Looking both forward and back...

Good Morning all. ..another year comes to an end...it is early morning here and everyone except for me and the critters are sleeping..thought I would start planning the menu for this evening..and there you have it..Grünkohl and Sekt..of course there will also be other snacky items but the main course ..to be eaten while watching Dinner for One..will stay pretty traditional. We..as parents who are..I read somewhere..now middle aged..what the ???..will be bringing in the New Year at home while keeping the large chicken..oh, dog...Missy to be exact.. I mean.. company while the fireworks are going off. Last night started the first of 2 or 3 with one of us sleeping downstairs due to her phobia of the noises related to..but who knows what this poor dog has gone through previously..Poor Baby.

I wish you all much happiness and many positive things for 2015..for some of you- just like me.. I am sure you look forward to a new year as a new start, a fresh page to reach new goals, conquer bad habits, do things you have never done before, and maybe even visit new places..the limits are only what we set our minds to. 

I, personally am thankful for many things that happened this year..the amazing people that are in my life and bring quality to it, those that were not really so positive but taught me a lot about myself and my strengths, weaknesses and levels of tolerance, occurances that no one wants to go through but have made me and some of the members of my family better people for the experience, my deepening relationship with God and the blessings that are taking root in my life as a direct result, the wonderful things that are happening in my immediate family's lives..and the opportunities for growth..not to mention the goals reached!! I am looking forward to what 2015 brings..to being an improved version of myself, taking more time to stay connected to those I love, expand my knowledge base and skills, and help to make the world that we live in a better place.

                             Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

                                   the old has gone, the new has come!

                                                                         2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Another year over....almost !!

Good Morning all!  I hope each of you had a wonderful time with family and friends over the past few days.Wanted to share some images to wrap up the Christmas season as we head into the new year..Max the Wonderdog relaxing on his throne and Melissa..I am happy to report made great progress this year..she took and opened her own presents and then even played with them!! Not bad for a street dog from Romania!! Marli the Terror Cat promptly batted her new toys under the fridge..but during my cocktail making process on Christmas she discovered the fun of playing with the ice cubes that got away from me..:D The other fun images were found in store windows or in shopping centers..The picture with the windmill is a really good representation of the area where we live!  Once more it is early morning here with just myself and the critters awake..well, they are actually napping but I am taking full advantage of having the house to myself before the other human occupants are awake..I must say however that this morning for some reason I was really missing a couple of my favorite TV channels from the states..The Travel Channel and Food Network..they were my go to's in the mornings and evenings before we moved here..

I have to confess that we un-decorated the house yesterday..I know some of you have the ability to leave your Christmas decorations up until after New Years but as hard as I try I cannot bring myself to do that..generally everything is down the day after Christmas but this year we were not home so the 27th it was..now it is time to break out the new journals and calendars for 2015..I adore this tradition..organization at it's finest!!

 The rest of Germany has snow..not us though..maybe within the next couple of days..I hope that it is cold enough this year to go ice skating on one of the lakes not too far from us..Enjoy your Sunday and I will see you all tomorrow!!.. Time to get back into my eating and exercise routiene..and let me tell you..I am more than ready!!

Not so silent very early morning ...

Good Morning all....so first of all the  weather here has been a little crazy for the past few days. ..lots of rain..and now it is stormy with wind..this means the larger of the 2 pups..and a Missy the giant chicken cries and paces until at least one of us wakes up to go downstairs to sit with her...and and don't you know it works like a charm every time! I must say however in the early hours I take a few minutes to just sit and enjoy my surroundings..especially now with all of the Christmas decorations. Not sure what the day will bring as the above mentioned weather has made it much more attractive to stay snuggled all  warm at home vs venturing outside. .which is a shame due to the fact we are missing time going to the various Christmas Markets but sometimes just taking a little bit of time out at home can also be good. Okay..time for a second cup of coffee and then I hear a treadmill calling my name...Enjoy the weekend.

Now I am really in the spirit!!

