Monday, September 26, 2011

Tagtraumen

Today was my first day back in the office and I found myself doing a little day dreaming of the time I spent in Europe. While my German could use a little auffrischen, I am finding that I am a bit bolder with my conversations so I can talk to my in-laws a little more. I think after all this time I am learning that I don't always have to say it perfect, they love me all the same.




And my love for Flammkuchen has not wavered, I still like going to Stoevchen just the same as when I lived there, especially to now meet this guy! I know whenever I return to Karlsruhe I still have a home.



And we went to a wonderful wedding of a good friend of ours. It was in Kiedrich at an old church called Michaelskapelle, and the reception was at Schloss Johannesburg in the most grand room. Both are in the Rheingau where Yahtzee grew up. We were reminded just how beautiful this region is with its rolling hills, vineyards, greenery everywhere… 


And this couple was absolutely gorgeous too and fit right in to the surroundings. Love was all around this day.




it was also fun to catch up with other friends, especially when you are finding Steelers fans in all pockets of the world!  


Oh and let's not forget the Octoberfest fun. It was the first time that me and Yahtzee went together.  We were very honored to meet Yahtzee's best friend there and the love of his life, who is a wahrer diamond. 


Singing, drinking, talking and carrying on for several hours felt wunderbar.








Auf Wiedersehen, Deutschland.
Muss ich denn, muss ich denn, zum staeeele hinaus.





Sunday, September 25, 2011

I got game

For last few months, I have been taking improv classes at UCB Theater.  Well, I came home to news that I have passed Improve 201 and have the green light to move on up! This is rather exciting, cuz it means I am thought to "understand the game", or in other words am able to find what is interesting in the scene, play it forward and recreate it in later beats in related formats.  Our show was Sunday 10 so last two weeks have been a little suspenseful waiting for word.  


Yippee, I be taking my game to 301!


 

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit

Here is my Gemütlichkeit, Octoberfest or any other day.
I just  love it when my husband is happy.

Yahtzee in his element

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Lazing and Crazing

What a treat it was to see the girls and spend time together in Den Haag. We lazed about the very awesome flat a bit - even picking up the guitar, watched some kite flying on the beach, sat outside by the fire for a hot cocoa, celebrated Denes' life through stories over a bottle of champagne and went out for a night on the town with music and dancing. 


Sans space brownies - but still got crazy.


We sure packed lots in a day and a half and I enjoyed every minute of the lazing and crazing - but mostly just enjoyed the friendship.


Much love!



Saturday, September 17, 2011

Happy 30th Geburtie

One very caring, sensitive, smart and beautiful woman has just turned thirty - 
my sister.


The archaeologist and the Geburtie Girl

We celebrated with a surprise dinner party - nicely catered and organized by Mama Yahtzee. My sister's friends were all great, though I was particularly fond of the archaeologist of the bunch (yes, really digging up earth in far away places!) and not just because, as a German, she got my little quirky habits and off color stories, but because she was quite fun herself. We ate lots, drinks lots and laughed lots - 

So cheers to you, Sister. And I suppose that given your soon-to-be zip code, it is now fitting to send you into the next year of life with an Irish quote!

As you slide down the banister of life 
may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.

Lots of love and luck, 


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Summertime, and the living is easy

I spent some time on Labor Day weekend to organize myself after such a whirlwind Summer, which according to my photos definitely made living easy.

For starters, and this one is 30 years coming, my Dad finished his dream to build a Babbling Brook which became a retirement project of sorts. Dad had a smaller version in mind back in 1980, but he likes to dream big for sure. This is why we love him. With the help of my brother, it really turned into a serene spot with water billowing over rocks and under a bridge into a small pond.  I can picture myself sitting there taking in a sunny day when I need to unwind or dream a little myself. 


Oh, and there were birthdays galore. 


I am proud to say I was invited in “the circle” once again this year to celebrate with this lady and her family. It was a late night, we had lots to celebrate…


Mom & my niece celebrated birthdays back in the Burgh.  My Aunt was also visiting so it was a really a treat to have her around.  We all wish she would move closer already! My niece has decided that holding out at 3 is better than turning 4, so she is 3…again.  I didn't get to go to the party, but I did help to pick out the dress!


Plus two 40th birthday celebrations.


