Oops! Tells you how much I know about feminine hygiene products. I don't use tampons for my homemade sweat protectors, but rather maxi pads (thanks T!). And speaking of, I found the original "garment guards" at Nordstrom today. I literally cleaned them out. Because not only did I want two sets, my friends decided they needed them as well. We'll all be pit free!
I arrived safe and sound in Chicago last night after what seemed to be a long flight of over nine hours. I don't know how people in coach manage the restrictions - especially space. I'm not prissy. But I've made it clear over the past few years that I don't like to fly.
I've always said I wish there was a product to protect my shirts from underarm sweat. That, and I really don't like pitting out at dinner, etc. So over the past few years, I've actually investigated producing something for men - an underarm protector. And in the meantime, to make do, I cut out small patches of ladies tampons for the protection I need.
For starters, imagine a low budget Good Morning America. Then, picture the most boring stories, unattractive reporters, and unappealing weather maps. This is GMTV in the UK (viewed from my English satellite). But since I don't have access to the original back home, this tepid program is my only choice in the mornings.
I didn't know why I've been seeing all these Mother's Day commercials on our satellite TV out of the UK. It turns out Mothering Day, or the equivalent of Mother's Day in the U.S., is March 2. Apparently, the UK has celebrated the holiday on the fourth Sunday in Lent since the 16th century. Good thing to know Mothering Day will be over once we come back from Puerto Vallarta. I'm tired of seeing those Moonpig commercials (unfortunately, not available on Youtube).
I got my haircut today. The long hair had to go. Not that it's short. It's just now I have bangs. And from what I can tell, the swooped doo for men seems to be quite popular (i.e. Zac Efron). That, and everywhere I look bangs are making a comeback (i.e. Janet). Look for my doo to premiere next week when I'm on location in Puerto Vallarta for some fun in the sun with 10 of our friends from Chicago.
Again, today, it was mid 60s in Munich. Sunny and gorgeous. I've said it before and I'll say it again. If this is the result of global warming, I'm not going to complain.
After eight months, we've finally found a cleaning lady. I'd given up hope that one would come our way. But the day after Valentine's Day, Chris surprised me with someone starting the following week. I guess he felt bad for not remembering the holiday. Not that I cared. I'm not a big fan of the Hallmark occasion. But having a cleaning lady, now that makes me happy.
I was watching a few video clips on the "tragedy that was the Oscars" last night when a bit about Janet Jackson popped up on abc.com. Her album hits tomorrow so the PR machine is in full force. They showed clips from her 20+ years in music - many of them hitting home as they deeply remind me of specific events in my life.
As I called it, I couldn't sleep. It's 2:56 a.m. and I'm watching the Red Carpet Live on E! I don't know why. Ryan Seacrest defines annoying. He's almost enough to drive me away from American Idol. The way he talks and moves his mouth. Annoying. What comes out of his mouth. Annoying. His entire demeanor. Annoying. Seriously. He couldn't be more annoying. But that George Clooney (who just popped on screen), what a classic "Hollywood handsome."
I don't think many people care about the Oscars this year. Not only did the writer's strike put a damper on the evening, nobody seems to have seen the movies. So I guess I shouldn't be upset that I most likely won't be watching the Oscars live as the Red Carpet begins at 11:00 p.m. with the show commencing around 1 a.m. Though, who knows, I may be up as Fat Sally Sunday (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, gravy and brownies with ice cream) might come back to haunt me. Wait, I'm sure it will.
Because I knew it was going to be in the mid 60s this Sunday, and sunny, we planned on taking Maddie to the English Garden after our workout. Not only did we want to enjoy the weather while it lasted, I was looking forward to grabbing a giant soft pretzel.
Another entertaining TV moment. This time, it's from American Dad. I'm not a big fan of the show. But because it's now on our satellite after Family Guy, we're giving it a second chance. Of course, we thought the first episode was quite funny as it deals with gay Republicans. There's plenty of stereotypes, and scenes I can't believe they sketched, but still, quite funny. Check out one of the musical numbers from the show below.
Just another moment in the 10 years of Friends that I can watch over, and over and over again (and we do, and do, and do). Fat Monica rules!
