1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR
Ben Tebbutt for Billy
2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (longest friend)
Sarah Noland - Friends since middle school... we got to spend time together each time I have visited the US and she drove up for Atticus's shower this month. I am thrilled to get to spend time with her celebrating Spencer's wedding in May.
3) NEWCOMER AWARD - MOST AMAZING NEW ADDITION IN MY LIFE
Die Inge!!! Free spirited, opinionated, strong, fun, open minded, kind
3) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR
Playing basketball after being retired for a decade
4) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR
Cyprus - struggling to adjust to pregnancy, spent too much money, couldn't pull myself out of the funk
5) BEST HOLIDAY
Walberla
6) SONGS FOR 2012
Mumford - Hopeless Wanderer
LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It (Louie)
Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
Fun. - Some Nights
Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
Gotye - Somebody that I Used to Know
7) MOVIES FOR 2012
Les Mis
Hunger Games
Stoked to see Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, and Lincoln
8) VALENTINE of 2012
Eeeeks I cannot remember
9) BEST RELATIONSHIP of 2012
Mommy... great phone calls and emails
10) Deleted
11) HALLOWEEN COSTUME of 2012
Hot mess... I was too prego to try anything
12) RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Huett'n
13) BOOK OF THE YEAR
The Book Thief
14) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR
Hmmm... yet to be determined.
15) PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR
Raise Atticus... travel to Italy, Greece, and somewhere in the Baltic (Norway or Finland)
16) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK in 2012
Erin's Bachelorette Party and falling asleep on the bus on the way home
17) TV SHOW OF THE YEAR
Homeland
18) MOST HONEST and AUTHENTIC FRIEND of 2012
Anna Small
19) BIGGEST CHANGE OF 2012
Pregnancy
20) BIGGEST DOUCHEBAG AWARD
hmmm... douche? Maybe Billz ;)
21) NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
marathon and keeping it real
22) MOST HUMOROUS EVENT OF 2012
Prague
23) BIGGEST PURCHASE OF 2012
Vacations...
24) DA MISS YA AWARD
Tiffers
25) THE COACH K AWARD FOR BEST ROLE MODEL IN 2012
Probably Ben Borrusch. His work ethic and the way he handles people is impressive and admirable. His ability and courage to speak German also inspires me.
26) THE MAGGIE AUSTIN GENIUS AWARD MOMENT
falling asleep on the bus coming home from Erlangen
27) GREATEST GIFT OF 2012
Coldplay in Hannover!
28) CW AUSTIN AWARD FOR BIGGEST IMPACT
Probably Anna Small again
December 31, 2012
Baby Atticus is on the Way
In November my wonderful friends in Germany threw me a Baby Shower. Kelley put it all together with help from Anna, Brooke, and Inge.
Last Saturday, my sister threw me a huge brunch to celebrate Atticus's coming arrival. I was so thankful for all of the amazing gifts and even more that so many people drove to be a part of it.
Last Saturday, my sister threw me a huge brunch to celebrate Atticus's coming arrival. I was so thankful for all of the amazing gifts and even more that so many people drove to be a part of it.
November 14, 2012
...cause it's ladies night and I feel alright...
A little over a year ago I was pretty depressed in Germany and decided I needed to put myself out there if I was going to pull myself out of that funk. Therefore I joined a basketball team and attended my first Chickhaus (ladies expat group) event. I was a bit timid and considered cancelling since, as much as I try to be, I am not exactly a girl's girl. Thanks to champagne and a bartender that gave us free roam of the bar, most of the night is a bit hazy, however I do remember letting completely loose and having an absolute BALL with Ms. Kelley Geris.
While I had met Kelley 8 months earlier, we had not hung out much due to the interesting (to say the least) social dynamics of an expat community. I must say, Kelley has completely livened my German experience. She is never short on witty comments, inappropriate jokes (a compliment in my book), fabulous fashion, enviable decorating or entertaining ideas, drama, and craftiness. Unfortunately, she is returning with her husband, Jesse, to the US in December. Therefore, we decided to recreate our Prague experience (minus broken doors and crazy midget Asians) by traveling down to Munich with our other Real Hausfrauen of Erlangen castmates.
