Skal, futbol and sweets

Oh man, talk about jet lag kicking in late. Let's be honest, in normal every day life, I could nap more than most people. I'm pretty sure I couldn't find anyone who would argue with me on that one. I am trying to get better, but I think I'm just a person who needs a lot of sleep! So, in order to get me acclimated to the time difference here in Sweden, David only let me nap for about an hour and 45 minutes on Friday when I arrived. Of course, I did need a little snooze later in the day before we went out or I would not have been a fun companion. A little cat nap here and there over the next day and I was just fine. Then came Sunday night. We stayed in and had a late dinner and watched some TV to make up for our exhaustion from the day/night before when we took on the town of Karlstad at the Blue Moon Bar. I even got a little photo snapped of me that is now posted on a site similar to "Omaha Nightlife" hahaha, David was so relieved that his mug didn't make it on the site. I, however, now believe I'm probably going to be some sort of Swedish superstar, don't you think? Anyway, back to the point, I slept in until 11:15 a.m. on Monday morning! Whoa whoa whoa, who's a tired girl raise your hand; THIS GIRL!! It felt so good and then I was super rested for the day and didn't even need a nappy :)

We went over to David's parents for lunch and his mom made a delicious spaghetti with stroganoff-like meat sauce. So good. We also had Wasa cracker, because that is just what you have, and some fresh fruit. After lunch, we had a little fika with oh-so-delicious vanilla bean ice cream with strawberries and caffe. I'm pretty sure I could drink caffe all day long. So much better than American coffee.

David had a soccer game at 3 so after he left, his mom and I lounged on the back porch, exchanged stories and sipped our caffe. On our way to the game, we took a little detour to the University so that I could see it and we took the long scenic route so I could see more of Karlstad. We got to the game a little late, whoops. I told Monica we just wanted to be "fashionably late" she very much agreed ;)

David's team won and there were cheers from all. European soccer is so much different from American soccer, basically sports in general. The teams are set up in divisions and if a team wins enough, they can move up in the division rankings. People can continue to play in these divisions even after college and they begin working. The teams from these divisions feed into the professional league, so it is a possibility that you can be picked up to play on the national team. I think it's so great that adults can continue to play a sport that they love even into their adulthood. I know we have different leagues and fun teams in the U.S. but these divisions and leagues are so well organized and popular, that it is a great way to bring people from your community and area together.

David's team happy after a win!

Someone is a little tired and hot after a long game.

After the game, we went home to rest a little bit (David's legs were a little tired and he was so hot, it was 87 degrees, which is super hot over here!) before we went to the market to get some dinner and grill out in the park near his apartment. I love the laid back culture here. Everyone walks where they need to go, as long as it's a reasonable distance, which is not the same as in America, and it is so much more relaxed. You don't feel like you need to be in a hurry or you're going to be late or you need to be checking your watch every 15 minutes. You just do what you need to do when you can do it. So, we went to the market, picked up some brats and kebabs and peppers and went to the park. We had a disposable grill and we enjoyed a beverage while waiting for our dinner. The park sits right on the lake and with all the boats docked and the sun mixed with rain clouds, it made for a gorgeous sight.

Amanda watching the grill to make sure it's ready.

We ended the day with a trip to the movie theater to see The Hangover Pt. 2. We were a little underwhelmed, but with the selection of candy we had, we managed to stay satiated ;)

Apparently, Swedes love their candy. Mmmmmmm.

Cross your fingers the rain stays away! Ciao!

Stockholm Sights

Well, today is my 3rd full day in Sweden and we are taking a fika right now. Fika is pretty much the best thing ever. It's a break in the day, coffee, a walk, a rest. And I love this time. I am going to bring this to the U.S. because I really feel like we need to adopt this daily, sometimes 3 times a day tradition.

David and I on a bridge on the way to Old Town Stockholm.

