This was my 4th year of missing 4th of July and Thanksgiving. I see the blogs from all of my family/friends and I think to myself: 'oh, yeah...everyone has a few days off for Thanksgiving. Huh. Is it already the 3rd Thursday in November??'
Yes, and that means it is the 1st weekend of Advent.
That means, here in Germany, Christmas season can officially begin. (Despite that traditional Christmas foods have been on sale since the end of September).
So, am I rapidly cleaning our apartment and getting ready to decorate???
why, no, I am not...we are flying to Berlin today to meet with Thomas' group of friends from America. (it has been 7 years since Thomas was in the States...ahhh!!!) <---total other blog required to explain my feelings of how fast 7 years has gone by...
So, spending the weekend on the North Sea relaxing with old friends. BUT first, I have to go and buy shampoo, conditioner and body wash in 150 ml bottles. Good times!!
See you all again on Sunday!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
jeez, way too long
Hi all,
a very late Happy birthday needs to go out to a few of my favorite people: All the Fuierers(Alq on 3rd May, Sabine on 15th May, Kol 30th June); Heiko on 8th May; Laura on 18th May; Liz on 20th May; Shannon on 3rd June; Jamie on 14th June; Aaron and Missy on 22nd June; Joerg an 25th June; Kerri and Brandon on 2nd July; Michaela on 5th July.
Many many thoughts go out to my friends and family that have added to their families this year: Tobi and Anne (baby girl Franziska); Ross and Kerri (baby girl Kennedy); Heather and Mike (baby boy, Michael); Joe and Rebekah (baby girl Aurelia "Elli"); Ashley and Dave (baby girl Amy). Seems to be a baby GIRL boom lately.
And congrats to my cousin Justin, who graduated from college. NOT TO MENTION: the final, youngest Owings has completed high school (whew!! All 7 of us through high school!!!) Congrats Bobby!
My contract was extended 6 more months, which is a HUGE relief. I work for a company that does 95% of its business with the automobile industry. It has been a rather tough year for us in the company. Just keep your fingers crossed for an "unending" contract. *Things are a bit different here. Usually you have a contract in the beginning of your new job. After a specific time period, you get an "unending" or 'never ending' contract.*
We were in Scotland in April for 10 days of vacation. We LOVED IT!!! If you ever want to go, it is a fascinating country with great history, great food and super nice people. We totally lucked out with the weather. Normally it is pretty rainy and cold, but it was nice the entire time except for one day.
In Stirling: Robert the Bruce in the foreground and the William Wallace Monument in the background.
View from the Edinburgh Castle.
What is a trip to Scotland without a trip to the Whiskey distillery???? My little Whiskey fan even got to 'Bottle his own Bottle':
I have been getting involved with the Red Cross puppet theater. I help construct the stage and assist all the actors. I am reluctant to speak myself, given my American accent in German. As soon as my confidence gets better, I could be making my stage debut!! :) :)
Until next time,
Love from southwest Deuschland...
a very late Happy birthday needs to go out to a few of my favorite people: All the Fuierers
Many many thoughts go out to my friends and family that have added to their families this year: Tobi and Anne (baby girl Franziska); Ross and Kerri (baby girl Kennedy); Heather and Mike (baby boy, Michael); Joe and Rebekah (baby girl Aurelia "Elli"); Ashley and Dave (baby girl Amy). Seems to be a baby GIRL boom lately.
And congrats to my cousin Justin, who graduated from college. NOT TO MENTION: the final, youngest Owings has completed high school (whew!! All 7 of us through high school!!!) Congrats Bobby!
My contract was extended 6 more months, which is a HUGE relief. I work for a company that does 95% of its business with the automobile industry. It has been a rather tough year for us in the company. Just keep your fingers crossed for an "unending" contract. *Things are a bit different here. Usually you have a contract in the beginning of your new job. After a specific time period, you get an "unending" or 'never ending' contract.*
We were in Scotland in April for 10 days of vacation. We LOVED IT!!! If you ever want to go, it is a fascinating country with great history, great food and super nice people. We totally lucked out with the weather. Normally it is pretty rainy and cold, but it was nice the entire time except for one day.
In Stirling: Robert the Bruce in the foreground and the William Wallace Monument in the background.
View from the Edinburgh Castle.
What is a trip to Scotland without a trip to the Whiskey distillery???? My little Whiskey fan even got to 'Bottle his own Bottle':
I have been getting involved with the Red Cross puppet theater. I help construct the stage and assist all the actors. I am reluctant to speak myself, given my American accent in German. As soon as my confidence gets better, I could be making my stage debut!! :) :)
Until next time,
Love from southwest Deuschland...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
January wrap-up
HI.
