(From an e-mail forward that really touched me.)
The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read them straight through, and you'll get the point.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
--How did you do?
The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Acheivements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.
Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.
--Easier?
The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Bookclub Junkie
I have now decided that I am a bookclub junkie. I love them!!! I just recently joined my THIRD bookclub! They are so great because they get you to read books you might not otherwise pick up. Then you actually get to discuss the books, rather than just finish one on your own and not be able to share your thoughts with anyone. My bookclubs are divided out like this:
--A group of women I met when I first got to Brussels and have been here about as long as I have (10 months). We usually just pick girly books. We each bring an appetizer and usually spend more time talking about life than talking about the book.
--I just joined the second group. They are all members of the American Women's Club of Brussels and meet at 1pm once a month. It is so nice to finally not have to bring an appetizer or wine somewhere! I also enjoyed this group because since they are not all as good of friends, we actually have a longer discussion about the book than just chit-chat. Perhaps because they are also a bunch of previous career women who now have a lot of time, they are incredibly organized! Every May they pick out the books for the next 12 months so that when people go back to the States for the summer they can buy all the books at a lower price.
--The third group is our 'couples' bookclub, so both Kyle and I attend. This is our more worldy group consisting of a few Brits, a guy from the Seychelles Islands, a South African and a few Americans. We just have to bring a bottle of wine to this one and the conversation is always interesting. Sometimes this group is a bit too intellectual for me though. In the past we have had 2 WSJ guys and a guy that went to Oxford in England. We just recently read Humbolt's Gift and Homage to Catalonia--ugh!!!
My two favorite bookclub books have been Time Travellers Wife and The Kite Runner. I think the Posionwood Bible would be a great bookclub read, but it is a little long. For our 'couples' bookclub it is now Kyle and my's turn to select the next book. I just heard that The Master by Colm Toibin is good, so that might be in the running. Any suggestions???
--A group of women I met when I first got to Brussels and have been here about as long as I have (10 months). We usually just pick girly books. We each bring an appetizer and usually spend more time talking about life than talking about the book.
--I just joined the second group. They are all members of the American Women's Club of Brussels and meet at 1pm once a month. It is so nice to finally not have to bring an appetizer or wine somewhere! I also enjoyed this group because since they are not all as good of friends, we actually have a longer discussion about the book than just chit-chat. Perhaps because they are also a bunch of previous career women who now have a lot of time, they are incredibly organized! Every May they pick out the books for the next 12 months so that when people go back to the States for the summer they can buy all the books at a lower price.
--The third group is our 'couples' bookclub, so both Kyle and I attend. This is our more worldy group consisting of a few Brits, a guy from the Seychelles Islands, a South African and a few Americans. We just have to bring a bottle of wine to this one and the conversation is always interesting. Sometimes this group is a bit too intellectual for me though. In the past we have had 2 WSJ guys and a guy that went to Oxford in England. We just recently read Humbolt's Gift and Homage to Catalonia--ugh!!!
My two favorite bookclub books have been Time Travellers Wife and The Kite Runner. I think the Posionwood Bible would be a great bookclub read, but it is a little long. For our 'couples' bookclub it is now Kyle and my's turn to select the next book. I just heard that The Master by Colm Toibin is good, so that might be in the running. Any suggestions???
Monday, September 26, 2005
Why women don't rule the world...
Below is something that happened to me at the American Women's Club recently...
A--Committee Chair
B--Co-Committee Chair
C--Treasurer
Emily writes to A, B, and C asking for someone to e-mail a new member back with some information. Emily sends the e-mail to all three people because she is not quite sure who has the information. A responds to everyone that she has replied to the new member. B writes to everyone thanking A for responding. C writes to everyone apologizing that she had not written back sooner, but thanks A for responding. A writes to Emily separately to apologize for the shortness of her first e-mail with the explanation that she would have normally not been so curt, but her kids were waiting for the computer. Emily is just glad to get the problem solved, but is beginning to understand why women don't yet rule the world!
A--Committee Chair
B--Co-Committee Chair
C--Treasurer
Emily writes to A, B, and C asking for someone to e-mail a new member back with some information. Emily sends the e-mail to all three people because she is not quite sure who has the information. A responds to everyone that she has replied to the new member. B writes to everyone thanking A for responding. C writes to everyone apologizing that she had not written back sooner, but thanks A for responding. A writes to Emily separately to apologize for the shortness of her first e-mail with the explanation that she would have normally not been so curt, but her kids were waiting for the computer. Emily is just glad to get the problem solved, but is beginning to understand why women don't yet rule the world!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Support your missionary
Through the American Women's Club I have met three great women who are here (with their families) to start a church in Brussels. It is called The Well and it is more laid back than your traditional church. This is because they want to appeal to Europeans who might have never been to church and might be scared away by a more formal service.
