The year I will turn 32...

I remember when I was younger and my parents always talked about "how fast the year goes".  I guess I'm getting old too because the years are going at light speed (or is it the speed of light?).  And as I always seem to do, I think again about my new years goals and resolutions (I know, you're thinking, why don't you resolve to finish your blog??).

But I've realized at this point in life I'm not really going to change.  I want to be a better version of myself, but I know me, I get side tracked pretty easy.  I could say I'd resolve to be less busy, but that really isn't me, I'm a busy person and I'm happy with that.  And I could resolve to work out more, eat better, spend less... but those are so ambiguous and let's be honest, I'll do it for a month like everyone else and then it will f...a.....d........e.

So instead, I've decided to make monthly resolutions.  I figure I can put in the effort and focus for a month at least.  And who knows, after a month, maybe something will stick?

Without further ado... here they are, so the internets can keep me honest (or at least when I look back next year I'll remember what I didn't do :-) ).

January - Go to yoga 2 times per week (already off to a good start, went tonight ;))
February - Write for 2 hours a week (and thus finish my European adventures...) - and this should be made easier, since I plan on giving up TV for lent.
March - Finish all the books I have started, but left by the wayside.  And then donate said books, because obviously, they weren't my favorites.

• Anna Karenina (I've been reading this since 2003)
• Buried in the Sky
• Bite Me
• The Bourne Identity
• Unfamiliar Fishes

April - Go swing dancing 1 time per week
May - Take lunch to work 4 days per week
June - Take golf lessons - and go hit balls 1 time per week
July - Take a painting class or 2

August - Buy no non-essentials (and for the purpose of this exercise, that includes clothes :))

September - Volunteer 4 times

October - Go running 3 times per week for 45 min

November - Learn to cross-country ski

December -  Trust me, these seem easy, but seriously, I never do them!!

1. See the Christmas ships
2. Be done with shopping by Dec 13
3. Be done decorating by Dec 6
4. Mail Christmas cards
5. Make Christmas cookies

Don't worry, I put all of these on flash cards for my fridge.  And of course, because I'm a lefty I have marker smudges all over my hands and the cards :).  What about you, did YOU make any fun or unusual resolutions this year??

Happy 2014 Y'all!

Back to the U of K

See the clock tower is pretty in Bradford

Some of my last days being European were spent being "non-European" in the UK.  It's amazing what a big difference a little channel can make in defining a people.  The British are uniquely their own, and there are so many similarities between them and us, that I realize this really was where our foundation came from.  Of course, we've become a lot more politically correct/sensitive, generally our worldviews and style of business is more the same (especially compared to other countries in Europe).  And they are also the reason we're using a non-metric system :-).

My company's office is up north in West Yorkshire county, in a lovely town called Bradford.  Now Bradford is a unique and sad place.  It used to be a prosperous, textile city.  It has some really nice old buildings, and if the industry hadn't fallen drastically, perhaps people wouldn't be so down on it.  It's the best place to find Indian food, and is extremely multi-cultural.  That said, there are a lot of boarded up old pubs and shops, and in their place are "to let", pawn shops, or "Asian" fabric stores (I say that because that's what the British call people from India, yes I know, it's technically true - it just always throws me off a bit).  If you ever find yourself up north (about 3 hours by train north of London), try Leeds or York (which I've heard is really nice).  You won't feel so sad with the depressed run-down feel of Bradford.


Since I was going to be in the town for 2 weeks (yay?), on the weekend, I got to meet up with my bestie in Manchester.  A great young, hip town.  We happened to be there the weekend Manchester United was playing, but her risking her boyfriend over us going wasn't worth it (he's a Liverpool fan).  We did venture out that way to buy scarves for friends at least.

It was a fun weekend away.  On Friday night I had a date (remember me meeting people in Ostrava?) Yup, we made plans to go for dinner.  He took me to a really cool old bank converted to a restaurant, called Jamie's Italian - yes, more chainy than I normally like, but the atmosphere made up for it.  The next day, Hillary and I watched some football, went to Old Trafford stadium, and had a fantastic tapas dinner, at a place called La Vina.  That night, we had tickets to go to a reading, "There Has Possibly Been an Incident" - performed by 3 people at The Royal Exchange Theatre.  It was a really enjoyable, thought-provoking show.  Later we found some great local bars the Long Bar and the Oast House.

The next day, we had a lazy breakfast and walked around in a few shops before we parted ways - her south and me north.

