It's hard to believe you can find your husband when you are 14 years old!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

18 more dayyyys

Well, I am headed back to the lovely state of California in 18 days. Yep, thats right. Not too long from now. I am pretty excited because Romania hasn't been what I expected. I live in a teeny tiny little town south of a big city and there is absolutely nothing to do here (It's worse than Yreka, people). I sit in the hotel room all day long. Luckily, Justin and I go to the gym and shoot around, but that is usually the highlight of my day. I also can't go on the road trips so we figured it'd be better if I come home sooner than later.

Since my last post, Justin has played in some cup games. These cup games are seperate from the championship, or league games, which starts October 1st. During the first cup game, Justin scored 25 points and 9 rebounds. He did really well on defense and well overall. He was leading scorer of the game. Unforntunately, they lost by 22 points. The next week was another cup game against the same team. In order to maintain status in the cup, Justin's team needed to beat this team by 23 points at home. Well, Justin's team decided to beat the team by 21 points. lol. We were still excited and it definitely boosted moral. It was a very good game too.

Hmm...what else? Well, I got so sick that I thought I needed to go to the hospital. My stomach was cramping up very bad. I thought my appendix was exploding. I waited it out because I kind of thought that maybe I ate something and I am pretty sure that is exactly what happened. Justin and I are still watching for any signs that it could have been my appendix because I still don't feel 100%. I have only been eating apples, bananas, and an activa yougart here and there for the last 2 weeks. I am feeling much better. Oh, and I had some pizza last night and haven't felt any symptoms...yet.

Some good news is that I won 30 lei in a Texas Hold'em game with some of Justin's team mates. I really threw them off because they all started going "all in" and little did they know I had 2 aces in my hands. hehehe. So, it was down to 4 of us and I eventually beat them and won all their money. Yes!

So, that's about it over here in Romania. Can't wait to be home.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Hello from Romania!

Justin has been recruited by a basketball team in Guirgiu, Romania. It is a small little town five minutes from the Bulgarian border. My flight here was pretty great. Not only did I get on the same flights as my husband this time, but we actually sat by eachother the whole way. Not only that, but when we asked the lady in Portland, OR (going to Amsterdam) if we could get seats together, she said she would see what she could do...she did better. She upgraded us to Economy Plus (at least 10 extra inches of space, $140 upgrade) for free. Don't get me wrong, its not like first class, but it was still nice and roomy AND my personal tv worked this time. Once we got to Amsterdam, we were then asked to sit in the exit seats for our trip to Romania. Justin was totally relieved and we got them all to ourselves. Perfect!

We have been here almost a month and haven't done really anything. There is a clock tower in the middle of town that we go to sometimes to sit with teammates, but that is about it. We did go to Bucharest, Romania for a World Dunk Contest. A guy from Canada won the contest. That was pretty nice. We also went to a club there. These people party until VERY early in the morning...I won't be going to clubs anymore hehe. My bedtime is 11. I still would like to go to Bucharest just to explore the city a little more.

Here is a funny story... Our first night here in Romania we didn't know where to go to eat. The night manager at the hotel (she doesn't know ANY English) gave us a menu for a pizza place. Justin asked the night manager to order 2 personalized size pizzas for 7 lei each from the place and deliver it our room. Well we were waiting and waiting and waiting. Then, finally, a knock on the door. Justin opens the door and a man with 7 pizzas is asking him for 30 lei. LOL I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. So Justin paid for the pizzas and ate 4 and I ate one.

Lei is the currency over here and everything is really cheap! For instance, the 30 lei that Justin spent on the pizzas is really about $5. We really enjoy that pizza place too. Justin gave them a 5 lei tip one time and the next time we ordered a pizza there was a note on the box that said they owed him 5 lei lol. So, apparently they don't tip out here. I also am eating cheese again, well only when we get pizza because there is not much else for me to eat. We don't have a fridge or stove or microwave in our hotel room. Justin brings me left overs from the restrurant  that he goes to, which is usually a piece of chicken and roll.

So, anyways, not much happening over here and we are just excited for the season to start. I miss everyone from back home!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Rome was toured in 2 days

I want to live in Rome, Italy. I love love love it there! The weather was perfect. The sights were amazing. The people were friendly. It was the perfect 2 day vacation. Also, because I am the luckiest girl in the world, we did it all for under 500 euro (about $600). Yes, two people, rountrip flight, hotel, sight seeing, and food/drinks for 2 people for that much money. AWESOME! I couldn't be happier in my life right now. Everything seems to be falling into place and I can thank my amazing family, husband, and friends for it. I love you  all so much.