Peter Rauhofer doesn't usually make his special tracks available for download. He saves them for compilations. But last week, he made available on his website, and via Mediafire, his remix of Eyes On U by Tina. Basically, he takes a bit of Christina Aguilera and rubs her into a raw, beat driven track. If you like what I posted last week, then you may want to sit this one out. It's not for the fluff lovers. For the link, go here. And Peter's going to be in Chicago this week for a return engagement at Circuit. It's not my favorite spot, but apparently it went well last time as he's going back for seconds. Check out his schedule on his Peter's MySpace page. Schoones Wochenende!
It looks like Sunday will be the perfect day to go for a stroll in the English Gardens, grab a giant pretzel, and sit in the sun! Anyone jealous? Especially those back home?
Can you describe your life in six words or less? Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure is a new collection of "six words or less" life descriptions by readers of Smith magazine. It really makes you stop and think, "What would my six words be?" I need a few days to think about that one.
I've been busy at work this week. Over the past few days, I've been putting words into Heidi Klum's mouth. Pretty cool. Now if I could only go to the video shoot in LA.
For me, the Brit Awards were everything the MTV European Music Awards should have been - and better. But unfortunately, I didn't have tickets to the show. Check out Amy Winehouse's performance below (with Mark Ronson). She's definitely on the road to recovery. I just hope it wasn't too soon and she slides back down to rehab. Look for videos of Kylie and Leona coming up!
I'm watching one of my favorite episodes of Friends where Ross and Monica dance at Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve. Sure, I've seen the episode (and all 10 seasons) more than 20 times since we moved to Europe. But it's still funny - especially the dance sequence. Check it out below.
As I was leaving the gym today, I tried saying "what's up" to one of the hot trainers. But what came out was a bunch of gibberish. Not that he makes me nervous, it's just for some reason, I get tired of saying "Wie gehts dir?" (an informal "how are you?") so I tried something else - which didn't work. So, instead of being pleasant, I just looked (in the words of Jake Ryan's friend on Sixtenn Candles) retarded.
That's it's February 19th and I just sun bathed outside on our upstairs terrace for one hour - receiving enough color to turn slightly red!
Chris' personal trainer, Daniel, referred to Chris as my "big cow" today. He meant bull (as in the Spanish kind that fight those men with little red capes), but it came out as the animal that gives us milk and hamburger.
In this ad for Alice running in Deutschland, Brad Pitt speaks and comprehends about as much German as I do. Check it out below.
I'm watching Ellen. Usually, the show runs about four weeks behind the daily chat fest in America. But for some reason, the show is now flip flopping between pre-Christmas episodes and those from the New Year. Who's in charge of programming the satellite channel? Are they drunk? Do they not know how to count?
It's 3:42 and Fat Sally Sunday, I'm afraid, is interfering with my sleep tonight (though, waking up and seeing the beautiful moonlight shining through the windows is a pleasant surprise). That's what happens when you chow down on a plate full of pasta, one garlic baguette and three cupcakes with a side of chocolate ice cream as a moistening agent for dinner.
Almost every night, I comment how pretty the sunsets are in Munich. Tonight was no different. So, I ran upstairs to capture a glimpse of the vibrant colors from our upstairs balcony. The oranges, blues, golden yellows...
Girls Aloud returns with one of the most infectious singles to hit the airwaves this year. Sure, the title is a bit corny. And the video follows their traditional path of poorly choreographed numbers - except this time the five ladies are dressed like French maids (or French whores). But with all the badness comes pure pop fun with sugary bits on top. Check out the video for Can't Speak French below.
There are hundreds of websites out there that share music - providing links to tracks you can download for free vs. supporting the artists. I've probably featured a few on Club Fridays without my knowledge. However, my goal is to share with you remixes of songs that are unavailable to the general public (especially those not released in the US). So the tunes featured on Club Fridays actually are for promotional purposes only - increasing awareness for the original track and artist.
It's been almost 20 years since Indiana Jones hit the big screen. He returns May 22 with what's sure to be one of the summer's biggest hits. I'm assuming Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will open in Munich around the same time. Then again, we're still without Sweeney Todd. Check out the trailer below.
