RICK & EVE

2010-07-12T02:50:00.004+02:00

It has been forever so I will give you a little update:

We left here:

Looked at a lot of these...

Finally decided on this...

We're not sure about our decision. The more we find out about the house, the more work we realize needs to be done. Our neighbors don't talk to us and our ward doesn't know we exist. At least we're only here for a couple of years. Although, I am hoping that things will change and we will come to like it here.

We looked for these...

Finally ended up ordering some off the internet {hey, I read the comments} but they just didn't fit us--even though they are simple and cute. So we had to box them back up {BIG pain in the ****} and return them.

Decided to paint all of our brassy doorknobs...

To this...
Just kidding, that is only the primer. They are still in the finishing phase.

Decided to paint the laundry room...

And thought, wow, that paint sample is going a long way. So I kept painting. Went back to the store for another paint sample, cuz dang, it's a lot cheaper than paint. Found out that's cuz it's not "real paint". So, I wasted time doing that instead of just painting a spot on the wall to test the color. Not sure you can even tell one wall is a blueish-grey because it reflects on the other walls. I'm waiting until Sherwin-Williams is having there Anniversary Sale this coming weekend with 40% off. I'm also really liking some Benjamin Moore colors but the closest store is 25 miles away. Did I mention we live in the middle of nowhere?

Do you like my washer & dryer. I love them.

I would love to give you more pictures of our house but I can't because we're still in moving mode. But hopefully those will come soon enough. I'm stressed out just thinking about it!

Send Her Home

2010-04-20T04:16:00.002+02:00

WHY is Kate still on Dancing With The Stars??? Send her home!!! Vote for anybody else, please. I beg you.
I'm too lazy to post a picture.

Dublin

2010-01-20T02:25:00.000+01:00

We decided to go to Dublin last weekend. The decision was between Scotland or Ireland and Ireland prevailed, maybe because I have Irish in me. We quickly regretted our decison when...just kidding. We had such a great time in Dublin! I guess you could say this trip was a mix-up with times as I'll explain in the post. First off, we thought we were going to be in Dublin for 2 full days. It would be a short but sweet trip and we'd be back for Sunday so Rick could teach Sunday School and I could get sustained to my new calling {Relief Society Secretary}. Turns out instead of 9pm, we'd be back at 9am Saturday morning, big difference. Stink. So we had all of Friday to visit Dublin. Our flight left at 6am something Friday morning so we had to leave our house by 4am something. One would think we would have gotten to bed early that night. Nope, we went to bed past 1am. Stink. Luckily, we woke up and got to the airport on time.

This is what the weather was like when we left Germany. The funny thing is, we didn't want to be in Ireland too long because of the cold. We didn't want it to be cold & misrable outside that it would be a chore to sightsee.

Well, Dublin was actually very nice weatherwise, it barely even sprinkled (for Ireland weather we were told it was nice. It's green there from a reason). The above picture is one of the first we took for obvious reasons. Hey, it's Irish English--maybe they don't have the same slang as we do. Do you know that Celtic is the national language of Ireland? Yup, everybody learns it in school and all the signs are in it.

It was a little early after arriving in Dublin. The airport is so close to the city that we were able to take a regular bus and it cost a fraction of what an airport bus would've cost. We stopped a traditional Irish Breakfast, that's what the sign said anyway. Our breakfast came with both hot chocolate and orange juice. How's that for a nice treat? Rick got the meat & potatos dish, while I chose the crossaint and fruit cup dish. Don't worry, the fruit was swimming in whipped cream.

Here's the marshmellows that came with the hot chocolate. They double as hats when you're cold.

I'll post more on this trip later...hopefully. I'll just add on to this post, so check back later when insomnia hits. It's almost 2:30am and I should really try and go to bed. I'm on a bad sleep cycle!

A Powerful Story

2010-01-11T18:07:00.000+01:00

I got this in an email forward and thought it was quite powerful.

Before seeing the video, read below to understand the video:
The video shows the winner of "Ukraine’s Got Talent", Kseniya Simonova, 24, drawing a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II. Her talent, which admittedly is a strange one, is mesmeric to watch.

The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about $130,000.00. She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.

It is replaced by a woman’s face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman’s face appears.
She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.
This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house.

In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye..

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine, resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.

Kseniya Simonova says:
"I find it difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paintbrushes, but using sand and fingers is beyond me. The art, especially when the war is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears. And there’s surely no bigger compliment."

Snow Snow, Everywhere, Snow

2010-01-09T16:50:00.007+01:00

I had big plans for today. We were going to go to the Metz Fleamarket. I guess it's a pretty big one and I love flea markets. Love them. After that, we were going to go to our French Walmart aka Cora and pick up some French goodies. Then, we would drive to Mettlach where they have a Villroy & Boch outlet, along with Silit and Land's End outlets. {Of course, we'd keep our eyes open for any other flea markets along the way.} Next we'd make our way to European Country Living to mostly look around there. We have fallen in love with a farmhouse style table with a butterfly leaf that costs as much as our rent. But they also have other cute things there and sometimes we splurge a little. We'd finish up the day at Ramstein where there is an Air Force base and a big American-type mall complete with a movie theater complex and a Macaroni Grill. Then we'd drive home and sleep soundly in a warm bed.

That was my plan.

Until it snowed last night.

( picture taken after all said events)

We left anyway this morning to make the plan a reality (a little later than I wanted to, but we left nevertheless).

We drove.

Then we were driving slower. Meanwhile let me add there was lots of snow everywhere but the freeways were pretty okay. But then traffic slowed down to 20. And I think that was kilometers. Maybe I'm confused how slow we were going but it wasn't pretty and we still had a long ways to go.

So we turned around.

Sad. I know.

We tried to follow signs to other flea markets but the snow was bad and we thought they might have cancelled them anyway.

We found one flea market that was basically like 5 people having a combined garage sale. We got 2 children's books. Our children to be are going to have no idea what we're saying but we got them anyway.

Then we went to Ikea and got lunch because it was already that time. Yes, we had been driving around for like 3 hours! And we spent way more money that we planned for lunch. Because I thought they were still serving breakfast until I got up to the lady behind the counter with the food. So we ate delicious Swedish meatballs and salmon and drank hot chocolate. We did this even though we splurgged last night and ate at Die Kartoffel. And when I say splurgged, I mean we splurgged.

Die Kartoffel brings out a salad and then later a huge potato with mounds {literally} of sour cream. The main meat comes out on a hot simmering stone. It cooks in front of you. It's pretty cool and we had to do it at least once. We ate down in some old wine cellar that was decorated with antiques. Should have taken a picture of those. It was fun, we got to know more people from church.

So now we're home. Rick's asleep on the couch and I am almost done cooking an incredible soup recipe. If tortellini sausage soup doesn't hit the spot then I don't know what would because that soup is amazingly delicious! p.s. that website, the one with the soup, is amazing. I've already tried their Brazilian Lemonade and Cinammon or Orange Rolls. They are amazing.

Okay, so basically I just gave you all my secrets. So treat them wisely.

But getting back to the snow part--it sort of stunk. I need to go to flea markets. NEED.

I guess there's next week...

Here's a teaser picture from our Strassbourg outing the week after Christmas,

Can you believe they strung up that beautiful chandelier in the middle of a street. It was really beautiful. The house behind it isn't bad either.

More on Metz

2009-12-18T08:41:00.003+01:00

In Metz, I...

Saw this cool church

Hung out with these lovely ladies

Saw this cool floor downstairs in the crypt of that cool church.
Can you tell what the different designs/symbols represent?

Took a picture of the entry way and doors of the church.

Ate this. Do you know what it is? Have you ever had it?

Do you like it?

Bought this and later found a surprise in it.

Discovered the joy of yogurt. If you are French, and don't like yogurt,

there may be something wrong with you. These TWO aisles are full of yogurt!

Saw what some might be eating for Christmas dinner.

Remember, in the Christmas Carol (the one with Scroge),

what did he end up buying them for Christmas dinner?

Saw the world's smallest potato.

...and some other different kind of vegetables.
Do you know what this is?

Oh, and did I mention this was all after outlet shopping and trying to climb and tree to get some mistletoe? Yup, it was a fun and full day. I hope to do something similar again soon!

Glee

2009-12-11T10:57:00.003+01:00

Now you know it's trouble when all I post are videos. Wish I would have seen this episoide:

As for me and my life I went to France yesturday and loved it!!! At this moment I do not want to leave Germany! (Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. Because of he-who-should-remain-nameless that lives above us and is SUPER loud!)

I got lucky and somehow got invited to go to Metz, France with a group of great girls. Seriously, if I could do something with them every once in a while, my life would be complete. The story of how I "got" to go was being in the right place at the right time, because I don't know if it was a deliberate invite. {I don't mean that to sound negative. I'm just not that popular.} So, last Saturday at our ward Christmas breakfast, yes, you read right, breakfast--one of the ladies in the ward (church group) asked if I'd ever want to go to France. Um, hello, yes! But I thought she was just mentioning and asking for future reference for one of those things you talk about doing, but never actually do it.

But then Tuesday night I get a call from her and she says, "can you go Thursday and not Wednesday?". I said, "go where?". I had no idea what she was talking about. But alas, when she said, "France", I said, "oui". (I'm blaming that forgetful moment on the "breakfast" part of "Ward Christmas". ) Luckily for me she is one of those girls that says when she's going to do something, she does it and I was only lucky to be a part of it.

So, France. Let's just say I may have bought all my Christmas presents for myself {from Rick, of course} there and then some :) p.s. if you don't know the brand name Bonne Maman, you are really missing out. I've seen there marmalade sold in Safeway, I love it. They also make these little tartelettes that I am excited to try. Not to forget the chocolate covered pear, tarte myrtille chantilly, le yaourt vanille (the best my paris living friend said she's had), oasis drinks, galette des Rois Frangipane, Petit ecolier, and the list goes on and that's just the food! I mean, it's here in the kitchen. We are going to eat that food in the near future. I did not eat all that while I was in Metz.

I had a wonderful time! I tried pate (I'm not quite sure about that, yet), had some crepe, I think I basically ate my way through Metz. At least I worked out this morning, whew!

Hopefully some pictures to come.

Au Revior {did I spell that right?}

Giving Thanks

2009-11-30T12:25:00.003+01:00

I'm a little late on the whole Thanksgiving thing but saw this on another blog and thought it was sweet. It's still November and a good time to give thanks, so enjoy!

Our Thanksgiving was really nice and I wish I had pictures to show but I didn't take any. My mom and I went up to Monterey to my cousin's house. The weather was so lovely, it was really warm and sunny. The food was delicious and the company was terrific.

Before we left for Monterey, I had made a pumpkin pie from scratch, using Libby's pumpkin. I couldn't help myself when we got home and had to try it. It was so good! I think that was my first pumpkin pie and it was delish, if I don't say so myself.

p.s. i finally figured out how to put a youtube video on my blog!!!

Improv Everywhere!

2009-11-30T12:15:00.002+01:00

I LOVE this concept! Would love to be a part of it sometime. Have seen these forever ago but didn't know how to put them on my blog until now...watch out!

Here's another fun one (there are many):

These happen to be both about food. Hmmm...maybe I'm hungry. Okay, one more without food this time:

New Blog Background

2009-09-28T14:13:00.002+02:00

It's funny that I've got a new blog background but haven't posted in months. New Blog Background compliments of http://www.jannypie.com/. I think it's really cute!

There is Beauty All Around

2009-06-11T09:32:00.002+02:00

This
can not

even begin to describe

how beautiful

the Black Forest is.