The first night I had organized "The Real Hausfrauen of Erlangen Present... Favorite German Things" party (similar to Oprah's favorite things party) for Kelley. We each bought items that were or represented our favorite things in Germany and gave them to her as gifts. I think it turned out quite well... I gave her a scarf I bought at a market in Budapest to represent the European markets that I love so much. I also gave her chocolate, schnapps, and a stein from the Altstadtbierbrau in Nürnberg (my favorite beer). I slid in some OB tampons as a joke since we cannot find any regular tampons here.
We stayed up past 4am talking and laughing (insert some drama in every now and then)... really a nice night.
Saturday we did some shopping and then went out to dinner and to a small bar for some drinks. Sunday was breakfast and a nice train ride home.
While I had met Kelley 8 months earlier, we had not hung out much due to the interesting (to say the least) social dynamics of an expat community. I must say, Kelley has completely livened my German experience. She is never short on witty comments, inappropriate jokes (a compliment in my book), fabulous fashion, enviable decorating or entertaining ideas, drama, and craftiness. Unfortunately, she is returning with her husband, Jesse, to the US in December. Therefore, we decided to recreate our Prague experience (minus broken doors and crazy midget Asians) by traveling down to Munich with our other Real Hausfrauen of Erlangen castmates.
The first night I had organized "The Real Hausfrauen of Erlangen Present... Favorite German Things" party (similar to Oprah's favorite things party) for Kelley. We each bought items that were or represented our favorite things in Germany and gave them to her as gifts. I think it turned out quite well... I gave her a scarf I bought at a market in Budapest to represent the European markets that I love so much. I also gave her chocolate, schnapps, and a stein from the Altstadtbierbrau in Nürnberg (my favorite beer). I slid in some OB tampons as a joke since we cannot find any regular tampons here.
We stayed up past 4am talking and laughing (insert some drama in every now and then)... really a nice night.
Saturday we did some shopping and then went out to dinner and to a small bar for some drinks. Sunday was breakfast and a nice train ride home.
November 6, 2012
The Pest!
Shall I step up to my high horse again? Na... I will try to stand in place.
Since I am fortunate enough to be in Europe, I feel I should travel European.
We took the train to Budapest - it was CRAZY, especially at 7.5 months pregnant, but that is part of the experience.
We arrived and took another 45 minute bus outside the city to our hotel. I had bought a weekend off of Groupon because it included a spa and Aquaworld - not bad, really enjoyed the comfortable bed (and probably needed it due to Atticus) - but I really prefer to be in the city, in a hostel.
We started the next day in the tourist district and wasted a day... not bad sight seeing, but when I are in a place as unique and alternative as Budapest, I need more than pretty sights. We did the Central Market Hall - nice to see but generic, Parliament - incredible architecture, wandered the streets looking for certain stores I had read about, drank hot wine, stopped into Zappa Cafe, and went into every McDonalds or Burger King so preggs could pee every 30 minutes. Ugh so annoying.
We did visit the Tisza shoe store, and I could kick myself for not buying a pair now. I was so focused on finding a Christmas gift for Butch's son Zach, and so disappointment when they didn't carry a 14 for him that I forgot to look for me or Billy.
We also found a tapas restaurant for dinner that absolutely hit the spot. It reminded me of my first time overseas in Le Creausot where I didn't eat a lot of food, but it was of such quality that it completely filled me up. The prices in Hungary though did not remind me of France AT ALL. I had a 3 course meal (spicy red lentil soup with homemade bread, pork cutlets with fried onions and a sauce I wasn't familiar with, potatoes, and pistacio cake with vanilla bourbon cream) for what converted to about 13 euro. Billy had a four course meal for what converted to about 15 euro (smoked trout on bread with homemade cream spread, soup, duck in an asian sauce, and pistacio cake). Amazing. I also had a fabulous homemade lemonade and Billy's wine was to die for.