These missionaries have been working for the last six months on building a congregation and learning more about the community. Tonight was their first "official" service and it was great. I am just amazed thinking of what faith it must have taken for each of them to sell their homes in the States, move across the ocean to a country that is not very receptive to anything religious, figure out insurance, housing and so many other relocation issues without the help of some corporate HR department and then enroll their children in an all French speaking school while they themselves are struggling to learn the new language too.
In the churches I went to back in the States I would often hear prayer and donation requests for missionaries living abroad. I never thought too much about these requests and honestly thought those missionaries were a little crazy to take such a chance going to somewhere new and different. Well life has taken a turn for me and now I am in awe of these people. I think I will forever have a different outlook on missionaries and will be one of the first to pray for and contribute to their cause.
These missionaries have been working for the last six months on building a congregation and learning more about the community. Tonight was their first "official" service and it was great. I am just amazed thinking of what faith it must have taken for each of them to sell their homes in the States, move across the ocean to a country that is not very receptive to anything religious, figure out insurance, housing and so many other relocation issues without the help of some corporate HR department and then enroll their children in an all French speaking school while they themselves are struggling to learn the new language too.
In the churches I went to back in the States I would often hear prayer and donation requests for missionaries living abroad. I never thought too much about these requests and honestly thought those missionaries were a little crazy to take such a chance going to somewhere new and different. Well life has taken a turn for me and now I am in awe of these people. I think I will forever have a different outlook on missionaries and will be one of the first to pray for and contribute to their cause.
Friday, September 23, 2005
My everyday conversation
On average, I bet I meet one new person every single day. And so every single day I have the exact same conversation. I have been here ten months, so this means I have had this conversation about 300 times so far. It goes a little something like this:
Emily: Hi, I’m Emily.
Karen: Hi, I’m Karen.
E: So how long have you been here?
K: We’ve been here two years, how about you?
E: Oh wow, two years! We have been here 10 months. Where does your husband work?
K: He works for International Paper, how about yours?
E: Oh, he works for the Wall Street Journal. How long will you be here?
K: Probably two more years, what about you?
E: They say it will be three to five years. Do you have any kids?
K: Yep, we have a one year old and a five year old. The oldest goes to ISB (International School of Brussels.) Do you have kids?
E: No, actually we are newlyweds. It isn’t really in our plans for the next five years, but who knows.
K: Well, you know, Brussels is a great place to have kids! You really should try to have them while you are here.
E: Yep, I hear the all the time too, but we still aren’t ready. So where do you live?
K: We live in Waterloo. What about you?
E: We live in Ixelles.
K: Oh wow, you live in the city! MASON, I SAID GET OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!
E: Well, I better let you get back to the kids, but it was nice meeting you!
K: Nice to meet you too. MASON STOP HITTING YOUR SISTER!!!! I hope to see you around soon!
Emily: Hi, I’m Emily.
Karen: Hi, I’m Karen.
E: So how long have you been here?
K: We’ve been here two years, how about you?
E: Oh wow, two years! We have been here 10 months. Where does your husband work?
K: He works for International Paper, how about yours?
E: Oh, he works for the Wall Street Journal. How long will you be here?
K: Probably two more years, what about you?
E: They say it will be three to five years. Do you have any kids?
K: Yep, we have a one year old and a five year old. The oldest goes to ISB (International School of Brussels.) Do you have kids?
E: No, actually we are newlyweds. It isn’t really in our plans for the next five years, but who knows.
K: Well, you know, Brussels is a great place to have kids! You really should try to have them while you are here.
E: Yep, I hear the all the time too, but we still aren’t ready. So where do you live?
K: We live in Waterloo. What about you?
E: We live in Ixelles.
K: Oh wow, you live in the city! MASON, I SAID GET OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!
E: Well, I better let you get back to the kids, but it was nice meeting you!
K: Nice to meet you too. MASON STOP HITTING YOUR SISTER!!!! I hope to see you around soon!