It was a fun 2 weeks, and even better to get some bestie time in there, but it also meant my time in Europe was fast coming to an end.

A couple other places I ate which are worth mentioning:
The 3 Acres (near Huddersfield) - a great classic, upscale pub
The Alchemist (which has 2 locations in Manchester and 1 in Leeds) - a bar that has more flair than a typical speakeasy, but more inventive drinks than a normal bar.  Food was pretty good as well.
Red's True BBQ (in Leeds) - probably as close to American style BBQ that I've had in Europe, if you're jonesin' for America, it's worth a stop.  Service was ridiculously slow though - and the UK is typically better than the rest of the continent.

 

Princes among the Froggies

An Italian, a Frenchman, and a Dutch dude walked into the bar...Other than the question of "how is it different than home?", the most common question I get is "Meet any guys?".  Yes of course, but any that you want to know about?

I started off in Holland all open and willing to meet anyone. I had 6 months, and if I was going to meet the man of my dreams, I had better get on it.  I jumped in with both feet, and went to an expat event in Rotterdam a whole 2 days after I arrived, didn't want to waste any time, so I thought it would be a good idea. Plus, a real cutie from Germany rsvp'd (but never showed :( ).

I showed up...a lot early but quickly was in a group chatting away, no princes, but it was early.  I spotted a decently attractive guy and his friend early on, but since I was in the group, couldn't exactly make a break for it, so I just eyed him from across the room.  When I escaped for another glass of wine, I casually walked towards the table said guy was at...and started up a conversation with his friend.  Both true "froggies" (i.e., Frenchmen).  The one I thought was cute... had janky teeth (and by that some were missing).  But I had a nice conversation with the other Frog man.  And by the end of night, we'd exchanged business cards.  Sure, why not, right?

As I was heading towards the metro, I ran into an Italian who was leaving as well, we chatted a bit, but that was it.  Off I went to home, happy I made the effort.  Italy emailed me a day or so later, and asked me to dinner.  What could I lose, right?  I agreed, and we met up.  He was older than I remember... a LOT older.  Hmmm...and he had no plan on where to go for dinner, so we walked along the river... to a very touristy buffet Chinese restaurant.  Dinner was palletable, and Italy thought it was fate that we met...Italy also had a 9-yr old and wasn't that interesting.  On the walk back, it was chilly, I had my hands in my pockets, and Italy decided to put his hand in my arm nook... I felt like I was walking with a dad, and hoped that's what people thought.  He then sent me a YouTube song that he said reminded him of me...alright, wasn't sure if he meant I had a good heart or one that was solid and impenetrable.  Sorry, I wished I written the name down, because apparently the YouTube video no longer works.  Humm a song about a hard hearted woman, and I'm sure that's me!

Date 2...was with the friend of the Frenchman.  It went pretty well, we met up after his squash workout (should that have been a sign?), had some wine and a charcuterie plate, then had a beer at the local Irish bar (I've come to realize, the Irish may have not been all imperialistic, but they were more successful in making their mark all over the world...).  The date ended well, and we agreed to meet again.  This is where it all went south...of France.  He offered to show me around Den Haag.  He planned...for us to meet at 1, go to the beach, have a drink, have lunch, get a drink in Den Haag, his friend was to make dinner, and then we could go out... ummm yeah, that's a LOT much.  The night before, he checked to see what I was up to, I said I was having dinner, and he said he was going to head to Rotterdam to go out, me and my friend should join.  I asked, what friend?  He said the one I was at dinner with... umm I'm not with anyone.  He then said he would come join me.... um nope! I'm going to see you for almost the full day tomorrow, and pretty sure I'm good on my own (he later told me, he understands I am a loner... there's a first for everything).

A little wary, but excited to see something new, I went with an open mind.  Oh, did  I mention he is single with 2 kids, both by the ex that he lives with - the kids came between breakups... ok, sometimes ya do things for convenience...??????  He was a gentleman, and we had a good time.  He rode back on the train with me and made sure I got home ok, so that was good.  Then it came to pass that the next train didn't run for an hour, so I acquiesced that he could use the guest room - wouldn't I be a jerk otherwise?? At 10 the next morning, froggie finally got up, he was going to get some food, did I want anything? I said no, he pressed "don't you eat in the morning" - all I could think was, LEAVE PLEASE.  He said he would be right back...

