Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Life


Matt and I have so much to look forward to in the next month or so!

In late October we are headed back to the states.  There we will visit our "home town", aka AUBURN!!, see relatives we haven't seen in over a year, hang out with the best friends anyone could ask for, and attend a family wedding.

Though I'm stoked about our sister's wedding (NOT MUCH LONGER ALISA!), I'd be remiss to say that I'm not equally, if not a bit more, excited to see my grandmas.  I'm lucky enough to have three terrific grandmothers that have been dynamic in my life.  And they love Matt like they do all of their grandkids.  Sometimes I get a little jealous, but don't tell ;)

And our besties.  Where do I start!?  We base our life around when we can see Sarah and Daron Flory.  It's just the truth.  We consider them family, and there will be a major sob fest upon our meeting and departure.  Well, from the boys at least.  

But besides our trip we have other news which I have shared with you - embarking on a new chapter in life known as Masterdom!  I cannot express in words how ecstatic I am to get started with school!  If there were a profession known as eternal student, that would be moi.  

To recap, I am working on my Masters in International Relations through the University of Oklahoma.  The plan is to graduate by Spring 2013, and then complete a summer or semester long internship in D.C., NYC, Brussels, or Atlanta.  At least, that's the "plan".  As the saying goes, "Shoot for the moon.  Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars".  That is my motto!

I'm lucky to have such a supportive partner in Matt.  He always encourages me to better myself, which in-turn betters our bond.  I joke with him that I am ahead in the race to our PhDs.  He thinks I'm kidding...

My first class - Geography of Primary Production - covers resources and environmental geography.   "What is the world is that?" you might ask?  We will talk about mining, forestry, oil, water, agriculture, and other environmental stressors/woes.  I. AM. STOKED.  Particularly on the issues of oil in the Middle East and agriculture in Asia!  Wow, that sounded nerdier than anticipated.

Suffice it to say, we have a busy couple of months planned out.  But every day I think about it all and can't help but smile.  We are going to end 2011 on a fantastic note!

Hope you all are enjoying Hump Day!


Sunday, September 25, 2011

The Hitscherhof Farm Festival


I heard at school last week that there was a pumpkin festival this weekend.  Seeing as Autumn and I are like peas and carrots, I had to find out where.

In a little farm town of Hitscherhof we found pumpkiny fun!  There were pumpkin brats, pumpkin breads, nuwine (YUM!), and the most delicious pumpkin soup EVER!!!  I sincerely hope we don't have to wait until next year to taste that scrumptious soup.

We perused the grounds, weaving in and out of vendors as we looked for potential holiday gifts.  I'm happy to say we found some :)

So here are some pictures of Matt, me, and our friend Shawn (miss you Brett!):
 Awwww
 Shawn 
 He is an awesome pumpkin picker
 With our pumpkin
 Matt and me :)
 I love cows!
And of course, beer is a must.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Veganism Debunked :)


I'm putting this on Veganista, so I thought I'd share with you, too!

Sometimes Matt and I catch flack for our diet choices.  When most people find out that we eat a plant-based whole foods diet, they think we're stinky hippies.  That, and they don't understand why we do what we do.  But always, there is the inevitable question that makes me want to scream: "But, if you don't eat meat, how do you get enough protein?".  It's not their fault, they have bought into what years of Western overeating has preached.  This is extremely annoying to Matthew and me.

I was told by someone who had never researched or done so much as to read one article about plant-based diets that I was unhealthy.  Really?  Every time my blood pressure is taken people are astonished, I'm not skin and bones, heck, I eat a TON, and my body glows from the inside out.  I'm perfectly fine.  Maybe you should read a little more...

And there is always the, "What are you going to do when you get pregnant?".  Ummm, DUH.  If I think this diet is best for me, and I want the best for my child, I'm going to continue eating healthy.  Maybe a little more soy ice cream than normal, but what gives?  Vegan moms produce healthier birthweight babies and typically have an easier birth (especially if moderate exercise was included during pregnancy).

As for my children, ah, yes.  This is tricky.  You want the best for your kids, right?  But you also want them to make their own choices.  So we've decided on raising our children as vegans.  When they procure their own money they may spend it on whatever they want.  If it's a cholesterol filled burger, so be it.  That's their money, not mine.  They are affecting their own health, not mine.