Just a Tad Too Small

2009-06-11T08:00:00.006+02:00

Okay fine, I'm gaining weight and I'll deal with it...somehow. But not by cutting back on Magnum Ice Cream bars, Haribo Gummy Candy, or all the delicious food I get to eat. But somehow I want to be able to comfortably fit in my clothes again.

food i like to eat
was so busy eating it after it was cooked -- forgot to take an after picture

This is what I'm thinking everytime I put on a shirt or pull it down during the day because it's not long enough when it used to be fine. This is what I've been thinking for the past looong time. But when I do go somewhere with a scale, although I'm a few pounds more than I used to be, I'm not that much heavier (cuz then I wouldn't be doing a blog post about my weight). So I just go on wearing the small clothes, wondering what on earth happened to my clothes but blaming it on a weight gain, I mean, what else could it be?

Let's go back to where I'm wrong. Yes, wrong. I admit it. My husband once cautioned me about how hot the water in the washing machine gets. I'm talking H-O-T. Like 60-95 degrees Celsius. We're talking 140-203 degrees in Fahrenheit. 212 degrees is the boiling point of water--the boiling point! And it didn't really sink in but I thought, I wouldn't wash on the "white clothes" mood aka the hot cycle. Problem solved, I thought. Okay, it's still hot if you wash on the "colored clothes" option. But I never really did get the whole Farhrenheit thing very well, let alone Celsius.

It was not until I decided to wash my carry-all bag that I realized I am shrinking everything by washing and/or drying it!!! EVERYTHING. I fully admit I thought Rick was overreacting because he is tall and slender. He has mentioned how he'll buy a new shirt and it fits perfect before he washes it. But after the wash, it's just a tad too small. (American manufactors don't supply the "tall and slender" population very well. It's usually the "tall and overweight" category when looking at XL clothes.)

bag under discussion is to the left of me in the picture

the most delicious shave ice we've ever had at Matsumoto's in Hawaii

It's really unfortunate that I found a few great pairs of jeans before discovering this dilema because now they are just a tad too tight.

My bag, which I could previously shop at the grocery store and stuff a ton of stuff in it (Germans don't give out bags at grocery stores like in the States--you have to pay for them, so the majority of the customers bring their own). We're talking a couple liters of bubbly water, a package of cheese, some bags of bread, maybe some of our favorite jam or pesto sauce--all in my handy shoulder bag. My bag, which used to be able to hold my school books and notebook, still does but now I have to turn them vertical! So yes, I have definite proof that my bag--along with everything else I've washed in the past YEAR has shrunk!

my very nice, sweet, and sexy husband holding said bag

Yes, my bag which I used to be able to throw in a big sized beach towel and beach necessities can now only carry a regular sized to smallish towel. I like them big, people. BIG.

me, being delighted with my bag (hidden behind the big hawiann towels we got)

i told you, i like them big

don't mind the big white car in the picture--has nothing to do with the story

So I admit my wrongful actions and unfortunatly I did not realize that washing and drying our laundry was harming the whole batch. I guess the bright side is, I can't blame my weight! But now I need a whole new wardrobe and I like the one I had. I guess it's not as bad as it seems. I still fit into my clothes but they're just a tad too small.

Is there a secret to un-shrinking clothes?

What would you do if you shruk your whole wardrobe?

Do you think you would figure it out quicker than I did?

Would you be happy you strunk your clothes so you could buy new ones?

Do you know where to buy clothes for tall & slender people?

Are you going to answer these questions?

Love You Long Time

2009-02-04T09:52:00.004+01:00

Seriously, if I were in Utah on February 27th would be here! How cool does this sound? I love the picture, too, if you enlarge it you can see it says "no, this is not a joke". The band Love You Long Time will also be performing. I'm digging their style and music. If you're interested in attending, you can check out UVU's site.

Take some pictures for me!

For Russ

2009-02-02T14:43:00.003+01:00

Russ,

Donde estas? Where are you??? Just in case you're looking I snapped these at a Catholic (I think) Church in Mallorca cuz they reminded me of you. Enjoy!

I hope you still have my email address cuz I never got yours!
We can meet up in Italy :)

Familiar Face

2009-02-02T14:39:00.001+01:00

When we were at this huge Catholic (I think) church in Mallorca, we saw this:

Remind you of anyone?

Cora!

2009-02-02T14:29:00.003+01:00

This is a shout out to Cora! I think you're birthday is in the next year or so, so Happy Early Birthday, you popular person in France, you!

Yes, they have named a store after you!...

...a drink after you

...a shopping cart after you

...and they just like broadcasting your name everywhere!
Now, you must come here and see for yourself
and please bring your entire family with you
:)

Green, Money, Signs

2009-02-02T13:59:00.006+01:00

So I'm a little behind on our blog but I'm caught up on everyone else's blog, trust me. I seriously have an addiction to people's blogs I don't even know and ebay. There, I said it. Yes, I have an addiction to blog hopping and ebay.

So we found Ratatouille in France but we didn't buy or make it. In fact, I don't even know what it is, but I had heard of the movie and then saw it in the grocery store and snapped a pic. There, I said it. I take pictures of stuff that has nothing to do with me or my life.

Like these cherries. We didn't buy them but only gawked at how much they cost.

That's almost 14 Euros for one kilo!
That's close to $20 U.S. dollars.

I mean, shoot, I even get bummed when I have to pay 50 cents to go to the bathroom and when there's two of you, that's a whole Euro, about $1.40 give or take.

But I did think these cute trees scattered around a small town in France were festive and very "green". As if trees need a reason to be green!

can you tell what decorations are on these two trees?
those are scrubbers

styrofom cutouts
How cute that there were random trees around the town.

We did find the most marvelous jam ever in France! I don't have a picture of this but it is the best stuff and will make a great jar to put a treat in later. And we got strawberry-rhubarb--that is some good stuff! I have since found the jam, or confiture, as it says on the bottle (which sounds way better than plain old jam) in Germany and I've stocked up on the stuff in peach, strawberry, and pear. I don't think I've ever had pear jam and probably not peach either but I'm expanding my horizons.

And I found the tiny-est stop sign ever.

I don't know how well you can tell, but that is one teeny tiny sign. It's like they're trying to be polite and saying, "please stop". Baby stop sign in France, I'll call it.

We Found Ratatouille!

2009-01-14T12:18:00.000+01:00

It's a movie, it's a food, it's here--we found it!

Speaking of movies, has anyone seen Seven Pounds with Will Smith? If you want to cry hard, go see that movie.

Crafting

2009-01-06T15:40:00.003+01:00

I am officially a wannabe crafter. I search different blogs and get tons of ideas but I haven't done any crafting since my December Pink Christmas endeavor. That doesn't mean I can't enter a few giveaways!

You can enter too:

http://donkeysmiles.blogspot.com/2009/01/valentine-blog-candy.html

http://papercraftsbyrach.blogspot.com/

The Spa in Korea

2009-01-01T01:53:00.000+01:00

Yes, we are taking a shower and I am taking pictures. woo-hoo!

What is this? Oh ya, we're taking a shower in a cafe. A foot shower ;) but still in a cafe...you know, the kind you eat in.

My reaction to getting the spa treatment. Why yes, aren't spa treaments normally grand? For me they are...

Look closely, very closely.

These little fishes tickled SO much--
what a weird sensation that was!

We got about 15 mins of tickling sensation.

And this is our after spa treat.
We really had no idea what we were ordering but ended up liking it.

Who ever thought of a 2-in-1 Book Cafe and Foot Spa?
Well, we're fans whoever they were!

Maybe I Do Want To Live on a Farm

2008-12-31T12:10:00.002+01:00

What could be better? Totally fresh, un-pesticides, organic fruits, count me in! I was excited to make and eat homemade dried apples this past summer. I wish I could have helped out with canning tomatoes but hopefully some other time. Yes, I'm beginning to enjoy this life.

I Know Cute People

2008-12-31T11:58:00.002+01:00

I may not have any of my own but I sure know a whole lot of cute people.

Our Little Tree

2008-12-31T11:55:00.001+01:00

This is our little Christmas Tree and I love it. I wish I knew how to take a better picture of it. I don't want to take it down. It's so simple but makes me so happy.

Specials

2008-12-28T13:38:00.000+01:00

Anyone find any after Christmas specials? If I only had the selection you luckies in the States do. Don't get me wrong, Europe has awesome treasures but I am a bit more familiar with shopping in the States for bargains.

Stuff still on my wish list:

large bag of original cran-raisins (a favorite with us lately). I would love to get a Costco size bag of these.
Coupons--The military accepts coupons up to 6 months past the expiration date and it is wonderful how much coupons can save on the grocery bill
A printer--We have one but not with us...totally frustrating
Craft supplies and stuff (rubber stamps, stamp ink, cardstock, anything having to do with crafts)--Yes, after years of never thinking twice about being crafty, I suddenly have a huge desire to be crafty. That is hugely due to the Pink Christmas I participated in this year (more on that later).

Where do you buy your craft supplies at? Know any good deals? What do you still want for your life? Were there awesome deals out there after Christmas? Do you think 2 drinks for the price of 2 drinks is a good deal?

Christmas Decorations

2008-12-28T06:15:00.001+01:00

Opps, I've had this in my draft box for 2 months! Good thing it's still December and our Christmas decorations are still up. In fact, at this point, I don't even want to take them down. I'll have to post pictures of them later.

We recently got to visit Garmish-Patkirchen (I'm sure I spelled that wrong) and I saw these cute little houses, perfect for under the Christmas tree or decorations around the house. Since these ones cost about 50 Euro for one little house, I had to find other (read: cheaper) cute houses. I did find some but they're still in boxes so I'll have to take a picture later but now I need to find cute little benches, people, trees, and wagons like they had in this shop window. I don't know if you can see them, they are tiny. You can click on the picture to make it bigger if you want.
What are some of your favorite Christmas decorations?

Christmastime

2008-12-25T20:36:00.002+01:00

I realize that it is Christmastime and not Halloween and therefore I do not want halloween pictures to be the first post on our blog. That is why I am typing this post. I have been a poor blogger lately but have enjoyed reading everyone else's blogs way too much. I get caught up in blog-hopping and lately it has been taking up my desire to blog myself. So for all of you bloggers and your great post, ideas, pictures, recipes and crafty ideas I thank you!

Merry Christmas to everyone and I {plan} to post something/anything sometime soon.

Halloween Pictures

2008-11-09T14:43:00.003+01:00

This guy almost attacked me!

Scary "things"

Another scary thing, without " "

Ditto on the above comments

Attacking the Prince of Darkness

Look at those horns!

They almost got him--til I saved the day!

Crazy wing span--couldn't even get it in the whole picture

Halloween turned out to be really fun. We met up with some friends (can you believe it, we actually have friends!) for dinner beforehand. I think we discovered an Italian Restaurant pretty darn close that we both like. Then, we headed to Frankenstein Castle. It turns out that the other girl we were going with gets totally scared and freaked out just like me. It seems like the scary people walking around could just sense that and they would come after us. They literally follow you around and creep you out. I was super creeped in the beginning but towards the end of the night, I was like "whatever"! totally

The pin head man.

That is me trying to run from a creepy person (green face person).

Lit up and ready for visitors

Boo!

Before You Vote Read This:

2008-11-02T19:19:00.003+01:00

This is from Meridian Magazine:

We are in the midst of a presidential campaign between two candidates whose vision of America is vastly different, and we are bombarded every day with discussion about their relative merits. However, ironically, while we may know details of their personal history or whether pigs or pit bulls wear lipstick, what is often conspicuously missing is where they stand on some specific issues that will greatly impact your family.

Over the years we've had a few letters from readers who chastise us at Meridian for discussing anything political. However, from the inception of the magazine nine and one-half years ago, we have tried to keep a finger on the pulse of current events and look at them through a lens of LDS values.

We all live in a world that is not only vastly different from our moral standards and world view, but it is spiraling away from us at a dizzying rate. How to negotiate through these currents bring up critical topics for all of us, and we don't always see things the same. Discussion, education and information help us each clarify our own thinking.