I'm, sorry, come again? He said yeah, he was going to get... a croissant, and come back, relax, have a shower... ok?  He was starting to leave, and I was still quite stunned... who DOES that? Talk about imposing.  I was like, no, not ok.  He was like, really? I said I'm just not comfortable with having people shower in my place (not to mention, I wanted to relax and enjoy my day!).  He look at me like I'd said I wanted to bathe in shit, and was like, well, can I do my hair (really?) - so he put water on his hair and (finally) left.  On Tuesday, he wanted to get together again, but when I begged out sick, he offered to bring me soup.  No, that's ok.  I've been in Holland... a whole 10 days, we've had 2 dates... pretty sure that's crossing a boundary.  After 2 DTR emails, I thought this shit is too serious for 2 dates, and didn't respond...damn French, you pushy!

Dutchy was probably the best, but there was definitely no romantic interest.  Again with the kids, which was the ice breaker to the conversation, but at the offer to be shown around Rotterdam, I took him up on it.  He was a nice guy, took me to the lake, to a carnival (and even paid for me to shoot the archery and a gun... all I could think was, I could totally be like Katniss...), then to see where the 1st Americans set sail on the Mayflower.  It was an easy night, no pressure - maybe he had the idea he wanted more, but in the end, I just got to learn a little more about Rotterdam and see a few sights.  No harm, no foul.

Have I had any dates since, you ask? Eh, not really.  Maybe I took my shot and it didn't work out, or maybe I just am tired of trying to figure out all the different idiosyncrasies of each country (the French are pushy, the Italians and Spanish are passionate - and emotional, the Dutch are standoffish).  Sheesh, I just miss my good, old fashioned, American boys! Ok.. that is until I went to Iceland...

The Nordics - part två (or Snus-aluffagus)

If you remember, I was last tootling around in Skagen and Gothenburg (in the Nordics - part ett).  And if you guessed that I would have my toes nibbled by little fish - you would be right!

For my weekend in Copenhagen, I was actually going to be spending it with my friend Carol!  I got there the night before she did - and happened to have booked a really delightful hotel - though I have to admit I was slightly worried because before I saw the actual building I saw this sign on the corner.  I found some great places near the hotel, and had dinner and a cocktail at Kalaset.  I walked around the block after, but decided to call it an early night back at the hotel (but not after trying the "world's best gin and tonic" - well it was the largest at least...

The next morning I found another eccentric restaurant for brunch - Bankeråt Café.  And walked around looking at the sidewalk sale while I waited with baited breath for Carol's arrival.  The day turned out to be fairly lovely, and Carol took me on a walking tour all over the city (including Christiania, which does not allow pictures).

And that night, we found ourselves headed to the festival in Malmö - which was just across the sound.  We never did meet up with her friends, but we had a great time listening to music, trying snus (which was pretty hilarious and messy), and having a few beers before heading back to Denmark (much cooler going between Denmark and Sweden than crossing the border between the US and Canada).  Sunday morning, we took it easy and checked out the spa before parting ways - her back to Aarhus and me to Malmö for work the next week!

The Snusperience

Work was work, but the team was fun and we had some street food during the music festival.  I also had planned out which bands to see after work - and drug my German colleague along for most of them :).  The Avett Brothers put on another fantastic outdoor concert, I also got to see a couple Swedish bands - The Royal Concept and the Shout Out Louds, and a Welsh band, The Joy Formidable.  We also caught a bit of Flogging Molly!

My third and final Nordic country on this little excursion was Iceland (with a week of work in Paris in between - nothing super exciting happened other than getting a bit of food poisoning from the tap water...).  I met up with my friend Rick in Iceland over Labor Day weekend (he popped over from Boston, me from Paris - so worldly we are).  I pulled it together enough when we landed (as I'd gotten the tap-bug the night before...) and we went to a local pub for a beer and boy did I wish I felt better that evening (if ya catch my drift, *wink* *wink*).

pic courtesy of dishyblokes.tumblr

On Saturday, we mercifully had a lazy morning and slept in for forever.  Once we ventured out, we realized it would be more economical (and convenient) to rent a car.  So yeah, the girl without a legal driver's license drove in another country since her passenger couldn't drive a stick...not that he didn't try - sorry to that rental company!  I also learned that Blackberry maps do not recognize any roads in Iceland, so it was useless for directions (you know, cuz there are no roads in Iceland...but we did make it to the Blue Lagoon).  And we both got the upgraded packages - so you know, we could get the robes and extra face masks...We watched (and judged) lots of people, put crap all over our faces, made a new friend, and learned that Of Monsters and Men were playing that evening!  After a couple hours in the lagoon, we popped out to head to the show with our new friend in tow.  It was a BIT of a cold evening in the rain to watch a show, but it was a cool experience nevertheless.