Early to bed and early to rise is a pregnant woman's life. So we were off Saturday for Antique shopping... unfortunately Hungarians do not rise so early, so we skipped the Antique district and headed out of the city for the Esceri Fleamarket. We were definitely the only English speakers out here, but this is what Billy and I travel for... to see something real. To see and experience life outside of our comforts. We didn't know which bus or where to get off, but luckily with some fancy hand signals and a map, a bus driver put us on the correct bus and motioned at us when we were to get off.
A food stand welcomed us into the market, and for what amounted to 3 euro we ate chicken wings, pork sandwich, sausage with homemade bread, and hot peppers. We had some difficulties ordering, and Billy got embarrassed for the first time in our marriage when I practically touched someone's food trying to say I wanted some of that, but it was soooooooooooooo good. OMG.
We went to the Castle District for fantastic views of the city, an even more fantastic wine tasting, and topped it off with a late lunch at the best deli I have ever been to. At Mangalica & Társai Húspatika we had something similar to a burger, something similar to a hot dog, and baked cheese and a salad. Ahhhhhhhh.
We finished the evening with the Budapest version of a funnel cake, a long walk, and an evening in the spa at our hotel.
Sunday was WAMP day. I was super stoked because I had read a lot about it. I had hoped for the design fair, but unfortunately it was the gastro fair the weekend we were there. Coffees and jams and cookies and hummus and cream spreads and breads and cheeses and meats... OHHH myyyyy. Billy was in heaven with the local brews - very hoppy makes a very happy Billz.
Next was the market at Szimpla Kert. Sooooooooo cool. I cannot even describe it. I could absolutely kick myself for not going here each day for the atmosphere. We supported the local poor population by enjoying a bowl of some type of meat stew. There was every type of pickled veggie on sale and it was cheap as dirt. I always feel 'not cool enough' at these types of places, but at the same time it is so unpretentious that it just doesn't matter.
We caught our afternoon train back to Germany. Tough ride back, but I will take that any day over car or plane.
Since I am fortunate enough to be in Europe, I feel I should travel European.
We took the train to Budapest - it was CRAZY, especially at 7.5 months pregnant, but that is part of the experience.
We arrived and took another 45 minute bus outside the city to our hotel. I had bought a weekend off of Groupon because it included a spa and Aquaworld - not bad, really enjoyed the comfortable bed (and probably needed it due to Atticus) - but I really prefer to be in the city, in a hostel.
We started the next day in the tourist district and wasted a day... not bad sight seeing, but when I are in a place as unique and alternative as Budapest, I need more than pretty sights. We did the Central Market Hall - nice to see but generic, Parliament - incredible architecture, wandered the streets looking for certain stores I had read about, drank hot wine, stopped into Zappa Cafe, and went into every McDonalds or Burger King so preggs could pee every 30 minutes. Ugh so annoying.
We did visit the Tisza shoe store, and I could kick myself for not buying a pair now. I was so focused on finding a Christmas gift for Butch's son Zach, and so disappointment when they didn't carry a 14 for him that I forgot to look for me or Billy.
We also found a tapas restaurant for dinner that absolutely hit the spot. It reminded me of my first time overseas in Le Creausot where I didn't eat a lot of food, but it was of such quality that it completely filled me up. The prices in Hungary though did not remind me of France AT ALL. I had a 3 course meal (spicy red lentil soup with homemade bread, pork cutlets with fried onions and a sauce I wasn't familiar with, potatoes, and pistacio cake with vanilla bourbon cream) for what converted to about 13 euro. Billy had a four course meal for what converted to about 15 euro (smoked trout on bread with homemade cream spread, soup, duck in an asian sauce, and pistacio cake). Amazing. I also had a fabulous homemade lemonade and Billy's wine was to die for.
Early to bed and early to rise is a pregnant woman's life. So we were off Saturday for Antique shopping... unfortunately Hungarians do not rise so early, so we skipped the Antique district and headed out of the city for the Esceri Fleamarket. We were definitely the only English speakers out here, but this is what Billy and I travel for... to see something real. To see and experience life outside of our comforts. We didn't know which bus or where to get off, but luckily with some fancy hand signals and a map, a bus driver put us on the correct bus and motioned at us when we were to get off.