My favorite place to visit in Rome would have to be the Trevi Fountain. I was expecting a little dinky fountain that had some story to it, but when I turned the corner, a magnificant fountain with crytal clear water and beautiful sculptures was standing there. It was an amazing site.

THE FOOD. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Pizza, pasta, wine oh my. So good. that I gained a pound in two days. The best food I have ever tasted. I think you will be able to tell from my pictures that  Rome was my favorite spot this year and I would love to go back someday.

pineapple
2 cappaccino\
toast
sauteed mushrooms

158

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Beautiful day in Germany

I am starting to suck at blogging again, but I can't help it. I have been outside the last two days because the weather is finally beautiful! Flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and you can hear little kids playing all over the neighborhood. If the weather stays like this until I leave, I will be a happy girl.

On that note, I am extremely happy to annouce that I am going to Rome, Italy on Wednesday! I can not wait. It is our last big "vacation" until I head home. I already checked the weather and it is supposed to be around 62 degrees F. That is so much warmer than here, so I am pumped. Not only that, but I am going to have to cheat on my lent/diet items. I am going to eat some real Italian pizza, and drink tons of sangria. I am so excited you have no idea. Don't worry, I will be taking a million pictures and posting them as soon as I get home!

2 cappaccinos
1 banana
1 bowl of chicken, yellow and green peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms

156

Friday, March 18, 2011

hmmm

Well, I just weighed myself after 4 days and now I am 157. Crap! I blame the coach's wife. We have been going to their house and going for ice cream runs all week. She makes the best dang cookies ever! I will just have to work extra hard these next few days. In my defense, I weighed myself with all my clothes on (plus tennis shoes). So, I am not too worried. But, I will be watching my diet and working out a little bit harder.

Holland was cool. All we did was walk around an outlet mall and the prices were not that good. So, I didn't buy anything. We didn't really see Holland, but hopefully, next year we will be able to. Not much else to report. See all you in 12 days!

2 slices of toast
I wrote my blog in the morning. I was bored.

157

Sunday, March 13, 2011

The season is officially over

Unfortunately, the Bayer Giants lost in a VERY close game (they lost by 3 points). That being said, the season is offically over. Justin has made his highlight tape public and I think it sums up the season pretty well. I am so proud of him and am so happy he has achieved his dream of being a professional athlete. If you would like to see the highlight tape, just head to youtube and type in "Justin Eller Pro Highlights"

Tomorrow, I will be heading to Holland to go shoping in the outlets. Apparently, they are pretty cool and fun to travel to...a big tourist spot. We are probably going to Brussels and Amsterdam within the next week. We want to travel alot in the next two weeks before we head home.

2 slices of toast
2 slices of bacon
1 salami slice
1 slice of cheese
1 chicken breast
1 bowl sauteed mushrooms and peppers
walked for half an hour
154 (SO EXCITED!)

Friday, March 11, 2011

I need to learn how to spell :)

tomorrow!

Tomarrow, tomarrow, I love ya tomarrow!

Yay! Tomarrow at 3pm, the Bayer Giants have their second playoff game! I am so excited and can't wait to watch Justin play. It should be a good game and hopefully we pull through and beat them. If that is the case, then I believe they play the final playoff game (off the 1st round of playoffs) next Tuesday. So, keep the Giants in your thoughts!

I mailed my taxes in today. Woo hoo! They are paying for my plane ticket back home to the states and probably a pedicure... It's always nice to get a few extra bucks, especially when you just graduated college and have no job. lol. At least Justin is keeping food on the table and a roof over my head, because I haven't done a thing since December 19th, or at least worked. Oh well, Justin gets paid to play a game...I think he likes his job!

I finished another book last night; "I do; Now what?" by Giuliana and Bill Rancic. It was actually kind of cute. It was intended for married couples, but I think that anyone in a relationship would like it. Although, they are not doctors, they made some very valid points and gaves some thoughts to think about. It is a really easy book to read if you are bored. It took me about 2 days to read it. Anyways, just thought I'd share!

2 slices of toast
2 cappacino
1 banana
1 bowl of fajita mixings (chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms mixed with taco seasonings)
1 banana
2 tangerines
1 bowl of  fajita mixings
walked about 20 minutes to post office
156

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Thursday, thursday...