Good Morning all !! What a whirlwind the past couple of days have been..Tuesday was a day spent packing the car with goodies for the animal shelter..both for the wonderful people that are there for the babies that are not so fortunate to have yet found their forever homes but of course also tons of snacks for those babies along with some new bedding for them. Then spent several hours witha friend that I do not get to see often enough with our schedules but when we do get together it is non stop talk and smiles..light and deep conversations..all is open game..and that fits us perfectly!!..she suprised me with a gift of some homemade yummies and a soap & lotion set that I had on my things to purchase list..Love you Sandra!!!!Great minds think alike!! Yesterday saw Max having his first spa day with a professional since moving here 3.5 years ago...I must say he is even more adorable than before!!...and of course the dog salon had tons of dog related objects for purchase..hence the new Max pillow covered with pups!! Along with a few other goodies for the 2 for under the tree..which speaking of ..we found a gorgeous tree yesterday also..but since the weather here has been nothing less than cold and very wet here for the past several days..it is still in the netting in the garage drying out a bit..check Marli making sure it is upto her standards !!She decided it was okay and is now back on her perch watching the birds feasting outside the window..and we thought by putting birdfood out we were just helping the birds..who knew it would result in endless hours of entertainment for the smallest family member??!! We found turkey for Christmas dinner yesterday..you would have thought I had won about a million bucks...and I am more than sure people thought  I was crazy snapping a picture of my shopping cart!! In the US a turkey is easy to find..that is not always the case here...but with stuffing, sweet potato cassarole,and green bean cassarole it is a must to have a turkey as the centerpiece. Our neighbors surprised us with homemade stollen and a huge tin full of an Ostfriesland Weihnachts tradition of New Years Cookies..so delicious!!..and an unbelievable amount of work..See pic below..it is too bad we do not have smellablog in this case!! Today had been set aside to venture out but the day is once more just yucky and wet so we will spend the day at home..my hubby enjoying his new PS4..his first gaming system ever..at 45!! But I must say it is pretty awesome as we can also watch movies, series, and play DVDs on it!!..Hopefully decorate the tree and maybe I will start making my first ever Christmas candies..fudge and caramels..finally broke down a purchased a candy thermometer so now I have everything needed..wish me luck!! And yes..besides all of this Christmasing I have been sticking to the exercises and consuming lots of H2O!! Have a wonderful day and we will talk again tomorrow!! Oh..one more piece of good news..found out yesterday that I got into the MSN program at Liberty University..will start classes in January!!..emphasis Nurse Educator!! So excited!!

Woo Hoo..it's Monday! !

Good Morning all. ..let me tell you all about my amazing day so far...to be honest the day started out with me being a little bit of a grump..due to the fact that I did not sleep so well last night but then after a couple of cups of good strong coffee I broke out my Prayer Journal and Bible..and while getting both of these from the bookshelf I found a Praise and Worship CD that I had purchased from an independent artist while we were in Chattanooga this past fall..and let me tell you is it good..after my worship time I got on the treadmill and did 8km..was a sweaty mess when I finished but let me tell you..after the 2 things combined I feel nothing less than absolutely amazing this morning..I am enjoying a fresh, super healthy breakfast..see pic below.. as we speak and am proud to report I have also organized the fridge and written a letter to my oldest son this morning. On the schedule for today..find a new recipe for Eggplant and make Homemade Applesauce...goal..use up what we have before I load the house down with food for Christmas!! ;D Not to mention make some tasty gifts!! Have just finished the first out of 8 planned bottles of water to be consumed..must flush out goodies consumed at Christmas Markets!! So..I wish you all a wonderful week before Christmas..share your smile with everyone you meet..you never know what battles someone may be fighting!!

Santa Baby !!

Good morning all!! Traveling back in time to this time last year when our youngest played Santa!! Not bad for a young man with approx 0% body fat if I must say!! ;D This morning started at 0400..the good thing about this is that so far today I have cleaned the entire house, done some laundry, answered some emails, played with Marli the terror cat..consumed my daily coffee quota...and it is only 0630!! The house smells like a citrus grove and Santa Baby is playing on the stereo..and maybe just maybe there is a splash of Baileys in my last cup of coffee !! I am by no means a regular consumer of alcoholic beverages but the season just requires certain treats..The critters are sleeping all snug in their beds..or on the couch and we have a day trip to Groningen planned for later today..this city is in the Netherlands..or Holland for some of you..so you know that there will be photos to come. We are hoping to find a Christmas tree this weekend also..it has been rainy here for the past few days and we didn't want to bring the water in with a wet tree..but as this tradition is super late this year we really need to get busy in this area..So..all of you Fluffy readers..I wish you a wonderful day..for whatever you have planned !!

What a way to start the day..

Good morning all..you know that you got a good workout in when the top of your feet were sweating☺So, I have it figured out..I am totally and completely a stress eater..I realized this ..after having this recurring thought for several months now as yesterday evening the more stressed and irritated I became over a pretty significant computer issue that I am having..and that we have spent I don't know how many hours on over the past few days trying to solve..the more crap I put into my mouth..yes,some of it was healthy..like fruit salad but then came the M&Ms, cocktail peanuts, crackers..blah blah blah..It is no secret that over the past couple of years we have faced and continue to face some real challanges and it shows, on my butt, stomach, and upper arms..in the lack of sleep..you name it..the older I get the less resistant I find myself to significant stress but I must say the workouts help..it is like with every drop of sweat I see fall itis a cleansing process that allows me to face another day. That and snuggling and loving on the critters seen below..their unconditional love always makes the day better. But..today is new day..can only do what I can do and try to find another way to accomplish what needs to be done..today's mantra to myself..I will not let myself react negatively to the less than positive things that may happen today!!..this includes shoving large amounts of chocolate into my mouth..:D

Home again!!