The magazine was named Meridian for two reasons: the meridian is the highest point of light, but also meridians on the globe take a measure of the world.

From the beginning, Meridian has sought to take a measure of the world, specifically bringing up issues that affect the moral foundation of our society and that impact family, and religious freedom.

We hope these scorecards will be useful information as you contemplate your voting decision.

The Scorecard

The Family Research Council has researched both candidates extensively, including their comments, their former votes and news reports to compile a voter scorecard on where John McCain and Barack Obama stand on family issues. It is a highly-detailed voter guide that drills down “on the issues important to the family so as to discover not only a candidate's position, but the depth of that position.” Footnotes and reference guides are given for further reading.
This scorecard certainly does not claim to cover every family issue, but does look at many of the ones that are or will be considered by the government. Though, in this scorecard, questions about poverty are not directly asked, by far the most significant influence on whether a child will grow up in poverty is his or her family structure. Children who grow up in intact families with married fathers and mothers are much less likely to experience poverty.

You can download a copy of this scorecard by clicking here . To see it requires a simple registration.

Here's a sample of the questions and positions:

Women's Health

Would you support a federal law prohibiting both human reproductive cloning and cloning for research?

McCain: Yes Obama: No

Do you support Medicaid-funded abortions?

McCain : No Obama : Yes.

Abstinence Education

Would you support or oppose a federal parental notification law before a minor receives an abortion?

McCain: Support Obama : Oppose

Would you fight to protect the integrity of federally defined abstinence-until-marriage education?

McCain: Yes Obama: No

Promoting Stronger Marriages
Do you support a U.S. constitutional amendment to define and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman?

McCain: No Obama: No

If you do not support a U.S. constitutional amendment to define and protect marriage now, would any of these hypothetical future circumstances allow you to support such amendment?
*if one or several state supreme courts require their states to recognize same-sex marriages from another state.

McCain: Yes Obama: No

*if the U.S. Supreme Court requires states to recognize same-sex marriages from another state (thus overturning a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act)

McCain: Yes Obama: No

*if the U.S. Supreme Court requires the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages and/or partnerships for any purpose under federal law (thus overturning a provision of the federal Defense of Marriage Act)

McCain: Yes Obama: No

*if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that same-sex marriage is a right under the U.S. Constitution
McCain: Yes Obama: No

The Federal Defense of Marriage Act (1996) declares marriage to be the union of one man and one woman for all purposes of the federal government and declares that states do not have to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. Which of the following describes your position on the federal DOMA?

*I would veto any bill that would weaken any provision of the federal DOMA --McCain

*I would support repeal of the provision of DOMA that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman for all federal purposes, thus freeing the federal government to give marital benefits to same-sex couples. -- Obama

*I would support repeal of the provision of DOMA that declares states do not have to recognize same-sex marriages from other states, thus leaving courts free to require such recognition under the Constitution's “full faith and credit” clause. --Obama

Homosexuality and Special Rights

Which of the following comes closest to your position on the Employment Non-Discrimination ACT (ENDA) which would grant federal civil rights protection on the basis of sexual orientation?

*I would veto any bill to provide federal civil rights protection on the basis of sexual orientation. --McCain

*I would sign a bill to give federal civil rights protection based on sexual orientation and “gender identity”. --Obama

Which of the following comes closest to your position on the proposed federal “hate crimes law, which would allow the federal government to prosecute any “hate crime” anywhere in the country?

*I would veto any federal “hate crimes” law, and leave prosecution of such crimes to state and local authorities. --McCain

*I would sign a federal hate crimes law that included protections based on sexual orientation and “gender identity.” --Obama

Neither candidate has been aggressive in pledging to see that obscenity is prosecuted aggressively through the Department of Justice.

Another Scorecard

Another scorecard on the presidential candidates that also gives links to both the Republican and Democratic platforms is here . Please click through and see the statements from each party's platform and how the candidate measures up based on your values.

Woolworth

2008-10-30T10:08:00.000+01:00

Remember this? You probably thought they were all gone because they all closed down (at least the ones I knew of closed down). Nope, they just moved...to Germany and maybe other parts of Europe. I'll let you know if I find anymore. I guess the U.S. just wasn't treating them right.

Halloween '08

2008-10-30T09:44:00.003+01:00

What are you doing for Halloween?
I have to admit, I am a slacker when it comes to holidays. It's not that I don't like them but I think I'm too lazy and uncreative to come up with fun ideas, especially a costume. It seems like I would be the exact opposite but I guess I'm not. This is why I am particularly pleased with my cute Halloween decorations this year. Anyway...

I am going here Friday night

Scary, huh?

It's this guy's castle (pictured above).

How crazy cool is that--going to Frankenstein's Castle ON Halloween? Sounds awesome but I am freaked out. I guess the people running the hunted house can put their hands on you, throw you into coffins, shut the coffin...that kind of stuff, no big deal {yah right}. I am down right SCARED! But I'm going anyway because who can turn up an opportunity to go to the source on the night of scariness?
I guess I'll have to let you know how it goes...if I survive!

If you'd like to read more about Burg Frankenstein click here.

Flashback Friday

2008-10-24T22:31:00.002+02:00

During our last couple of weeks in Korea we tried to cram everything in to those short weeks that we hadn't done yet. We got to see Bboyz and the ballerina. I thought it had some fun dance moves but the storyline was a little funny. It is similar to Step It Up if I remember correctly. The ballerinas are practicing and the noise from the Bboyz is too loud. One of the ballerinas goes down to talk to them, they hate each other, but later they fall in love. ahhhh

I took this picture myself but can you see that website link in the lower left hand corner? I don't remember that.

Getting down

Getting funky

Proof that we went to the show! After they saw my dance moves, they were trying to get me to join their cast but I had to turn them down cuz I was leaving on a jet plane.
totally lying but wouldn't that be cool if I weren't?

Beutisimo!

2008-10-23T00:25:00.001+02:00

This city was so beautiful!!!! You can even see the moon in the picture. I think this was Bessano del Grappa (or something like that) in Italy. So gorgeous!

Whipper Snapper

2008-10-23T00:21:00.000+02:00

What is going on you might ask? Traditional Bavarian Night, that's what. Yup, they are whipping their whips to make a song. And yes, one of them stood on our table, hence the great view. It was fun and different but then you realized how loud the whip noise was and you covered your ears. I heard a rumor that someone got stung by the whip but don't know if it's true. This was a true Bavarian Night with true Bavarian food and entertainment. Some of the "audience" dressed up in lederhosen and durndel--we're going to have to be on the lookout for some of those for next year!

Beginning of Flea Markets

2008-10-21T09:54:00.004+02:00

We found this cute little gem shopping at flea market (or some kind of market) in Venice, Italy. We spent a little much for it, especially having no idea what it's worth but isn't it cute? The picture is a little blurry but it is actually next to a measuring tape. It's a set of small scales they probably used in the old days. I'm planning on polishing them so they sparkle. I should take another picture where they are out and you can see just how cute they are!
I'm assuming they are copper but don't really know. Does anyone know how to polish copper?

Oh, and by the way, the hubs is already getting nervous about how much stuff I'm buying. I also got a fabulous set of transferware! Don't know what transferware is? Neither did I but I love it! I'll have to take a picture of those for you too.
Now, if only I could find a tablecloth to go with my new dishes...
Have you ever splurged for something like this? What is your favorite thing you've found at a garage sale/flea market?

We're ready!

2008-10-21T09:51:00.001+02:00

We are ready for Halloween! How cute is this??? I should have moved the hat out of the picture, opps. I love this sewing machine piece and using it as our entry way table. I got all this cute Halloween stuff this year and this might be the end of the decorations for me but I just think it is so cute and every time I come home this display makes me happy!
ps, anyone else have a sewing machine table like this? This one is not ours but I wonder how much they go for. I'm going to see if the landlord will sell it to us.

Differences

2008-10-21T09:44:00.000+02:00

Um, so, this is our bed. I say bed as in if it is one singular object. Nope, it's two beds pushed together. It's nice to cuddle in the crack, we always fight over who gets to sleep in the crack.

And , yes, this is the sink. The teeny tiny sink. So thank your lucky stars people with large kitchens and sinks cuz this is all I got. I don't get Germans and their kitchens. They have the smallest kitchens and sinks and counter space. Their kitchens are also usually enclosed with 4 walls and a door (probably for tempature purposes) but it is closed off to the rest of the house. Where do they cook all the delicious food that they make with barely any counter space and how do they wash all those dishes in tiny sinks? Requirement #1 for the house of my own: Large, open kitchen with tons of counter space and huge a sink!!!

YES on Prop 8

2008-10-21T06:21:00.000+02:00

I realize I haven't written my own words about the upcoming election in California and the Presidential Election. Things have been quite hectic over here.

My thoughts on prop 8 are deep and solid. I know that moral issues are important and we need to take a stand. We can't just sit back and say "this doesn't effect me". It does, it will.

It seems as now good is considered as bad and bad is being considered good. In our society it is almost looked down upon if a woman decides to stay at home with her family instead of work outside the home. She will not get enough satisfaction, praise, and she will stifle herself serving only her children and spouse is what the world seems to say. And now marriage between a man and a women, the only two who can create life together; essentially the correct pair to build a family is being put to the test. Wouldn't science tell us that a man and women create life? And to create life they first create a bond between themselves, a bond called marriage. And now everybody wants to be married. Where are the limits? I don't think this is about equality. Same-sex gender partners are able to live together and have domestic partner benefits. This is about keeping marriage sacred and between and man and woman. This is about keeping marriage the way science and God intended it. This is about keeping our rights and freedoms as married couple and mothers and fathers of children. The video depicts some of the implications that come come if prop 8 does not pass. Vote YES on Prop 8. update: I also like the way one of the blogs I stalk talked about the issue here.

Munich

2008-10-20T13:32:00.004+02:00

Rick had a dental conference in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I got to tag along. While he was at the conference all day, I got to play! I even went to Munich which is about an hour away.

An Olympic Stadium site in Garmish, Germany. It was so beautiful with the changing colors of the leaves.

Pictures do not do it justice. It is so beautiful.

Horse and buggy ride you could take.

The view from a bobsled type ride we went on 4 times!

Breathtaking view from our hotel.

(I wrote this part before Alrighty, for some reason this whole post might just be underlined. I do not know why . strange. I guess the underline-man wants some more action! Anyway, to show that I am not all serious and politics, this is Munich:I was getting fancy with the black & white style :) This building is on the main square, a name I forget. I think it is a government office. At certain hours throughout the day, you can watch a "show" of a big cukoo clock type thing. If that's not good explanation, I don't know what is!
This set was given to one of the Queens when she took her throne. It is like a 100-in-1 chest-like set. It includes dishes, makeup pouches, haircare products, sewing supplies--everything! I think it was her traveling chest/suitcase. Probably all gold too, but that's only a guess.

The main square in Munich. Cute buildings.

Rick's present to me ;)
Seriously, look at all those jewels!

The door where Hitler did his thing. I believe he was taken from here into prison, where he wrote Mein Kampf. When passing this door you always had to salute Hitler (hail) and if you didn't you were taken in, questioned, and sometimes force was used. So, people started using an alley way to the left of this door so they wouldn't have to walk in front and salute. It became nicknamed something I forget but it also has a yellow stripe to represent where people walked. I don't think I got a picture of the alley though. I'm thinking they used yellow because didn't Jewish people have to wear yellow pieces of cloth on their clothing? Does anyone know?

Does anyone know how to underline and un-underline???

ps, if you think Germany is beautiful, just wait until you see our pictures from Italy and Switzerland.