Nothing exciting has happened the last 2 days. Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and my husband is Catholic and I have hand me down Catholicism so we decided on what to give up for Lent. He decided to cut out all junk food. (ie. McD's, Burger King, Pizza, Taco Bell , candy, etc) I decided to be a bit more specific. Because I have been planning on devouring everything on Taco Bell's menu when I get home, I have decided to cut out McD's, Burger King, Pizza (thats going to be the hardest), and alcohol (this will be difficult too). I thought this was fair, as well as difficult since the point of lent is to fast on something you love to show your devotion to "The Big Guy." I think it will also help me with my healthy eating phase...

When I was six or seven years old, I hated soda. I don't know if it was the carbonation or the taste, but I hated it. The dentist used to praise me for it and give me extra stickers because I didn't like it. But when I was in my pre teen years, everyone was obsessed with it and I think I followed suit to fit in. I aquired the taste for it and loved it; especially Dr. Pepper (I still choose that over any type of soda). So, a couple years ago, I gave soda up for lent. Low and behold, I am no longer a soda drinker. I will have the occasional soda with my cocktail or at the movies, but I can go without. I probably have 10 cans of soda a year, if even that! My point is...you don't realize what you don't need until you challenge yourself to not have it. Hopefully, this no fast food and no alcohol with stick with me for the long run. I don't need any of it and I know that I will probably get sick from Taco Bell the first night I get back from Germany, which will condition me to hate Taco Bell (or love it even more, I'm not sure...).

For all you dieters out there. Try eating pineapple more. Although it is a little higher in calories, pineapple helps with imflamation and digestion! I love it and have been eating it every day. They must be in season because they are so juicy and sweet right now!

Two more days until the big game. Pray for a win!

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
2 cappacinnos
1 salami sandwich with cheese
Later on tonight...
1 chicken breast
sauted mushrooms and zuccini yum!
156 (I am back to my starting weight...round 2)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Going going back back to Cali Cali

Well, just booked my trip back home to California. Thanks to really expensive flights home, I had to book my trip back home for March 30th. Hopefully, Justin's team wins their next games; they lost on Sunday. I would really enjoy watching them win a couple more of their games before I leave.

Karneval was pretty fun. Other than being super sick the first day, Justin took me on Monday to the big parade! Everyone was dressed up and drinking and having fun. I didn't drink, and I don't think I am ever drinking again. I enjoyed talking with Justin, who dressed up in all camo, and taking pictures of the Dom. Also, Justin and I took the train by ourselves and we didn't even get on the wrong train, or get lost! We were very proud of ourselves.

Today was pretty cool! Lisa, the former GM's wife, invited me to visit the Altenberger Dom and take a tour. It was such an interesting and neat tour. I learned so much and took lots of pictures. I will download some soon. I have seen so many cathedrals now, and each one still takes my breath away.

Since Saturday, I can't stop eating. Because I lost 2 pounds in one day and felt sick for 3 days after, I think my body went into overdrive trying to get calories back inside me. SO I am at 155lbs now instead of 156, but I think I may gain another pound by tomorrow lol.

1 "diat shake" - tastes like a mocha freeze and is only 72 calories!
2 slices of salami
1 slice of cheese
1 doner (similar to a french dip sandwich w/o the dip)
3 slices of pizza
no exercise :(
155

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Today is not a good day

Today is Karneval, which is similar to Mardi Gras in the States. It is some German holiday that everyone drinks and has fun. Well, not me. Last night I drank way too much apparently, because today I have puked over 10 times. It is 9 pm here and the first time I have gotten up with out running to the bathroom to dry heave for an hour. I just ate an apple and banana and so far so good...meaning those are the only 2 things that have been in my stomach for more than 10 minutes. Possibly the worst day of my life, or close second.

I guess there is a bright side...I weighed myself and I am 154. I lost 2 pounds in 1 day. Totally unhealthy, but I figured I would write one thing that wasn't negative in this post.

1 banana
1 apple
154

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Change of Plans!

Hello! There has been a change of plans on the diet front. I will not be counting calories on fruits and veggies because I should be eating those all day. So, I will not be writing down those under my list of things I ate for the day. Also, water, because I seem to forget that anyways. Hopefully, this will motivate me to eat lots of fruits and veggies and get fuller so I won't eat the crap food.

Tomorrow is going to be a challenge though. Tomorrow marks the first day of Carneval. Apparently, in Leverkusen and Koln, Carneval is a week long holiday full of parades and drinking. We were told to go to our friends house at 9 and we assumed at night, but he meant in the morning, and start drinking. I am a little fearful because this could be WAY too much fun. I will probably be a blimp by next week if Carneval is as much fun as I am hoping!

