People With Two Blogs are SOOO Annoying

Before you get all huffy with me, read on ;)

Sooo, I'm feeling a lack of inspiration lately. Been enjoying hoping around and reading blogs, enjoying working on a few side projects that I've had, and really been enjoying the day-to-day here in Finland.

What I'm not enjoying is the lack of inspiration this 'normal' country is giving me! Way to be too easy to live in, Finland. What am I supposed to do now?! Have I become that, gasp, European!?!

Well, I did go to not one, but two coffee shops this week in the middle of the afternoon. And we recycle more than anyone else in our building. And oh shiznit, we loooove sparkle water. What are we doing?!

Hold on a sec here.

K, I'm back and better. Just wasted some water, talked really loud in public and told everyone in I ran into on the streets that they better start speaking English or they can leave this country.

Phew! I feel so much better now.

'MUURRICAA! (source)

I do have a Euro Vision post lined up for Monday. And I'm sure that after this weekend, I will encounter a few 'weird' things that I can post about. Today is just not the day.

But, um, hello, after the genius posts like Weird Souvenirs Around the World, The Best Halloween Costume, and the now infamous Bidet Post, what can you really expect. Your demand is high, people. ;)

Instead, I'll give a shout out to my other blog (hence the name of the post today),

Nobody Need Wait!

Someone actually took the leap and submitted a fantastic story to the site. You will not want to miss this inspirational piece. And no matter how corny you might think this idea is, who doesn't love a feel good moment. Those kinds that make you hold back a tear, in a good way.

Enjoy ya'lls weekend!

Less Than A Week!

Hi, I'm Lindsey, and I'm a chicken with it's head cut off!!

Ummm, this is an actual costume you can rent for Halloween! Hahah (source)

Haha, at least that is always what I feel like these last few days at home. I can't tell you how excited I am to get over to Finland and get this season going. Ok, before you call me delusional, I know I am not the one playing, but the start of the season also represents a new beginning for me as well. A new chance to get things going in our life again!

Plus, the hubs can't stop talking about how he really, really likes it there. I got a Skype tour of the apartment, which looks great. We are 4 blocks from the city center, well within walking distance...dare I say, even in snow?! The team has been more than helpful and accommodating. It is almost surreal to be treated so good. Granted, we had it pretty good last year too. But it is always a nice surprise to have the people working for team really care about you :) I haven't even met them and I am already grateful for what they have done so far.

Oh, and did I mention that the grocery store there has a giant North American section?!? Awesome. Complete with Mac and Cheese. Heaven, I'm (the hubs's) in heaven! Can you tell I am ready to get there or what.

Quick Finnish lesson: Makaronit ja Juusto = Mac and Cheese! That's not hard, right?! (source)

Even if good beer at a bar costs 7.50 Euro (SHEESH! That is over $10 a beer). Not going to think about that right now. But maybe I will start devising a plan to smuggle beer back from Germany. Ok, or maybe a bottle or two. Hey, we aren't alcoholics or anything like that, just cheap asses!

So the count down is now less than a week. Just have to take it day by day, hour by hour, agonizing minute by agonizing minute. Can I just sleep until next Wednesday?!

On another note, I know, random post today, but I don't have much else for it! All of you "Abroad Writers" have you seen this group on FTLOB?? You have to check it out! They are gathering all the bloggers who write about life abroad. What a good way to group us all together!

What else, I feel like there was something else...

Oh, I need to come up with one really good last 'American' Frackin' Friday tomorrow. Maybe I can find some good Texas cuss words that others might not know. Remember, if you have any good suggestions, send them my way. Hopefully I will be picking up Finnish cuss words in no time. Or not, don't really want them yelled at me, I guess. 

Well, still have a ton of blogs I need to get around to today. I leave the computer for a day and that always seems to be the day that everything happens online! Have a great Thirsty Thursday. I am having a Skinny Marg tonight for sure!

Not gonna to lie, it's my favorite store

In the last few weeks, I've mentioned a ton of things that I missed about being home.

There was my family and friends. The food. The beautiful sunny weather. The food. My kitty cat and the swimming pool. The food.

But I have failed to mention something that I really do long for everyday while we are abroad.

The local newspaper.

Call me old fashioned, but I would rather read the real, hard copy paper than anything that is written online. There is something about flipping through the leafy pages and having it all laid out in front of you.