Korean Video Games

2008-10-20T13:22:00.000+02:00

Rick and I finally got to go to a big movie theater in Korea. Not that movies are the best thing to do with in another country but it's so interesting experiencing a foreign movie theater. First off, you don't just wait in line to buy your ticket, you take a number and then wait. Next, after buying your ticket you are assigned your seats. They show you a chart with what's available so you can pick from what's left. That possibly makes sneaking in and out of the theaters harder (you know who you are!). The arcade in the theater amused us for hours and we found some of the video games very interesting. Take the example below:

I don't exactly know what is going on here. I guess it's a race to see who can take their mask off the fastest...

How many people can you cram into the subway?

Now what this is, I am very concerned, but have an idea... Is it like how many times can I get slapped on the butt? Rememeber my posting about things NOT to do on the subway? They broke that rule!

Chop-suey! Make kimchee fast fast fast!

Hi-ya!

No, I swear, it really is a video game, I'm not making it up.

This post has been in my draft box forever. Just trying to make it perfect, ya know? So you might see old posts every once in a while. opps

Think Your 5-year-old Should Be Taken To A Gay Wedding? I Don't.

2008-10-16T00:30:00.003+02:00

News
First Graders Taken To San Francisco City Hall For Gay Wedding

October 11, 2008
Contact: Chip White/Sonja Eddings Brown, 916-215-4392
SAN FRANCISCO, October 11 – In the same week that the No on 8 campaign launched an ad that labeled as “lies” claims that same-sex marriage would be taught in schools to young children, a first grade class took a school-sponsored trip to a gay wedding. Eighteen first graders traveled to San Francisco City Hall Friday for the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner, The San Francisco Chronicle reported. The school sponsored the trip for the students, ages 5 and 6, taking them away from their studies for the same-sex wedding. According to the Yes on 8 campaign, the public school field trip demonstrates that the California Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage has real consequences. "Taking children out of school for a same-sex wedding is not customary education. This is promoting same-sex marriage and indoctrinating young kids," said Yes on 8—ProtectMarriage.com Campaign Co-Manager Frank Schubert. "I doubt the school has ever taken kids on a field trip to a traditional wedding," Schubert said. When asked by the Yes on 8 campaign, The San Francisco Chronicle reporter said she did not know if the school had ever sponsored a field trip for students to a traditional wedding. Telling the Chronicle that the field trip was "a teachable moment," the school's principal believes it is perfectly appropriate for first graders to attend a same-sex wedding. Officials in other school districts disagree. "Prop. 8 protects our children from being taught in public schools that 'same-sex marriage' is the same as traditional marriage," said Santa Ana Unified School District board member Rosemarie "Rosie" Avila. "We should not accept a court decision that results in public schools teaching our kids that gay marriage is okay. That is an issue for parents to discuss with their children according to their own values and beliefs. It shouldn't be forced on us against our will," Avila added.The lesbian teacher's wedding was officiated by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. Newsom is featured in a Yes on 8 television ad, released last week, in which he arrogantly declares of same-sex marriage: "The door's wide open now. It's gonna happen, whether you like it or not."The Yes on 8 campaign's ads explain that if the voters do not overturn the California Supreme Court's same-sex marriage ruling, teachers will be required to teach young children that there is no difference between gay marriage and traditional marriage. “It's totally unreasonable that a first grade field trip would be to a same-sex wedding," said Chip White, Press Secretary for Yes on 8. "This is overt indoctrination of children who are too young to understand it.” The field trip underscores the Yes on 8 campaign’s message that unless Prop. 8 passes, children will be taught about same-sex marriage in public schools. “Not only can it happen, it has already happened,” White said.
###Media contacts:Northern & Central California (Sacramento Press Office): Chip White, 916-215-4392 Los Angeles & Southern California: Sonja Eddings Brown, 818-993-4508

Vote McCain

2008-10-14T13:27:00.002+02:00

I'm taking a leap here but here it goes: Vote McCain. Here are only a few of the reasons why:

You can verify a lot of this here: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html

INTERESTING DATA JUST RECEIVED ON TAXES Please spread the word. This is something you should be aware of so you don't get blind sided. This isreally going to catch a lot of families off guard. It should make you worry. Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 General election:

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN 0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA 28% on profit from ALL home sales How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN 15% (no change)

OBAMA 39.6% How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.'

INCOME TAX

MCCAIN (no changes) Single making 30K - tax $4,500 Single making 50K - tax $12,500Single making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 60K- tax $9,000Married making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 125K - tax $31,250

OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts) Single making 30K - tax $8,400 Single making 50K - tax $14,000 Single making 75K - tax $23,250 Married making 60K - tax $16,800 Married making 75K - tax $21,000 Married making 125K - tax $38,750 Under Obama, your taxes will more than double! How does this affect you? No explanation needed. This is pretty straight forward.

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax How does this affect you? Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY OBAMA New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least.... New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

Also CLICK HERE to watch a video about the current economic crisis and Obama.

Dear John

2008-09-12T07:45:00.004+02:00

Dear Loyal Readers,

You have obviously noticed how much of a slacker I have been--it is true. I appreciate your curiosity into our lives. Unfortunately I am saying goodbye, at least for a while. If you really want to hear from us, we love letters and I promise to write back. And yes, I am still trying to get all our wedding thank-yous out but I will write you back. Okay, maybe I shouldn't promise that. I'm taking that back, sorry.

I haven't felt like blogging much lately. So much has been going on with moving and I simply don't feel settled. That's my reason and I am stinking to it. So instead of you checking the blog every once in a while and getting the same old page, you can know I am taking a hiatus for a while and I hope I spelled that correctly.

That's all for now.

Water Rafting?

2008-08-23T17:09:00.002+02:00

Last Days of Korea: Oh ya, we went water rafting! Oh wait, maybe it was more like water floating. We basically had one somewhat exciting rapid but mostly just floated down the river for about um, 3 hours! Luckily it was absolutely beautiful! Unluckily, it wasn't all that warm that particular day. On one of the extremly rapid rapids our rafting guides had us get out and walk on the rocks next to the water. Oh ya, we're hardcore!

It's Been a While

2008-08-23T16:54:00.005+02:00

Okay, I'm not quite sure who exactly still checks this blog but I gotta say--I want to post about the past few weeks but I almost feel like posting about them won't do them justice or rather it just seems like a huge task. Plus, I'm being super lame right now. But the thing that keeps me going is reading other people's blogs :) and, of course, comments. We appreciate the love, concern, and support from our family and friends. I guess I feel so intimitated because it's really hard to decide even where to start because we've been up to so much. I guess we'll just have to take this one step at a time...one very tiny step at a time.

We tried to fit in as much of Korea in as we could the last little bit we were there. We had to clean the apartment and get everything ready for the packers. And of course, leaving that until the last minute wasn't the smartest thing to do. So it's also been a stressful time for us. We got all packed, cleaned, the movers had taken what they were shipping and we only had our luggage to take to the hotel and we'd be sitting pretty for a few days. Of course, that day, that particular hour it decided to POUR down rain! No joke, it was as if someone decided to POUR water on us and our luggage. Fun times. At least it wasn't cold. Just wet.

I tried taking a picture of the rain but of course, it's hard to get the idea of how hard it was raining.

I Can't Decide

2008-08-22T10:15:00.000+02:00

Where to Begin?

2008-08-22T10:13:00.000+02:00

Don't do this at home!

Still Closed...

2008-08-02T02:17:00.001+02:00

Closed until...

2008-07-29T05:05:00.000+02:00

Osan Market

2008-07-27T04:32:00.001+02:00

A couple weeks ago we went down to Osan. Osan is where one of the Air Force bases in Korea is. Going there is soooo different than Army posts. Air Force bases are totally clean and nice, and their hotel is only $28 compared to ours here that is over $75! Air Force people get it good. We stopped in at the market on the way:

Can you tell how HUGE these green onions are? They were about 2 feet long and super thick.

Fish? Anyone? Anyone? You see fish just about everywhere in Korea--even for sale in the subway.

Rick was saying this was sort-of like a deli, where you could get potato salad, pasta salad or other deli food. Except this is a Korean style deli.

Be afraid, be very afraid.

Melon of Water

2008-07-27T01:42:00.000+02:00

Nothing like some good watermelon in the summertime. Watermelons can run about $18 at regular stores here in Korea. I got this puppy for $5 or $6 (I can't remember now) at 5 Day Market. It had it's own burlap-ish carrying contraption so I was eager to lug it home--big mistake. The walk home had to be about 2 miles, if not more and it was hot and humid that day like crazy. When I finally got home I was so proud of myself and I wanted Rick to cut open the melon and enjoy my devotion to summertime treats. It didn't happen that way, instead, I think it sat on the counter for a day or two until I tried to cut it myself (that didn't work) so I had to threaten Rick to cut it or else... Once it was cut it was oh, so delicious!

Mitchell's

2008-07-26T04:17:00.000+02:00

It's funny to blog about this place because we've only been there twice together but we had a fun time both times and I want to remember it. The first time we went there we went for a comedy show. The comedy show we could have missed. entirely. But the food, so good and reasonably priced. We left right after we finished our slice of chocolate mousse cake, priced at $1.95! We like visiting Camp Red Cloud because it is super nice and clean and I even won an ipod shuffle right there in those very walls. The morale department put on a version of "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" and I won an ipod shuffle--go figure!

KORAIL

2008-07-25T04:03:00.000+02:00

I cannot pass up posting about our mode of transportation throughout Korea!

Dear KORAIL Subway System,

You have been so good to us. We can get where we need to go because of you. Not only are you clean and on time but you are inexpensive too! I am so glad you visit us all the way up in Dongducheon, and even go to Soyosan Mountain where we still want to go. You are very popular and have many visitors daily. I am glad I can put my things up above on the racks and never think that they might get stolen. I also appreciate that you are so easy for sellers to walk up and down the aisle trying to sell me stuff I never knew existed. Yes, I did buy 3 pairs of sport sleeves even though I'd never worn the first pair I bought a month ago. I bought a gloucosomine patch even though I couldn't understand all the benefits associated with it. And yes, I bought the cucumber slicer. This little gadget slices cucumbers so thin you can practically see through them. It was very amusing when the salesperson put them all over their face. A few minutes later another salesperson came through slicing cucumbers but this time proceeded to put the slices on other people's faces. Oh that was a good one! I also bought fans that turn into sun hats and some regular old fans but way cheaper than in the market. Shopping while traveling on your efficient train always brightens up my day!

Oh, Korea Subway, you are too good to us. You are speedy and reliable and you keep growing!

May you always remain wonderful,

me

Rick checking out the map

A door that leads to the other cars on the train, choo-choo!

See, nice and clean

People actually care about the elderly here, these seats are set aside for them and they are red as opposed to the normal blue seats. Thing is, men have priority in Korea. Sometimes I'll see a woman give up her seat to a man even if they are about the same age, no thank you.

Symbols of Our City

2008-07-25T03:23:00.000+02:00

Don't worry if you were worried the pigeon would get left behind all the other birds and never have a city to represent. The pigeon is, in fact, the symbolic bird of Dongducheon. We even have a couple cartoon characters to boot, which we see on the sides of buildings and on the street divider. Bet you wish the pigeon was your city's bird!

Boots

2008-07-23T03:46:00.001+02:00

Do these look cute or what? I tried to get them custom made and it turned out horrible. Loooong sad story but basically I got a recommendation from a girl with really cute custom made boots. So I put in my order after many months of waiting. When I went to pick it up, they looked vaguely like the boots in the picture. They sort of looked like farmer's goulashes when I tried them on... I could give more details but it's just way too depressing.

Have you ever anticipated something that turned out so opposite you could have cried?

Interesting Name

2008-07-23T03:19:00.001+02:00

That's an interesting name. That isn't the only store name that's made us do a double take. In fact, we found a store that had the F*bomb in the store name for everyone to read and see. I mean, how do they answer the phone? "{Bad word} lovely, how can I help you?" Rick made me stand in front of the store for a picture but I'll have to white out the bad word because this is a G-rated blog.

Does this make our blog PG now?

Convenience Store Treats

2008-07-22T03:00:00.000+02:00

Hot Roasted Squid anyone?