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Recently, Sarah Kathryn and I were talking about how sad it is with everything that has happened to New Orleans. We both commented that we feel so lucky to have had some great times in the city and will always have fond memories of it. In honor of New Orleans, I wanted to put up a picture of the city during better times. This is a photo of a great weekend we had there on New Years Day 2003 when UGA beat Florida State in the Sugar Bowl. Pictured from l-r: Me, Kyle, my cousin William, Aunt Missy, Uncle Stan, my sister Sarah Kathryn and her friend Briley.
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Ironic That I Have Green Eyes...
On Friday I went to a Welcome Fair to represent the American Women's Club. It was held at the NATO Support Activity Center (NSA) here in Brussels. Since it had to do with NATO, I thought I would be dealing with an international group. Well, once I got inside the NSA building, (after standing in the cold for 30 minutes to get full clearance) I soon realized that this building was just basically the Support Activity Center for all American military people. I had originally been pretty unhappy to have to go to this fair, but after I realized that for lunch I was getting either a philly cheesesteak and chips or BBQ, baked beans, deviled egg and macaroni and cheese all for only three dollars (yes, dollars not euros) I was more than happy to stay. (Currenty $1.00 equals .82 euro cents.)
A civilian friend of mine has been to the Commissary before with a friend of hers who is a military wife. She had warned me what the experience of being in an American military bubble within Brussels would be like, and thank goodness I heeded her advice. I walked into their mini-commissary (basically a little larger than a big gas station) and was met with pure and total jealousy. Not only did they have Kraft Mac and Cheese in a box, but they had the microwavable version too. They had Bud Light, chocolate chips, Crisco, brownie mix, but most of all......they had Double Stuff Oreos. AND everything was in DOLLARS!!!!!!! And this was just the mini-mart, can you imagine the real store?!? I can't believe I am saying this, but my eyes actually welled up with tears when I saw all of this stuff. I cannot remember the last time I have been this jealous.
I love being in Belgium and am really enjoying the experience. However, seeing all of these things just really gave me a pang of homesickness. The hardest part to accept though is that all of this stuff is just a 20-minute bus ride away, but I will never get to touch any of it. When I first got to Belgium my mom spent $40 just to send me a box of Oreos because she knew how much I loved them. FORTY DOLLARS. I have searched this city high and low looking for Double Stuff Oreos but to no avail. Little did I know that they are just up the road for only $2.50 in a place I will never be able to get to.
Keep in mind that I have already started a list of things I want to buy in the States and bring back the next time I am in there. Kyle and I will be packing an extra suitcase the next time we go just to be able to bring back cold medicine, printer cartridges and other things that are either too hard to find here, or too expensive to buy in euros.
So after wiping away my tears, I decided that I was DETERMINED to get a job in some area of the military/NATO so that I could get privileges into these stores. I went to the HR booth of the fair and was basically flat out rejected. Because of stupid Belgian laws, if I had approached the HR guy within 90 days of my arrival in Belgium then I could have easily gotten a job. However, since I have been here ten months, the Belgian government sees me as a permanent resident and I can never get a job with them now. Even though the HR guy had made it clear that I could never get a job with them, he decided to tell me all of the benefits I would have gotten if I had contacted him within 90 days, which just basically added salt to the wound.
I have a few friends here with Commissary privileges and yes, I am sure if I really wanted to, I could ask to join them on one of their trips there. However, with the size of our apartment and freezer, it is not like I could load up on too much stuff because I have no where to store it. I am more jealous of the fact that they can just go there whenever they want to. I am now starting to understand why so non-Americans resent Americans and all that we have and do not appreciate.
All of my life I have never really had to go without things that I wanted, and I think most people reading this blog would be in the same boat. However, I don't think I have ever experienced as much flat-out rejection as I have in Brussels. Basically, I have to accept the fact that I can never get a fully legal, well-paying job here within the Belgian community and now I can never get a job here with the American Military.
I just finished reading "The Kite Runner" and was reminded of so many people that were once doctors, lawyers and professors in their home country. However, they came to America (to flee war) and ended up having to work at a gas station or under the table as a maid or nanny. Luckily for me, I know that I will only be here for five years and that eventually I will stop getting the door slammed in my face. But I can't imagine what it must be like to have such knowlege, but know that for the rest of your life you will be doing menial labor and never be able to return to your home country. I am definitlely getting more of a taste of the real world than I ever have before. As much as I hate it, I think it is a good thing and I think a few more Americans need to taste it too.