Good Morning all! You know it is going to be a good day when you are on the treadmill and you WANT to run more the the preset time!! Of course it could have also been the extra energy provided by the handfull of Christmas M&Ms eaten while driving home yesterday..but hey..a girls got to do what a girls got to do to survive yet another 6 plus hour drive!! So..for this morning..workout..check, bathroom cleaned..check..Max the Wonderdog bathed and blow dried ..check!! Now for braving the very cold, foggy, wet weather outdoors to unload the car from a massive Christmas food shopping trip on the American economy..this could take a minute ;D I must say this weekend was really fun..hated that my hubby couldn't be there with me but we have accepted long ago that we will have a somewhat crazy marriage..but it works for us and that is all that matters. Did a few EKGs, went to my first ever military ball, attended a traditional Christmas party, got to welcome a friend home after a long time away..and basically realized that when I finally made it home to my husband and critters that life is pretty darned awesome and I am lucky to have someone who supports me so that I can do all of these incredible things without having to worry about if he will be still be there when I get home..some people  are not so lucky to have someone who will stand beside them through thick and thin..it took me a minute to be so blessed and it was well worth the wait!! Okay..time to get busy and reorganized..wishing you all an awesome, blessed day..Bis Morgen!!

My goodness, I wish I could sleep!!

Good Morning to you all..and I do mean morning..once more I find myself awake and out of bed drinking coffee before 0400..always for various reasons..a cat walking acroos my head, a lonely dog wanting company downstairs, or a snoring husband. This morning it was the snoring husband that lead to a cat walking across my head. Today it is okay though as I promised one of my good friends that I would work out this morning..yes, I have been slipping this week..and after that I must leave on my seemingly often drive to a little further south..this weekend will be filled with lots of holiday events such as a Christmas Party and Ball..and of course as I am crazy for the Christmas Markets here I will be hitting at least 1..even if I have to go by myself...;D. So, last night I found myself placing a long distance call back to the states to as I put it.."rage" to the same girlfriend that encouraged me to get up and flex some muscle..not do due any 1 occurance but a series of small things that had been building up over a period of time..I must say, that afterwards I felt much better and so did she as she apparently needed to vent a little also..this long distance relationship is hard for us!! As women it is important to have these connections..it helps us to maintain sanity!! So, I am heading to today the living room to do some much needed push ups, situps, etc..as my workout space is occupied by sleeping creatures..Have a great Friday and I will see you all tomorrow..Bis Morgen!!

Baileys and baking...

Hello to everyone..yesterday saw a workout and grocery shopping..oh..and a finish to the Christmas shopping ..but today..let us just say that this morning came early..thanks to Missy's new habit of wanting to have company at 0300..but instead of grumping about it I turned on the coffee pot, grabbed a cup..added a little ol' shot of Baileys and started baking..oh..the joys of being a housewife!! I am getting everything I can out of the status since when next month rolls around I will no longer be able to say that!! Today saw 2 kinds of muffins, and 3 different cookie varieties come out of the oven..some were given away to neighbors today, some will be distributed this weekend, and and what is left will be frozen and put into yummy Christmas packages. You ask..Fluffy, what about the scale?? Oh, the good thing is after baking all of this yumminess, the person who did all the baking doesn't want to eat it..It is kind of like working around food all day..for example, if you work at KFC I can bet you don't eat KFC..same theory here!! Am happy to report that now the kitchen is back in order, and the washing machine is busy cleaning the towels and hot pads used in this process..no evidence left except a freezer full of baked goods! Now is time to hit the computer for a couple of online courses, and a couple of post on Have flips flops will travel for all of you who follow my adventures there also..and then time to break out the wrapping paper and get busy with the gifts. I wish you all a blessed, happy, healthy Tuesday!! Bis Morgen!

 

In the Christmas spirit !!

Wanted to share some images of today..the first Advents candle has been lit..Christmas cards addressed..fire is keeping the house warm..now for dinner and a few minutes with my hubby..Will finish up the main Christmas shopping and hit the cook books tomorrow for baking galore..but for the rest of the day..enjoying the peace and quiet..critters are snuggled up..instumental Christmas music is playing...Enjoy your Sunday!!

Check list for Saturday...