I'll think I'll take melon goodness instead

Speaking of melon goodness--this is a picture of our favorite Popsicle. I wouldn't even call it a Popsicle because it is so much better. It is melon and I am not even a big fan of melon but this is different. It is creamy. It is perfect for the hot and humid Korean life! It is 70 cents. I think it used to be a little cheaper. If you go to e*mart, you can get them cheaper. I don't shop at emart enough!

Unauthorized

2008-07-20T23:27:00.001+02:00

We went on the DMZ Tour a week ago (more about that later) and one of the stops, of course, was the gift shop. Besides some cute little pottery vases and "wire from the DMZ fence" we saw the above lighter. Are you serious? First of all, it seems to have a legitimate eagle symbol on it but hello, um maybe check your spelling! And what is with that statement anyway? Kill anyone who is exciting and unusual and lives in exotio? Who came up with this idea? Definitely. Different. Comments?

Nanta

2008-07-16T04:29:00.002+02:00

A few weeks ago we attended a performance of Nanta

We had a fun time. Nanta is a rhythmical theater show about cooking. When it tours outside of Korea the show is called Cookin'. It was fun to do a "night thing" because in Seoul we usually just do tourist stuff during the day. But I think my favorite part about it was the dinner beforehand. I think we had the best bulgogi yet! Seriously, if I would have known how good bulgogi was, I would have tried it more often. The thing about eating out at Korean restaurants is you usually sit on the floor. Sitting on the floor is okay for a short time but not for too long. Also, the places we've been are buffet style, so you have to get up and get your own stuff and then cook it over the fire in front of you at your table. This is okay for starters but honestly, if I go out to a restaurant, I don't want to have to worry about cooking my own food. Anyway, at this place we ate before the show, since we were on a tour with other people, the other lady at our table cooked the food at our real-live table; long legs and everything. Plus, the food was so delicious! The only sad thing is, our pleasant experience was over so quickly. We were sitting there, enjoying our meal, when, without any notice, we we told by our tour guide that we had to leave. No notice, nothing. So here Rick and I are trying to finish our last bites and get some water before our tour left us! And the other sad thing was, we showed up to the performance like 45 minutes early. Have no fear, we snuck some of our favorite Macadamia nut chocolates into the show only to find out later I got some chocolate on Rick's new fancy shirt. Luckily it came out and doesn't he look so good in it pictured above?

After the show we were on the bus back to our starting point. Suddenly the bus makes the wide U-turn in the middle of the street. Some U-turns in Korea require buses to do that (I'm not sure about it--they've got different U-turn laws) but this was weird-ER. Anyway, we look in the distance to see a ton of beef protesters with their candles in the middle of the street. Later that night we saw more protesters before finding our way to Namdaemun. There we found a few bargains before calling it a night. All in all we had a great time!

4th of July 2008, Korea

2008-07-09T05:20:00.003+02:00

This 4th of July was really a great one--we both really enjoyed ourselves and were able to celebrate the day while remembering our country. Being on an Army Post often has it's advantages. The entire day was filled with a schedule of things going on here on post. We slept in a little too much so we missed some things in the morning but once we got moving, we had a blast. Never thought I'd be able to climb up into one of these:

The soldiers telling us about their vehicle, I forget the technical name of it, were so nice and helpful. I noticed they all had battle patches on their uniform signifying that they've been to war. I should have spoken up and said thank you for their service but didn't. Can I tell you the area where Rick is is tight and tiny! I feel like I barely squeezed in there and felt a bit claustrophobic (trying spelling that when blogger doesn't have a spell checker! Where'd it go???) It also does NOT smell good in those things. Not like it should smell good but I mean it just smells bad. If you look right where Rick's chin is, you can see the lens they see through. It's called paradiam lenses or something because the driver actually sits lower in the seat but his lenses see above for him. That way if they're getting attacked he doesn't have to worry about his eyes! I know I'm not explaining it great but it was fascinating to learn about.

Inside the tank.

Vroom vroom. Was I on M*A*S*H or what?

We got to meet Chuck Norris. I guess all the guys get to name their tanks. Behind us was Aphrodisiac! (Thank goodness firefox has spell check!!!)

We got to ride in these go-carts. How cool--they set these up for the 4th of July and they'll be here on the weekends throughout the summer.

We got to see "cheerleaders" perform

And another group, The Maxx performed. Rick said it should have been the Maxxx, with triple x's because it was uh, extremely provocative. And even though they most thrusted and gyrated, we stayed because I like dance and this was...sort of dance.

This was so cool and the highlight of the night. I think it was called "A Salute to the Nation". Each state was presented according to the date it joined the Union or United States. A soldier marched a flag to the stage and then a barrel salute was made. The soldiers were totally on task and it was fun to see them in action. Sometimes a barrel misfired and so the guy next in line promptly gave the signal for his firer to go!

It was so cool and so loud!

This video does not do the loud bang justice--it was super loud!

After that we watched the fireworks, which we were pretty impressed with. I wonder if the Koreans in town were wondering what was going on or if they are used to it by now. At any rate, we had a wonderful day!

I upload pictures but then they disappear...what is up, does this happened to you?

Have you thanked a soldier for their service and sacrifice?

Do you have a 4th of July tradition?
Are you going to answer these questions in a comment form or are you going to 'read and run'?

Piryong/Biryong* Waterfall

2008-07-04T16:05:00.001+02:00

For all you visual people out there, this is a picture of the waterfall that Rick decided to scale (previous post explains more). He started on the right side of the waterfall (left if you're looking at it). He climbed up a little on the side of the hill before starting to climb on the rock part. I wonder what he might try and do next...

*Koreans use their Ps and Bs interchangably, their Ks and Gs, and their Ts and Ds.

Random Korea

2008-06-30T08:27:00.002+02:00

If you look at the YMCA tee-shirt closely, you can see it's an Idaho Falls YMCA! How an Idaho Falls YMCA tee-shirt got to Korea, I don't know. These kids didn't speak English, so it's a mystery!

Just be fine sexy! Geez. Yup, this is the whole shirt, nothing on the front. We ran after this guy to get the picture.

If you look closely, you can see around the U.S. Army in white letters, it says "United States Marines". That's interesting!

Another cartoon of rules. Sorry about the flash, the lighting was bad. If only I knew what each caption said...

Green hot dogs? Be scared. Be very scared.

Some sort of hot dog with fries/breaded mixture on the outside. Hey, we were hungry. The watermelon was really good.

Have you seen this? It's like Dance Dance Revolution but drum style.

So many random things in Korea--so little time!

Seoraksan Part II

2008-06-30T06:25:00.000+02:00

Seoraksan Part I Continued...

This is a very important photo because it is proof that Rick likes to take challenges and almost fall, hit his head, and die in front of his English speaking wife in a Korean speaking National Park. On our way up to the cave at the top of ALL the stairs we passed by this rock formation. Rick thought it would be cool to stand between the two "kissing rocks" (that's the name I made up, not Rick). He must have been thinking about it our whole journey up the mountain because he was ready to tackle it when we came back down. Unfortunately the picture does not do it justice. These were two large boulders that were touching eachother. In the picture it looks like there is another rock behind that he could stand on but that rock was unreachable--it's just the way the picture looks with the sun hitting it. Here is a collage of Rick climbing on to the rocks:

It was quite challenging for him to get up between the rocks. I told him to abort abort because if he would have slipped and needed help I knew I'd be fairly helpless. Lucikly all went well, mission accomplished, boy happy but boy said he shouldn't have attempted mission in the first place. Remember this story, it comes in handy the next day.

The next day,

We went on one of these

There's Budda, way down there

We hiked up that. One lady hiked in her bare feet! It was an intense hike in your shoes, can't imagine it without shoes.

At the top

You could see everywhere!

Out to the ocean

I was a little nervous about all the chipmunks

We kept finding rock creations throughout the park

Ahhh, the picture with the story:

Rick decided he really did want a distressed wife who couldn't speak Korean try and save her husband who is almost double her size in the middle of nowhere. This picture is actually not the exact waterfall that Rick decided to scale! We didn't take a picture of that because he had the camera in the hopes of getting pictures from the top. We hiked all that we could (aka all that a normal person could) because the trail ended at a waterfall. Rick was convinced he'd read in the guide book that there was a "an unfrequented trail leads from this pool around the left side of the falls and up to the end of this narrowing valley to Towangseong Waterfall...it's one of the most enticing in the park". He was set on getting to this other waterfall. It's a shame we don't have any pictures because it is obvious that there is no trail to the left of the waterfall from where we were sitting, almost getting attacked by chipmunks but that's a different story.

Rick decides to go up the side of the mountain. I stay put. There is no trail that I can see and I am fine with that. He seriously is climbing up the side of a mountain with no trail and tons of brush. He aborts that plan but decides to scale up the side of the waterfall. At first I am thinking he will try it and then come back down after he sees it is not smart and extremely risky. Nope. He keeps going. I am getting nervous. We've hiked quite a ways since seeing someone and I have no first aid kit and I doubt I will be able to move him after he's fallen. Later he tells me the climb was okay in the beginning but then his hand hold was getting slippery from the wet moss the waterfall created. He is also in some sprawled out positions trying to get up the side of the waterfall. It's gotten to the point for him where it's risky to go up but going down would be harder. He yells to me. I can't hear him over the noise from the waterfall. Suddenly, a Korean hiker appears from above. She is decked out in hiking gear and appears to have a rope. *Hence, the last post of us joking that the Koreans took their hiking gear a little seriously. We're not joking anymore* She crosses the waterfall and is now on the same side as Rick but on the landing above. Others appear up top on the opposite side, but they stay put. It is up to the woman to save Rick.

She begins to throw down the rope and I am thinking, there is no way she is going to be able to pull him up or lower him down. But then she ties it to a ring shaped anchor in the side of the rock. He grabs a hold and climbs up the side of the waterfall. Meanwhile, the men are just looking on. Rick is saved by the Koreans, well the Korean woman, with all the gear. We now have a vow in our family never to make fun of Koreans with their outfits and gear. They are hardcore. Everyone motions to me to go back and I have no idea when or how I am going to see my husband again. I hesitate but go back to where we came from hoping to meet up with Rick again back by the entrance gates or somewhere by the bus when I hear people coming down the mountain. The trail was to the left of the waterfall but 100 yards or so to the left! Here comes Rick down that trail all in one piece, just the way I like him. Turns out the really beautiful waterfall he was trying to get to would have been half a day's journey away--it was really far away.

Lesson not learned day one. Hopefully lesson learned day two. I like my husband in one piece.

Seoraksan National Park

2008-06-24T05:36:00.008+02:00

A couple weekends ago we got out of town and went 6 hours East toward Sokcho. We traveled about two hours to get to Seoul and from there took a four hour bus ride to Eastern Korea. We arrived at about 8pm in Sokcho. As we were trying to get our bearings at the bus terminal and figure out where we were in relation to the hotels we wanted to check out we were approached by a lady wanting us to check out her hotel. We somewhat reluctantly followed. She wanted way too much money for the place and although she was persistent, we declined her offer. We went outside only to be approached by another lady wanting to rent out her place. We could tell they were scheming but followed the other lady to her place. It was livable and cheap, so we took it. It was getting late and we'd been traveling all day.

Notice the primitive facet going on here. It's cheap and it works!

THIS was the bathroom--the entire bathroom. We were scared, very scared. There were shoes for us to wear while inside but this also freaked me out. I felt like we were in a public bathroom and put toilet paper down on the seat before using it. We never did use that shower--too scary! Oh, and you can't see the big hole in the ceiling but it was there. Too bad we didn't get a picture of the room itself. Koreans don't believe in sheets so we slept on a blanket. Koreans usually sleep on the floor apparently. Luckily they had a bed in there or we would have looked elsewhere (and probably found something better than this!)
One of the reasons we stayed at that scary not even a hotel place is because it was close to la playa. We had fun watching all the fun little kids playing in the water and seeing a motorboat take passengers from shore out on the choppy water.