Not to mention that it is my morning ritual. I wake up, have a cup of coffee, and read the most important section of the newspaper: The entertainment section. That of course includes the crossword and Jumble (which I kick ass at, in case you were doubting my mad skills) and - sometimes not so helpful - Hints from Heloise (is that just a Southern thing??) and can't forget about Dear Abby. All very helpful and useful information. Let's call is pre-coffee, light reading.

Sorry Inmagine, when I become rich and famous, I'll buy this print. Or just take it down. (source)

It is my wake up call and a chance to get my head on straight for the day. And everyone knows not to talk to me before I have done this, because they are likely to get their head bit off, or at the very least an evil stare.

I'm apparently Satan's spawn pre-coffee as well.

And yes, don't tell me anything like "Oh, well then wait til you have kids, they are up and ready to go before you are and all chippery and shiznit in the morning." I get it, and that is precisely why we don't have kids yet.

ANYWAYS, rambling. As I was enjoying the morning paper last week, I came across the weekly full-page ad for the 99 Cent Only store. I love perusing their 'selection' to see just how far 99 cents can take you these days.

And wouldn't you know, I found something mighty interesting in the paper. Did you know that you can get a layaway plan at the 99 Cent ONLY store?? An offer Kmart brought back and made popular once again. Oh yes you can! Imagine racking up even more debt and fees while buying only the nicest crap items. 

Don't lie, you want to call that number, don't you?!

I can just imagine the conversations that go on before someone applies for the layaway plan.

(turn the hick on in your head. You know you got it in there.)

"Well, honey, I know you really want the ceramic poodle figurine and the 6 pack of high-waisted briefs, but I don't know if we can afford it right now. Wait, but looky here, they got themselves a layaway plan. Oooooooeeeeee, Becky Sue, we might just be able to even get you that 99 cent Intimate Apparel for tonight!"

Aaaannnd scene.

Think I am joking about the Intimate Apparel at the 99 Cent Only store? Think again. They were hyping up this sexy little number the same week that Mother's Day items were advertised. 

The Satori Lace Panties & Camilsole. Bow-chica-bowwow (source)

I really, REALLY hope they weren't suggesting it as a gift for dear ol' Mom. 

I'm proud to say "Only in America!"

Things You Didn't Know Were German

(Ok, except for you genius know-it-all's out there, you knew. We know you knew. No need to rub it in, Einstein)

While doing research for a recent post, As German As..., I came across so many things that I had no idea where German or that I never knew had their roots in German traditions.

It isn't hard to imagine that America and Germany shares a lot of similar customs and inventions. After all, roughly 17% of Americans come from German decent.

So I thought I would compile a list of the most interesting tidbits that I found while scouring the internet. Kept them, at least tried to, short and sweet.

Here goes, "Things You Never Knew Were German":

(You can skim. It's long, I don't blame ya!)

Starting off with holiday traditions and figures. Our modern day Christmases seem to be deeply rooted in German customs.

*Nutcracker (both story and figurine)
The carving of nutcrackers began as a small, cottage industry in the wooded regions of rural Germany. They were, and are, known for their intricate detail and decoration.
Also, before the 'nutcracker' became synonymous with the Russian ballet by Tschaikovsky (and also synonymous with the ever hilarious short videos on America's Funniest Videos, yeah right), the Nutcracker was the hero of an early 19th century story by Berlin's E.T.A. Hoffman. The story was later adapted for the famous ballet.

Of course, had to pick the house with the German Sheppard with it! (Sources 1, 2)

*Gingerbread Houses
The Gingerbread house was first noted in the Grimm's fairytale Hansel and Gretel and followed in a little known German opera by the same title. The first showing of the Opera took place just days before Christmas. Because of this, it became a holiday tradition in German Opera houses to build miniature replicas of the gingerbread house from the story. The tradition then spread to bakeries and eventually to homes.  

*Advent Calendars
The origins of this Christmas tradition come from the German Lutherans as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The calendar started off simple; a written way to count down the days until Christmas. Eventually, lighting 24 candles for the 24 days became popular. And very early in the 20th century, Gerhard Lang was credited with printing the first Advent calendar. Several years later, he decided to add hinging doors that would open to reveal the date or a Bible scripture. It wasn't until after WWII that the calendars began to be filled with candies and treats for the days before Christmas.

(sources 1, 2)

*Christmas Tree
The tradition of decorated the Tannenbaum (hello, German word) dates back to the 16th century. Although it is documented that trees were erected in present day Estonia and Latvia in the 15th century, it was the Germans who really started decorating the trees. They adorned the fir trees with wax candles (yeah, sounds safe), fruits and trinkets. This tradition remained confined to the upper Rheinland region of Germany for some time, until the idea eventually began to spread throughout the Christian world when royal families from neighboring countries got wind of it. 