A civilian friend of mine has been to the Commissary before with a friend of hers who is a military wife. She had warned me what the experience of being in an American military bubble within Brussels would be like, and thank goodness I heeded her advice. I walked into their mini-commissary (basically a little larger than a big gas station) and was met with pure and total jealousy. Not only did they have Kraft Mac and Cheese in a box, but they had the microwavable version too. They had Bud Light, chocolate chips, Crisco, brownie mix, but most of all......they had Double Stuff Oreos. AND everything was in DOLLARS!!!!!!! And this was just the mini-mart, can you imagine the real store?!? I can't believe I am saying this, but my eyes actually welled up with tears when I saw all of this stuff. I cannot remember the last time I have been this jealous.
I love being in Belgium and am really enjoying the experience. However, seeing all of these things just really gave me a pang of homesickness. The hardest part to accept though is that all of this stuff is just a 20-minute bus ride away, but I will never get to touch any of it. When I first got to Belgium my mom spent $40 just to send me a box of Oreos because she knew how much I loved them. FORTY DOLLARS. I have searched this city high and low looking for Double Stuff Oreos but to no avail. Little did I know that they are just up the road for only $2.50 in a place I will never be able to get to.
Keep in mind that I have already started a list of things I want to buy in the States and bring back the next time I am in there. Kyle and I will be packing an extra suitcase the next time we go just to be able to bring back cold medicine, printer cartridges and other things that are either too hard to find here, or too expensive to buy in euros.
So after wiping away my tears, I decided that I was DETERMINED to get a job in some area of the military/NATO so that I could get privileges into these stores. I went to the HR booth of the fair and was basically flat out rejected. Because of stupid Belgian laws, if I had approached the HR guy within 90 days of my arrival in Belgium then I could have easily gotten a job. However, since I have been here ten months, the Belgian government sees me as a permanent resident and I can never get a job with them now. Even though the HR guy had made it clear that I could never get a job with them, he decided to tell me all of the benefits I would have gotten if I had contacted him within 90 days, which just basically added salt to the wound.
I have a few friends here with Commissary privileges and yes, I am sure if I really wanted to, I could ask to join them on one of their trips there. However, with the size of our apartment and freezer, it is not like I could load up on too much stuff because I have no where to store it. I am more jealous of the fact that they can just go there whenever they want to. I am now starting to understand why so non-Americans resent Americans and all that we have and do not appreciate.
All of my life I have never really had to go without things that I wanted, and I think most people reading this blog would be in the same boat. However, I don't think I have ever experienced as much flat-out rejection as I have in Brussels. Basically, I have to accept the fact that I can never get a fully legal, well-paying job here within the Belgian community and now I can never get a job here with the American Military.
I just finished reading "The Kite Runner" and was reminded of so many people that were once doctors, lawyers and professors in their home country. However, they came to America (to flee war) and ended up having to work at a gas station or under the table as a maid or nanny. Luckily for me, I know that I will only be here for five years and that eventually I will stop getting the door slammed in my face. But I can't imagine what it must be like to have such knowlege, but know that for the rest of your life you will be doing menial labor and never be able to return to your home country. I am definitlely getting more of a taste of the real world than I ever have before. As much as I hate it, I think it is a good thing and I think a few more Americans need to taste it too.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
The Kite Runner
I just finished a great book called The Kite Runner which I would highly recommend to all. I won't even try to explain the plot, but I will just say if you are looking for a good read, then pick this one up. The way the author describes what life was like in Afghanistan under the Taliban is simply heart wrenching, but something one needs to know about also. It is just amazing to think that people had to live this way--and in some places still do--and even more amazing that there are so many sick and crazy people in the world that can rise to power and inflict this kind of madness on people.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
The importance of beer to Belgium
Some people have commented to me that they have noticed the amount of time and space I have spent mentioning beer on this blog. It might seem like a country of alcoholics, but in order to make the best beer in the world (as Belgium happens to do) one has to spend a lot of time thinking, talking, and most importantly drinking the beer.
Kyle and I just relized that we have a free weekend in two days, so I have stared to look into things to do. In a small town in Beligum called Poperinge there is the Hop Festival this weekend. My favorite part of the festival is the Hop Queen Election where "various tests on the knowledge of the area (hops/beer) and its history as well as the presentation of the contestants will finally decide who will be our ambassadress for the next 3 years." Would it be better to be Miss Hop Queen or Miss Rural Electrification? What if these same questions were presented to SEC girls, which school would win?