The next day we went to Seoraksan National Park. It was really easy to get to thanks to Rick's mad guide book skills and sense of direction. One Thousand Won (one dollar) each way provided us with transportation right to the Park's entrance. It was on the second day we went to the park that I asked if they give military discounts, that saved us some $$$. Seriously, it doesn't hurt to ask--wish we would have asked the first day!

Rick working up his mad map skills. If there was a map anywhere we'd be stopping at it. Notice the walking stick. Oh ya, we're hardcore--we got walking sticks!
Can you tell how huge that Buddha is? It was enormous!
So big!
Humongous!
We hiked and hiked. Fortunately, we were well hidden from the sun under trees and didn't get sunburned the first day. We thought this was the top, but oh no, there was more to go...
...This
We made it and were pretty happy with that. It was funny because for the first bit of the hike the road was paved and we thought it was going to be a walk in the park. All the Koreans really like to dress up for activities. Like, when they golf, they look like professional golfers with all their gear and clothing. Well, when Koreans hike, they really dress the part walking stick and all. So we thought it was a little excessive that they would be so dressed up in their Northface clothing and high tech boots for a paved road hike through the woods. Um, boy were we wrong. It got pretty intense and we stopped laughing at their decked out clothes (this comes in especially poignant the next day *Stay tuned).
Pictures from the top, what's at the top (a Buddhist shrine), me imitating Buddha, going down, and a last look up. The second to last picture is going down--yes, those are stairs!!! It was crazy and I was glad I had my trusty walking stick!

Well, dang, I am going to leave you with this for now. Part 2 next time.

Where is the most beautiful place you've been?

Korean Food

2008-06-20T06:02:00.002+02:00

Rick got the bi-bem-bop (not accurate spelling) and I got a noodle soup. Imagine being super hungry after hiking a crazy mountain and trying to quench your hunger with Korean Food. We found the above.
Notice the random sprouts and weeds in Rick's food. Looks scary, tastes primitive but not too bad compared to other Korean foods. We're technically not supposed to eat chicken or eggs because of the bird flu that has been discovered recently in Korea. That makes me wonder, do you know about all the fuss going on with the importation of beef to Korea from the United States? There have been protests everywhere in Korea, major protests. I don't even remember the U.S. having mad cow disease about 5 years ago. I think the Koreans are mad because we are taking away from their beef workers if we import beef from the U.S. But seriously, do they realize how much we are helping their economy and defense? We are spending billions of dollars with the Army here!!!
Opps, I was talking about food. Here are some more pictures. Spicy food, pickled food--those are about the 2 varieties of food they have here.
And then you're thirsty after eating all that spicy food and all you've got are tiny stainless steel cups to fill water up with. Those cups are maybe 2.5 inches high and 1.5 inches around, don't quote me on that. This meal pictured above Rick ordered. No idea what it was, he just pointed to a picture. He said it was beyond spicy. At this point, kimchi wasn't even spicy to him because this was a 1,000,000 on the spice-o-meter! I only touched it with my tongue to believe him. On the other hand, my dish was delish! I was able to find Pasta Bolognse (which I can't spell either )! I was in heaven while my husband was in he**.

So Good!

2008-06-20T05:59:00.000+02:00

These wonderful little drinks are SO GOOD! Too bad we don't know what they are exactly. They taste creamy-like and have a vanilla taste but something else too. We just saw them at a regular grocery store (we usually just buy one from little 7-Eleven type stores) and there were pictures of a banana on the package. I'm thinking the other flavor is subtle banana. Oh! So. Good. I should also post pictures of these terrific melon Popsicles we eat all the time. Now if only I could start an importing business back to the States...

Shabu Shabu

2008-06-17T22:01:00.003+02:00

I realized I've never mentioned Shabu Shabu. I'm not sure if it's spelled correctly but we'll pretend it is. Shabu shabu is basically do-it-yourself meat and vegetables. Upon entering the restaurant you take off your shoes and sit down on the floor at a mini table. Then somebody brings out a broth and turns on your pot. You add the meat and vegetables when you want. There are also many side dishes brought out to you. Among them, kimchi (really spicy fermented cabbage), rice, and pickled something or the other. Sometimes you get a side of lettuce leaves so you can wrap up the meat and vegetables. I think this was the first Korean food I had here (which I'm told is actually a Japanese food). You don't get a plate to eat from, you just kind of take what you want at the time and eat it. It's weird not having a plate, I guess we're spoiled in the States with our own plate for meals!

The broth is ready to go. Notice the mushrooms in the pot, much tastier than button mushrooms.
The plate of meat and vegetables we got. We really had no idea how to order anything different. We simply said "two people" when we ordered.

Our feast!

EFMB

2008-06-05T04:06:00.001+02:00

picture above is of a collapsible wall in case the North decides to invade. this barricade will block the road at least temporarily

He finished! Sorry, it's actually been a while from the top secret mission Rick was on. I wanted to do this great post about it so I kept waiting but here it is, great or not. I was able to go up North, somewhere near the DMZ, to see Rick be awarded the EFMB badge. EFMB is Army for Expert Field Medical Badge Award. From what I've been told this is one of the hardest badges to get in the Army. The candidates had to complete a night land navigation course, day land navigation course, dozens of simulated combat medical drills, and a 12 mile road march where he had to wear a 35 pound rucksack, his full uniform, carry his gun the whole time. and complete that in under 3 hours. He came in 2nd behind the first guy by only 4 minutes at 2:30. I arrived at the site just in time to see him pass by me! I wasn't even at the finish line yet because we had literally just pulled up. I was nervous because I was told no one was able to run with him to the finish line, for fear that they might assist him, so I didn't know if I could run over to the finish line or not. Some candidates actually fall right there, right in front of the finish line and no one can assist them. Imagine to get that close and not make it. Some don't. Luckily I was able to run on the side and see him cross the finish line.

Here he is walk/running to the finish line. The candidates afterwards kept telling Rick what a long stride he had--he just passed right by them! After I got out of the car we could tell someone was coming towards the finish line. People were saying it looked like a tall guy and that it might be Rick but I couldn't tell. So I just stood there as he got closer to us and before I knew it he was passing me on his way to the finish line. He even gave me a smile after 12 miles.

So glad he completed the badge. What a wonderful accomplishment! It would have been sad to be away from each other for weeks and him not finishing. Fortunately, he did and on his first try! For some it takes them more than one try. In fact, out of all the candidates trying out for the badge, out of 147 people only 21 got it!
Here they are during the ceremony, talks, and handing out of awards. One person fainted during the ceremony! I guess that's not uncommon when standing in formation but after a 12 mile road march, all I'd really want to do is sit down! Rick got some Army coins that he's pretty excited about. I don 't know where the tradition started but occasionally a soldier will get an authentic coin to show a job well done. A job well done indeed! I'm definitely proud of my soldier!

Our Halloween Tomato

2008-06-04T13:12:00.000+02:00

Look at this little guy we found a little early for halloween. Our little cherry red devil tomato.

Call to Action--Stop Same-Sex Marriage in California

2008-05-30T10:32:00.004+02:00

The California Supreme Court recently ignored the voters view and is making same-sex marriage legal on June 16th. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. If this passes and becomes common in most States (as California is a predecessor in new laws often) when will it end? Will parents be able to marry their children? Will siblings be able to marry their siblings? Will spouses be able to legally marry multiple spouses? If same-sex marriage becomes legal, where is the limit? PLEASE, if you want to keep marriage between a MAN and a WOMAN (and you're a California resident) you can sign a petition here

The information below from the Liberty Council/Grassfire Website
May 16, 2008

Liberty Counsel Will Ask California Court To Stay Opinion Until Californians Vote On Marriage

www.LC.org

Liberty Counsel intends to file a motion asking the California Supreme Court to stay its opinion pending the outcome of a vote in November on a state constitutional amendment that could preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman and overturn the Court's opinion.

Californians may have the chance to overturn the Court's order by amending the state constitution. Over one million signatures in favor of the California Marriage Protection Act are being certified and voters will soon know whether more than 700,000 are valid so that the Act will appear on the November, 2008 ballot.

A stay of the Court's order is needed so that California does not create confusion by recognizing same-sex "marriage" for five months and then suddenly stopping after the amendment passes and the Court loses jurisdiction over the issue.

Please pray that the Court agrees to stay the order so that the people of California can have the last word on protecting marriage in that state.

Read our News Release for more details.

The White House issued a statement about the Court's decision: "President Bush has always believed marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman. It’s unfortunate when activist judges continue to seek to redefine marriage by court order – without regard for the will of the people. Today's decision by the California Supreme Court illustrates that a federal constitutional amendment is the best way for the people to decide what marriage means. President Bush remains firmly committed to protecting the sanctity of marriage."

We must pray that our next President does everything possible to make sure that a federal marriage amendment is actually passed!

Sign the Federal Marriage Amendment Petition at www.LC.org

Ultra Pasteurized

2008-05-30T10:06:00.000+02:00

Yes, I am blogging about milk today. Take your average milk. Yum. Goes well with cookies, cake, lasagna, babies, the list goes on.

See, your standard milk container

Or is it your standard milk? Look closely with the help of the micro feature on our awesome camera. That's right! It's not even June yet but this puppy's got a June 28th expiration date!

That's why the title of the post is called Ultra Pasteurized! That's how we roll abroad in the military.

Silly Korea

2008-05-30T00:53:00.000+02:00

I don't mean to but it just seems too easy to find random funny things in Korea. Some of these pictures were taken walking around 5th day Market. Yes, every fifth day (5th, 10th, 15th...) there's a big market downtown. Hope you get a laugh out of it:
If you ever need an Amblunce come to Korea!
Thank goodness the U.S.A. Army Military (not just Army) is performed by Soldier--anyone else wouldn't be qualified enough.
Anyone up for some Donky Fried Chicken??? I mean, really, is this Donky or Chicken here? Or a flying leprechaun guy with a black eye specialty dish?
Notice the "Spontaneous Amusement Park" up ahead. Let's get a little spontaneous guys and put a permanent road sign up!!!
Wow, a waterproof raincoat! Why didn't someone think of that before?
Some people have the most random writing on their tee-shirts. We wonder if they even know what it means. This shirt looks innocent with its child-like rocking horse but the writing was somewhat off, maybe you'll think something else or we just have imaginative minds...
Okay, and this shirt above is the perfect example of shirts not even completing sentences. Some we saw have an entire paragraph on them and either don't make sense and/or don't complete a thought. I wonder if that's how certain tee-shirts with foreign writing in the States are. I used to have a tee shirt with Chinese characters, hopefully no one took a picture of my shirt and posted it on the internet because it was so random.
If Birkenstocks scare you then try Birkin Sticks, a smaller form of stocks. How funny is that? They've got the foot symbol and trademark circle-deal but they're sticks not stocks. We've seen watches that are a good prices and purses too but how are you supposed to know if they are real? By the way, if anyone wants a good knock-off ritzy purse, let me know!

On another note, the pool on post is now open for business=happy happy fun fun. I was only going to go there for an hour or so but ended up staying 3 thanks to the sun and good conversation. Rain yesterday, sun today. I hear summers in Korea can be humid, hot, and wet...this should be interesting. What is your favorite thing about summer?

Army Wives!!!

2008-05-29T02:47:00.004+02:00

It seems like forever but Army Wives is coming back to the screen! I so excited. I so I so excited! (you gotta sing that in your head). The faster it comes out on TV, the faster it comes out on DVD and then you can just watch all the episodes at your leisure or at your opposite of leisure :) The Lifetime Series of Army Wives is actually based on a book, a non-fiction book by Tanya Biank. I had no idea the show was based on real characters and events. I'm right in the middle of reading the book and wanting to read slower to savor it but read faster to find out what happens. Next season starts up on June 8th...I am seriously thinking about having a countdown but I will most likely have to wait to watch it anyway. At least it's starting up again! Hallelujah!

