Texas Trip Update: 2012 Really Will be the end of the world

I've been back in Texas for a week now. And the extremely warm January weather here is seriously making me reconsider winters in Finland :) No, that's not really an option. But it is nice to see the sun each morning, wear jeans and a t-shirt all day long, and not have to worry about scraping ice off my car every time I get in it. If only Finland could get onboard with this warm winter thing. Then, we would be in business!

So far, the trip home has been a mix of running errands, shopping and picking up lots of goodies to bring home (think sweets and Mexican food ingredients). I've spent a lot of time with friends and even more with family. It's been a great mini break at home. But, I am missing the hubs and getting ready to get back to Finland and wrap this season up. The last game of regular season is mid March, but once you are through January, time seems to fly by. I'll have one week left in January when I'm back, then a short Feburary, and before we both know it, we'll be back in sunny Texas for the spring. Ahhhhhhh.

But, there is something I saw this trip that is making me a little apprehensive about the state of my dear country. This is something that I had not seen before leaving Texas back in August. No, it's not the ridiculous GOP debates, the still looming financial crisis or even these, which I have (unfortunately) yet to see on my latest Lone Star trip.

No, it is something far more ominous than any of those combined. A sign that things in America are only going to get worse, and not better. That the youth of our nation, the ones we will hold responsible for continuing this country's legacy, are nothing short of doomed.

Feast your eyes on the destruction of the U.S.

Run for your lives! (source)

(Yes, It's a singing Justin Bieber Toothbrush. Gag me. No seriously, take the damn thing and gag me with it.)

OK, OK. I know I am out of loop on these things and this has been out for a while, but it still scares me. Why the heck would I want Justin Bieber to sing to me while I brushed my teeth?! I DON'T UNDERSTAND!! Will his songs help my plaque? Will "Baby" teach me that flossing really is as important as the dentist claims it is?! I'm so confused. And a little frightened.

This is how it will all end, won't it?? 2012 really will be the doom of our society. I have a feeling that this awful product will survive the apocalypse and will be singing "U Smile" as demons roam the earth. Now THAT'S a scary thought :)

BTW, I don't really write about 'being a hockey wife' that often. There are great bloggers out there that do that for me :) But, I did write a short little intro piece for an up-and-coming hockey news and blogging site called Rumor Me That. I thought ya'll might want to have a look. And try not to laugh at my big dorky picture front and center, haha.

A New Year and New Post

I'm back. 

I thought about staying gone. Thought about how to stay tucked away in my little slice of heaven. Thought about disappearing into the great unknown and never coming back. 

Deep thoughts about how we can make a living in Barcelona...street performer??

I'm talking about Barcelona, of course. Nothing to do with you, bloggyland, and my lackluster attendence of late. 

Spain was flippin' awesome! Barcelona is an amazing city and I highly recommend any and everyone going if they ever get a chance. It exceeded my expectations and is right up there with the Greek islands as one of my favorite European destinations. 

While the city might have a totally different feel in the summer (i.e. extreme tourist overcrowding and less welcoming locals) it was a complete joy in mid-December. Not only was the weather sunny and warm - temps in the mid 60s - but the lines were short everywhere, the Catalonians were overly friendly and welcoming, and the city was alive with the Christmas spirit. 

I told the hubs that he got me the best present ever...the sun! That little bit of vitamin D, not to mention the sun actually up in the sky when we woke up each morning, did a world of good. 

Our highlights included...

La Sagrada Familia

Its stunning architecture and design blew me away. It is hard to capture it's true essence with any camera...especially my ancient one. 

Güell Parc

....but mostly because it was the perfect day to lounge on the tiled benches. 

La Rambla

As 'touristy' as most people might think it is, it is worth a stroll no matter the time of year. People from all walks of life and corners of the world are out and about here. Picked me up a nice little piece of local art as well. 

The Beach!

Yes!!! Nothing like walking barefoot on a Spanish beach in the middle of winter. It was amazing. The water was freezing, but that didn't stop a pack of surfers...or a naked, bathing man. Yeah, I have distant pictures to prove it. No, they aren't making the blog. 

Montserrat Day Trip

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! We had a picnic on top of the world. No big deal. Might have to expand on this trip a bit further in the future. 

Codorniu Cava Wine Tour

Getting a glimpse into Spain's, nope WORLD's largest sparkling wine producer and touring the cellars that have the capacity for over 40 million bottles. NBD. 

And have I mentioned the sun? 'Cause that was awesome. 

:)


There is so much more to share, gotta save some for most posts. We got a lot done in a short 4 days. 