Good afternoon to everyone..well..most of the items on my to do list for today have been checked off..all except for 1 and that was to spend time with my husband..this year as every year now is the time to cut firewood that we will use 2 years from now..optimal drying time..so instead of being a football or soccer widow I am officially a firewood cutting widow..but as I have to travel to work I am sure he feels the same way..the difference is I have to do it year round..oh well..sacrafices have to be made sometimes!! So..things accomplished today..7 kms on treadmill, grocery shopping..this included Christmas prep..lets just say the people in line behind me were hating me but the cashier was loving the total!!, living room organized to accomodate the hopefully soon arrival of the Christmas tree, house decorated as much as possible without tree, and yes..my very first batch of Green Tomatoe Salsa.All in all I am calling it a successful day..tomorrow will be the start of making Christmas cards, a couple more artsy projects, and getting some work done on the computer..yesterday saw the beginning of the holiday baking..Banana Pumpkin Muffins by the mini muffin dozen..maybe will get the baking bug again tomorrow..let my honey know this morning that I need a second freezer!! Almost left out the best part of today..Christmas music has been playing the entire day..;D Wishing you all a Happy Saturday..Bis Morgen!!

Okay...so it's been a minute or 2...

Hello to you all..I cannot believe that it has been so many days since I have been here to  share what is going on with all of you..You would think that I could do better. Will be making a real effort to do so from now on..at anyrate, for my ladies out there..I am not so a big promoter of one brand of anything ..unless it is handbags..Coach..or boots..Tamaris..but let me tell you, I have discovered an awesome, yummy smelling, glossing hair serum that is to die for..see pic right..I use it as a styling aid and every morning wishing I could use it like a lotion and head to the beach!! It works like a dream and adds lots of shine to my hair along with a bit of texture. 
I have also included a couple of pictures of a slow progression from the fall to Christmas theme occuring in our home..along with 2 sweet, tired baby dogs..the cat is on a crazy streak this morning..climing and jumping everywhere..that cat food must have some great protein in it!!
For me today is Tafel Tag..time to get to be of service to others on in a big way..I love the days I spend there..helping others, even in am indirect way really is good for the soul. :D
So, I spent about a week in the center of Germany and then headed to a second location to visit my youngest..was home for a day and then spent what we, as Americans know as Thanksgiving in a job interview..happy to report that the job as Emergency room nurse in a German hospital is mine..that is my true passion in the nursing rhelm and I am looking forward to starting after the first of the year..here's to learning a whole new vocabulary auf Deutsch!! I must say..I always share with my co workers and sons how important it is to network..and this job is a direct result of doing just that.Sometimes landing that dream job is not only based on what you know but who you know!! 
As far as the thorn in my side..my weight and the scale that will not budge..well, that is an ongoing work of progress..all I can say is that I will continue to hit the treadmill and the yoga mat and lift those handweights until I see a difference..the holidays will be a challenge..esp since we seem to already have a large supply of chocolate everything here at home..at least I can counteract some of the indulgences..some of you may call it lazy, or undisicplined but sorry..I am calling it quality of life. I am fit and healthy..the number on the scale is just not to my liking. I will not be that person at the holiday events saying oh no..I can't eat that..it's not on my diet....that my friends is not only boring but oh so annoying. Okay..Marli is now sleeping along with the pups..all is good in the world...time to get a little more done on the computer and then it is out the door for me today..I wish you all a wonderful, blessed day..Bis Morgen!!
                                                                                             

Social media sites and the lack of a life...

Good morning to you all..I realized something yesterday..as I checked my phone for the 200th time to see what was new on facebook..that I am addicted..due the fact that some days I do not leave the house..and even though I manage to always be busy I still crave contact with others in the "outside" world. So..in addition to my daily workouts I am going to make it a point to only be on the social networking sites for a 5 minute period every morning and then that is it for the day..except for posting Fluffy and Have Flip Flops of course..and to to that I do not have to actually go on the other sites...because we know that being on social networking sites is not like really having social contact!!...It is time for things to start rampng back up with my travels both in my own backyard but also further out..and I need to start sowing and growing some of the relationships I have developed in this area..and maybe even take a couple of fun classes in the spring to meet some new folks.
I had a couple of crazy dreams last night where my husband actually took me back to the states and left me there..that makes me realize that ..as I heard at a leadership course this past summer.."Grow where you are planted"..that I need to do just that..not to live in the "what ifs", and "maybe whens"..to really embrace my life for what it is today..would I love to be back in the states with my family and friends?? Without a doubt, but I also have family and a few friends here..time to celebrate that fact instead of focusing on how difficult some things have been up to this point here..lots of people dream of living the life that I lead...it is time for me to wake up and show some gratitude.
So, my dear readers of Fluffy..these are my thoughts for the day..I hope your Wednesday is just as wonderful and enlightening as mine is shaping up to be!!

Sunday. .a day of rest??