I love how David Beckham's style has gone from London chic to LA Abercrombie. I know some say men in their 30s are TOFA (too old for Abercrombie), but David works those shorts with a simple white T and flip flops. He makes me want to buy a pair "real bad..." Though, I'm sure every store will now be sold out.
After 11 years, Valentine's Day isn't that big of a deal. But, you can't let it go by without acknowledgement. So, tonight I'm making meatloaf in the shape of a heart with "I Love U" spelled in ketchup on top. And we're breaking our tradition of carbs for dinner as it's a special occasion. Even better, I found the green beans we love from France at a gourmet grocery store downtown. Couple that with So You Think You Can Dance and American Idol, and it's a V-Day to remember.
I was looking for something funny to post for Valentine's Day. Instead, what I found was one of the best Celine Dion impersonations I've ever seen. So, for all of you who may need to lose a few pounds after eating your chocolate hearts, check out the video below. It's not laugh out loud funny, but her take on "Ms. Titanic" makes me chuckle.
I made note of Rapidough back in December in my Advent calendar. Since then, we've bee searching for the "Pictionary with dough" game - with no luck (except on eBay where it costs approximately $75 and is shipped from Australia). Apparently, UK toy stores have been sold out since Christmas. Is it this year's Wii?
As I was sitting on the train today in Munich, I realized I never see train performers. Unlike in Paris, there are no singers, dancers or puppeteers parading around on the subway. Maybe it has something to do with asking for money - which probably isn't allowed. I'm not complaining. There's enough to keep me entertained for my 20 minute ride to and from the gym.
Some days, there just isn't much to write about. And today, was one of those days. I thought about going downtown to sit outside because it was sunny and warm. But then I'd have to order a coffee or a bite to eat - both of which aren't ideal. I don't need to get hooked on coffee and I sure can't have a pretzel two weeks before Puerto Vallarta. So instead, I cut down the grass we have on the 1st floor terrace (in anticipation of Spring) and removed the dead geraniums in the flower boxes. I worked on my kids book, sent out a few resumes, and of course Swiffered the floor (something I can never do enough of with a furry cat and hairy dog). And forget cooking dinner. With Chris gone, I decided to just reheat chili he made on Saturday (it's delicious). I've eaten it two nights in a row - something I do quite often when he's away as I hate to cook. Now it's Friends, then Sex and the City and off to bed. As I said, nothing new.
Our old house in Chicago is for sale. Two years and six months after we left, the new owners have decided to list our treasured home at 1449 W. Cullom. As a result, Chris and I just had a 20 minute conversation about buying it back, blowing out the rear, and building the house we had in mind before moving to Paris. Not only could I protect my pup's grave, but Chris wouldn't have to change his driver's license! Then we thought, "You can never go back." Our life won't be the same once we return. So living in our old house again, could be odd. Besides that, what would the neighbors think?
Kylie's video for Wow, a track only released in the UK (and not the rest of Europe), was edited for broadcast TV because the original broke broadcast regulations for the use of strobe lighting. Huh? Check it out below.
I thought when we moved to Munich, we'd be tramping through snow at least once or twice in the winter. But to date, it's never happened. Instead, the sunny skies and mild temperatures are pushing up daffodils and forcing bushes to bloom. Not that the sky couldn't open up and we get dumped on before Spring. But as of today, we've been very lucky. Sorry that doesn't apply to many of you back home who seem to be having a rough winter. Quite honestly, you can have it. And sadly, it makes me giggle - just a little.
In My Arms is the second single pulled from Kylie's latest - but only for Europe. The UK is treated to the less interesting Wow. Check out the video for In My Arms below. That, or wait to see it in every gay bar across America soon.
I was waiting to feature Alexandra Prince's song Rising High on Club Fridays until next month. You see, 12 of us are going to Puerto Vallarta March 1 - 8th and for fun, we have a song "contest." Everyone submits one song. During the week, you not only try to figure who submitted what, but you also must make not of the title and artist. The person with the most correct answers win. My submission this year was to be Rising High, so of course I had to wait (as everyone would know it was me who submitted the song). Well, I spilled the beans last week to friends about my excitement towards the track produced by Sykes & Sugar - all of which means I can now share my excitement with you about Alexandra and her song.