So, eventually we bounced back to reality and realized that there was no way logical way the hockey team in Finland could be transported to Barcelona. We headed back home on Christmas Eve and honestly can't wait to return again soon. 

As for New Year's, it was spent with the team and was such a great time! Too much champagne and faulty (and potentially hazardous!) fireworks. Perfect combination. 

And what's new for now!? Well, January in the hockey world is the sloooooowest and longest month ever. The festivities of Christmas have passed, winter has settled in (well, Finland, not really. WTH is up with this mild winter, I love it!) and yet the season just seems to chug along. This year has hopes of being better than others, in terms of pace. Three games a week, instead of the usual one or two, make the time go by faster for the hubs. 

As for me, time will go by super fast since I am headed home in one week to recharge my sun batteries (yes, they are already low since Spain), see family and friends, eat my weight in authentic TexMex and see what sales I can't hit up while back in Houston. Yeehaw, I am looking forward to that! Nothing like taking a 12 day Texas break in the middle of it all. 

So, I've been trying to make blogging rounds, and hope that everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. 

I have a feeling 2012 is going to be a great one. 

11 burning questions and a mind-blowing bonus

In the last couple of posts, ya'll have left some amazing comments. Not only are you guys always upbeat and nice and thoughtful, but you raised some great questions too. And with these, I am hoping to break my bloggyland writers block. So you new readers to the blog, I think you will enjoy this little peek into my world. And for all you old, been-around-for-random-post-after-random-post readers, well, you might just learn a little something new too ;)


Most asked question number 1) Soooo, what do you do all day?

Ha. Any 'hockey wife' or anyone traveling the world for their partner's job will know that this question comes at ya quite frequently. Well, a typical day consists of lounging on the couch, watching Finnish Soap Operas in a lavish, plush robe while eating only the best quality bon-bons. But don't think I am just some bimbo, I can multitask too. For example, I also have to schedule my weekly facial and massage when there is a commercial break. Le sigh.

If only I were as cool as Peggy Bundy! (source)

Ha, oooorrrrrr not. Our day to day life in any country is pretty typical of that for most people back in North America....save the 9-5 job. We get up, the hubs goes to practice and I get to doing a little work online. The internet is amazing, did ya'll know that?! I am able to write and do work for people all over the world all the while still in my PJs. Before I started really getting into freelancing this year, I learned German the first years and then taught English last year. My parents didn't spend oodles of money to send me to a great college for me to just sit around on my bee-hind! :) In the afternoon, I head to the gym, the grocery store and whatever other errand needs to be run. Pretty boring and just as monotonous as anything back at home, really.


2) How is the team doing?

Ya'll are really sweet for asking. I don't usually like to talk about the team much on here. After all, this is MY blog not the hubs' ;) Plus, I've had some intense fans stalk the blog a little too close my comfort in past years. I don't mind if they read, just don't read into my posts and try to guess what my husband is thinking. So let's just put it this way: We love it here, he loves the team, and no matter what, there could always be more wins in a season!

 
3) Is it dark there all day?

Yes, and there are zombies too.

Brains! And reindeer bratwurst... (source)

What!?! NO! (not yet). Actually, Europe already 'fell-back' this past weekend. The sun is up earlier, but this mega-early sun setting thing already has me feeling wacky. For example, I was sooo confused the other day when I ran to the grocery store. It was pitch dark outside and there were tons of people milling around, walking their dogs and running around the lake. What were they doing there in the middle of the night?! Until I realized it was only 5pm. Really, really weird to me! I guess you do what you normally do, only in the winter you do it in the dark.


4) How much has it snowed there??

Muhahaha! That was my evil laugh if you weren't aware. The weather here has been nothing short of awesome. Well, that may take some explaining. See, when I first got here I kept saying that I was going to die come the cold and dark December. The Finns thought they were soooo funny by telling me I didn't even have to wait that long until winter...think more October. But they were wrong. October was gorgeous here. And the first days of November thus far have been extremely mild. I'm talking high 50s, low 60s. So all you New Englanders and Coloradians (is that right?!) that have been getting dumped on this past week, just know that several latitudes north of you haven't been hit once.

Am I tempting the winter gods by writing this?!

Soon to be picture of our front driveway (source)

5) What do you do all day?

Um, we went over this already. I do what you do, just in a different country. And attend a hockey game from time to time.


6) How long are you allowed to stay?