Not our Sunday..I woke up with this insane need to create something in the kitchen..which turned out to be Pineapple marmalade first thing this morning while drinking my coffee..next was the second morning in row that saw 7 km on the treadmill along with the mix of abs, arms, and butt firming exercises that if they don't happen daily it is ALMOST..almost..as bad for my mood as if I don't have my early morning coffee quota!! Had noticed that I had also not been getting my praise and worship in on a daily basis like I needed to..that seems to happen when I find myself foundering around in my sense of direction....so added some inspirational music..Toby Mack, Chris Tomlin, Laura Story, Tree63, Jamie Grace..all of them and more into my workout time..talk about sending the energy and gratitude level through the roof!! Wow Wow Wow!! 

The next creative outlet is still in process..I am making Apple Butter for the first time ever..it takes a minute doesn't it?? In the middle of this process I decided to go ahead and set up the kitchen for Christmas baking and cooking..this means bringing the large butcher block island into the kitchen..it's usual home is the dining room..oiling the work surface..while I was at it..did the smaller island also..work smarter not harder right?? The kitchen is now put back together and functional..Apple Butter is still cooking....:D

Matthias is finishing the guest room this afternoon..after the youngest moved out it was a remodel project..we are waiting for the overhead light fixture to arrive..after it is complete I will post pics..you know I will.. Really happy with the results so far..my hubby did an awesome job!!

Tomorrow on the plan is Banana bread and most likely an Aplle Cinnamon bread..I love love love fall baking..all of this "canning" stuff is new to me..am slowly developing an addiction!!

So..to all of you..I wish you a wonderful rest of your weekend..

 

It's Friday !!!

Hello all..today was Tafel Tag...felt good to get out there and do some volunteer work. .I even had a pretty good conversation with someone who had previously been pretty critical towards me..I was shocked but am pretty happy about the progress ☺. My workout did not happen this morning and I had an exchange of emails with a really good friend that knows me well...with her positive words I realized that maybe I am too critical of myself..so I am taking her advice and enjoying just being me today...appreciating what my  life is..how blessed I am
..and having a glass of wine in her honor..Love you GD!! Thank you for the uplifting message.
Did get the dogs out there for a short walk this morning. .Max was not really feeling it with the cold and wind though..If I had a cozy bed in front of the fire I probably would not want to go outside either!! So..tomorrow will see me back in the routine. .no plans for early in the morning. .I hope you all have a wonderful day and get your weekend off to a good start. .whatever that means to each of you!!

Thursday's progress...

Hello gorgeous people. .I hope that you are having a great day so far. My step results from yesterday are..10,391 in all taken..this doesn't count my treadmill  time..that would not have the added benefit of moving throughout the day. Today the scale showed 71.4 kg..that is 157.08 lbs. Today's workout included 6.4 km on the treadmill. .50 crunches. .30 Russian twists. .50 knee lifts..50 squats with hand weights. .and 20 each of the following. .dumbbell goblet squats. .bent over rows..suitcase dead lifts..dumbbell overhead presses and 20 balance ball throws. Took the pups for a walk..then hit the grocery store. .happy to report that Sharon fruit is once more in season..total yummy..our kitchen is an explosion of fruits containing Vitamin C. Okay..time to catch my guilty pleasure. .Shopping Queen. .Bis Morgen. ..

Sometimes you just have to. .

Take some time..a step back and really re evaluate your life..where you are..where you want to be..and maybe even call time out for a bit until you can start to figure it out...this is where I find myself right now..for the first year i was here I was in shock, the second year and into the third it seemed like everything that could go wrong with my family did..and I spent a whole lot of time and energy trying to figure out how to fill the gap that leaving my family and friends and the life I had in the states had left in my life..that need to be comfortable, to have a purpose to get out of bed day in and day out..this crazy drive to try and recapture the energy and goals that I had before have continued..leading me to make some not so well thought out choices, spend a lot of time away from my husband, and making me more and more frustrated. I am calling time out..a time out desperately needed..some time to say to hell with trying to find a job that gives me the same satisfaction I had while in various ERs from one coast to the other..it is not going to happen here..period. Time out to nuture my marriage for a minute..we knew with mixing cultures it was not going to be so easy but looking back I have made it even harder on us..with this constant searching, constant need to try and be more than what was right in front of me..for once in my life I don't have to fight and struggle to make sure everything is done for me and my kids alone..it is long time for me to realize this and enjoy my life and where I am right now...my head is spinning..I don't know what my next step will be..thank goodness I can take a few and map out a plan..because I know me..I need some sort of life map..a plan..a goal..or 2..I just need to breath and count to a couple of thousand..realize that I cannot recapture my life for what it was before..I am in a different country, the culture and way things are done, the attitudes, the way of looking at things are completely different here.That is something that if someone would have asked me a little over 3 years ago I would have never..not for the life of me.. expected..I had lived all over the US..have gypsy blood running through my veins..thought that I could go and live anywhere and it would be easy peasy..Was I ever oh so wrong!!!! This has been really really hard. I was talking to one of my girlfriends last night, she is also married to a German citizen, she also gave up her life in the states to be wih a wonderful man and she is also struggling..missing having the small moments like meeting a friend at Starbucks for a coffee or meeting for a glass of wine ..too bad we live hours apart..:C. However.. in all of this not knowing where I am going..what my next life phase will look like..1 thing is staying constant..my flipping weight..BUT..I have not given up..even though I have days like yesterday where my highest goal is to brush my teeth and shower..only to put on a clean pair of PJs. So..once more friends and readers of Fluffy..I am gathering my strength and inner fight..have rearranged my workout area..see pics!! Made a chart, 1 week at a time..at this point in my life that is what is manageable..anything more and I get off track..today's weight..72.1 kg, 158.62 lbs, waist is 86 cm or 34 inches..my workout this morning looked like this::::5 km on the treadmill, took the pups for a walk, 50 of each of the following..crunches, bridges, squats with hand weights, jumping jacks..30 of each of the following..reverse push ups, chair dips, russian twists, leg extends, and scissors. So far I have taken 5665 steps today..will break out the Wii and finish them out in a bit for my goal of 10,000. I have to say..even though this weight is not falling off I am convinced that the regular exercise and sweat sessions are helping to keep my mood out of the toilet..that and seeing how happy it makes the fuzzy faces to get out and explore the neighborhood. So..wonderful people..until tomorrow..now that I am in my time out I have time to write again!! Happy about that for sure....I think writing it all out gives me a sense of direction..