I have seen so much already and I've really only been in Stockholm! We walked all around the Old Town District in Stockholm, went over to the palace and got to see the changing of the guard which was really neat to see. It was so hot out and all of the guards and palace band had on heavy uniforms and had to be so incredibly hot. David and I were sweating and we had on t shirts and shorts/capris! Then, when David said that they do this every day, I was absolutely amazed. To march all through the streets of the city and then do a presentation, presenting the colors and playing a few songs for almost an hour is just crazy. I'm pretty sure the best part of the presentation was when the royal band played Dolly Parton's 9 to 5. Yes, I am so serious right now. They worked 9 to 5 and it was awesome.

I'll be adding more later, but here are a few pictures so far!

Royal band marching through the palace courtyard area.

A view through some buildings in Old Town Stockholm.

View down a walkway by Bumblebee Park

Across the pond I go!

In t-minus 13 hours I will be on a plane on my way to the land of Ikea and H&M! Sweden here I come! I am so insanely excited I'm just beside myself. Being able to head over and visit my friend, D, is the highlight of my year and it will be so fun to have him show me his country. When he first came to Nebraska as a foreign exchange student 10 years ago,  I couldn't wait to go over and see him in Sweden. Now, it's finally happening!

It was a good thing today was a super busy day at work and I had things to do constantly because if I didn't I'm not sure my attention span would have been anywhere except looking up new things about my vacation spot. But it does feel so good to have all loose ends at work tied up and knowing that I have awesome colleagues who can handle normal questions that would be sent to me while I'm out! How cool is it that I am actually going to miss being at work while I'm on vacation? Don't get me wrong, I am like a million times over excited for my holiday, but it is pretty sweet that I will also look forward to getting back and hitting the office.

I got all packed up last night and went over everything again tonight, just to double check that I am all ready to go! After work, I made a quick stop to see my favorite stylist who tidied up my hair with a few snips here and there and a few new little rays of sunshine here and there so that I really assimilate into my new culture! Yep, I may be a full fledge American, but if I no one heard me speak, I am so sure they would think I was a local ;)

So, on the packing list: Passport, check. iPod, check. Reading material, check. Extra contacts, check. Cute tops...but not too many since I plan on dropping by H&M, check. Well, that sounds like just about all I need, right? Ok, maybe not, but in any case, I am ready to get on my jet plane and have an adventure in Sweden!

Memorial Day

This morning I attended a wonderful ceremony in my hometown's town square honoring our Great Nation's veterans of past, present and future. I hope we all take this day to recognize and remember all of those who have put our lives in front of theirs to give all of us our freedom and rights that we have today. I have the great honor of remembering and celebrating many in my family who have served our nation and who we can all thank today for their honor, love and bravery.

My Grandpa Jim served in WWII, along with his brother, Ben. My great grandfather James and great great uncle Charles both served in the Civil War and my great grandfather William served in WWI.

Thank you to all of our great veterans for your service.

Wicked!!

For Mother's Day this year, Dad and I went in on a special treat for Mom and Kelly, tickets to Wicked!! Luckily, I get to partake in the festivities and join...hey, I have plants - who do you think takes care of them and "mothers them"...ME! Anyway, that's how I'm going to justify it ;)

The show was absolutely amazing and Mom and Kelly just loved it. I have had the soundtrack for several years now but have never seen the production and boy was it worth it. I had goosebumps, the hair was raised on my neck, I could feel my face moving from looks of excitement and anticipation to joy to sadness to amazement at the range these performers had. Oh my goodness were they awesome. And the theatrics were off the heezy and there was a great ending to boot! 

If you have not seen Wicked, you seriously need to find a showing near you. It's worth the money. It's something you will never forget and it really a fun night out for moms and daughters, sisters, friends and even couples! 

So, why don't you all go ahead and defy some gravity today because in the end you will be changed for good. (hint hint...go see the show and you'll know what I mean)

Expectations, people!