Today was a beautiful sunny day! Justin and I went on a 40 minute walk through a neighborhood we have never explored. It was very pretty and felt so good to get some Vitimen D! I felt great afterward. I am still missing home a bunch and was told that we could be leaving in as little as 3 weeks. Hopefully, that is not the case though because that would mean Justin's team lost their first 2 games of playoffs. I have a good feeling that they will do well in playoffs, so it looks like I will be homesick for a while.

1 cup coffee
1 egg
2 slices of toast
1 chicken sandwich
1  cappacino
handful of almonds
1 slice of cheese
most likely going to eat an egg and toast for dinner
40 minute walk
156

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Playoffs here we come!

Woo hoo!!!!!! Justin's team is going to the playoffs! After a close game on Saturday night, the Leverkusen Bayer Giants pulled off a great win! Justin had 15 points and 8 rebounds. It was a little too stressful of a game for me, so lets just hope we blow the next couple teams out of the water. After the game we went to Koln, Germany to celebrate. Justin advised me that we would be going to a club, so I put on some sexy heels, which I regret completely. We ended up going to an Irish Pub (no heels necessary), and walked about 3 miles. After the pub closed, we walked another 2 or 3 miles to a different bar. Needless to say, I had blisters on my feet the next day.

A word of advice: Don't listen to your husband; make sure to ask your girl friend what she is wearing out on the town.

Sunday was recovery day and I spent all day in my pajamas. It was nice. I love relaxing. I wish it had been sunny though so I could have opened all the windows or sunbathe on the deck. Last night was pretty cool too. Justin, Josh (Justin's teammate) and I headed to Dusseldorf, Germany to watch a BBL team play in a charity game. Dusseldorf won, which I found out was not the case earlier in the season.

Today I did my aerobics with Haley and Lisa for 2 hours. The usual instructor had a prior engagment so there was a new instructor that did a German version of Zumba! I was totally excited, and embarressed at how uncoordinated I was. But oh well, most people know that by now. I always figure if I am moving my body then I am burning calories, but the instructor didn't seem to care what I thought. She kept coming up to me and making me do it the right way. Sometimes even yelling, but in a funny, nice, and jokingly, way. I still didn't understand her. It was also sunny today and I hope it stays that way!

2 slices of toast
1 cappacino
2 eggs
4 slices of toast
1 cappacino
1 tangerine
handful of almonds
1 bowl of tomato and tortillini soup
1 cappacino
2 hours aerobics
156

Friday, February 25, 2011

I got outside!

So, today I feel guilty. I ate alot, or at least feel like I ate alot. I kept taking bites off of everything and found myself in the kitchen way more than I should have been in there. I guess tomorrow is a new day and I need to kick my butt into shape, but to be honest, it may have to wait until Sunday or even Monday...Tomorrow is the biggest game of Justin's life. Justin's team needs to beat this team in order to go into Playoffs. I may need a beer before, during, and after the game...VIP status...its free. Anyways, please send good thoughts this way and hope for a win!

I did go on a nice long walk today because it wasn't that cold. The sky was still white (which usually means its going to snow), but it wasn't as cold as yesterday. Justin's coach's wife, Haley, took me into some woods behind our aparment and showed me some trails. Although they were muddy, it was still nice to get out and walk around and explore.

1 egg
2 slices of toast
1 cup coffee
1 cappacino
1 banana
1 tangerine
1/2 of a pretzle (one of the big bread ones)
1/2 chicken breast
1 cup bell peppers
2 slices of cheese
1 cappacino
handful of almonds
1 pint of water
and I will probably have 1 egg and 2 slices of toast for dinner
yikes...
hour long walk
156...maybe in a couple weeks it will change?

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Bored again...

So, it snowed last night. Erg...never thought I could hate the stuff as much as I do right now. It's not so much the snow, but more the freezing cold weather. There was actually not very much snow on the ground this morning, but it was obviously cold enough to snow. I didn't go on my walk today because I didn't want to be cold. So, instead, I did some heavy duty cleaning (I actually worked up a little sweat). I also baked some veggies in olive oil for a nice afternoon lunch and I also baked some chicken for dinner tonight. So, we only have to pop it in the microwave.

I watched alot of America's Funniest Home Videos today. That stuff is so funny. I really do believe laughter is medicine...at least for depression. I am not depressed, but I am so bored sometimes that I can understand why people can over eat or not want to get out of bed. Living life to the fullest each day is hard sometimes, especially when the weather is cold and tv is in a different language. I read some of my books today too. That was nice, but I like being active. So, I really can't wait until the sun comes out again!