If we chose to stay in Brussels, we could take part in the Car Free Day that is happening on Sunday. Basically, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. no cars (except ambulances) are allowed to drive in a 100 mile area of Brussels. That would be about the distance of Stone Mountain to Mableton and Chamblee to East Point. Can you imagine how Atlatna would function?!?
Public transportation is running for free, but past that you have to use a bike, roller blades or your own two feet to get anywhere. As part of the day there will be a festival in the Grand Place. There, Manneken Pis (the biggest tourist attraction in Brussels) will pee beer on you at three points during the day. If having a three foot statue pee beer on you doesn't make you want to stay in town for the weekend, then I don't know what does!
Kyle and I just relized that we have a free weekend in two days, so I have stared to look into things to do. In a small town in Beligum called Poperinge there is the Hop Festival this weekend. My favorite part of the festival is the Hop Queen Election where "various tests on the knowledge of the area (hops/beer) and its history as well as the presentation of the contestants will finally decide who will be our ambassadress for the next 3 years." Would it be better to be Miss Hop Queen or Miss Rural Electrification? What if these same questions were presented to SEC girls, which school would win?
If we chose to stay in Brussels, we could take part in the Car Free Day that is happening on Sunday. Basically, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. no cars (except ambulances) are allowed to drive in a 100 mile area of Brussels. That would be about the distance of Stone Mountain to Mableton and Chamblee to East Point. Can you imagine how Atlatna would function?!?
Public transportation is running for free, but past that you have to use a bike, roller blades or your own two feet to get anywhere. As part of the day there will be a festival in the Grand Place. There, Manneken Pis (the biggest tourist attraction in Brussels) will pee beer on you at three points during the day. If having a three foot statue pee beer on you doesn't make you want to stay in town for the weekend, then I don't know what does!
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
To know or not to know?
I am debating about whether it is better to know what to expect, or to be surprised. I would normally say that it is better to know what to expect so that you can be prepared (and also I don't like surprises.) However, I think it might be better to be surprised when it comes to the weather is like in Belgium throughout the year.
We got here November 13 of last year. We thought the weather was bad (cold and rainy) until we were told that it was just the beginning of winter and that things would get much worse. It definitely got colder and rainier and darker as the days went on, but we didn't complain too much because we kept thinking it would get worse. Then finally one day the tides turned and it didn't rain quite so much and the sun came out every once in awhile and we finally got to wear our 'lighter' coats rather than our thick, heavy ones. And then it was summer! We had sunny days and warm weather and I was SOOO happy.
Well now, on September 14, 2005, I have had to pull out my coat and umbrella. It has been gray all day with on and off showers. The problem is that since I have been here almost a year I know just how bad it is going to get. It is only September, the sky is constantly gray and it will stay like this until at least next June. Talk about a depressing thought! Better get used to looking like this!
We got here November 13 of last year. We thought the weather was bad (cold and rainy) until we were told that it was just the beginning of winter and that things would get much worse. It definitely got colder and rainier and darker as the days went on, but we didn't complain too much because we kept thinking it would get worse. Then finally one day the tides turned and it didn't rain quite so much and the sun came out every once in awhile and we finally got to wear our 'lighter' coats rather than our thick, heavy ones. And then it was summer! We had sunny days and warm weather and I was SOOO happy.
Well now, on September 14, 2005, I have had to pull out my coat and umbrella. It has been gray all day with on and off showers. The problem is that since I have been here almost a year I know just how bad it is going to get. It is only September, the sky is constantly gray and it will stay like this until at least next June. Talk about a depressing thought! Better get used to looking like this!
A Southern bride gone awry...
Not only are the headpieces horrible, but the poor bridesmaids had to monogram their dresses too!!! (Double click on the picture to see the true detailing.) These kind of people are what give Southerners a bad name!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Toilet Humor (literally)
Just a warning to those who might be easily offended by raunchy humor--stop reading NOW. Keep in mind, this blog is written by someone who's favorite show is America's Funniest Home Videos. But in case you need a good laugh, here is a pretty funny list of a variety of things we have all experienced at some point in our lives.
Monday, September 12, 2005
Scum of the earth
I don't understand how spammers can live with themselves. I hope that one day someone finds out the personal e-mail addresses of all spammers and then they just get spammed for life on any and all personal e-mail addresses they ever have.
I didn't think spamming could get much worse, but then I started this blog and found out that the scum have even gotten to personal blogs. If you have read any of the recent comments that have been posted on the blog, you might have seen some vague comments that then encourage you to go to their site which is just another version of spam. So because of just a few jerks I have had to change the way you can post comments on my blog. Now, after you write a comment, you have to re-type a word that is shown on the screen to show that there is a person writing the comment rather than just a computer spamming people. Sorry for the inconvience.