Guess who is legal to live, WORK AND GO TO SCHOOL (really? Did they forget I don't know Finnish?) in Finland?! Quit guessing. 'Cause it's me! We just got our passports complete with shiny new visas and completely unflattering photos in them. Who's idea was it not to smile in pictures?? That's right, we are good to stay until the end of the season. And the whole allowed to work thing was a very nice surprise! Who knew. Hmmm, you know, I could use a break from the computer now and again!


 
7) What is the town like?

The town is so nice. It is the perfect size (about 60,000) and we are less than an hour away from two major cities. All of the hubs' games are very close by (no more 12 hour trips on the bus!) and there is lots to see and do around in the area. We live within walking distance of most everything and yes, we realize how lucky we are. I will share more pictures of the town as the season trudges on.

And there is a castle, a lake and ducks.

8) What does your husband do for his 'real' job?

While none of my awesome readers asked this job, it is not an unheard of question. News flash nerds, this is his real job. He makes real money, not Monopoly-like paper money only to be redeemed at the rink's snack stands and gift shop. Sure, h doesn't hold regular hours and he isn't 'employed' in the summer, but there is never down time in hockey. If you are in season, you are working out and preparing for the next. If you aren't at the rink, you are at home, resting and saving your energy for the next game.


9) Do you have a car?

Yes because they better not expect this Texas butt to be hiking anywhere once the snow falls. I don't play that game. One of the big advantages of coming over to Europe is the fact that they (usually) arrange and pay for an apartment, a car, health insurance and travel costs. That leaves us to cover very little living expenses while abroad. Hockey is never certain, you never know what is right around the corner. So anytime you can save money for the future, you take that opportunity!


10) What do you do all day?

Really? Again? Nothing. I stare at the wall and watch the wallpaper peel....which it is actually doing here right now. Ha.


11) Are you going to show us a picture of your funky hair/Was there Halloween?

So last posts I mentioned that I got funkified at the salon. I didn't ask for it, I am totally not that trendy. Of course you are your own worse critic when things don't go right at the hair dressers. But before I got it somewhat fixed, I had a super bright YELLOW patch on my head about the size of two quarters from bleach leaking out of the foils. Fun times.

It was freezing outside and I am still refusing to wear warm clothes.

So here is a picture of it fixed, and me as an ever-boring masquerade gal. And I was still more in costume than 80% of the people at the bar. It's just not big here.


BONUS: Anything else you'd like to share about Finland??
Why yes there is! Thank you for asking ;) You ready for the most random answer possible?? Of course you are.

DID YOU KNOW that there are NO skunks in Europe?! Like none at all. Ok, maybe in a zoo somewhere, but not in the wild. The stinky creatures are native to North America and have populations in South America and Indonesia. So I guess I never have to worry about skunks here, a perpetual problem at home. Seriously, my parents set traps every night and catch at least one a week. No, we don't have skunk skin hats or black and white fur lined coats.

That leaves me with two burning questions. 1) What do Europeans say when beer goes bad?? I am guessing they certainly don't say it is skunky. (everyone says that, right??)

And the second question. Are you ready, this is going to blow your mind.

If there are no skunks this side of the Atlantic, was Pepe Le Pew French Canadian??

Think about it :)

(source)

Just Another Random Ramble...you love it :)

Getting a late start today, but that's ok, because it is just another random Monday.

Lots to say, not so much content :)

Was I the only person on earth to realize what these hoo-dickies on a toaster are for??

Our actual, fancy toaster.

Ok, maybe they are more common in Europe. Gotta be honest with you, I don't even remember what a toaster looks like back at home.

Anyways, you just flip those bad boys up and toast buns or anything else too big to fit in the toaster.

And it works great!! I know, I know, you are stunned.

You're not as amazed as me?? Well poo.


Speaking of poo, wait, no, not like that. Still doing the no-poo thing. Well, not entirely. As some of you may remember, I started off with the typical baking soda and apple cider vinegar. It was ok to start with, but pretty drying to my hair. So after the 'greasy' period, which wasn't so bad (mix in a dry shampoo here and there), I am now onto sulfate-free shampoo about twice a week. Rinsing with cold water and if I feel like it, a dollop of conditioner on the ends.

My current shampoo of choice. L'Oreal Delicate Color Sulfate Free (source)

If you are thinking about going no-poo, I would highly recommend doing this instead of the baking soda and vinegar route. Start off washing your hair every other day. And as your hair gets adjusted, wash every third day and so on. And don't be afraid to put some conditioner on your ends, especially if you have long hair like me. Those ends always need a little TLC.


K, that's over, guys, you still with me???? :)

So one of the teams that the hubs played last week had me scratching my head with google translate. Every time I tried to turn to news article into English, it kept referring to the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Red Wings. It was weird!