L-Whale, C-Strawberry mousse, R-Atlantic Bass

On Sunday, we were lazy again and stuck around town - going to a local pool and The Icelandic Phallological Museum.  Which I'm not sure was worth the 1200 króna...but oh well. We met up with our new friend again for dinner that night, and Rick got his puffin (and whale, and horse - yup, we went fully Icelandic with our meal). Dinner was pretty great, and we split at that point - Rick went home and I hung out with the new friend for a couple drinks. 

I can't say that we never broke any washing machines, or yelled out car windows that we liked some guy's jumper. Nor did we see a Grindr meet up at the local pool, or put our shorts on inside out...it was such a well behaved man-hunt we were on :). I guess that's where I should continue my search for a husband (that is if I don't get enough bearded-hipsters Seattle).

The Nordics - part ett (1)

My time in Europe is fast coming to a close.  And sadly, my time in Holland has been less in the last 2 months - as my work travel was all shoved together at one time (thank you travel bans).  For the month of August, most of my time was spent in some Scandinavian country or another (with the exception of my week in France).

Following my return back from the states (it was a short 4 day trip book-ended by St. Emilion and Pride Festival in Amsterdam), I left in short order to head to Denmark.  After much debating, and some consultation with a friend who has advice for just about everything, I followed said advice and booked a night train to Skagen - he'd said the beach was the best.  I'll admit, if the weather had been sunny (as I would EXPECT in AUGUST!), I'm sure it would have been.  But with my luck, weather in Europe has been only so-so while I've been living here (and it stands to reason that the NW has had one of the best summers ever...).  And I found myself stuck in yet ANOTHER torrential downpour, this time including hail (remember Cannes and my flip flops floating away...?).

I will tell you though, don't take the night train unless you know you can check into your hotel early.  I arrived around 8:30... and they would only let me store my bag there.  I was kind of exhausted (left at 23:00, with 2 changes), but I had a lot of hours to kill.  I searched out breakfast - and then set off on the long walk to the tip of Denmark - where the Baltic Sea and the North Sea meet in a smashing sort of fashion.

I could see the thunderstorms approaching land behind me, and KNEW that the wind was blowing my direction (literally, not figuratively), and I prayed that God would hold up the rain until I reached the little restaurant.  And it did, but I decided to risk it and kept walking...guess what happened?  Yup, not 5 min after I passed by shelter the skies opened up and I was quickly drenched.  People started heading back, but I wasn't sure why - I mean, it wasn't going to let up in 5 min, and the shelter was not close...I decided to pull a Cheri, and enjoy singing in the rain ;) (ok I didn't literally, I just laughed like a maniac at the fact that I was caught in a storm with only a jean jacket as protection).

It stopped before I got to the tip (#twss), and as I wasn't looking for a man, it was nice to not care that I looked like a drowned rat :).  After my long, wet walk (#twss), I had a little brownie and Irish coffee...for lunch - I love being an adult!  I eventually got to check in, take a nap and a hot shower, and headed out for food and drinks at a local place.  They had live music, and it ended up being a fun night.  The next day, I walked around the town and fishing docks, couldn't bring myself to have any dried herring, but I did enjoy not being wet all day! (#twss, damn, I'm funny!)

 

Feels like I was able to shove a lot into that day and a half (hehehe, #twss again!) as the next day I was on a ferry across the sea to Gothenburg, Sweden.

I was there for work for the week, and I must say, the Swedes there were more attractive than the Swedes in Stockholm.  They had a music festival in the city, and we got the chance to see The Sounds...who performed horribly.  What can ya do?  Gothenburg looks like a really old industrial city. We stayed in a nice hotel, and work was reasonably enjoyable.  Best thing about all Nordic countries - is the music festivals - a free city festival, and everyone comes out for it.  A much better week experiencing Sweden than the 1st time...and I still had 1 more week to go!  On Friday we left Gothenburg, to head south.  Me to Copenhagen, and my coworker back home to Germany.  I won't try to fit this all in 1 post, you may be bored by now, but I just have a little more to go :)...will I stay dry? Will I meet any cute men? Will I get my feet eaten by fish?  Stay tuned to find out!

Some Rock and Roll cover band

The Sounds (WAY up in front)