A food stand welcomed us into the market, and for what amounted to 3 euro we ate chicken wings, pork sandwich, sausage with homemade bread, and hot peppers. We had some difficulties ordering, and Billy got embarrassed for the first time in our marriage when I practically touched someone's food trying to say I wanted some of that, but it was soooooooooooooo good. OMG.
We went to the Castle District for fantastic views of the city, an even more fantastic wine tasting, and topped it off with a late lunch at the best deli I have ever been to. At Mangalica & Társai Húspatika we had something similar to a burger, something similar to a hot dog, and baked cheese and a salad. Ahhhhhhhh.
We finished the evening with the Budapest version of a funnel cake, a long walk, and an evening in the spa at our hotel.
Sunday was WAMP day. I was super stoked because I had read a lot about it. I had hoped for the design fair, but unfortunately it was the gastro fair the weekend we were there. Coffees and jams and cookies and hummus and cream spreads and breads and cheeses and meats... OHHH myyyyy. Billy was in heaven with the local brews - very hoppy makes a very happy Billz.
Next was the market at Szimpla Kert. Sooooooooo cool. I cannot even describe it. I could absolutely kick myself for not going here each day for the atmosphere. We supported the local poor population by enjoying a bowl of some type of meat stew. There was every type of pickled veggie on sale and it was cheap as dirt. I always feel 'not cool enough' at these types of places, but at the same time it is so unpretentious that it just doesn't matter.
We caught our afternoon train back to Germany. Tough ride back, but I will take that any day over car or plane.
Was there an October in 2012? No, really.
Ash came. I forget how much I enjoy her company. Super, super cool girl.
Fuerth's Michaelis Kirchweih
Lina's Birthday
Finished my German 3 class
Guided city tour of Forcheim
Bowling
More doctor's appointments to make sure my baby boy is ok
And Halloween....
Fuerth's Michaelis Kirchweih
Lina's Birthday
Finished my German 3 class
Guided city tour of Forcheim
Bowling
More doctor's appointments to make sure my baby boy is ok
And Halloween....
October 10, 2012
Fix You
I am thirty, 30, 3-0, three zero.
I am an adult.
I am a wife.
I am a [soon to be] mother.
I am my favorite number.
Crazy.
My 30th birthday was my absolute favorite birthday since my 21st birthday when my mom took me to NYC.
We kicked off the weekend with a 1.FCN Nürnberg game with a big group of our friends. I always really enjoy the sporting events in Germany.
Billy had also began the week by giving me a present each morning.
Day 1: socks and a butterfly
Day 2: bracelet and family wood piece
Day 3: maternity pillow
Day 4: heating pad
Day 5: skull necklace
Day 6: the sweetest card and a trip to Hannover to see Coldplay!!
Day 7: box of letters from home and gifts for Atticus
It was absolutely wonderful. It was just amaaaazing quality time with the most quality person that I know.
We woke up and hit the road heading north.
Billy had a cardboard box with him that I knew was from my sister, but I thought it only contained gifts that she and mom had bought for Atticus. Once he told me I could open it, I began to go through letter after letter from all of my friends back home... absolutely touching.
We stopped for a sandwich and arrived around 2pm. We grabbed some coffee and soups at the cutest little cafe, 'Audrey's', and then did a little shopping.
Our shopping extended later than we planned, so we rented bikes to get to the Thai restaurant and back to the stadium in time. Unfortunately, the Thai restaurant did not have a table available, so we found 'Thai to Go' down the road. It was SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD. It was a little mom and pop restaurant with amazing authentic Thai.
We sprinted back on the bikes to get to the concert.
After searching for about 30 minutes for our seats, we were quickly informed that our seats were actually in a private bar area... we had to be escorted by beautiful women in white suits to our seats!! It was soooo boooossshhhhiie.
Say what you will about Coldplay's music, but their shows feel so personal and special. Coldplay doesn’t just give you a performance, they give you an experience. We got these light up wristbands, so colorful and cool, they had fireworks and clouds of confetti floating down on me, and splattered painted beach balls, and they prove how talented they are live. It was romantic and fun, beautiful and unforgettable.