1 egg
2 slices of toast
1 tangerine
1 cup coffee
1 salami sandwich (with cheese and spinach)
1 bowl of mushrooms, red bell peppers, & yellow bell peppers baked and mixed in olive oil
half chicken breast with red bell peppers
1 yougart (maybe, I will know after I eat dinner)
1 hour cleaning
150 crunchs/suitcase crunchs
156 (I really think it might change in the next few days...my clothes are fitting differently)

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Being a bum is getting old

Today was an extremely unproductive/boring day. I first woke up with a killer sore throat ( I have had one on and off for about 2 weeks). Justin was sweet and made me breakfast (it was noon at this point) and we watched America's funniest home videos on Youtube. This lasted about 2 hours...we are on part 80. We also watched some tv and he had practice at 5pm tonight. So, I got myself off the couch and did some laundry and then some dishes and then I went for a walk around the block in the freezing cold because I know how good that is for my throat, not! Anyways, the walk felt good and I put the pedometer on my ipod and it told me I burned 98 calories. I was pretty pumped because that is one piece of toast!

1 egg
2 pieces of toast
1 yougart
1 small salad (1 tbsp ranch dressing, 1 tbsp cheese, lettace)
1 plumb
1 cheese enchilada from Old Montana (we haven't gone yet...but I think thats what I am going to order
walked for 21 minutes
156

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Back from Berlin!

That was a long, cold, but fun two days in Berlin! To start off the trip we woke up at 4:30 am and packed. We then headed to the bus at 5:45 and traveled for 6 and a half hours...ugh. Once we reached Berlin, the anxiety kicked in. Justin's team needed to beat Alba Berlin by 14 points to automatically be in playoffs; beat Alba Berlin to have a chance in playoffs; or lose to go to the playdowns (not a good place to go). BUT THEY BEAT THEM! So, this Saturday is an exceptionally important game (also the last game of the season besides playoffs and playdowns). We must beat this team on Saturday, and I have faith that they will!

Berlin, the city, is a very neat place. We took a walking tour that lasted 3.5 hours and it was well worth it. Not only was the tour free, but our tour guide was amazing. She knew so much history and she made the history very interesting! We saw the Brandenburg Gate, the hotel Michael Jackson hung his baby out of, the Dom, Humbolt University (Albert Einstien taught there before fleeing the country), the Holocaust memorial, and many more exciting buildings and statues that I would never be able to spell. So, all in all, the trip was a success. I didn't even gain weight!

I had a lot of crap food over the weekend...Kasebread (similar to an asiago bagel from Starbuck's), wine, Captain Morgan, Coke, chocolate, Minestroni soup (not so bad for me and it was sooooooo delicious), a couple of Irish coffees, the biggest/best hamburger in the world, and I am sure a couple other things that tasted delicous. However, I did not gain a pound. Probably because we did so much walking during the day...and night. When we got home last night I was so tired and my feet hurt, but the trip was too much fun to complain about anything! I still woke up semi early today to go to my two hour aerobics class!

1 egg
2 slices toast
1 cappacino
1 egg
2 slices of toast
1 cappacino
2 eggs
4 slices of toast
4 squares from a chocolate bar
2 bottles of water

I have no idea why I was craving eggs all day. I think it was because I was being lazy, but wanted something that felt like a cooked meal. lol

2 hour aerobics class
1 mile walking around track
156

Friday, February 18, 2011

Again, cold and gloomy

Me again, today was cold and gloomy. It was much different from yesterdays nice sun. I miss the sun already. Anyways, today Haley (the coach's wife), Benji (Justin's teammate's dog), and I walked to the post office while Justin was at shooting practice. It was a nice long walk and felt good getting outside. Plus, I love dogs! We let Benji off the leash at a little grassy area and he was fetching and running around like crazy. It was a very good boy. However, we think he ate something bad because he pooped about 4 times and it wasn't exactly solid. Yuck...oh well, he seemed to have fun.

I have to admit, I am getting pretty frustrated with this diet already. I have been eating pretty healthy and exercising and I haven't lost any weight. What the heck?! Some people have told me it is because I am building muscle, but I always think that is just an excuse that people use when they don't lose weight. I am obviously not using more calories than taking in. So, after my trip to Berlin, I may have to do a one week jump start of my diet. I have done this before and it seems to kick off my diet pretty well. Fruits, veggies, and water for one week. I know people say its unhealthy, but I don't really think so...I mean I won't die from it and its just ONE week. So, we will have to see. Especially since Wednesday is Old Montana night...I might have to cheat on that day. Maybe I will just do a one or two day detox. As you can see, I am undecided about the whole thing.