For those of you who have iTunes, you must check out (under the Radio section - 50s/60s Pop) Illinois Street Lounge. It's noted as "Classic Bachelor Pad" music. Think Mad Men soundtrack with accordions and feather drums. It's my new favorite station to set the mood, along with lit candles, for my return home from the gym (I like walking in the door to a clean flat smelling of fig trees with tunes in the background). Besides that, it's a swanky vibe for Maddie while I'm away.
We live in the meat packing district in Munich. Supposedly, it's an up-and-coming area - with all the trendy folks relocating for bigger and better flats. I can see the change as there are cranes everywhere you look. However, I digress.
We're sitting here watching Barefoot Contessa on our satellite. Never mind that we've seen the episode once or twice. But because our Sky service doesn't seem to get the newer episodes, we're reduced to watching repeats.
I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present as our router arrived today. And after Chris talked with T-Com over his cell phone tonight, not only did we reconfigure the new hardware but also our wireless network. So, we're up and running! No more sitting in the hallway. My butt is relieved.
Yes, today is my 37th birthday. I've now moved from mid-thirties to late thirties. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that. I suppose as long as I'm still breathing and have some hair, it's all a good thing. Besides that, didn't Oprah say that 40 is the new 30?
Doktorspiele by Alex C. featuring Yass borderlines on one of those European trance tracks that rubs you the wrong way. But I actually didn't listen to the song until today as it's usually playing on German MTV while I'm doing cardio. What originally caught my eye were the two hot dancers included in the video. Now I want to know where to get the little black number one of them wears as he's gyrating to the beat. It's just the swimsuit I'm hoping to find for our beach travels in 2008. And if I can look half as good as him, with his ripped body, well, I'll be happy. Check out the video below.
Forget the fact that I'm receiving one or two calls a day from T-Com asking if my DSL line is working again. In the words of Stewie from Family Guy, "Damn you, NO!"
...or Fat Tuesday, or Pancake Day. No matter what country, it seems today is the day to celebrate with a drink, some fattening food and possibly a silly costume. Here in Munich, it's called Fasching and the town celebrates by overtaking the Marienplatz. In short, it's an excuse to drink (like the Germans need another), eat and be merry. Look for photos once I have an actual internet connection that allows me to upload a photo faster than the current rate of 10 minutes per slide. Happy Fasching everyone!
After hours of calls, I discovered T-Com never sent my router. Someone dropped the ball. "Fire them!" I declared. Also, because our internet was established by a third party, I need to contact them in regards to our passcode - and possibly getting a new one. I'm assuming they'll have it on hand so ordering a second won't be necessary. I've placed a call to Bavarian Satellite. We'll see where it goes from here.
I've never given it any thought, but when someone asked yesterday why we don't see any German Chocolate Cake in Germany, I didn't have an answer. "Huh!" I replied. After some research, I discovered the cake is named after an American who developed a sweet baking bar for Baker's Chocolate Company.
With Britney in rehab and the writer's strike nearing the end, what drama will consume your daily existence? How about the Lutman/Young household's quest for connection the world wide web?
Just when I thought I had plans for the internet to be back up and running on Monday, now they're telling me that since I have a new router, and the line is working (and not their issue), a technician ISN'T going to come out after all. I said, "Excuse me! Your technician disconnected everything. He's going to come back out and put it all together again. Especially considering I don't know how to read German and input the special code I'm waiting for..." Now, T-Com is calling me back tomorrow regarding my "issue." So, I might be sitting in this hallway for much longer than anticipated.
Good thing I cancelled the T-Com technician today. Not only don't I have my "code" to "unlock" the internet, the router they sent is now at the post office and can't be picked up until tomorrow! Apparently they tried to deliver it today. Of course they couldn't leave it with our neighbors (as they always do with other tenants' packages). Besides that, it's in Chris' name and he's just getting back from Nice - meaning I can't even go collect it if I wanted to.
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