Night #1

 Good Evening to everyone..tonight will see me looking the first of 5 night shifts in a row in the eye..it has been a few years since I have pulled this off..but with a healthy dose of coffee before hand and doing my best to stay hydrated throughout all should be okay..am hoping my sleep - wake pattern adjusts as needed. I have to admit that I skipped my workout today as I elected to clean the house from top to bottom instead..somehow, some way in my justification mind lugging my vacumn cleaner and the mop bucket up and down stairs qualifies as some form of exercise!! But my workout yesterday was good..I have added some new moves into the sessions..such as Dumbbell Goblet Squats, Bent Overrows, Suitcase Deadlifts, Dumbbell Overhead Presses and Donkey Kicks. I must say after being pretty much out of the work arena for the past 3 plus years I had gotten really spoiled to having quite a bit of free time to fit everything into my daily schedule without too much stress..well..that has all changed..and in a crazy way it is really good for me. I am feeling more organized already!!So..time to get moving..see you tomorrow..after my workout and weigh in. 

Just 1 Question...

Good Morning to you all..I am a little on the frustrated side this morning after some of my experiences yesterday... from some of the people that I encountered. Once more..of course..it has to do with the fact that I was not born and raised here and my accent is different. Not 1 but more than a couple people took it upon themselves to make fun of me while I was speaking. My question this morning is who in the hell made a large percentage of the people here think that it is acceptable to be outright rude?? To be critical and demeaning to others at the drop of a hat?? I am not..repeat..NOT a freak of nature, I am a human being, living in a different country..attemping to build a life for myself  here..you know what?? I could be the kind of person who refuses to learn the language and live off the state as a non functional part of society and take advantage of my status here as a "Scheis Ausländerin" but I don't and have never considered it. Since week 1 over 3 years ago I have fought this fight on a continual basis and you know what?? I am tired of the petty, stupid things that people say and do. I an not rude to you and where I come from..yes..that would be Texas..we are taught from a very young age to be nice to others and have respect for your fellow human beings..silly me, I thought this was a universal thing but apparently I was wrong. I am not outright critical of others, I am not rude, and I attempt to have respect for others until proven that they do not deserve my time or effort. I am once more baffled at how some people conduct themselves regarding other human beings..
  So,now that I have gotten this out I am going to get on the treadmill and work up a good sweat and release some of those feel good endorphins so that I can once more tackle another day..and for all that continue to be critical and rude to me?? Guess what?? You will not win..you will not break me.. I have already lived through way more than most ever will and with those experiences and the influence of other strong females in my lifeI will continue to grow as a person and strive to be better and learn something new everyday...

Monday..new week..new job..new outlook!!