Until I realized that the opposing team had done a funny little trick with google translate. You see, google relies on readers input to translate some of the lesser known words. As you can imagine, Finnish hockey team names don't come default in the standard dictionary.

So some funny trickster from the other team 'suggested' new translations for his team. I get the Detroit Red Wings one, but Miami Dolphins??? Who knows, I guess what ever floats your boat :)

OH, and the hubs asked about why the translation had him 'putting it in his backpack' when he scored a goal. Remember that one?? Oh google translation, Finnish is really throwing you for a loop.

He asked around and it turns out that it was translated from 'he pulled a trick out of his bag' and scored. Ahhh, makes sense, I guess. Now if only we can figure out why they are always talking about mattresses and pancakes. No really, those are probably the two main terms that I cannot figure out.

Anyways, told ya'll it was random. I'm off to visit around. And you KNOW you want a feel good moment of the day. Don't lie, I know you do. Here is today's on Nobody Need Wait. But be warned, your might feel that much better and happier after reading. So proceed at your own risk ;)

Have a great start to the week. There is no other way to do it!

First Game of the Season!

Well, it's here. The first game of the season. In just a few hours I'll be making my way to the rink to start yet another hockey season.

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited. I'm ready. But didn't this just happen?? Even this doesn't seem that long ago.

It's just that there is one little problem. I like to have a beer or two at the game. Or even a glass of wine if available. Who doesn't like to indulge at a sporting event??

I feel like when I bragged and rubbed it in that beers at the German hockey games were only 2 Euro, that karma was just waiting for me. And it has caught up with me here in Finland.

Six euros. That's a big SIX EURO for one glass of wine at the game. If I stick with beer, it would still be five euro. Just converted that to today's exchange rate. Costing me $8.50 for a glass. Might as well be at some fancy concert with that kind of dough flying around.

Ok, its not the end of the world, but still. I go to a lot of hockey games, if that wasn't evident. Kinda have free tickets and all. I know someone, wink, wink. So I guess that makes up for the price of wine.

Still, I'm a cheap ass.

And you want to know what the worst part is? You cannot drink alcohol in your seat. Nope, none at all. At the rink here they are all responsible and shiz. Unlike any hockey rink in Germany where the fans are so drunk and rowdy that it isn't too uncommon for a fight to break out in the cheering section. Love ya, Germany!

But here, or at least in our arena, things are a little more subdued. Still good fans that really love the sport, just not drunk. Or as drunk as they could be.

Which I get it. It's probably a good thing.

So, if you want a beer, wine or mixed drink, you have to make your way up to the closed off bar section. The view from there is actually not too bad. And you can sit at the window with stools and chat it up. OK, it is a pretty neat set up after all.

But have I mentioned that a glass of wine is SIX EURO!?!

I thought all hope was lost, until I remembered a perfect accessory for games here. An invention so trashy, slutty and genius all at the same time.

And I might punch you through the computer if you ask if that is me. (source)

Want one, get it here.

Really, does it get any better than big boobs and free drinks???

Nope :)

Haha, ok, I can just imagine someone from the organization stumbling upon my blog and reading this post. Just kidding guys.

But if it looks like I just had my boobs done, that is exactly what happened. Please ignore that straw sticking out of my armpit. It's a side effect from the surgery.



DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE HOP THIS WEEKEND! See you all here tomorrow to join in.

Long Week, Short Rant

What a long week this has been.

I'm still feeling a bit numb from the tragedy on Wednesday. I didn't know anyone on that plane, but I am deeply saddened and mourn for the men and crew aboard. Any plane crash, natural disaster, terrorist strike is awful. None comes before the rest. But when something like this happens to a community that you feel a part of, it really hits home.

(source)

Same thing goes if teachers felt sad for something that happened to a fellow teacher. Or nurses for a fellow nurse. Police officers for fellow officer.

Citizen for a fellow countryman.

It is that 'community' feeling that brings us all together.

But with that being said, I feel there is something else I have to say. Something that will probably not apply to any of you, but it needs to be addressed.

If you have been around here for a while, you know I am pretty much always a happy-go-lucky kind of gal. I enjoy life, enjoy being happy and thanks to the hubs' great attitude, have learned to let things that upset me just 'go'.

So when I say I am worked up about something, you better believe it.

When I say I am royally pissed the hell off, you know my blood is boiling.

After the plane crash on Wednesday, the hockey world tried to take a step to come closer. Facebook and online forums that deal with hockey and hockey wives tried to do a good job of mourning those that were lost.