I had a very interesting and insightful lunch today in the Neb. I went out with some coworkers and our new intern, who at the young age of 22, made all of us think on a little deeper level than a usual Friday lunch conversation. I don't even know exactly how we got onto the topic of relationships, but we sure do know a lot about intern, hereby known as OG, and his girlfriend. Let's start with the conversation takeaway: EXPECTATIONS! Know what you want and expect, know what your significant other wants and expects and then do everything you can to exceed those wants and expectations. But remember, you need to meet them first then work on exceeding them.

It was very interesting to hear such a young person's (not that I'm THAT much older) point of view. Especially a young male who met his possible soul mate at the age of 20. Who does that anymore? Where are these people and do they have signs around their necks that say "Hey! I'm single and may just be your soulmate!"

Keep in mind that this young guy is talking to 3 women who are older, one of them by nearly 10 years, 2 of which are completely single and one who is just waiting for that ring to be slipped on her finger. You would think he would be a little intimidated right? Wrong. Not this kid. We have since invited him to our weekly lunch outings. If nothing else, he serves as really good entertainment and brings up things that we really do think about all the time but never have a male's perspective. It brings a new dynamic to our Friday lunch discussion.

So, as I look back and try to remember what exactly OG said I needed to do, shit...I just forgot a lot of it. Oh well, I guess I'm on my own for this one. EXPECTATIONS! That's what it was, oh yes, expectations. Well, maybe unfortunately for men in the world, or possibly this is unfortunate for me, I do have fairly high expectations so for one to meet them and them exceed them could be slightly tiring. Good thing I like to nap and will let my significant other partake in the napping as well. Well, that's enough on relationships for one day. For many people, I can see not being in a relationship but thinking about being in one is maybe almost more tiring than actually being in one! Good thing I'm not many people and don't think about it enough to be tired. In my estimation, when the time comes and Prince Charming walks through the doors I'll be ready.

Let's just hope it doesn't take me eating a poison apple or being locked in a tower for that to happen ;)

Pinterest

Have you heard of Pinterest? Ohmygosh, you need to hear of it, you need to get it and you need to become obsessed. Oh wait, you really don't "need" to do any of that, you automatically will do it!! One of my best friends, L, isn't really interested in getting the whole blog thing going, but she said this is the closest she will come and she loves it. Immediately, I was intrigued and asked her to "add" me to it.

This awesome little concoction give you boards that you "pin" things to. Your favorite foods, your style, places you want to go, gadgets you love in the kitchen, what do you grow? You can create any board you want and name it anything you want and then, when you find something cool online that you want to "pin" on one of your boards, the site gives you this little link that you bookmark and put on your toolbar, click it and you can choose the image and link you want on your board. Confused? Why don't you just sign up and check out the drift I'm sending your way. It's awesome. It's fantastic. It's addictive. And I love it.

I also think it's a great way to get creative, let your mind wander and see things that other people think about and find interesting. You'll learn a lot about yourself and about others. Alright, now get pinning!!!

Marathoner

It's official. I am going to do the Omaha half marathon. I'm going to do the Omaha half marathon. I'm going to do the Omaha half marathon.

I'm hoping that if I say it enough, it will sink in and not be so scary. One of my colleagues and I are going to train together and we are going to do this thing!!  I will be giving updates....wish me luck for I will need it.

Rapture. Yes or No?

Alright all of you rapture believes, are you sure the date was last Saturday? Because I feel like there is some continuance of what could qualify as pre-rapture happenings. First, Joplin was hit by the worst tornado in their history. Please say some prayers for all of the folks down there and for those who have family because I honestly cannot imagine digging through absolute wreckage trying to find my best friend, let alone a member of my family. And now, more tornadoes are on their way?! I think we all need to take some precautions and think about what we would do if we were in that situation. Where would you go? What would you grab? I know I would be hustling my little hiney to my bathtub and throw my mattress over me and hang on for dear life.