I am an adult.
I am a wife.
I am a [soon to be] mother.
I am my favorite number.
Crazy.
My 30th birthday was my absolute favorite birthday since my 21st birthday when my mom took me to NYC.
We kicked off the weekend with a 1.FCN Nürnberg game with a big group of our friends. I always really enjoy the sporting events in Germany.
Billy had also began the week by giving me a present each morning.
Day 1: socks and a butterfly
Day 2: bracelet and family wood piece
Day 3: maternity pillow
Day 4: heating pad
Day 5: skull necklace
Day 6: the sweetest card and a trip to Hannover to see Coldplay!!
Day 7: box of letters from home and gifts for Atticus
It was absolutely wonderful. It was just amaaaazing quality time with the most quality person that I know.
We woke up and hit the road heading north.
Billy had a cardboard box with him that I knew was from my sister, but I thought it only contained gifts that she and mom had bought for Atticus. Once he told me I could open it, I began to go through letter after letter from all of my friends back home... absolutely touching.
We stopped for a sandwich and arrived around 2pm. We grabbed some coffee and soups at the cutest little cafe, 'Audrey's', and then did a little shopping.
Our shopping extended later than we planned, so we rented bikes to get to the Thai restaurant and back to the stadium in time. Unfortunately, the Thai restaurant did not have a table available, so we found 'Thai to Go' down the road. It was SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD. It was a little mom and pop restaurant with amazing authentic Thai.
We sprinted back on the bikes to get to the concert.
After searching for about 30 minutes for our seats, we were quickly informed that our seats were actually in a private bar area... we had to be escorted by beautiful women in white suits to our seats!! It was soooo boooossshhhhiie.
Say what you will about Coldplay's music, but their shows feel so personal and special. Coldplay doesn’t just give you a performance, they give you an experience. We got these light up wristbands, so colorful and cool, they had fireworks and clouds of confetti floating down on me, and splattered painted beach balls, and they prove how talented they are live. It was romantic and fun, beautiful and unforgettable.
September 18, 2012
Talkin' bout a Revolution
I must say that Croatia is one of my absolute favorite places.
Authentic
Inexpensive
Beautiful
Kind
Unique
Artsy
We went to Hvar based off of a good friend's recommendation. Hvar is amazing, although it is definitely one of the more tourist dense areas. If I could go again, I would imagine that somewhere on the mainland may be more suitable for my tastes. HOWEVER, please note I am a total Debbie Downer, so do not let the two small criticisms overshadow the fact that I absolutely loved Croatia.
We spent our days on the beach or on a boat. There was this FABULOUS sandwich and wine spot that Kelley showed us where we could lounge in hammocks, eat fresh sandwiches, and drink wine or juice. I lovvvveeeeedd this place.
We rented a boat one day and explored the Pakleni Islands. Fortunately for a pregnant woman (and unfortunately for my friends), the high season had just ended so it wasn't Spring Break 2001 all over again for me as a 29 year old prego. Instead Carpe Diem and Hula Hula were relaxing and beautiful.
We also spent a day inland at the Krka National Park. We hiked, wandered around waterfalls, and started a revolution. Ha. Seriously.
We took the ferry to the falls and once you get off the ferry, you must wait in line for an entrance pass to the park. The power went out as soon as we arrive (with 100+ people off of our ferry). The crowd quickly got rowdy that the park employees would not allow entrance without a printed tickets (they refused to allow those waiting to pay and enter with a handwritten ticket or pay upon exit from the park). Therefore our group of four decided to go and ask those leaving the park if we could use their tickets. We did this as inconspicuously as possible, however a few people in line noticed us walking in which encouraged the entire group of people to force their way into the park. It was NUTS! I went ahead and checked Start a Revolt off of my bucket list list.
On our final day, we hiked to the Fortress, bought Lavender, and had an AMAZING dinner.