Hey guys..sorry for the not first thing in the morning post today but I have to come out with it..I slept until 0900 this morning..this is something I never do but I just after all of the traveling and working in the yard for several hours yesterday finally caught up to me..today is the start of a new week, got in a great workout this mornning..4km on the treadmill, 60 of each of the following..crunches, bridges, squats with hand weights, knee lifts, jumping jacks and 30 scissors and russian twists..then I took the pups for a much needed and anticpated walk to smell out the neighborhood as it had been a minute!! Today sees me off to a new job..as a nurse working here in Germany..this is a day I was beginning to think would never happen due to many faciliites unwillingness to allow me time of for my time with the Reserves..even this facility is a little hesitant but willing to give me a chance..for this I am grateful..just to be able to take care of patients again ..super excited. Have my lunch, book, nursing supply bag packed and am ready freddy!! Will be in training for a while, so they are starting me out on the late shift which is mid afternoon until about 2130 and then I will be working nights, just PT though so it will not be too bad.. am beginning the shop around for a more affordable not for profit online MSN program..just could not afford the one I was previously enrolled in without locking myself into some pretty serious debt and that is not on my bucket list in this point in my life!! Am feeling better after being back on my pretty strict eating plan..Vegan based..both physically and mentally as I did not follow it on vacation..almost impossible with eating almost every meal out. It is much easier here at home,made a huge pot of vegatable soup yesterday..add some hot pepper sauce..yummo!! So, it is time for me to get it together and head out the door as I have an errand to do before work but did not want to start the car more than what was absolutely necessary today..conserve our plant!! Refillable water bottle..check, watch with second hand..check, good mood and lots of energy..check!! Have a great Monday!!

Home Sweet Home

Wow..it has been a minute since we've talked hasn't it?? Today is the first entire 24 hours at home since returning from the states. .we went from temps in the 80 ' and low 90's with the sun making an appearance every day  to a chilly, overcast fall here in Deutschland. .first thing we did upon our arrival home??? The wood burning stove filled and lit..see attached picture. ..my idea of a perfect fall or winter day..fire on..cuddles with a 4 footed baby or 2..and reading..or better..browsing cookbooks for holiday menu ideas! After unloading the car my honey headed out to pick up the critters from the pet hotel at Teirheim Hage..Missy came home just happy to be home..Max happy but wornout..and Marli was just pissed and full of attitude! ! All is back to normal today..everyone is happy and the fridge is filled with fresh vegetables. I am back on my workout routine after a 3 week break of flying, lots and lots of driving, eating meals in restaurants  more often than not, a few..and I do mean a few short workouts..but to compromise sometimes 20,000 steps taken in a day..and a whirlwind schedule.  So..the damage done you ask in my battle of the fat? Weight this morning. .72.2 kg or 158.84 lbs. My workout was obviously harder for me than before we left..it consisted of 5 km on the treadmill ..and 50 of each of the following : crunches, bridges, jumping jacks, Russian twists, squats with hand weights,  and cross over knee lifts. Working on my 8 bottles of water for the day. Happy with what I came face to face with on the scale? Not so much but had a bad dream about 3 nights ago that I weighed 175 pounds so am happy to once more have a scale handy and to be able to get back into my daily routine. What I am happy about is that I was able to enjoy some tastes of home without beating myself up over it. We enjoyed playing,  visiting, and just taking it all in. We had 1 lonesome rose that looks  like it bloomed just a day before we came home..yellow rose of Texas!!🌹🌹🌹 For our travels and pics I invite you all to read my travel blog..Have Flip flops will Travel. .So wonderful people. .until tomorrow. I wish you all a blessed day. ...

Going to visit Mickey, and Minnie, and Donald....and Pluto......

Good Morning gorgeous people!! Today we head to Disney World..wait you ask..when did you go to Orlando?? On my 45th birthday of course,,who doesn't want to spend 17 plus hours flying or in various airports on their bday?? Just kidding..the jet lag this time is not horrible like it was in June when I was here..maybe it's because we are here on vacation or maybe it's because my awesome hubby is here with me this time..whatever it is it's working..in fact it is working so well I am awake early enough to go find the gym here at the hotel before I go get a hug from my all time favorite disney character Pluto!! I must say..I am not feeling a day over 30 at this moment..we of course went to Wally World..(Walmart) yesterday and got coffee and other goodies for the room..found of all the crazy things..crunchy dried Okra..I love exploring grocery stores..they had a whole lot of different things from last time I was shopping in one!!Am happy to report I found my favorite flavored bottled water and big bag of trail mix too!! Doesn't take much to make my day!!Matthias on the other hand went straight for the smoked sausage and american style chedder cheese..doesn't take much to make him happy either!! Starbucks is brewing..life can be so good!! We hit up Epcot the first day, were on the Boardwalk yesterday...So..where are the pics?? Stay tuned for Have Flip Flops will Travel to have a new posting by the latest tomorrow morning..today will be late as I see a visit to downtown in our future also!! Okay..finding tennis shoes..Bis Später!!

My how the time flies !!!