My Twink, aka Sarah Flory, recently posted this infographic on Pinterest, and it actually led me to the post.  Click HERE!

A big shout out to my parents who laughed when I became a vegetarian in high school, rolled their eyes when I joined PETA, but always supported my decision.  Thanks for putting up with me when I won't eat things you labored over (the roast and veggies looked and smelled great, but they were marinated with the meat...sorry!), and for listening to me when I rag you about a plant-based diet (Dad).  But most of all, thanks for being proud of me for daring to be a little out there.  LOVE YOU!

Friday, September 16, 2011

The Spilling of the Beans

So...here it goes...




I'm going to be a master!!! At least, that's the plan.

A few weeks ago I sent transcripts and an application to he University of Oklahoma. I am pleased to say, I will soon be a student in their Masters of International Relations program.

My long-time dream has been to work for an NGO, think tank, or the State Department. Without a Masters, these dreams are merely that. Especially with the government, even at GS level. After all, a Masters degree these days is more the equivalent of yesteryear's undergrad.

So I'm on my way. It's official. I start a grant writing class in October and couldn't be more stoked!!

Though I guess I'm now a Sooner, you best believe I'll ALWAYS be a Tiger!

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Busy Bees!


Well, hello there!  Sorry it's taken so long for me to blog.  Life has become INSANE.  

Incase you didn't already know, I am now working at Ramstein Elementary School as a paraprofessional.  I work with Special Ed students in a Kindergarten classroom (yay for 18 five year-olds!) as well as the lunchroom from 10:30 - 1:05.  Talk about CRAZY!!!  

I adore kids, and my job is fantastic.  Watching children learn and grow is such a rewarding experience.  To have the smallest part in that means the world to me.  Plus, kids are HYSTERICAL!  You never know what's going to come out of those little mouths.  When you're having a bad day, they can always cheer you up.  There is nothing like five year-old word vomit...

There are so many stories I could tell.  Some sad, some just precious, and so many stinking hilarious!!!  Melt your heart moment of the day: Kids were screaming because there was a bee in the cafeteria.  As I was about to give my "leave it alone/don't hurt it" spiel, a little voice squeaked, "Ms. Cole.  Please don't kill the bee.  He doesn't know any better.  He smells something sweet and just wants a taste.  If we don't hurt him, he'll fly back outside". 

OH. MY. GOODNESS.  I almost teared up.  Oh, what we can learn from the children... 

I went on to explain the little boy was right, and we wouldn't want someone hurting us because we were lost.  We catch and release critters at our house...

Changing gears, I am SO excited about tomorrow! Saturdays we do a bit of morning shopping at the market, come home, watch football and grill.  Going to the market is always the highlight of my week.  There is nothing better than fresh veggies and fruit!  And I cannot WAIT to get some more pickles from the pickle dude tomorrow!!!  How will I sleep with such excitement ahead?  

There is another new development, but I'd rather wait a little longer before divulging.  Call me superstitious.  No really, do.

Well, that's about it for me.  On an ending note, be kind to everyone you encounter, for you know not their struggles.  SMILE.  Be compassionate to everyone and thing - you don't want karma to come back and bite ya where it hurts.  And avoid negative people/energy.  But most of all...ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!!!


Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Sooner than Later

Hi everyone! I have some news I'd like to share, but until everything is sorted out, I'll leave you on edge.

Hint: Take a look at the title of this post :)


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Saturday, September 3, 2011

WDE

Well, we barely survived our first win since becoming National Champs. I'm talking, if we had skin on our teeth - well, you know what I'm talking about.

This week has been pretty stressful for Matt. He spent most of it trying to track down a way for us to watch the game. It was, however, his wife that won cool points with an idea...

"Let's Skype Daron and have him focus the camera on the screen".

It worked! Here are the boys giddy with pre-game excitement.



Besides being able to actually watch the game, it was fun because we shared the experience with our friends! Wasn't it a crazy game Sarah, Daron, and Shawn?!

War Damn Eagle from Germany!!

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