But, just like anything else in this world, there are fools out there. Self centered individuals that thought it was ok to try to make a name for themselves or to give their selfish opinion on these forums. Made me sick. And mad.

I won't get into it too much, but I will say that I have no respect for anyone who tries to 'cash' in on a tragedy. Now is not the time to say what you have been thinking for a while now. Now is not the time to spread the word about your blog. Now is NOT the time to have a close-minded opinion about anything that happened in Russia.

Shut up and mourn. Sorry, that was harsh. But you know what I mean.

Its ok to write about how you feel. Its a good and healthy thing to express your sadness. But please do so on a tasteful level. Please. For the respect  and value of the families involved.

And I felt that this was maybe a little more relevant this week. Not only because of the crash, but because of the 10 year remembrance of 9/11 this weekend.

While I hope that most people are respectful of the day, I fear that others will jump on the opportunity to say something wild to make a name for themselves or their website. Again, sick.

Isn't the world tainted enough without all this extra mess?

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Free speech is a great thing. This isn't a war, and I'm not trying to start one. Just felt I had to get that off my chest.

Ok, rant over. Had to do it. And why not? A little something different for the site today.  I don't do it very often, there isn't too much that I get this worked up over.

But when I do get all hyped up, something wonderful happens. I get inspired. I get motivated to do something about it. And no, not just write a bitchy themed blog post.

So I have started the beginnings of something that I think can be really great. I hope to share it with you really soon.

One last thing on the subject, I just have to say that I have the greatest readers and commenters. And although I was not personally affected by this tragedy, your outpouring of support and well wishes was breathtaking. Thank you so very much. I truly believe that every little wish, every prayer, does some kind of good in the world.

NOW, I am done with this all. I promise.

And, if you stayed this far, you get a treat. Yes, it's Friday, and you deserve one.

Reason number 452 (or somewhere around there) that Finland rocks...

Beer cases set up like a giant tank in the grocery store. Those are kegs for the wheels. Awesome.

And I totally got busted by a few shoppers taking this photo. I was 'weird girl' that day.


Everyone have a great weekend!

What do you say to a storytellers hop next weekend??? Mark your calendars! More details to come on Monday.

Click here to see what past hops were all about!

Sad doesn't even begin to describe it

I had something funny and foreign all lined up for today, but it doesn't seem relevant now.

Sad, sad news in the hockey world this afternoon. I don't want to retell the story in my own words, but you can read it all here:

Plane Crash in Russia Involves Hockey Team

My heart and prayers go out to all the families and friends affected by this tragedy. This news makes my stomach turn and my mind race.

Life is such a precious thing, enjoy every day you have.

Until Next Year, Canada

(blogger, you are killing me! This was supposed to go up yesterday!)

Hey kiddos, it's the weekend! Celebrate it up.

Looks like our time is up in Canada. What a short visit that was! Too short, really. 

Summer, for us, is coming to an end. Just like many of the other hockey families, the great Euro hockey migration is beginning. 

Yeah, kinda like the Caribou. But more skates and less antlers. (source)

Houses are packed up, bags are stuffed to the gills, and everyone is ready for a new season. Yes, even those boys. I think even they are getting a little antsy for the hockey to begin. 

I am headed back to the states today (well, it was yesterday. Dang it blogger! lol). Got a long flight, paired with a long layover. No bueno. But whatcha going to do?? 

The hubs leaves for Finland tomorrow. I can't wait to Skype with him and see our place and see what he has to say about everything in the new town. Oh, and maybe to see him too. We tend to miss each other like a couple of saps these next couple of weeks. Sickening, I know.

So while I am making my way back to H-town, I'll leave you with something a little different. I did a fun interview about our time in Germany with Frau Dietz at Letters from Frau Dietz. It was an honor to do and a fun way to look back at all our times there. Check it out and you just might enjoy a change of pace for today!

Remember this?!? It is the last time I will shamelessly let it all hang out. But if you likey, then maybe I will take your 'like' on this page. 

K, I'm done. For reals. :)

Hope everyone is enjoying this hot, hot, hot weekend. I am sweating already!

'Bout that time of year again

Well, we are officially in countdown mode.

I haven't written about the hockey season in a while, so I thought I would give you a itsy run down on what we are getting ourselves into this year.

For those of you who are new to the blog or old but really bad at paying attention, we are off to Finland this season for a new hockey adventure! Eeee! I can't tell you how excited I am to be seeing a new part of the world.