In other weather-related news. It's raining in the Heartland and our office building feels like a combo of the jungle and as our new intern put it Mesozoic times. Obviously, he must have studied a lot about Dinosaurs. Snazzy.

Do you still think we are in for the rapture?

Svenska

Is it bad that I have done the same thing two days in a row now? And I'm not talking about the good-for-my mind and body yoga, enter Starbucks outside computer in hand listening to tunes perusing the 'net and blogging. What can I say, I just want a little consistency in life. And...there is no way I could have done a yoga class today. F that noise. I did go for a nice little run last night and will do it again tonight. It was actually perfect because I had a hankering for a movie and my closest Red Box is a little over a mile away so I laced up my sneaks and took off. Look at that, I got in a 2ish mile run and I got my movie!!

Well, as I sipped my iced coffee I had a lovely Skype date with my friend A who is currently vacationing in Sweden. Yes, Sweden. The land where I am headed in a short week and a half! I am so extremely excited for my vacation and I can't wait to see my friend, David, who i am staying with and the country I have heard so much about and have wanted to see for so long. I have been planning to visit for a few years now and was finally in a position to go ahead and do it so back in March I booked my ticket and have been anxiously awaiting takeoff. My trip goal: meet a royal and become the next Commoner to take her place in court ;) Hey, a girl can dream!!

Be ready for a lot of Svenska (Swedish for "cheeky") updates and stories, I have no doubt there will be a plethora.

POWER YOGA

Ok, friends. How many of you have ever taken a yoga class? I can see at least half of you raising your hands. According to Webster, the definition of yoga (not capitalized) is "a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being". Well, that makes sense. You always hear about those yogis in California and Colorado (please include my two besties, Court and Mel who, respectively live in both of those states) and think they're super weird and have dread locks and smoke a lot of weed. Definitely not the rule, possibly an exception, although, I feel as though my bests have both embraced their inner yogi or "granola" as Court calls it in the most positive and energetic way. And to be honest, I absolutely love it. Why not embrace a culture, lifestyle, exercise, healthy mental state that only encourages well-being and a positive way of living? I may be stuck in the middle of the country, err,  I mean the Good Life in Nebraska but we have gotten with the times on many things including health and fitness clubs offering magnificent yoga classes.

I started taking "pilates" classes when I was in my early teens as a way to build strength and flexibility to compliment all the dance classes I had been taking since I was a little rugrat. I could tell a major difference in my core strength, balance and focus. I was loving pilates! But, I really wanted to try yoga and because yoga is, at the root of the word, a Hindu theistic philosophy, the Christian-centered YMCA in my hometown did not offer it.

I kept up with pilates, got really into outdoor cycling and spinning and never stopped dancing, but there was still a little tug in my core that wanted to try yoga - at least just to say that I did it! As I got older, went to college, moved out on my own and tried out different fitness clubs, I took a lot of yoga classes and loved them just as much as I thought I would. I always felt so centered at the end of class. It helped me deal with frustrations in my life, stress at work and my overall happiness. Yoga really helped me maintain my happiness so Sassafrass grudge-holding Sarah stays at bay.

Alright, now on to the good stuff. I just started a new yoga class. Let me be real with you for a second, this is a POWER YOGA class. (Which, by the way, it does not say on the class schedule). Now, as I had mentioned above, I have taken many yoga classes, I was a dancer, an athlete, a pilates lady, and a cyclist so I didn't think anything of trying a new yoga class. My friends Q and K and I woke up bright and early on a Saturday morning and with a rush of excitement and the smell of our post-class lattes wafting in our minds, we stepped into the yoga room. Full class. Toned, sinewy and muscular bodies surrounded us. We grabbed mats and made a nice little line of 3 in the back row. The instructor asked the class if there were any newcomers to her class, we hesitated and kind of/kind of did not raise our hands. Then, she asked the class who had never been in a yoga class. Well, with our inflated heads we practically scoffed and considered ourselves, of course, experts. 