On a happy note, check out the story of a guy that got 9 years in jail for spamming! I don't even know what this graphic is saying, but I like the way she thinks!
I didn't think spamming could get much worse, but then I started this blog and found out that the scum have even gotten to personal blogs. If you have read any of the recent comments that have been posted on the blog, you might have seen some vague comments that then encourage you to go to their site which is just another version of spam. So because of just a few jerks I have had to change the way you can post comments on my blog. Now, after you write a comment, you have to re-type a word that is shown on the screen to show that there is a person writing the comment rather than just a computer spamming people. Sorry for the inconvience.
On a happy note, check out the story of a guy that got 9 years in jail for spamming! I don't even know what this graphic is saying, but I like the way she thinks!
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Friday, September 09, 2005
North vs. South
For those of you that might not understand the differences of the North versus the South when it comes to football, I have decided to post a classic e-mail forward that I just love. We are going to a bar to watch the first half of UGA vs. South Carolina and then heading back to our apartment to watch the second half on the Slingbox with 92,746 of our closest friends.
If you want some other good reading material to get you fired up, click here.
WOMENS' ATTIRE
Up north: Chapstick in their back pocket and a $20 bill in their front pocket.
Down South: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, powder, mascara(waterproof), concealer, and a fifth of bourbon. Wallet not necessary, that's what dates are for.
STADIUM SIZE
Up north: College football stadiums hold 20,000.
Down South: High school football stadiums hold 20,000.
NAMES
Up north: Doug Flutie
Down South: Herschel Walker
WEATHER
Up north: Snow and ice.
Down South: Sunny, high in the mid-60s, lows in the 30s.
FATHERS
Up north: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath.
Down South: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.
ATTIRE
Up north: Male and female alike - woolly sweater or sweatshirt with jeans.
Down South: Male: pressed khakis (with flask of bourbon), oxford shirt and cap with frat logo. Female: ankle-length skirt, boots, oxford. (Note: flask with bourbon is stored somewhere.)
ALUMNI
Up north: Take prospects on sailing trips before they join the law firm.
Down South: Take prospects on fishing trips so they don't leave for the NFL.
CAMPUS DECOR
Up north: Statues of founding fathers.
Down South: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.
HOMECOMING QUEEN
Up north: Also a physics major.
Down South: Also Miss USA.
HEROS
Up north: Mario Cuomo
Down South: "Bear" Bryant
GETTING TICKETS
Up north: 5 hours before the game you can walk into the ticket office on campus and still purchase tickets.
Down South: 5 months before the game you can walk into the ticket office on campus and still be placed on a waiting list.
FRIDAY CLASSES AFTER A THURSDAY NIGHT GAME
Up north: Students and teachers are not sure if they are going to the game because they have classes the next day.
Down South: It is considered a campus holiday. Many professors also cancel Thursday classes so everyone can get a head start for the game that night.
PARKING
Up north: An hour before the game, the university opens up the campus parking area.
Down South: RV's sporting their school flags begin to roll in on Wednesday for the weekend's festivities. The real faithful come on Tuesday. The die-hards have been there since last week's game.
TAILGATING
Up north: Wieners on the grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
Down South: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance from the hottest band around. Males have at least a handle of bourbon for themselves. Females are giving the choice of drinking beer or bourbon. (Note: drinking beer will lead to them being blackballed from the rest of the group.)
GETTING TO THE STADIUM
Up north: You have to ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find it, you walk right in without have to wait in line.
Down South: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On gameday, it becomes the state's second largest city.
CONCESSIONS
Up north: Drinks served in paper cup filled to the top with soda.
Down South: Drinks served in a plastic cup with the home team's mascot on it filled less than halfway to ensure enough room for bourbon.
WHEN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IS PLAYED
Up north: Stands are less than half full.
Down South: Crowd sings along in perfect 3-part harmony.
THE SMELL IN THE AIR AFTER THE FIRST SCORE
Up north: Nothing changes.
Down South: Cannon fire with a twist of bourbon.
COMMENTARY (MALE)
Up north: Nice play.
Down South: Dammit you slow sonofabitch tackle him and break his legs!!
COMMENTARY (FEMALE)
Up north: My, this is a violent sport.
Down South: Dammit you slow sonofabitch tackle him and break his legs!!