Those 12 hour plane rides NEVER get old! (source)

The hubs leaves in a week and a half for the true great white north. I'm talking north. Same latitude as Anchorage, Alaska. Which is great, if hockey was played in summer months. But its not. Weird, right?! Had no idea it was a winter sport! I'm talking 4 hours of sunlight in the dead of winter. Yikes.

Keep repeating: It's an adventure, it's an adventure.

:)

Haha, no, that won't even deter my enthusiasm about this year. But if I seem grouchy by January, then you might just know why!

I'd look guuuud on one of these bad boys! (source)

The hubs usually heads over first. He gets settled into our new place and (hopefully) arranges everything we need in a new country - bank account, insurance, gets to know the lay of the city, etc.

A lot of ya'll had asked questions about our living arrangements. What do you do about an apartment? Do you have to buy furniture? What about a car?

Hockey overseas is set up differently than in the states. Getting to a new team and a new town means that (usually) a furnished apartment and a car are there waiting for you. It just comes with the deal. Which is nice, because I can't even imagine trying to go through the renting process without knowing the language.

As for me, I'm heading back home to Texas for 2 weeks, to see family, friends and to tie up all loose ends, and then it is on to Finland! Actually, I tell the hubs that it is to see friends and family, but really I want one last chance to lay by the pool and shop. Shallow much?!? Haha.

Which, thinking about it, is counter intuitive. Come on, you gotta know that Texas doesn't stock much clothing that would be useful in an Arctic country.

Doesn't hurt to look, right?!

This year will be a little different when I head over. Last year, the hubs got "Hubs of the Year" by making the 7 hour, each way, trip to our old town. Picked up all of our belongings and had them in Ravensburg before I was even overseas.

It will prove a little trickier this year. Not even sure if it is possible to get from Ravensburg to Finland.

Wait, just google mapped it, yes it is possible. And it would only take an estimated 1 day and 1 hour and a measly 2 ferry rides! HA. Yeah right. 

You've got to be kidding me, google maps!

You can see on the map that we were at the southern most point possible in Germany. Just to make things fun for this year, I'm sure. And you don't really realize how far up Finland is, and that it isn't really connected to any route that is useful for a multiple country crossing. 

NBD

We made a pact with ourselves that we would NEVER be that couple that left stuff in one place never to return. This is done in hockey all the time. People just leave boxes and boxes of clothes, kitchen supplies and other miscellaneous items behind. Either they have moved on to another country, retired, or just didn't want to deal with the stuff. Which of course means that someone else has to throw it away or riffle through the shiznit.

Hey, unclaimed stuff left behind is always up for grabs. We've picked up a DVD player, kitchen supplies, throw pillows and curtains this way! haha, trash diggers.

It comes down to that we didn't want to leave that to anyone. PLUS, and a big plus here, all of our winter clothing was left at a friend's house in Germany. All of our winter supplies is left in Germany. I mean really, there isn't much use for a down jacket in Texas in May.

Or January for that matter.

So, in early August, I am flying my butt over to Finland. Getting my feet on the ground and over jet lag. Then flying down to Germany to take care of everything we need to take care of. Packing up boxes to ship, stuffing suitcases to carry with me, and probably making a few trips to the dump. Fun times in Europe, right?!

It simply comes down to the fact that we need this stuff. There is no getting around it. And the cost of buying all new clothing greatly outweighs the (actually reasonable) shipping prices and airplane ticket.

And, to boot, if there is anything that I can't find right away in Finland at the grocery store, I can always pick up supplies in Germany. Wow, never thought I would be excited to go German grocery shopping again! haha.

Oh, and you better believe that I will be visiting these buddies while I am down there :)

So there is a not-so-mini run down, for all you inquiring minds out there. Anyone want to join me in Southern Germany to help me pack?! Come on, doesn't that sound like a blast?!

BTW, I mentioned something last week about the FTLOB Giveaway I am hosting. Well you better get excited for this Sunday, July 17th, my super fun birthday, because the prize package I am giving away is, for lack of better words, awesome. I'll just hint that it will include goodies from all three countries I have blogged in this year. Ooooh yeaaaah!

The More You Know Monday - Hockey Trivia

Hey guys, happy Monday! 

Just want to give one more shout out to all of ya'll that linked up to the Storytellers Blog Hop this weekend. What a great turn out, once again! 

I am behind on getting to all of ya'lls links, so I am on that today. Don't worry, I promise to make the rounds. :)

Feels like I haven't written about hockey in a while now. You might not feel the same way, though, lol. I'll have to give ya'll an update on our schedule and heading back to Europe sometime this week. The season is approaching quickly, and I am already excited for the adventures it brings with it. 