Tomarrow is going to be a super long day. I have to wake up at 4:30am and be at Justin's bus at 5:30am to head to Berlin for a big game. Apparently, the team needs to beat them by 14 points to stay on track for playoff. Wish us luck! After the game, we are staying in Berlin until Monday. I can't wait to see all the historical sites. It is suppose to be super cold over the weekend, which I am not looking forward to, but what can you do...

I won't be able to blog until Tuesday, so talk to you then!

1 sunny side up egg
2 slices of toast
1 cup coffee
1 salami sandwich w/ cheese and spinach
2 cups cappacino
1 bowl of tortollini w/ broccoli and maranara sauce
1 slice of salami
1 slice of cheese
1 bottle of water :(
30 minutes of walking
156

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The sun was beautiful!

Today was sunny! It was so pretty and warm and fuzzy and perfect. The sun puts me in such a great mood. I feel like my cold has gone away, for the most part, and I worked out today in the sun! I walked 6 and ran 3 laps around the track at HGH today while Justin had shooting practice. The walking felt great, running, eh, I will get better at it. I have never been the runner type of girl, who I admire so much. I always wish I could run 10 miles and get into a running high...some reason it doesn't work for me. I start thinking about how my knees hurt or I am breathing really hard or that I am coughing up gunk that is supposed to be left in my lungs. I hear that it takes practice, so hopefully, it stays sunny enough for me to continue while Justin is at his shooting practices. Anyways, at least I got to go outside in the sun  and soak of some vitimen d. It was great.

On the apartment front, I got some laundry done, vacuumed, and scrubbed our moldy shower. It is always so gross and I can't seem to get the mold out. I'm sure I already have a lung infection from this stuff, but it just won't budge. I have used bleach and other products and am starting to think that maybe it is just a stain now. Hopefully I killed the stuff enough to not get sick from it.

So, thats it for today!

1 sunny side up egg
2 slices of toast
1 cup coffee
1salami sandwich w/ cheese and spinach
1 orange
1 banana
1 salami sandwich w/ cheese and spinach
1 orange
1 banana (notice I just list my meals in order of how I eat them)
1 cup cappacino
4 glasses of water (I suck with my water intake)
6 walking laps 3 jogging laps around track
156

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

I'm not going to be deported!

Hello again from Leverkusen, Germany. Today was kind of an exciting day. I set my alarm for 8:00am because I had an appointment to get my Visa at 11:00. So, I wanted to be showered and looking good at the Integration office. Well, that didn't work out as planned. We turned off the alarm at 8:00 and Justin called one of the Bayer helpers at 9:00 because we needed a ride there. The helper said, "Of course, I will be there in 10 minutes." SO! I jumped out of bed and threw the first thing I found on and we headed to HGH (the practice gym) and walked to the Integration office from there. So, 30 minutes in the Integration office and I can officially live in Germany until September without being deported. This is good news since after the season, Justin and I are thinking about taking a trip and you can only travel within certain countries for 90 days at a time. I was also told that if I was deported (you get a free flight home ;) ) that you can't come back for 10 years. I thought this wouldn't be a good idea since Justin is most likely coming back to Europe next season.

I was notified last night that we will be leaveing for Berlin on Saturday at 5:30 am...can't wait for that 8 hour road trip. Luckily, we are staying up there two days and flying home. Phew! I can barely stand the 4 hour road trip from Yreka to Sacramento. Let's just say my kindle is going to get some serious use.

As for my diet, it's going well. I don't have too many cravings and I seriously think it is because I have been taking naps during the day. After my lunch I go to sleep for about an hour and I wake up feeling refreshed, alert, and satisfied. I want to start running after my naps, but today we did quite a bit of walking so I am debating on going out right now...I probably should since there is sun!!! (very usual) Anyways, hope I have some more exciting stuff to tell the world soon!

1 cappacino
1 egg
2 slices of toast
1 salami sandwich w/ cheese
1 orange
haven't decided on dinner, most likely soup and sandwich
2 glasses of water (I KNOW, I will get on that tonight)
walked to Integration office and back and walked from Bakery to home
156

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Thanks Mom!