Good Morning all...2 days ago today felt like a punch in the stomach as today is the dreaded 45th birthday..but I must say..today I am feeling good and the energy is through the roof. Scale as of yesterday was happy to hang out at 71.7 kg..even with dietary changes..but it is not trending upwards so I am happy with that..Activity log for the past few days is as follows. ..September 30th. .6.4 km, 40 crunches,  20 leg presses, 65 Russian twists, 50 bridges and squats with hand weights,  30 scissors and reverse push ups.  October 1st...6.4 km, 50 each of the following. .crunches,  bridges,  Russian twists,  squats with weights,  and standing crossovers, 30 each of scissors, leg presses,  and reverse push ups.  Yesterday's workout saw an increase to 7 km followed by 60 each of hand weight reps,  squats with balance ball lifts, Russian twists,  standing crossovers,  and bridges to round it out. You would think with all of that I would be exhausted but I feel really good. Today will be a day off to do something a little different. .like celebrate getting older! !! I wish you all a great day. .and for all of my readers in Germany. .Ich hoffe, dass ihr den Tag der Deutschen Einheit genießt !!!

Project underway! !

This is the day our Lord has made...

Good Morning...starting my Sunday with Chris Tomlin, Jamie Grace and other inspirational Christian artists..funny how somedays I am just drawn to the computer to turn on a particular station that makes the day flow so much better. Starting my days with God is always the BEST way..I am excited that we will be back in the states soon and I will be able to seek out a couple of  churches that are like the one I used to go to..full of praise, worship, and this wonderful energy that you can only get when a group of believers come together..besides having in depth conversations with strangers in the checkout line at Walmart, this is what I miss the most about being in the states..of course I miss my family also..but to me that goes without saying..
So the hubby had men's day-evening out yesterday..it is no secret here that the alcohol consumption here is high....with one look at him I was super happy that I was not required to attend this particular event..usually when it is a gathering with this group the wives go also..and quite frankly, in my opinion we have all reached the age where gatherings based strictly on seeing how much alcohol can be consumed need to be reinvented..a couple of hours is okay but for hours on end is just too much..and the 2 days afterward that you feel like crap are just not worth it..but I guess if you drink a lot all of the time it doesn't have that effect..the end result of this event is that he will be sleeping most of the day and my workout time and place will have to be rearranged..seeing as my home gym is in our bedroom. Speaking of workouts..have been incorporating some of the ab toning moves into my daily activity that my son suggested..moves such as Russian twist, various types of crunches..and I am telling all of you..they hurt so good..all of my life since I can remember I have had to fight my weight, I was never one of those stick thin figures who could consume whatever..cellulite has always had a home on my butt..unfortunately..but I have to say..now that I have gotten in the habit of working out almost everyday I really feel the difference when I don't stick to it..no energy, sluggish..just blah. I have to say..I never thought I would be that person..the kind of person who looks forward to working out...
Have to change the theme here...the song Blessings by Laura Story is playing now..for those of you who have never heard it..please take the time to do so..it talks about how maybe when things are rough, and how disappointments may turn out to be for the best for us..we learn from them..have certain doors closed so others can open..it speaks volumes to me every single time I hear it..even though life was not what I had imagined and through some bad choices and decisions  it was harder than it should have been but in the long run God took my hand and lead me through all of it to be who I am today..and even though things are not perfect in our lives he has worked in such amazing ways..for me, my boys, and he is slowly moving in Matthias's life also..as the more he changes me the more it changes our marriage..strengthens it..we have faced some crazy challenges in the time we have been together..what would have broken many couples but he has worked to bring us closer..
Started a new decopauge project yesterday..will post some pics of in progress and finished project this afternoon..going to hang out on the patio with the pups for a bit..I wish you all an awesomely blessed day..  

WooHoo..1 week away!!

Good Morning all..not so much time this morning as today is Tafel Tag..off to work I go..without pay of course but oh so good for the soul!! So..after yesterday's post I am happy to report that I had some feed back from a few people..and recieved an awesome workout plan for the abs from my youngest..king of the 6 pack..abs that it!! Scale this morning reported 71.7 kg..that is in the world of pounds..159.28..so not where I ultimately want to be but just enough to start me off super motivated this morning..not such a long workout but here it is..6.4km, 30 Russian twists, 50 bridges, 30 reverse push ups, 50 squats with hand weights, and 20 legtucks..I am not so fast on the treadmill so the run alone takes the better part of an hour but practice practice practice..and sticking to it...I can feel it in my thigh muscles this morning after the second day at this distance but it hurts so good!! Water bottle is full and ready to go for the day..now to finish hair and make up and I am off for the day..Don't forget to share your smile today!! Be blessed and Bis Später..:D

A week away from what you ask?? I see Mickey and Minnie and Pluto in the near future!!!

End of the day. .

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner..at the end of the day had taken an additional 5780 steps without leaving the house..have 1 more bottle of water to go to equal 8..feeling healthy and not so weighed down as a normal evening..so, until morning!!