Hallmark, you can thank Germany for the bazillions of ornaments you sell every year.

Many modern day Easter traditions are also believed to have been started in Germany:

*Easter Bunny
The Easter Bunny, at least as we know it today, first appeared in 16th century writings in Germany. In the 1700s, Pennsylvania Dutch settlers brought the tradition of the Easter Bunny with them to the new world. Their children believed that if they were well behaved, the Easter bunny would come and lay eggs and treats into nest the children made out of upturned hats and bonnets.

*Easter Eggs Hunts
While evidence on this isn't as firm as some of the others, it is believed that the tradition of hiding Easter eggs was first started in Southern Germany. While the legend of the Easter bunny laying eggs in the grass had been around for sometime, the Germans decided to go all out and actually have children hunt for the eggs in hard to reach and see places. Leave it to the Germans to step it up a notch or two!

(sources 1, 2)

A tradition that I think has been lost in America for sometime. Look at this photo. Really, are we even hiding the eggs anymore or what!?

Anyways, moving on from traditions:

*Gummi Bears
I don't know about ya'll, but before we moved to Germany, I always thought of Gummi Bears as an American product. The sweet treats were invented in the 1920's by Hans Riegel, Sr when he started the Haribo company. Not only do they produce the world famous Gummi Bears, and all other chewy candy under the Haribo name, but the company also makes all Trolli brands of gummy candy, like the popular gummi worms.

Gummi Bears! Bouncing here and there and everywhere! (source)

*Prefabricated Houses
Ha, take that one, you 'American white trash stereotypers!" The pre fab home - oh come on, let's just call them like they are - the trailer home was invented by Warner Sell of Berlin. After WWII, there was a need for places to house the U.S. forces occupying the area. Sell's company manufactured over 5000 prefabricated houses and the soldier boys lived it up in high style!

I even choose a fancy one to show ya'll! (source)

(and hey, I am not judging, there are some really nice PreFab homes out there, I know!)


*Wedding March/Here Comes the Bride
First known as the "Treulich geführt", the song that is forever linked to brides in white gowns, was composed in 1850 by Richard Wagner for his opera Lohengrin. Although the song is now traditionally played as the bride makes her way down the aisle, it was sung (yes, it even has words to go along) in the opera after the ceremony by the members of the bridal party. You might get your bridesmaid to agree with you on the style of her dress, but good luck convincing her to sing you a song in German!

(source)

*Pretty much everything Disney has done
From cashing in on Grimm's Fairy Tales, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White to name a few, to building a close replica of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Disney movies and theme parks have relied heavily on German influence. But most of you smarty pants probably already knew that :)

Pretty dang similar!

*Traditional items at an "American" picnic
Just about all the ingredients to make a perfect 'All-American' picnic come from German origins. There is the hot dog, or a Frankfurter, a pork sausage that finds its origins in 13th century Germany. Then, you can't forget the condiments. Ketchup, which was developed by Heinz, a son of German immigrants, and Mayonnaise, developed by Hellman, a German immigrants. Then of course there is the Potato Salad. Although there are many different versions to this dish, one of the most popular variations is the traditional German Potato Salad. And happens to be my favorite as well :)

It wouldn't even feel like the 4th of July without these babies! (source)

*Light Bulb

Poor Heinrich Göbel. He is credited with developing the incandescent light bulb over 25 years before Thomas Edison had his bright idea. There was just one little thing Göbel forgot to do....apply for a patent. (Although, I will have to admit with this one, that he was born and grew up in Germany but was in the US by the time he developed his idea).

No Patent? Not so bright of an idea. (source)

*The Perm (Permanent Wave)
German hairdresser Charles Nessler invented a very early version of the perm. He used a mixture of cow urine and water to achieve those bouncy, poodle-like waves. Smellin' good ladies! Before coming up with just the right mix of harsh and damaging chemicals, he ran test trials on his wife. Two of which burnt off most of her hair and resulted in scalp burns. Call me crazy, but I think that might be grounds for divorce.

Thanks for giving me a dog's hairstyle in the 4th grade, Germany! (source)

Yes, I know, long enough! But there were just too many to choose from. Now, the last one. A bonus for all my Texan and Southern-At-Heart readers.