Wolmido Boat Cruise

2008-05-25T06:10:00.000+02:00

We got to go to Incheon to ride the Wolmido Boat Cruise. I wanted to go to this instead of the DMZ because there would be performances during the cruise, specifically dancing. And I thought it'd be something more birthday-ey for Rick's birthday fun thing. We paid $25 each to ride the bus down there with MWR. When we got there we realized the subway goes there for about $3 each. We also had to get up super early to catch the bus. Oh well! If we ever want to go back, we'll know how to get there. We made the most of it while there!
This is at the top of some stairs in the park. These faces were on different posts. I just wonder, did the city draw these or some random artist? Kind of...different. Rick tried to imitate one.
Come eat here...you can see what you're going to eat while it's still swimming around. An interesting marketing idea. Koreans do seem super healthy and it's probably in part due to how much seafood they eat. What is up with Americans having to eat beef and chicken?
General MacArthur's statue. He landed here and saved the area (that's paraphrasing :)
Rick got a little carried away trying to be like all the smokers we see. Luckily it wasn't lit.
Us by the Chinatown gate. It was cold so I'm wearing Rick's sweatshirt. This picture was taken right after we bought some fruit at a little store. I was trying to ask the lady how much for the strawberries but I don't think she wanted to deal with me because she kept waving her hand like no, go away. Okay...

This video below is hilarious! When we first got on the boat we thought this would be the room where the show was. It turned out to be one huge dance party with lots of older people! I'm talking grandmas and grandpas throwing down a beat to techno music. In fact, Rick and I just sat there for the longest time watching until an older lady pulled me onto the dance floor!

We finally did find the performances and they were Las Vegas-ish, meaning not very much clothing on the girls and fairly cheesy. So the whole day was a little different than we imagined but we had a fun time overall. Now we just have to get to the DMZ.

HukiLau

2008-05-19T05:46:00.007+02:00

The Post here had a Hukilau a couple weeks ago to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage. Not only did I get a righteous sunburn but...
...we got to eat pig...
...we got to see traditional Korean dress and dances...
...the cutest kids gave us a pacific cultural fashion show...

...and I heard the best Avril impression!
All in all it was a good day.

Baby Shower Games

2008-05-19T05:23:00.005+02:00

Some ladies in the branch and area threw a baby shower for Lindsey who is expecting in late June. Some of the ladies involved came up with some really clever ideas. Have you ever seen a diaper cake before? For the longest time before the shower I thought it was going to be a real cake, the kind you eat, but good thing there was lots of good food to eat cuz this cake was made out of plastic diapers.
Next to the cake is some handmade wrapping paper; handmade by a two year old.
These are babies we had to make out of play-do. They came out looking like aliens to me. A couple other fun things we did was a memory game of words having to do with being pregnant and getting a corresponding candy bar if you guessed the word. We also did a baby shower mad libs game that was fun. I'm all about silly party games! At this point Lindsey is all about getting this baby out of her tummy. Yea for baby showers and new babies!

Under the Subway

2008-05-19T05:09:00.003+02:00

The other day while going to the 5th day market I noticed the under-the-subway-hanger-outers. I've noticed the furniture there before but don't remember seeing anybody on the furniture. I think that's funny. Maybe they call themselves the under-the-subway gang. Either way, they don't have much of a view but I guess that way nobody has to worry about getting a sunburn.

They probably wondered why I was taking their picture. Maybe they tell their wives they are selling something, but I think they secretly hang out and watch the people go by all day.

Food in Korea

2008-05-08T15:15:00.001+02:00

I like Gimbap and for me that is a big step! It might be because our last night in Tokyo we ate at the famous restaurant Kill Bill was filmed in, Gonpachi. We got one of the fixed menus and I had no idea what I was eating. This is different for me because I generally consider myself not a seafood person. This was actually good, it didn't even taste like how fish smells, and I wasn't stuffed afterwards. I only wish we would have taken pictures of what we were eating. This is a picture of gimbap (which I thought was Kimbap until I googled it).
I don't think there is any seafood in gimbap except seaweed perhaps but it's still adventurous eating.

Did you know there was such a thing as black garlic? Neither did I, until I drank some. It kind of tasted like molasses.

Black garlic inside a cup for all you non-believers.
A new discovery--Ritz crackers with yogurt. Has anyone seen these in the States? I think it is so weird when I find out a brand name I am used to sells something in another country I have never seen before. I feel betrayed or something, shouldn't they disclose this information on their box or somewhere on their website? Maybe it's there, I haven't checked.
A regular old Ritz cracker with a bit of sweet yogurt.
Something else amusing we found this "Good Restaurant" sign. I'm sure it is good and a rating system of sorts (like Zagats) but how simple the words "good restuarant" are.
Maybe there's a money back guarantee in case you're not satisfied.

On The Subway

2008-05-06T13:46:00.004+02:00

Finally, something we can understand!

We got a kick out of these the other day on the subway. (Yes, the strangest things amuse us.) Luckily, there are pictures to go along with the words so we more or less get the message. I have to say getting around in Korea definitely has it's challenges. Sometimes there are signs in places that I think might be important but I really have no idea what those signs are saying. For all I know, it could be "Quicksand ahead, stay back!". The language is so different I can't even try and guess what these symbols mean. Yes, I had planned to take a Korean class but I haven't quite done that yet. Anyway, enough about me, onto funny Korean things!
Yes, that man is pinching her buttocks. I haven't quite noticed that yet but I have noticed older men reeking of alcohol nighttime or midday. It's fairly common for men to get sloshed in the bars before coming home.

But I do have to say that if you have young children in Korea they will get stopped, touched, and ooh-ed and aah-ed at just about anywhere you go. I can't figure out if this is because the people I'm with who have kids are non-Korean kids or just super cute kids but Koreans really like the kids I roll with.
No making out in the subway. Got that? Wait until you're outside to make-out, you might make the guy sitting next to you extremely jealous.
I can't exactly figure out what is going on here. Is he drunk and spilling on her (look at his eyes) or is he just drinking and spilling? What do you think?
Although there aren't many beggars I've seen compared to what I'm used to, you do get the occasional person walking through the subway possibly with a music player around their neck and a white cane. They seem rather humble and not expectant of receiving money and I often give in but would rather help them out with food or something else.
The seats on the subway do seem rather small probably because Koreans are generally tiny but I don't like getting pinched between seat hoggers either way! Or maybe that's the picture below...what is the picture above saying? Don't poke girls in the chest or don't read over someones shoulder?
And that's today's edition of subway findings. Join us next time for something else about Korea!

Japanese Arcade

2008-04-30T05:01:00.000+02:00

We got to ride one of these:

It looks cooler than it actually is, but it was still fun.

View from the top
Um, I guess the Japanese really like their quarter-slot machines...
...and their horse, I mean, panda bear rides!
Luckily they like their massage chairs...
and foot massagers also!
This made me VERY happy! What was no bueno was that they get to smoke in the arcade=stinky stinky yuck. Too bad we didn't take more pictures of their arcades because they had some really different ones including a huge tv with a animated horse race going on and the people playing sat in their chairs with computer screens in front of them betting. Hope you got that.
We got away from most of the smoke and decided to enjoy a crepe:
Don't worry, we didn't get tuna or chicken.
And we had to take a picture of this Coca Cola vintage style table and chairs set

The Flower Show

2008-04-29T15:50:00.005+02:00

Last week I got to go to a Flower Expo Event. I got to see tons of flowers and took lots of pictures. How nice of Koreans to print signs in English for us non-Korean speakers.

Pretty Flowers

Yes, if you ever need a head in the middle of your garden, come to Korea, they have lots of garden heads!!! (???)
Better yet, we can find you a jean replica flower pot, complete with a keychain, keys, and gloves
Or you can have a permanent guest on your backyard swing.
If you just can't wait until you get outside for fun flower pots, you can get these flower pot gloves. Yes, they have glitter on them! And you thought this post was just going to be about pretty flowers... Do you notice that the glove pots all have their fingers in different positions? Someone was getting really technical with these pots.

We Love Packages

2008-04-29T12:00:00.000+02:00

Imagine our surprise when we got a package. Hmmm, I honestly could not figure it out when Rick called to tell me that there was a package at his office. We get mail a little slow here sometimes, if we're lucky to get it at all (stop stealing my mail, or burning it or whatever you do so you don't have to deliver it!). I digress, sorry.

Rick's birthday was LAST week so that didn't occur to me when he told me at whatever time it was in the middle of the night that he got a package. Yup, middle of the night--you heard me. He had to go to the office to catch up on some things, no 9-5 business going on here AND it was a Saturday night. Wow, I cannot focus tonight. As a was saying we got all this in the mail!!! Happy surprise to him/us!
Did he (we) score or what! And I got a cute little tee-shirt to go with it--go Sooners! We are extremely lucky that we have an Aunt and Cousin who love to show us they love us, especially while overseas :) I think we'll have to just stay overseas for a few more years... Thank you Rose & Jade for showing us you care. We were super excited and surprised and we love the yummy goodies and card.

Rick's mom also sent a package super early for his birthday. In fact, he even opened it early, opps. He (but I really say me) got a ward cookbook from his home town, a cool microwavable Tupperware dish, and some yummy chocolate. Rick loved the cookbook because it had historic facts about his hometown but I don't think he'll ever actually use it. Well, at least not on his own, he might if I was there to coach (read: force) him. Thank you Sharon & Calvin for being so great about sending care packages, we sure know you care about us!

Soldier First, Dentist Second

2008-04-28T22:06:00.001+02:00

This is a bummer week and will be a bummer few weeks. Rick is in the field and will be there forever! I mean, for a few weeks. Besides his normal field training, he will be doing additional field training for something I will mention later if possible (top secret stuff okay :) I took a picture of him one day before he left for other training and this isn't even all his gear!

The kevlar (spelling?) they have to wear is so heavy I don't even like lifting it, let alone imagining wearing that around. So for all you who think that being a dentist in the Army is just being a dentist, think again. When you're in the Army, you're a soldier first. There are dentists in Iraq and other scary places. Please remember the troops in your prayers. Amen.

Toyota Tour

2008-04-28T11:12:00.005+02:00

While in Japan, we went to Odaiba Island, which is a man-made island from what I understood. All the buildings on it look really new and I think they've made an Olympic stadium of sorts (I guess South Korea is bidding for the Olympics?). We got to ride around on a mechanically operated tram (nobody was manning the wheel) and see the sights. We spent lots of time in the Toyota model building. They have ride simulators which is like you're playing a video game but you feel the vibrations and movement. They had a car ride for kids, a race car ride and lots more. Here are some pictures we thought were worth taking. Unfortunately, I think we forgot to get one of me a my new Lexus, darn!
Car for one, please!
I'm pretty sure these are personal cars, or people movers or something cool.
Above is the video game-like simulator.
Most of the cars we were allowed to sit in and play with all the equipment, but not these. We never really thought about that at the time but I wonder if these are super top notch secret Toyota jewels.

I think it moves up and down depending on how fast you want to go or wind resistence or something.
We thought this was cool but I can't remember why. I think it's a hybrid engine...ahh, I forget. We wanted Rick's dad to see this picture and any other mechanics who might think it's interesting..
Up close and personal

Driving on The Left Side of The Road

2008-04-28T05:01:00.000+02:00

Did you know they drive on the left side of the road in Japan? We took a picture so you'd believe us.

Speaking of driving, Japanese people drive nice cars. We saw a couple Bentleys, lots of Mercedes, BMWs, and other expensive cars while in Japan.