We celebrated in style at Beauty & Essex and Stanton Social with my british jersey friend – we Americans were outnumbered for this one but held steady when it came to drinking, not an easy feat. 
Jersey girl

My bbf in the Burg had a nice backyard BBQ to celebrate. There were lots of kids, food and fun and the perfect summer night

Pin Up Poster Girl


As for me, I had a little happy hour rooftop shindig. It was very sophisticated until the whipped vodka showed up…you know who you are.  The evening was a dream(cicle), but the next day a nightmare.  But all was better when Yahtzee took me for my surprise! We spend a day at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, where we had a private room with sauna, dampfbad and Jacuzzi…topped off with a two hour massage from head to toe. That was heavenly.


Rock on Gold Dust Woman - Concert Night
Me and Yahtzee found some things locally to keep us amused. We took  a ride to Long Beach one afternoon to watch the kites and the surfers. I am always impressed at the patriotism in this country – it was not a holiday weekend but flags speckled the beach.



We saw Stevie Nicks live at Jones Beach and it was fantastic. I have loved her since I was a kid, and I still do now. She is a great storyteller and I love the way it comes out in her songs. Not to mention her independent spirit and bohemian nature. Stevie still rocks.


Naturally, I got in loads of Stella time. I put a few hundred miles on her just this summer alone.  Still getting comments about riding the man around town, but we take it in stride.  I got to pick up Yahtzee from work one night (after a little shopping), do you think this man loves me???? He’s adorable, right!







Yahtzee loves Dasha. Dasha loves Stella. 

And I am continuing with my guitar lessons, so am now thinking of writing a song about my love for Stella…and my husband.

We managed a few getaways too – in particular an awesome escape to Martha’s Vineyard.  We rented a house with two other couples who are not only great friends but wonderful housemates. 

Mastering the art of chillaxin'



The house was on Stonehenge Road and sat back in the woods. We kept the windows open and sat inside in the early evening reading, practicing guitar and cooking (well, not me but I provided some entertainment). In the evenings, we sat on the deck and enjoyed the company, the stars and a few drinks 
(should i mention Whipped Vodka again??)



I was not just relaxed, I was even lazy.





There was everything to do and nothing to do.

Yahtzee found time for running and golfing. 
I went for beach walks every morning and grew my rock collection. 
On the Ferry
And we were all on the search for a perfect lobster roll. Here we are at a local church as we watch on to the lobster preparations.


Without a doubt, MV requires a return trip.
Thanks for letting us in on your little secret, guys.


Me & Snug's BFF




The weather in NYC was a bit more unpredictable. Between an earthquake (I was off enjoying a ONE martini lunch and missed the seismic wave) and Irene, we EW left to question what is next. But we were in the safe zone for both, perched up high on the 5th floor. After the hurricane we took a look around and there was high waters and uprooted trees on the East River. But the sun came out shortly after the storm passed, and we had a little impromptu Jaggi-Q on the roof deck.






Speaking of unpredictable. Inabell is going to get 
married, but you would never guess it from this here photo.  Yes, this once conservative young lady really impressed us with her HEN NIGHT stunts ...Lets just say she put the Pop in Lollipop, and we keep it between us girls.




So as I said, Summer was a ‘happenin! 
I hope yours was just as long and sunny…

Shine on.


Monday, September 5, 2011

Postcard to Dene

Karlsruhe, May 2003
Hi Dene,


I was thinking of you today and the long summer days we used to spend at the Scholossgarden in Karlsruhe, playing frisbee and football, reading, talking and laying on blankets in the grass. You were always great about bringing us all together.  We were really carefree those days, weren't we?  Anyway, things are going ok I guess. There are days I sure miss you. It would be really nice to sit and talk together,  I could always count on you, Dene.  I never met someone who so actively listened and never judged me.  I hope I have told you more than once how much I appreciate your friendship! And I hope I was as good a friend to you.  You know, the funniest things remind me of you, like seeing a passing train, ordering a Macchiato, a Pink song on the radio, or white Cargo pants. Not long ago I sat next to a girl on a plane and she was just about your size, curly hair and wearing a baseball cap. I really cried to see her, I wanted so badly to be sitting there next to you. I slowly realize though that you are always with me in my heart.  I don't have to think too hard to remember your bright smile, or something you might say or do…


So I just wanted to send you a little note to remind you that no matter the distance between us, you are so special to me and never far from my thoughts.


Still, I wish you were here.


Love,
Stephanie