Bonus:

*Chicken Fried Steak
Although the origins about this delicious, plate-swamping treat vary (I mean, we can't even agree about who or where it was first served in the Lone Star State) most sources say that it is attributed to German and Austrian immigrants in Texas who brought over the recipe for Weiner Schnitzel. Of course, American took it up a notch and really fried the heck out of that sucker and smothered it in gravy. It is believed that it started being referred to as Chicken Fried Steak, and not Wiener Schnitzel, during the war with Germany.

Mouth watering, heart clogging goodness (source)

The United States of Processed Food

If there is anything that we have learned over here, it is that grocery shopping in Germany is never a dull errand to run. There is competitive parking, the OCD need to always have a euro handy for the shopping carts, the narrow aisles, the constant cart bumping and NO ONE saying "Excuse Me", the race to the check out lines and finally the excitement and sheer terror of packing up all your groceries as fast as the cashier can throw them at you. And that is a typical Wednesday mid-morning trip. Don't even get me started on the Saturday afternoon crowd. 

Oh Kaufland, with your craziness, how can I not feel at home?!

Source

We are lucky, though. Most German grocery stores, and certainly the larger chains, carry quite a bit of American food. Wish there were more coupons available; prices can be steep. Most of the time it doesn't even feel like you are shopping in another country, that is, until you stumble across the whole pig, vacuum-packed, laying out for the taking in the meat section. Don't see too many of those at your local Super Wal-Mart, do ya!

Groceries in Germany are very affordable, often being cheaper than the groceries in Texas, even with the currency conversion. And from our short time here, we have discovered some really great German products and brand. They're Items that we actually miss when we are back at home in the states.

Although, before we lived overseas, I had NO idea how profitable just the mere idea of something being "American" could make any given item. Companies try as they may to pass their products off as authentic 'made in the USA' goods, but sadly just miss the mark.

Just a small collection of all the "American" items

And unauthentic as they may be, their packaging stands out like a sore thumb in the grocery stores. So here are just a few of the many, many red, white and blue, stars and stripes, Statue of Liberty decorated German products. And yes, we buy most of these on a regular basis, haha. Suckers.

The Doritos "Cool Ranch" flavor is called "Cool American" here. Glad they could reaffirm something we are already well aware of :)

Even cooler than Chester Cheeto

Oh Cheese Zip. I have a feeling you could be inserted into my veins and clog my arteries in the same fashion as you do when I eat you. What can they possibly think of us when we serve up "Real Chedder Cheese" (MY ass!) in a can?!?

I love that it gives you instructions of how to de-clog the nozzle. Sick.

I was really excited about the Knorr's seasoning packet for Mac & Cheese, embellished with an American flag just to remind you of its authenticity. It was awful, and a disgrace to the Kraft orangey goodness.

Just stop trying

This peanut butter is a little less American-ly decorated than the other. I couldn't find the really patriotic canisters my last grocery run. But most canisters have the American flag drawn all over them. And I think I solely keep the German peanut butter importers in business. This is something those Deutschers just don't embrace.

I could eat a can a day, easy

These are actually made in the U.S., but I am led to believe that a foreigner came up with the name. All I can think of when I see the bags in stores are Rocky Mountain Oysters. What a lovely image to have in my head.

Confused about Rocky Mountain Oysters?? Look it up.

Ok, Mondamin, you guys didn't even try to draw a real American flag. Three stars and four stripes?? That is just lazy. But I do like you pancakes, and without Bisquick, I guess you and your ghetto flag will have to do.

Did you think there was a hyphen in the word, or did you run out of room?

American Style Pizza. Can it get any more patriotic?!? I think it might even play "The Star Spangled Banner" when you open the box. And no, I didn't purchase this one. I will just gnaw on some greasy cardboard and probably have the same experience. 

Who eats Cheese and Onion pizza anyways?!?

 Source

And last, but certainly not least, American Toast. I knew that is why our forefathers risked their lives for the unity of a nation. It was all to have processed, fatty cheese in the name of liberty, freedom and the justice for all. 

You should be ashamed.

Oh, and the absolute best part about this cheese. In the bottom right hand corner of the picture, although the light blurs the writing, it clearly says "Qualität aus Österreich" - "Quality from Austria". I am embarrassed for them.

I am not complaining about the availability of "American" products, just merely observing and reporting. I am glad they are there for my enjoyment and for a laugh or two.

But really, who am I kidding. We are Americans (the hubs practically one) and junk food is a huge part of our diet and culture. So maybe Germany isn't too far off with these items. After all, the American section at Real consists of off brand Macaroni and Cheese, Cheese Wiz, Crisco and Marshmallows. Yep, sounds like home to me!