Well, here I am today. Told you I would start writing on this blog every day. You will be impressed to find out that I did an aerobics class for 2 hours. It was pretty intense. My hips, stomach,and thighs hurt the worst. Also, I managed to pick up a cough/sore throat/head ache this week, which was really great. NOT. But I still did the class because I gave my pledge yesterday. I also started reading "The Best Life," which is about the psychological aspects of weight loss and how to keep it off. I bought it for my Kindle because my awesome mom sent me and Justin a gift card from amazon and she sent it through e-mail for Valentine's Day. Isn't that great? I love amazon and my family. Thanks Mom, Dad, Chelsea, Grunt, and Peanut!!!!

After my work out, I just went to the store and came home ate, took a shower, and took a nice long nap. Pray for this sickness to go away because I want to keep up with my workouts!!!

orange
salami sandwich w/ cheese and spinach
2 oranges
2 baby corn
1 banana
2 egg rolls
4 cups of water (eek...I better have more when I get off of here)
2 hours of aerobics
156

Monday, February 14, 2011

"Every time I drive by a car dealership, I will think of Shanny."

Okay, okay...so I am really starting to suck at updating this blog, but I will be completely honest in saying that I haven't done too much over the last couple weeks and I am going to start writing in this thing everyday because I am ready to lose some weight! I watch people work out on TV and for some odd reason I am not losing weight. hehehe. I think it could be the fact that there is a pizza place called Pizza Nepal right down the street. It hit me that I go there too much when the Pizza Nepal guy sees us walking in a says, "Zwei Salami?" So, starting today, at 4:57pm, I pledge to eat healthier and work out every day. Each day (excluding days I travel) I will write down what I ate and hopefully how much weight I lost. I am sure Pizza Nepal is going to go bankrupt now, but I need to get in shape because summer is almost here and I would REALLY like to look good on a beach somewhere.

So, what has happened the last few weeks? Hmmm...Justin's team has won their last two games, which means they are still in the running for play offs! We are so excited and we definitely celebrated the last victory with a bang. We went to some bars in Opladen and had a hell of a time. We didn't get home until 5:30 am. Bars in Germany do not close down until they are slow...lets just say that the USA rocked this small little bar that had a picture of Uncle Sam saying "Come back" hanging over the door. I even drank some beer that came in a glass boot like on "Beerfest." I also was told that I dance like one of those huge tubed men that blow in the wind in front of car dealerships. It was said, "Every time I drive by a car dealership, I will think of Shanny." Don't worry, I took it as a complement...at least I will be remembered for something. Let's win some more games! Go Giants!!!!

Well, that's about it for now. I will have more stories soon because we are headed to Berlin this weekend and get to stay for 2 days. Wish me luck on my weight loss challenge!

3 small peices of frozen pizza
1 cheesy bread
1 cup coffee
2 eggs rolls
1 orange
6 glasses of water
25 minutes of running
156

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Prague Czech Republic

Hello! It's been over a month now! I have been living in Germany for over a month. I can't belive it. It feels like yesterday that I was a total nutcase trying to finish school and come over here. I am so happy to be here. However, the weather could be MUCH better. Two nights ago it snowed (luckily it melted by the afternoon) and its been rainy for a month straight. YUCK! Hopefully it gets better soon. I am starting to go crazy because I still haven't explored the town I am living in.

About a week and a half ago, we went to Prague, Czech Republic. This, so far, has been my favorite place to visit. It was such a beautiful city! Every building was crafted and designed in such detail. I would love to go back someday. We went there for one day and it was the cheapest vacation I have ever taken! A round trip flight, taxi, tour, food/drinks, and hotel room for two people cost us around $300. Thats it! It was also really neat to have kuronas (Czech currancy) in our wallets. The kuronas had the really high numbers labeled on them such as 500 or 1000. So, technically, Justin and I were "thousandairs." When Justin exchanged his 150 euros (about $200), he got almost 3000 kuronas back. We really felt rich! Unfortunately, we weren't. We had so much fun there! I would definitely recommend Prague for your next vacation. You will not be disappointed! My favorite part was taking an elevator to the top of an old watch tower and seeing a panoramic view of Prague at dusk. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. It is up there with Mt. Shasta at dusk. I will never forget Prague's beauty.

On the apartment front, I am a boring Betty. I read, facebook, and every now and then do some sit ups. I feel very trapped in this apartment and hopefully it stops raining soon so I can go outside. Sometimes Justin takes me to his practice since there is a weight room next to the gym, but they don't even have a tredmill, so I end up sitting on the bike for 45 minutes and sit ups for 15 minutes. It is very boring and I rather stay at the apartment and read. Other than my boredom every now and than, I am haveing a blast over here and  hope to take a couple more trips before heading home for the summer. I miss all of you!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Thank God for Youtube!