Anyways, will get to that later in the week. For now, another edition of 'The More You Know Monday'! This week, featuring good ol' random hockey facts. Hope you enjoy!

- There are more professional hockey teams in Texas than any other state in the union. Way to go, cowboys!

Hey, it is catching on! (source)

- According to legend, hockey was the first team sport to place numbers on the backs of sweaters. It's said that the idea came from Joe Patrick, an organizer of the Pacific Coast Hockey League in 1911. He saw a photograph in a newspaper from England showing a cross country runner wearing a number pinned to his back. Joe thought it was a good idea that should be tried in hockey. His two sons, who ran the Vancouver and Victoria teams, agreed. On opening night of the 1911-12 season, all players in the league wore numbers and within three years, numbered sweaters were adopted by teams in all leagues.

Ya'll remember these awful jerseys, right?!

- The English Governor general of Canada, Lord Stanley of Preston, was so impressed by the growing popularity of hockey in Canada in the late 1800s, that in 1892 he bought a silver bowl with a gold interior finish and decreed that it be given each year to the best amateur team in Canada.

Your generosity has left your name in history! (source)

- Total Number of Individuals Engraved on Cup: 2,163 (not actually sure if this includes Boston from this year?!)

- There are actually three Stanley Cups: the original bowl, the authenticated Cup, and the replica at the Hall of Fame. The original bowl was awarded to the champion until 1970, and is now displayed in the vault room at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

The Montreal Hockey Club (Montreal Amateur Athletic Association) win the first Stanley Cup (source)

- The authenticated version or "Presentation Cup" was created in 1963. The NHL at the time felt that the original bowl was becoming too thin and fragile, and thus requested a duplicate trophy as a replacement. The Presentation Cup is the one currently awarded to the champions of the playoffs and used for promotions. Although the heads of the NHL felt that they needed to keep this 'new' trophy under wraps. This version was made in secret, and its production was only revealed three years later.

- The Zamboni was invented, not in Canada or some other cold climate, but rather in California. Frank Zamboni, a California rink operator, came up with the idea. The machine grew out of an experiment he conducted with a tractor pulling a sled across the ice at his rink. The one-driver Zamboni made its debut in 1949 and soon became the norm at rinks all over the world!

Don't know why they didn't stick with this original fancy design!? (source)

Hope you enjoyed this hockey tid bit. Even you non-hockey loving southerners!

Doesn't every Canadian have an uncle like this!?

Yes, a hockey post. No, not about the hubs playing hockey.

You will like, I promise!

Ok, for those of you still with me, my small but faithful, hockey-loving readers....

NHL playoffs are in full force. And as much excitement as I have had this past year - well, excitement and full on neurotic behavior - I am always entertained by all that the road to the Stanley Cup can offer.

I know, where did this Texan get that from?! :)

The excitement, the hits and fights, the goals (all of which had waaay too many last night).

And this guy. 

Tally up one more reason I love my Canadian husband. Would have never known this guy if it weren't for him.

Looking sharp, eh?! Gasp, listen to me talking all Canadian like, lol (source)

For those of you aren't familiar, allow me to introduce Don Cherry. One of the most charismatic, abrasive, wildly dressed and passionate sports commentators around.

He is both loved and hated in Canada. Some people can't stand his 'loud mouth' while most others adore him for his ability to stand up for everything that is hockey and that is Canada.

Don Cherry has been around in the broadcasting world for over 30 years, and it doesn't look like he is ready to slow down any time soon.

It just keeps getting wilder and wilder! (sources 1, 2, 3)

He is known countrywide by his unique segment called "Coach's Corner", which runs in the middle of Hockey Night in Canada during the first intermission. Cherry, along with his equally funny side-kick Ron MacLean,  analyze the game's first period, as well as gives tips on various points of hockey, all with MacLean being Cherry's foil. You hear him often say "Now kids, watch this play. Don't do that, never do that" and various other hockey hints to the youngsters tuning in.

He is also a very proud supporter of the Canadian and American troops over in Afghanistan and those in Iraq. Often tearing up when honoring a young fallen soldier. Really, it is quite touching.

But as you can imagine, a man this loud and eccentric, he isn't without controversy. He says things that don't always go over with everyone. Which eventually resulted in the show being put on a 7 second delay, you know, just in case anything were to 'slip'.

OK, this is WELL worth the watch. Can you imagine seeing this on TV nowadays?!!? They would flip!

Don't think that Don Cherry was just some random guy on the street that decided to be a hockey commentator. 