Not only did we see expensive cars, but we saw expensive laundry detergent-- 23 American Dollars worth! It's about 100 yen for every dollar.
I think we're nearing the end of our Japan pictures. We'll see. I've been a little slacker lately on blogging--I've been adding to the Korea pictures we'll be posting sometime here

Right in the Middle of Tokyo

2008-04-23T06:55:00.000+02:00

When you gotta go, you gotta go
If you can't see the doors, it's because there aren't any!
View from the other side.

Have you seen anything like this in the States?

The 70s meets the 00s

2008-04-22T03:20:00.004+02:00

Walk it out Fosse!!!
Ready to dance? {Click on this link}

The Wall Rick Couldn't Get Enough Of

2008-04-20T14:06:00.000+02:00

While in Japan, we visited the Emperor's Palace, Rick immediately fell for this wall

Lucky for us the Emperor secured his palace with this wall everywhere
A huge flat wall and a moat--try conquering that!
The happy couple and the wall!

We thought these little men were so cute telling us all to go home when the palace was closing. Too bad they are too fast for me to take a picture of their faces, I only got their behinds.

I got a picture of this guy but only because he was stalling to make sure we were leaving. I can't see many older people in the States riding around on bicycles--Japanese people seem so in shape--even if they do smoke a pack a day!

Cherry Blossoms

2008-04-17T03:45:00.006+02:00

We got to be in Japan for Cherry Blossom Time! I don't know exactly how long it is but it is really short. I guess I should say instead that I don't know exactly how short it is because the blossoms were already starting to fall off!

We should have got a picture of the line of the people waiting to see the cherry blossom trees lit up later that night. It was a LONG line. We wondered what everyone was waiting for and finally found someone that spoke English. He found out for us what they were waiting for and we were surprised--seriously you would have thought people were lining up for free homes or something. I guess there are 12 million people who live in Tokyo!!! The people below were crowding around this tree to get a picture.

We enjoyed watching them while munching on some roasted yams or sweet potato. We don't know, but whatever it was, it was yummy.

More Cherry Blossom Trees

Basic Chocolate Chip Cookies--Help!

2008-04-16T04:44:00.000+02:00

If you think these look good you're wrong! Help!

I don't know what it is but lately I haven't been able to make a chewy chocolate chip cookie! I've tried not warming up the butter at all and just setting it out for a while before baking, refrigerating the dough before baking, Rick even tried lining the cookie sheet differently to see if the results were different (don't worry, I told him you don't coat cookie sheets, but he wanted to try anyway). Lately my cookies turn out like this:

I don't know if this looks good to you but the above pictured cookie is cakey not chewy. Do you know the trick to making cookies chewy? Is there a difference if I hand mix the dough instead of using an electric mixer (cuz I don't have one right now)? Seriously, I need cookie help! Do you have a good chocolate chip cookie recipe? If so, please send it to me and send me the do's and don'ts of cookie baking. Thank you

A Couple Fasinations with Japan

2008-04-15T05:01:00.000+02:00

We like seeing the differences between two countries and funny things about being in a different country. Here are a couple things we got a kick out of:

They have toilets that are in the ground (this is the women's restroom)

And then they have toilets that are so complicated, you need instructions on how to use them. This particular toilet was heated :), included a bidet, and and air blower thingy. This might have also included a complimentary "flushing noise" to cover any real noise you might be making.

You want to buy cigarrets, no problem! You can buy them on just about any street corner.

But you can also buy yummy drinks on almost any street corner or at some random spot. The Japanese sure do like their green tea.

If they sell a soft drink, it's usually Coke or Diet Coke

The coke cans were outside the glass if you can tell. For some reason they wanted us to touch & feel (Rick is touching in the picture above) but we have no idea why they wanted us to touch--it's not like we were scratching & sniffing.

They pump gas from the ceilings. I guess that way it doesn't matter which side of the pump you're on.
Pump up-close
They have green tea kit kats! Get out! I told you the Japanese really like their green tea.

See green tea

Anyone Want to Drink Some Sweat?

2008-04-14T05:06:00.001+02:00

We get a kick out of words and living in a different country.
I'm just going to pose for the picture.

Rick's thinking about drinking some

What do you think it tastes like?

Mysterious Happy Face

2008-04-13T14:30:00.000+02:00

No joke one day while eating breakfast Rick picked up his glass and there was a perfect shape of a happy face underneath it. The light was shinning on it so well it picked up the details like crazy, it was almost like that Mother Mary toast sighting. You think we could have made millions off this???

We even placed the glass on top of the happy face so you could see a "before" type picture.

Has anything weird like this ever happened to you?

Boycott JiffyLube and Pennzoil and Midas!!!

2008-04-12T05:00:00.009+02:00

This is the video you have to watch!!!

I had this really weird experience years ago and I've decided to wait until now to share it with you. Basically I needed an oil change so I took my car to Pennzoil on 19th Ave and Pacheco or Noriega (I can't remember) in the City. The guy came out and said my transmission fluid was really dirty and that I should get it changed (I had a stick shift). I didn't know at the time, and still don't, but I wanted to be safe than sorry, so I had it changed, well, at least, I paid for it to get changed.

That night I was working at Mozzarelli di Bufala and I happened to be chit chatting away with some long time customers. I happened to mention to her that I got an oil change that day and I could have sworn my gas tank was lower when I drove it out than when I drove it in. As it turns out, she had the same experience happen to her! She has kids and so she always keeps her tank full, over the half tank of gas mark (or the quarter mark--I forget, it was a while ago). When she left the Pennzoil, her gas light turned on! We talked, and it was that same location--on 19th Ave!!!

So I never found out if they really changed my "transmission fluid" (do stick shifts even have transmission fluid, I've heard mixed reviews) but I'm pretty sure they stole some of my gas! That's why I am promoting the video below and feel free to send it to everyone you know! I tried to put the video up here but I can't, so you just have (you have to see this!) CLICK HERE! (I'm pretty sure this works now, I guess the old one weirded out and how do you add videos people???)

Oh, and why I'm saying to boycott Midas is because Rick had a run in with them when he moved to San Francisco and went to Midas for an oil change. He had a coupon for Midas for a $20 oil change and would get a free tire rotation. Rick is very particular about getting oil changes every 3,000 miles and keeps good care of his automobile. Basically Midas said he needed tons of repairs that he didn't; that he needed new brake pads and that the rotors were scored so bad that Rick would just have to get new ones. On top of that, Midas said his brake pads had been in so long that they had rusted solid and that they would have to use a torch and cut them off and charge him for all this new hardware. He knew he didn't need them because he'd just changed all his brake pads and he checked the rotors while he was changing the brake pads and they were totally fine. Now, it's been 3+ years, he still hasn't changed the brake pads--and they're fine... Oh, and, Rick happened to notice Midas never even ended up rotating his tires!!! He could tell because he had two different sets of tires and he wanted the spare tire rotated in as well!
So much for Nationwide shops you think you can trust because their name is so common! Click here for reviews on that Midas shop.

Seriously, I meant to call the Better Business Bureau but I never did, sad. So now I'm putting this video out there!!! You can click here for more dish on the particular pennzoil I went to. Seriously, there are way too many other oil change places--go to them! Don't support these corporations. And maybe, put a happy face or marker of some kind on your oil filter before you bring it in to a shop to make sure they change it!

This is What Happens When Rick Cooks

2008-04-09T15:29:00.005+02:00

When Rick cooks he likes to do his own little experiments. There was this time with cookies and lining the cookie sheet 3 different ways (butter, flour, plain). He wanted to see how the cookies would turn out with the different variations of coating the cookie sheet. He also just explained ALL about oil to me (hydrogen, carbons...) the other day for about hours! This is what we get when he cooks omelets:

Does your spouse/roommate have any "quirks" when they cook or work in the kitchen? What is the best thing your spouse/roommate/friend/mother/father cooks/bakes?

Bike the Blocker

2008-04-08T19:11:00.004+02:00

Just in case you need to close down a street while you're doing dangerous construction work, just put a bike in the middle of the road, that way no one will enter--simple as that!

KFC vs EET?

2008-04-08T09:12:00.008+02:00

Life in Asia is...different. We don't speak the language, so that makes everything just a little bit harder--it's like one big guessing game all the time! Luckily so far nothing major has happened. All I can think of is that we look pretty much like idiots half the time and we've spent money on things at restaurants we didn't mean to buy. Mostly people we interact with are VERY patient with us and we're getting really good at sign language. So on to our KFC story! We had just gone to a Korean session at the Seoul Temple. We barely missed the English session of the month, darn. Afterwards we ran into someone from the States that I knew so we were talking to him for a while and by the time we left we were Hun-gry. We decided to try some traditional Korean food and started out to find a place to eat. However, as mentioned *before* we don't speak, read, or write the language and we forgot that not everybody prints their menus in English. Apparently we were in a more Korean part of town (go figure!), meaning not so touristy and we couldn't find any menus in English. So after searching for a decent priced place that we could figure out what we might be ordering, we reluctantly settled on KFC. (We were really trying to immerse ourselves in the Korean culture and food but it didn't work out--we seriously wanted to.) Hey, KFC has pictures of their food so we could just point and order. So we ordered and um, some things weren't like we thought they'd be. Corn. Pretty basic but really different.

See that "spoon" in the picture. It's flat and came with the corn. We had no idea what it was. We actually had to "ask" (see how handy sign language is) the girl in the table next to us what it was. She showed us how to "open" your "spoon" and we were very excited to be able to use it. We also think they should have those kinds of paper spoons in the States, better for the environment. The spoon was really cool but the corn, not so much. It tasted like wanna be cabbage dressing with corn or something vinegar-y like that. We also noticed this on the wall while we were there:

We couldn't tell if that was KFC in Korean or what but it sure was noteworthy enough for us to take a picture of! It's funny of how such a simple thing of going out to eat at a fast food place can be such an eye opening experience for us of different cultures. However, we did find a couple of things on their menu we wish were on the KFC menus in the States.

Do you have any weird experiences of eating in different countries or states? Do you know any good Korean food that isn't seafood? What country do you think has the best food?

Christmas 2007

2008-04-08T08:26:00.006+02:00

So Christmas has past and Easter has past but we're taking you back in time. I was so lucky to get time off work to come over and visit Rick in Korea for Christmas. Sometimes you really need to be around your husband and Christmas is one of those times. Unfortunately, everyone and their mom wanted to be in Korea for Christmas too, so plane tickets were REALLY expensive, but you gotta do what you gotta do, Skype just wouldn't have cut it.

I think I got to Korea about a week before Christmas so we were able to do spend some time together before and after. I brought my gifts for Rick with me but he...he had to run to the PX at the last minute! A few days before Christmas, after the clinic where he works closed for the holidays, he decided to "borrow" their Christmas tree and decorations. It was a big surprise! I guess it's the tradition of having a tree and the lights but it really seemed more like Christmas time with a tree and lights in the apartment. There's only 2 of us and look how many presents are under the tree!

Rick thought that no one would notice the Christmas tree was missing from the clinic because they were closed for the holidays. For some reason, Rick's boss decided to go into the clinic on Christmas Eve!!! He thought the tree had been stolen, called the next in line man, he called someone, and pretty soon everyone knew the tree was missing. Of course, when everybody came back to work after the holidays the tree was there and they found out Rick was the one to have taken it. Rick's boss said it made him laugh to picture Rick carrying the tree down the hill. Let's give him some visuals:

I don't think he lived that one down for a while. One would have thought it was the most exciting thing to happen in a while. I guess it is a little bit more exciting than teeth, although those are pretty exciting if you think about it!

We're Doing This

2008-04-08T07:07:00.000+02:00

After much anticipation (I know) we're actually starting our blog. We've been talking about it for a while but we're really doing it now. Thing is, I don't quite know where to start. I was looking through some old pictures and saw some funny stuff, so I think I'll start with that. So for the first little while, things are going to be out of order but hopefully we'll get caught up to real-time soon.