AFTER THE GAME
Up north: The stadium is empty before the game ends.
Down South: Another rack of ribs on the smoker. While someone goes to the nearest package store for more bourbon, planning begins for next week's party.
If you want some other good reading material to get you fired up, click here.
WOMENS' ATTIRE
Up north: Chapstick in their back pocket and a $20 bill in their front pocket.
Down South: Louis Vuitton duffel with two lipsticks, powder, mascara(waterproof), concealer, and a fifth of bourbon. Wallet not necessary, that's what dates are for.
STADIUM SIZE
Up north: College football stadiums hold 20,000.
Down South: High school football stadiums hold 20,000.
NAMES
Up north: Doug Flutie
Down South: Herschel Walker
WEATHER
Up north: Snow and ice.
Down South: Sunny, high in the mid-60s, lows in the 30s.
FATHERS
Up north: Expect their daughters to understand Sylvia Plath.
Down South: Expect their daughters to understand pass interference.
ATTIRE
Up north: Male and female alike - woolly sweater or sweatshirt with jeans.
Down South: Male: pressed khakis (with flask of bourbon), oxford shirt and cap with frat logo. Female: ankle-length skirt, boots, oxford. (Note: flask with bourbon is stored somewhere.)
ALUMNI
Up north: Take prospects on sailing trips before they join the law firm.
Down South: Take prospects on fishing trips so they don't leave for the NFL.
CAMPUS DECOR
Up north: Statues of founding fathers.
Down South: Statues of Heisman trophy winners.
HOMECOMING QUEEN
Up north: Also a physics major.
Down South: Also Miss USA.
HEROS
Up north: Mario Cuomo
Down South: "Bear" Bryant
GETTING TICKETS
Up north: 5 hours before the game you can walk into the ticket office on campus and still purchase tickets.
Down South: 5 months before the game you can walk into the ticket office on campus and still be placed on a waiting list.
FRIDAY CLASSES AFTER A THURSDAY NIGHT GAME
Up north: Students and teachers are not sure if they are going to the game because they have classes the next day.
Down South: It is considered a campus holiday. Many professors also cancel Thursday classes so everyone can get a head start for the game that night.
PARKING
Up north: An hour before the game, the university opens up the campus parking area.
Down South: RV's sporting their school flags begin to roll in on Wednesday for the weekend's festivities. The real faithful come on Tuesday. The die-hards have been there since last week's game.
TAILGATING
Up north: Wieners on the grill, beer with lime in it, listening to local radio station with truck tailgate down.
Down South: 30-foot custom pig-shaped smoker fires up at dawn. Cooking accompanied by live performance from the hottest band around. Males have at least a handle of bourbon for themselves. Females are giving the choice of drinking beer or bourbon. (Note: drinking beer will lead to them being blackballed from the rest of the group.)
GETTING TO THE STADIUM
Up north: You have to ask "Where's the stadium?" When you find it, you walk right in without have to wait in line.
Down South: When you're near it, you'll hear it. On gameday, it becomes the state's second largest city.
CONCESSIONS
Up north: Drinks served in paper cup filled to the top with soda.
Down South: Drinks served in a plastic cup with the home team's mascot on it filled less than halfway to ensure enough room for bourbon.
WHEN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IS PLAYED
Up north: Stands are less than half full.
Down South: Crowd sings along in perfect 3-part harmony.
THE SMELL IN THE AIR AFTER THE FIRST SCORE
Up north: Nothing changes.
Down South: Cannon fire with a twist of bourbon.
COMMENTARY (MALE)
Up north: Nice play.
Down South: Dammit you slow sonofabitch tackle him and break his legs!!
COMMENTARY (FEMALE)
Up north: My, this is a violent sport.
Down South: Dammit you slow sonofabitch tackle him and break his legs!!
AFTER THE GAME
Up north: The stadium is empty before the game ends.
Down South: Another rack of ribs on the smoker. While someone goes to the nearest package store for more bourbon, planning begins for next week's party.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Only in Belgium...
It is amazing what you can become a snob about when it is in surplus. Belgium is known for their chocolate and their beer. Both are incredible. The other day it was my good friend Jessica’s birthday. I bought her a book and then wanted to buy some chocolate to go with it. To give you some background, there are four major chocolatiers in Belgium—Neuhaus, Godiva, Whittamer, and Pierre Marcolini. There are other smaller companies, but if you want to give a nice gift, you go to one of these. However, even within the ‘Best of the Best’ there is a hierarchy.