Cherry worked his way in the minors for most of his hockey career, although he did play one game for the Boston Bruins. He had a nice little run as the head coach for the Boston Bruins in the 1970's, and although wasn't the winning-est coach, all of his players loved him. With his style, he would have made one heck of a coach these days. 

Saluting the crowd and most likely making fun of the refs! (source)

He also heavily emphasized the rough and tough aspect of the game, a hard-nosed "Canadian" type of hockey which relies on physical play and a "code" of conduct among the players. He believes that fighting is an integral part of the game as it enforces respect between teams and players, as well as being popular with the public.

This all according to Wikipedia...or just about any Canadian hockey fan. Come on, as long as it isn't your loved one fight, you know it is fun to watch ;)

And with injuries to the body and head getting more severe and more press time, he might be one of the few out there still rooting for a rough game.

My husband would argue that Don Cherry is even more famous for his legendary Rock'em Sock'em Hockey videos. Any good Canadian boy learned how to fight like these best while watching these videos that consisted of a compilation of NHL plays, goals, saves, bloopers, hits and fights, as well as highlights from Coach's Corner, and a recap of the year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Who WOULDN'T buy this?! (source)

Nothing like feeding that to an impressionable 6 year old!

Love him or hate him, you have to respect what the man has become. He has never strayed from his ideals and never sold out. Whether that is all an act, or it really is all him. Don Cherry is a living legend, and I know one Canadian and semi-Canadian (I can call myself that, right?) that will idolize him forever.

Reminders, Q&A, Lineup and more...

Hey bloggyland!

REMINDER!!! Before I forget...

Tomorrow, and all weekend long, it's the return of...

Storytellers!!! Want to know more about this unique hop?!? Find out here.

Back to everything else.

Has anyone told you that you are awesome lately!? Well they should have.

Your overwhelming response to my last post really touched me. So many of you had the nicest things to say about our exciting news! I really thank ya'll for that. Really.

I would have slapped myself silly a year ago if I thought that I would be a blogging
'nerd' and have 'nerdy' blog friends. But here I am, with all my glorious dork-self, and loving all the connections and actual true friendships I have made over the past few months.

And you know what the best part about it all is!?!? I get to take ya'll with me.

With this new thing-a-majiggy called the innnernet, I can take you to Finland....whether you want to go or not!

Dear God...you might want to dress warm!! (source)

:)

I had a couple of questions asked my a few of you that I wanted to answer real quick. So here goes:


Q. What do you know about Finland except that it is cold and dark?? (sorry, Finnish people, you must get really annoyed with this bad rap).

A. As I said, not much. I know the hockey is good. When the GM of the hockey team called the hubs the other day to chat with him, I was - very maturely - in the background going "Ask him if he personally knows The Dudesons, ask him!". So there, that is one more thing I know about Finland. It is home to the Scandinavian version of Jackass.

(source)

Q. Will you try to learn Finnish??

A. Yes...try being the operative word. This ain't no German, though (hmmm, maybe I should work on my English while I am at it!). In my German class, if I didn't know a word, I would take the English word, put a slight accent on it, and wouldn't ya know, 80% of the time it was right.

But not Finnish. Their language comes from a totally different place. 

Case in point.

What do you think this word is?

"appelsiinimehua"

It's freakin' ORANGE juice. I'm going to die, haha.

Q. Does that mean we will get Frackin' Friday in Finnish?!

A. Does the Pope poop in the woods?! You bet your butt you will! Plus, I have another guest post lined up for next Friday's dirty little word post. If you have any ideas for other foreign cuss words, send them my way!!

Q. (and the saddest one of them all) What about your goaties?!

Miss you!!!! GOOOATTTTIIES!

A. Uggg, way to pull at my heart strings. I hadn't even thought about them. They stay in Germany (obviously, 'cause they weren't ours to begin with) and I will miss them dearly. BUT since I have to make a trip back to Ravenbsurg to get all our crap precious belongings, I think I can swing by and give them an apple core for old time's sake.


Anyways, I have been a bit of blog slacker lately. Things have been crazy busy around here...in a good way. So I have some fun stuff lined up for next week.

With NHL playoffs being here (and exciting, holy, who saw that awesome game last night?!) I felt the need to come up with a little tribute to a man that all Canadians know and few Americans will have heard of. Don Cherry. Love him or hate him, gotta respect the man. And trust me, ya'll are going to love him.

Well, that looks like all for now. I hope you're having a great Thursday, and hope to see you back here tomorrow for the Storytellers Blog Hop!!! It's long over due.