, as usual, a very patient and good teacher. My reward was movie! Yay movie!

Wednesday

He was so sweet we went on a picnic down by the harbor it was cool we packed fika (snacks) and just laid in the sun (because you can do that here it is cool enough)

Thursday we went to meet his dad for lunch and then down to the docks so much fun just laying in the sun with a nice cool breeze, I am getting a tan hahaha. Who would have thunk.

what I have eaten...dun dun duh

so since I have tried so many new foods I thought I would share it with the rest of the world.

There was:

MEAT

Elk, moose, bear, and horse sausage (moose and bear was my fav)
liver beef (not as bad as I thought I actually liked it)
Sill (pickled herring ...not too bad)
Tuna pizza (no at the restaurant - yes at his cousins house)
kebab pizza (lambs...yummy)

Reindeer pita

Surströmming...the devil of all foods.
Meat steaks with relish (yummmmmmy his farmor is a great cook)
Chicken pie (his mother is a good cook....see the trend?)
Chicken with rice and pepper sauce (swedes love their sauces)

BERRY

lingon berries jam
cloud berries jam
Nyponsoppa (yummy)
Blueberry Soup (I was in heaven)
Swedish blueberries
Lingon berries

DRINK

sugar soda
apple and grape soda (both yummy)
trocadero soda (apple and orange)
Loka (YAY carbonated yummy water)
water (yummy H2O)
spring water (straight from the mountain)
Saft (juice was black currant yummy)
Black Currant Te (yum yum yum)

Murphy´s Irish Red Beer (the best)

DESSERT

Swedish Dark Chocolate (buddy yeah)
Salt candy (....no)

Banana cake (yummy in my tummy)
Sour candy (....yes)
Digestive Crackers (like a graham cracker)
Pear Creamscicles (a. mazing)
VACUUMS...you can see my excitement
Polka (icecream...not my fav. peppermint)
Licorce icecream (yummers)
Schwarzwaldtårta (saweet)
Fin skorpor (like hard biscotti really good in coffee)
Pigglin Popscicle (about to try it...he loves feeding me food lol...verdict....tasty)

CHEESE

manor cheese
priest cheese
household cheese (yes Becky all good and all white)
Messmör (not sure but its good ....like...the by product of milk maybe?)
Västerbotten ost (sharp yummy)
Bacon Cream cheese (good)

Cavier in Cheese (yummy)

BREAD

hard bread (YES)

Tunnbröd (thin yummy better than a tortilla by 100%)
More types of thin bread (all good)

DAIRY
fil (no. not my cup of tea like a runny sour cream)

FOOD

Swedish pancakes (okay)
Reheated swedish pancakes with milk and sugar (yummy in my tummy) ....David is a good cook if you cant tell
Cabbage and Lingonberry salad (yum)
Cavier (yay tubed baby fishy eggs)
Coleslaw wraps (spicy fika goodness)
Mushroom pie (sooooo good like a quiche)

....more to come as i eat more haha

So happenings today...pictures to come soon.

Day 4 July 19 2009

So today I got my first look at downtown Övik, (pictures to come don´t yell lol) and oh my gosh it´s so incredibly beautiful.

Day 5

It was raining, the first rain I experienced here and we decided to go up to look at supermarket but we took a turn to walk by this little cemetery (it´s won best in the country...and it shows). Since his dad lives on up the hill we decided to see if he was home...yay he was. I got to meet him and we talked for a bit than headed on up into the woods where the training centers and trails are located. We sat in a little rest stop and had a fika (yay fika!) and then walked back down to look at the supermarkets...we need to adopt them.

Note to self ... I should have worn a pedometer lol I´m curious how far I will walk

Tisdag 21 Juli 2009

Today we went to his farmor´s (father´s mother´s), house for a lovely meal. She is absolutely adorable and so hospitable, we played Chicago (a card game) and his father and a friend showed up for fika. After much talking and having a good time we went to the library and his dad called and we met back up with him for icecream - I had raspberry and polka (like peppermint) and we talked and walked to look at the Arena and around and I realized I am from Texas and was cold...so we walked back to the apartment to get my coat (yay coat) and back down for pizza. I had tuna and ham pizza...good in the moment but not something I would eat again. We walked back down to the harbor and out and around on the dock and back home at 9ish.

So much to see and do and I will post pictures...when I take them hahaha (I´m gonna be here for 6 weeks...what´s the rush)

*Peace

So I Am Here...

Let´s see I have been here for three days and...I guess I should post *sigh* hahah kidding entirely.

So I got on the plane from Dallas to Philly on an Airbus...it wasn´t the big one...darn it. Anywho sat next to this couple who I found out at the end were headed to Stockholm on their route to Paris. Woot! So we landed in Philly and walked over to the other terminal - I was hoping for a sparse flight so I could stretch out and sleep - hahahaha not happening! It was so crowded and now (after much searching with the help of David) I sat next to Steve Kilbey...who wrote "Under the Milky Way" he´s an Aussie and next to him was a San Deigo biker guy who belonged to the NRA...needless to say they had some heated discussion about all things. It was interesting to say the least but yeah he wrote it and used to be in the band The Church. He was a really nice guy. Anyway, so the plane ride sucked!!! Let´s try cramming everyone into a tiny itty bitty the smallest plane that can go Trans-Atlantic...then we were delayed an extra hour almost because our navigation system had a malfunction and so we had to reset it...oh yeah I had faith in the plane hahaha. So I didn´t get much sleep and really it´s ok because I was too excited.