January flew by! or was it just me?? I worked way too much, but now I don't have as many minus hours. I began the month with -19:07. As of Jan. 30, it was only -3:33. I worked way too much. (I have a 41 hour week; in 3 weeks I worked 139 hours...it should have been 123 hours.)
Now I am looking forward to just working normally. Work has slowed down...to say the least. Today 17 machines were stopped. That is not quite 50 % but enough that I was able to complete 3 Master Samples. Usually I can only help with the Master samples in late shift, when everything is slower. Master samples are taken after the first time the parts are made. I measured up to 5 dimensions on each part. I need to measure 6 different pieces--same dimension--to get a good average. I know-it doesn't sound so great, but I like it and it keeps me busy. :)
I did get to talk to Mrs. Petree. I was really happy to hear her voice. She and her family are doing really well. San Diego sounds so wonderful right now. I hope she gets more school under her belt. :)
Ok, take care and until next time!
January flew by! or was it just me?? I worked way too much, but now I don't have as many minus hours. I began the month with -19:07. As of Jan. 30, it was only -3:33. I worked way too much. (I have a 41 hour week; in 3 weeks I worked 139 hours...it should have been 123 hours.)
Now I am looking forward to just working normally. Work has slowed down...to say the least. Today 17 machines were stopped. That is not quite 50 % but enough that I was able to complete 3 Master Samples. Usually I can only help with the Master samples in late shift, when everything is slower. Master samples are taken after the first time the parts are made. I measured up to 5 dimensions on each part. I need to measure 6 different pieces--same dimension--to get a good average. I know-it doesn't sound so great, but I like it and it keeps me busy. :)
I did get to talk to Mrs. Petree. I was really happy to hear her voice. She and her family are doing really well. San Diego sounds so wonderful right now. I hope she gets more school under her belt. :)
Ok, take care and until next time!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
(Almost) everything since Dec. 10
Hello all,
as promised, pictures of American Christmas tree and German Christmas tree:
We are doing good. I have been able to talk to quite a good number of the family. Everyone is doing well. K and R are awaiting the birth of a girl in about 5 weeks. H is also pregnant, but I don't know when she is due. I also heard from the Munros that they are also awaiting a stork. We ARE NOT awaiting the stork, just so you know.
Work is good. We are also in recession and our company will be closed every Friday in February. We will still be working in Quality, but production will not be running. Husband's work is also moving right along. Today he is in Zurich for meetings. I have late shift, so we will see each other tomorrow morning. Our apartment owner is coming with a carpenter to fix some problems.
I am so sick of the Germans asking me "How is President Obama doing?". I always answer: "I read the same news as you do. I don't live in the States, I live here. How should I know how it is going day in and day out?" The absolutely worst day was last Tuesday...'hey Amber, watching TV tonight?' 'Did you know that they are expecting 2 million people at Obama's inauguration?' I tried to explain that when EVERY president comes into office, there is a celebration. No one really listened. The Germans in my office are shocked that there are Americans that don't like Obama. I just laugh and ask if everyone in Germany likes Mrs. Merkel, the Chancellor. (There is never really an answer that comes...hehe).
I cut my hair last week and really like it. Much easier to do and not always in a pony-tail. :)
I hope you are well, too.
Until next time!!!
as promised, pictures of American Christmas tree and German Christmas tree:
We are doing good. I have been able to talk to quite a good number of the family. Everyone is doing well. K and R are awaiting the birth of a girl in about 5 weeks. H is also pregnant, but I don't know when she is due. I also heard from the Munros that they are also awaiting a stork. We ARE NOT awaiting the stork, just so you know.
Work is good. We are also in recession and our company will be closed every Friday in February. We will still be working in Quality, but production will not be running. Husband's work is also moving right along. Today he is in Zurich for meetings. I have late shift, so we will see each other tomorrow morning. Our apartment owner is coming with a carpenter to fix some problems.
I am so sick of the Germans asking me "How is President Obama doing?". I always answer: "I read the same news as you do. I don't live in the States, I live here. How should I know how it is going day in and day out?" The absolutely worst day was last Tuesday...'hey Amber, watching TV tonight?' 'Did you know that they are expecting 2 million people at Obama's inauguration?' I tried to explain that when EVERY president comes into office, there is a celebration. No one really listened. The Germans in my office are shocked that there are Americans that don't like Obama. I just laugh and ask if everyone in Germany likes Mrs. Merkel, the Chancellor. (There is never really an answer that comes...hehe).