Class started. Shit, what the hell was this?! I can't lift my arms, my legs are shaking, if I do one more plank I think I may collapse and break my face. Wow, she wasn't kidding when she asked who had never been to one of her classes. This was not your typical yoga class. Our bodies were screaming at us, sweat was dripping out of every pore in our bodies and we were exhausted by the time class was over. "What happened to a nice relaxing stretching yoga class? Q exasperatingly asked. "Where was my flexibility work?" K pondered. "What the heck just happened?" was all I could think. We talked to the instructor after class just for a sec to introduce ourselves and make friends and then we hobbled our to the car in need of our caffeine. 

The next day, with my effort in part by my entire core and my arms, I propelled myself out of bed. I texted Q, told her my body hated me and I was being punished, she and K agreed wholeheartedly and we were just glad to have each other to whine and not feel bad about it. 

Q had to work a 12 hour shift today and K wanted to go for a run, but I soldiered on and went to POWER YOGA without them and once again, punished my body, sweat buckets, went for some caffeine and know that I did my body good and will feel better after some pain killers and a couple days of recovery.

Who knows, maybe in a couple of months I'll be drinking nettles like Mel!

Seriously, FedEx?

Ok. So. I am currently touring the Big Ten conference in preparation for Nebraska joining the big leagues. We have had an awesome time so far visiting Iowa City, Minneapolis, Madison and Chicago and now we're onto Michigan. Well, apparently FedEx has some personal issues with the state that we were not aware of. And I'm talking the state of Michigan, not Nebraska. Or, maybe they are just playing it that we and they really do have it out for us.

I had 3 boxes shipped last week to arrive in East Lansing on Monday. No dice. Then, they wouldn't let us come pick them up. Lots of yelling ensued. Boxes rerouted to Columbus, Ohio.

The office overnighted a supplemental box to get us through tonight, should arrive at 8 a.m. It's now 10 a.m. and we have been sitting in the hotel lobby stewing.

FedEx, you're on the outs and I will make it a priority to always ship with another company.

Let's hope that Ohio and Indiana have a warmer reception for us. Figuratively of course, weather wise, we're in for rain all week.

Crazy, Cupcake, Cartastrophe

It is 6:00 p.m. and I am sitting for the first time all day. Phew, I need a rest! I didn't even get my  nap in today; and it's Saturday!! What the heck? My weekend is now back on track, but let me first share with you the drama that went on. So last night, I had a wonderful night baking my second test run of chocolate cupcakes for the wedding shower I am catering for next weekend and my good friend Quinn came over for a couple rum and cokes. Quinn has just moved closer to me (we are less than 2 miles apart!) and this will most likely become a repeat occurrence. We used to both live in Omaha and every Thursday we watched the Office and enjoyed some run and coke. Once in a while we would make a homemade pizza or I would bring over a baked treat. We haven't been able to do that in soooo long that her moving closer is just fantastic.

Then....my life gets a little sticky. I wake up at a good time this morning, put on my gym clothes and head out the door for spinning class. I hop in my car and turn the key. putt putt putt. rrrreeerrrrr. Ok, no problem, I just didn't warm the car up and it's only like 30 degrees out, the car is just cold. I take off, get to the gym in good time and head into class. Man, was it a rough class. I think our instructor must have eaten one too many chocolates yesterday because she was riding us hard. I definitely hit my max watts and sustained them while beads of sweat formed and flew right off of me. And I'm talking every part of me. Forehead, ears, nose, arms, calves...you get the idea.

So I got my sweat on, stretched it out and changed out of my soaked through shirt to head to the Running Company and get my new spring shoes! Woooo!! I am so excited to get my shoes! There is a sale going on, I had a strained peroneal tendon last week and can finally walk again so the shoes are the perfect/necessary reward.