So we land and get off the plane and wow...I was like "where´s Stockholm?" so get off and *dun dun duh* CUSTOMS!! Which consisted of, "Hi how long will you be staying? What is your business here...*stamp* thank you welcome to Sweden"...yeah the US Customs sucks in comparison lol (so says David). So weave my way following Mr. Kilbey for as long as I can ...til he disappears and then follow the crowd. *fast forward* got my bag *walk walk walk* go out and "where´s David?" he snuck up and surprised me and it was amazing!!!

Item 2..getting to Övik (I like his keyboard no codes for special characters!!) took two trains and a bus, was so much fun I got to see where he went to school in Gävle. *fast forward* the bus we are in Övik and his mother and Micke are so sweet to come and pick us up :D We four went home and had dinner and talked (she is an amazing cook! Yummy I know where David gets it from). Then bedtime...long day deserves long rest.

Day 2 Uneventful and relaxing. We watched movies and I slept ...a lot. Yay JetLag.

Day 3 We went to this really cool market in Åsele and got to see a band called Alcazar they were 90´s Pop Rocks. Still enjoyable we walked around looking at vendors...both got a little sunburnt and then went and had chicken ...yummy. Oh and the water called Loka is AMAZING it´s carbonated and mmmmm. Speaking of water ..America sucks...the tap water is so clean and pure and yummy - better than Sams bottled water. After dinner we started home - stopped and talked to some friend of theirs and looked out at the gorgeous landscape. Micke wanted to go swimming so we went swimming at a lake along side the road - just drive past 10 find one that isnt private and park the car. How cool is that!?! So they went swimming Christina and Micke ...I was too cold and David was sweet and didn´t want to leave me. Sweetheart! So after that we had fika (break time) and off again. Micke was thirsty so what do we do? Pull along side the road and drink from a natural well...just beside any road where water is pouring out. Yummy! I love this country...all for now.

It's the Day Before

So tomorrow morning I leave on my plane to hop across the pond...do I have everything?
I had heard that SpaceSaver bags were the way to go...so I bought the travel space savers and tried - where you roll out the air. Nope wasn't gonna cut it...see I was trying to pack 6 weeks worth of stuff into a carry on bag...HaHaHaHa...wasn't happening.

So we went back and purchased the vacuum ones - surely this will work...well when you add in presents and a coat (in July I might add) I needed about another inch for it to work. No worries it all fits very nicely in this brown bag. Of course I have my black backpack equipped with things to keep me not bored on the plane...I will probably sleep on the plane with my smooshy pillow!!

My next post will be from Sweden! Peace*

So I was on Facebook

And man alive there are so many of my classmates who have gotten married. It's crazy, good crazy, but still crazy. Time flies I suppose...15 days...and I'm still bored. Well I should say bored at school.

Been hanging out with Julia, yesterday I went to her place and Beau grilled out peaches...we thought "oh yum grilled peaches with this marinade..." barely got one bite down...
Cinnamon
Sugar
Coriander
Cumin and I think that's it...oh and orange juice

No! Cinnamon and Sugar Yes...the other no...it was way too something not edible...wish I would have saved the picture of the peach. Alas.

I really think that's all...

Counting down the days

So it's 28 days until I go to Sweden...I feel like a dog chasing my tail the days just drag on...around and around. A fluffy Wheaton Terrior with a pink collar... You know, I just realized 28 days...a movie and 28 weeks later ...a movie. We're all gonna die! Kidding entirely *ahem* man I am bored. So I don't go stir crazy I enrolled in a summer class, Computing for Teachers. Brilliant, it's a good class, I know the basic programs but now I am learning how to do them faster...ooo rah. Good thing it's only two hours.

I really have nothing to write except that I'm bored and I had a really great thing I wanted to blog about...I thought to myself "Gee I should write a blog" and now I forgot. Darn it.

Introduction

David.

Hi, so yay blog...I've tried many a time to open and keep active one of these but we'll actually see if I will. The reason I want to in the first place is I'm going overseas this summer and it'd be fun to document what happens. Not that anyone will find this entirely interesting...still would be fun. Let's see...oh right where I'm going, Sweden. How in the world did I choose Sweden? Well I'll explain.

Back in 2005 my family had moved down to Texas and I had followed after High School. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, still not entirely sure, so I tried a University in Oklahoma. Quickly, I came home. So I enrolled in the local junior college and massage therapy school at the same time. Fun stuff. Well my Massage Therapy professor one day was playing a game after class. It was a MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) or something, called Flyff. I had never tried an online game and I'm kinda that type of personality. So I set up an account and went on my merry way.

In May of 2007 I was playing on a different server from the norm and ran across a character named Kavalch. Thinking it was a reference from Oblivion I started talking to him. Found out it wasn't an Oblivion reference (bummer) but I liked to talk to him. Something strange happened, I asked if he had MSN Messanger, something I have never done before or since. After saying yes we started talking. Slowly but surely I began to really like him. One speed bump - he lives in Sweden.

Ah the story comes full circle.

So now we have been together over a year and he came last June to stay for a month and now it's my turn. So to Sweden I will go.