I cut my hair last week and really like it. Much easier to do and not always in a pony-tail. :)
I hope you are well, too.
Until next time!!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Today
The highlight of my day was lunch: Spaghetti Bolognese and salad. YUMMM!! It is really funny that the day was really long and boring and then lunch (30 minute break; haven't been on time in awhile) was way too fast. I sat with Aldo, he is an English teacher but gave it up to work in plastic production. He actually speaks four languages: Italian, French, English and German (in that order). He is neat and older than my parents, but really laid back (this is a typical Italian).
The weather is terrible. Been snowin since sometime in the night. Here are pictures, where you can only see snow falling:
I know it is dark...at 5 pm!!!! Craziness! That isn't dirt on the camera lens, that is the snow. It has been really cold, but add the snow, and YUCK!!! I am still just a kid from the desert!
Now I am going to make (read: heat up) refried beans and tortillas for dinner. This is also a favorite meal of mine. AND super expensive since I moved here. I really enjoy it! After dinner, Husband is working, so I will start baking cakes for Friday's blood donation. Forget about cookies and punch, here in Germany, after you give blood, you get a full meal (with dessert!!) I am making 2 cakes and my variation of my mom's potato salad. Ever since I am here, I really like potato salad...especially Husband's Oma's...it is so good, it cannot be fully appreciated unless you have eaten it.
It is kinda weird that all I have thinking or blogging about it food. Or is it not?
Oh, pictures of the American and German Christmas trees to come. American tree is already here. I will try to talk Husband into getting big tree next week. :)
The weather is terrible. Been snowin since sometime in the night. Here are pictures, where you can only see snow falling:
I know it is dark...at 5 pm!!!! Craziness! That isn't dirt on the camera lens, that is the snow. It has been really cold, but add the snow, and YUCK!!! I am still just a kid from the desert!
Now I am going to make (read: heat up) refried beans and tortillas for dinner. This is also a favorite meal of mine. AND super expensive since I moved here. I really enjoy it! After dinner, Husband is working, so I will start baking cakes for Friday's blood donation. Forget about cookies and punch, here in Germany, after you give blood, you get a full meal (with dessert!!) I am making 2 cakes and my variation of my mom's potato salad. Ever since I am here, I really like potato salad...especially Husband's Oma's...it is so good, it cannot be fully appreciated unless you have eaten it.
It is kinda weird that all I have thinking or blogging about it food. Or is it not?
Oh, pictures of the American and German Christmas trees to come. American tree is already here. I will try to talk Husband into getting big tree next week. :)
Monday, December 1, 2008
Afraid
Directions
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Title this email what the answer to your last question is.
5. Good luck and have fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Not Ready to Make Nice (Dixie Chicks)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Scar Tissue (RHCP)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Glow (Nelly Furtado)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Promiscuous (Nelly Furtado)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Say It Right (Nelly Furtado...what is up with all the N.Furtado songs???)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Homecoming (Kanye West)
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Californication (RHCP)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
London Bridge (Fergie)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Here I Come (Fergie)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Let Me Talk to You Prelude / My Love (Clean Version) Justin Timberlake
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Mercy (Duffy)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Crash Into Me (Dave Matthews Band)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Showtime (Nelly Furtado)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Everyday (Dave Matthews Band)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
No Hay Igual (Nelly Furtado)
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS POST?
Afraid (Nelly Furtado)
1. Put your iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it makes you look.
4. Title this email what the answer to your last question is.
5. Good luck and have fun!
IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Not Ready to Make Nice (Dixie Chicks)
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Scar Tissue (RHCP)
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Glow (Nelly Furtado)
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Promiscuous (Nelly Furtado)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Say It Right (Nelly Furtado...what is up with all the N.Furtado songs???)
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Homecoming (Kanye West)
WHAT DO YOU OFTEN THINK ABOUT?
Californication (RHCP)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
London Bridge (Fergie)
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Here I Come (Fergie)
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Let Me Talk to You Prelude / My Love (Clean Version) Justin Timberlake
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Mercy (Duffy)
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Crash Into Me (Dave Matthews Band)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Showtime (Nelly Furtado)
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Everyday (Dave Matthews Band)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
No Hay Igual (Nelly Furtado)
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO NAME THIS POST?
Afraid (Nelly Furtado)
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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