Authentic
Inexpensive
Beautiful
Kind
Unique
Artsy
We went to Hvar based off of a good friend's recommendation. Hvar is amazing, although it is definitely one of the more tourist dense areas. If I could go again, I would imagine that somewhere on the mainland may be more suitable for my tastes. HOWEVER, please note I am a total Debbie Downer, so do not let the two small criticisms overshadow the fact that I absolutely loved Croatia.
We spent our days on the beach or on a boat. There was this FABULOUS sandwich and wine spot that Kelley showed us where we could lounge in hammocks, eat fresh sandwiches, and drink wine or juice. I lovvvveeeeedd this place.
We rented a boat one day and explored the Pakleni Islands. Fortunately for a pregnant woman (and unfortunately for my friends), the high season had just ended so it wasn't Spring Break 2001 all over again for me as a 29 year old prego. Instead Carpe Diem and Hula Hula were relaxing and beautiful.
We also spent a day inland at the Krka National Park. We hiked, wandered around waterfalls, and started a revolution. Ha. Seriously.
We took the ferry to the falls and once you get off the ferry, you must wait in line for an entrance pass to the park. The power went out as soon as we arrive (with 100+ people off of our ferry). The crowd quickly got rowdy that the park employees would not allow entrance without a printed tickets (they refused to allow those waiting to pay and enter with a handwritten ticket or pay upon exit from the park). Therefore our group of four decided to go and ask those leaving the park if we could use their tickets. We did this as inconspicuously as possible, however a few people in line noticed us walking in which encouraged the entire group of people to force their way into the park. It was NUTS! I went ahead and checked Start a Revolt off of my bucket list list.
On our final day, we hiked to the Fortress, bought Lavender, and had an AMAZING dinner.
August 28, 2012
Billlllllly Downnnnn
My sweets had to get surgery to repair a tendon in his wrist, so he is out for the rest of the football season.
He did get the NFL pass for his birthday, so his nights are spent watching every football game imaginable.
We also threw him and Jason a surprise Whiskey Party, complete with Jack Daniels and Tullamore Dew garland, whiskey tasking bar, candles in old whiskey bottles, and a bunch of whiskey inspired dishes...
He did get the NFL pass for his birthday, so his nights are spent watching every football game imaginable.
We also threw him and Jason a surprise Whiskey Party, complete with Jack Daniels and Tullamore Dew garland, whiskey tasking bar, candles in old whiskey bottles, and a bunch of whiskey inspired dishes...
August 15, 2012
It's a fat day.
Our schedule went a little something like this:
Day 1: baby appointment, dirndl and lederhosen shopping, grocery shopping, cookout
Day 2: flea market and ANNAFEST
Day 3: Brunch, Billy's game, Bardentreffen, dinner at Hutt'n for authentic Schäufele
Day 4: Bamberg, pizza dinner, Batman: The Dark Knight Rises
Day 5: Mom and Butch leave, the rest of us check out Munich and hop a plane to Malta
Day 6: Find a Lido, lay out, do flips, have a big BBQ
Day 7: Boat cruise around the island and swim in the Blue Lagoon, pasta dinner
Day 8: Visit Gozo and go to a beerfest
Day 9: Fat Day and Olympics
Day 10: Visit the fish market in Marsaklokk and the bay out there, nice meal on the water
Day 11: Return to Munich and Nuremberg, complete only with Döners
Day 12: Maggie and Seth leave with my heart
One day I will take the time to add photos :).
Lessons Learned:
1. If you rent a place with A/C, ensure it is included in the price.
2. I really, really need to learn how to drive a stick shift.
3. Döners really are the best food ever.
4. Butch should not be allowed to drive in foreign countries.
5. Billy will not listen if you tell him he is too hurt to play in his game.
6. My mom did an amazing job raising Mags and Seth... by far best guests ever... always willing to help, so easy going, understand that planning isn't perfect, are appreciative.
7. It only takes one week away from the Germans to lose the thick skin built up against their cutting in line and hard core staring.
8. Bardentreffen is AMAZING. I will go to the whole thing next year.
9. The weather in Germany tends to cooperate when you have guests.
10. I miss my family.
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