Hello again!
It has almost been one month since I left the states to start a new chapter of my life! It doesn't seem that long ago I was praying to graduate from CSUS and ditch the country. I have to admit I miss the states with every beat of my heart, but I am still thankful to be here in Leverkusen, Germany. I miss not being able to pick up the phone to call my dad just to say, "Hi"; I miss coming home to my puppies (Dodge and Peanut) running to the door when I get home (unless I would look over the fence to see them chewing up something that I would later have to pay for); And, most of all, I miss Taco Bell!!! Just kidding! I miss my family most of all.

So, pretty big news came today via my Sac State e-mail account. I am officially a recipiant of a BA in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento. I ended up making the Dean's List this last semester (which is funny because I made the Dean's List the last semester at College of the Siskiyous too) and now I don't know what I want to do! I have been researching graduate programs because I am thinking about getting an MA, but I really don't know. I know how stressed I get...and I don't really know what I want to do with my life. I know I want children, so I am thinking about letting Justin just work these next few years while I figure it out I guess. Haha.

Not much has happened since I got back from Hamburg. Justin and I went out to dinner with some of Justin's teammates, coach, and coach's wife for a birthday, which was really fun. I tried Sushi for the first time and DID NOT like it whatsoever. They even took off the fish for me, but it was more the texture and idea of Sushi that made me quizzy. I ended up sticking with a Sex on the Beach and teriyaki chicken dinner. The chicken was awesome! I also managed to get a cold, which was not so fun. I am better now though. (Thank God). While Justin is at practice I usually watch Youtube clips. I can spend 2 hours looking on that site. I mostly stick to funny clips such as people holding lighters to their butts while farting, newscasters sliping up on words or laughing uncontrolably, or animals. It is a fun way to pass the time. I also look up how to videos for cooking and what temperature to bake everything on since it is in Celcius over here. Other than that, I have been sleeping much better, eating healthier, and exercising every now and then.

I am having a lot of fun over here but I can't wait to see all my family again. I guess you don't realize what an awesome family you have until you live 5,000 miles away from them.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Happy New Year!

As I think back on 2010, I realize that all the (excuse my language) crappy things that happened turned out to be blessings. Everything that happened "last year" ended up for the better. I am extremely more happy with my life and I am so thankful to be where I am and who I am. I have so many people in my life that love me and care about me. It is really amazing to be this blessed. Thanks to all of you that have helped along this road and I think about you all each and every day. You are very special to me.

Now, on to my adventures... since my last blog update, Justin and I had a quiet Christmas dinner. We had tortellini and broccoli and polished off a bottle of wine. It was an amazing dinner. We talked about where we were and how thankful we were. My Christmas present from Justin was a trip to Paris, France. I know, I know...you are all thinking, "what the heck is this girl's problem? She is the luckiest person in the world!" All I got him was 2 Men's Fitness magazines. In my defense, I had to bring something that would fit into my luggage. So, December 26th we flew to Paris!

Paris was pretty amazing. Every building seemed important. I ended up taking about 200 pictures in the 4 days that we were there. We saw so many different things and some of them, we didn't even know what they were. That's okay though. We took pictures anyways and I'm sure we will find out what they are later. We managed to get lost in the subway twice, it was about 15 degrees, and had lots of people ask us for money...but other than that it was a nice vacation. We walked about 10 miles to see all of the amazing buildings and saw some of the most amazing pieces of artwork in the Louvre. If you ever have the chance to go to Paris, do it. We headed back to Germany on the 29th and decided to go visit our friends in Hamburg the next day.

UGH...Traffic on our way to Hamburg was pretty aweful. Instead of closing off a lane that is being worked on, the Germans leave it open but put cones on the part of the lane that is being worked on. So, there are two lines to drive on, but one of the lanes is seriously 5 feet wide. As we squeaked past cars and trucks, with me screaming at Justin to just get in the big lane, we ended up driving for four an a half hours. Once we got to Hamburg and saw Jesse and Christina, we were happy again. On New Year's Eve we bought lots of fireworks. Germany is way different from the US in terms of fireworks. I have never seen so many fireworks in my life. They were huge and coming from all directions; People were shooting them from their windows. It was amazing. It actually brought tears to my eyes because I was so happy to be there. New Year's was a definite success. Jesse and Christina also showed us around Hamburg and a neighboring town, Lubeck. There were incredible buildings there too! Overall, the weekend was amazing and I loved it.

Once again, I am so thankful to have the opportunity to travel the world and have so many wonderful people in my life. I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and please make 2011 a year of hope, love, and laughter.