Sarah enters her car. Turns the key. putt putt putt. rrrrrreeerrrrrrr. Shit. This is so not cool now. I take off driving and it just starts whining a little too much for me. Then, I look down and oh.my.God. the service engine soon light is on! Nooooo!!! Last time this happened, the car stalled on the highway! Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. I pulled a U-ey and hooked it into the nearby library. Called my pops, got some advice, "nurse the car home, Sarah." "Dad, you want me to literally 'nurse' my car home? I don't think it works like that! What does that even mean!? Please tell me in car terms how to 'nurse' my car home!"

Well, apparently, I am a really good nurser and I made it home. Thank that sweet little 8 pound baby Jesus. Then, Quinn to the rescue! She knew that I had a million errands to run; cupcake needs, running shoes, my family is coming tomorrow and I needed toilet paper! And she graciously loaned me her car for the day. How lucky am I to have such a fabulous friend!?

I got all of my errands run, found some adorable edible gold glitter for my cupcakes, and got to make my two batches of sweets for the fam to test out tomorrow!!

And now, I will be heading out to meet some friends for drinks and dubachery! I foresee a great Saturday night ahead of me, even if the day started on a bit of a catastrophic note. Oh, and my fabulous mom is letting me borrow her car for the week while mine is in the shop.

What a sassy day.

Back with a Vengeance

Ok friends, apparently, I am feeling a little wild today. True that I am wearing a zebra striped cardigan (not so wild, I'll admit, but my addiction to them is uncontrollable) and my hair is in a side pony (definitely wild, but really just didn't want to curl the hair) and the sass in my normal attitude is just radiating from my body. Do I ever have a funny for you.

This past weekend was my "little sister" 's (pardon my sorority speak) wedding shower where we played hilarious games, snacked on delish quiche and frozen fruit cups and drank mimosas and bloody Mary's until we could barely legally drive home. Perfect noon hour so far, right? I am seriously so excited for my little to marry the man of her dreams. They are perfect for each other in every way. Fun-loving, hilarious, caring, sentimental and sweet cover most of their attributes, but anyone who knows them could go on for hours about this math made in Heaven. So a little pre-wedding celebration is just the ticket for this chilly February day. Enter the early surprise Bachelorette party.

Problem #1, little's real little sister isn't 21. Answer: fake ID. Now, listen, I am not condoning the use of a fake ID by a minor, but in this case hell, she's not my daughter and her mom is with us so more power to her! The really funny part comes when I tell you who's ID she has. So, I ask her what her name is and she responds with a name that could be pronounced a few different ways but I thought it sounded fishy. She hands me the ID and....Oh gawd. I know the girl. And she is kind of nuts. And she happens to be my ex-boyfriend's ex-girlfriend who kind of harassed me. She would be the one to give away her old ID!!! And, with as often as she frequented the bar scene, I'm surprised the bouncers at the bars didn't turn little's sister away stating that she was not who she claimed to be. I really find this more hilarious than anything and so the rest of the night, "she who shall not be named" and I pretended like we were fighting over "The Ex". I can't wait to tell my friends about this one.

That's right, the Bachelorette is in 3 weeks, but little's fantastically awesome mom thought, "hey, let's do one tonight, too!" YES. The group of ladies that hit the town to celebrate these pending nuptials was dynamite. Picture the bachelorette party from Mamma Mia! Ok, ok, so we didn't have Greece as a backdrop and we were shivering in the cold weather rather than sweating in the heat, but still....we rocked the bars like it was our bizzzzness.

The night continued with fishbowls, asking the band if we could make an announcement (I was not drunk when I did that, either, stone-cold sober...awesome) pitchers of Elk Creek Water (don't ask the ingredients, you may not drink it) one car running out of gas and having to call in a fiance to bring a canister of gasoline, dancing and of course, karaoke. A few women power ballads and a wedding tune later, and we were spent. Going out with "seasoned partiers" as I like the call the women of our upbringing, really wears you out. I slept in on Sunday and am sure to be recovered by the time I do it all over again.

Bring it on, Bachelorette, we are ready.