I could have sworn there was a Neuhaus near our house, but on the day of Jessica’s party, I could not find it anywhere, only a Godiva shop. Even though it is considered a really nice chocolate in the States, most Belgians frown on Godiva and it is just understood that you don’t go there. So I found myself actually APOLOGIZING to Jessica for only giving her Godiva and explaining that I couldn’t find a Neuhaus shop anywhere. She is also American and we both got a good laugh at the idea of being embarrassed for giving Godiva chocolate as a gift.
I could have sworn there was a Neuhaus near our house, but on the day of Jessica’s party, I could not find it anywhere, only a Godiva shop. Even though it is considered a really nice chocolate in the States, most Belgians frown on Godiva and it is just understood that you don’t go there. So I found myself actually APOLOGIZING to Jessica for only giving her Godiva and explaining that I couldn’t find a Neuhaus shop anywhere. She is also American and we both got a good laugh at the idea of being embarrassed for giving Godiva chocolate as a gift.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Swallowing my pride, Part Deux
So in case I didn't have enough of swallowing my pride yesterday, I got a little bit more today. I took the 30 minute bus ride down to the American Women's Club for a potluck luncheon. I stayed late to finish up a few things and before I knew it, I was the only one there, along with the cleaner and the gardener. The cleaner, Manny, had noticed me walking to the club before (rather than driving and parking in the back) so he suggest that Frank, the gardener drive me home, rather than me wait for the bus. It was really sweet of them and Frank did indeed give me a ride home. But as I was in the car with him I couldn't help but think that something might be a little backwards when the gardener has a car, but I am taking the bus everywhere.
I think this is one of those weird situations where it is necessary pain and uncomfortableness. Kind of like homework--you know you hate it and it makes you uncomfortable, but in the long run it will make you a better person.
I think this is one of those weird situations where it is necessary pain and uncomfortableness. Kind of like homework--you know you hate it and it makes you uncomfortable, but in the long run it will make you a better person.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Swallowing my pride
We have a great alternative to buying a car (and all the expenses that go with it) by using the Cambio Car Share program here in Brussels. We are saving money and I also feel pretty good about doing my part in helping the environment. The problem I run into when I do use the car is that since other people use the cars too, other drivers treat the cars as most people usually treat rental cars--crappy.
There are five of the same type cars at the pick-up-point I usually use. Out of five cars, only ONE of them has all four hubcaps on it. I try to over look this, but the problem is that when I am using the car, it is usually because I am going to meet some other people. There are a variety of expats over here and all of the companies provide different types of relocation packages. However, (unlike the Wall Street Journal) most other people get a company car with their package. I am not talking a little Camry or Honda--their choices are usually a BMW, Mercedes, Audi or Volvo. So when I am going to meet these other people, I usually find myself trying to figure out which side of my Cambio car has the most hubcaps and then strategically parking so that the majority of hubcaps are visible. Trust me, between one way streets, parallel parking, and the lack of hubcaps, this is a challenge.
My Catholic guilt mind is saying, "You should be thankful you even have a car to drive. Others aren't so lucky. Stop being so vain." So I am trying to learn to just swallow my pride and be a little bit less shallow, but trust me, when you pull up next to this you kind of feel like this.
There are five of the same type cars at the pick-up-point I usually use. Out of five cars, only ONE of them has all four hubcaps on it. I try to over look this, but the problem is that when I am using the car, it is usually because I am going to meet some other people. There are a variety of expats over here and all of the companies provide different types of relocation packages. However, (unlike the Wall Street Journal) most other people get a company car with their package. I am not talking a little Camry or Honda--their choices are usually a BMW, Mercedes, Audi or Volvo. So when I am going to meet these other people, I usually find myself trying to figure out which side of my Cambio car has the most hubcaps and then strategically parking so that the majority of hubcaps are visible. Trust me, between one way streets, parallel parking, and the lack of hubcaps, this is a challenge.
My Catholic guilt mind is saying, "You should be thankful you even have a car to drive. Others aren't so lucky. Stop being so vain." So I am trying to learn to just swallow my pride and be a little bit less shallow, but trust me, when you pull up next to this you kind of feel like this.
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Brussels Beer Festival
With a name like the Brussels Beer Festival, you know you are going to have a good time! That is why our friends Amy and Nate came in from Brugge and Jason Mann came in from London for it. We had a great weekend! Check out the pictures below...
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=121a73ha.3giapefu&x=0&y=-jdrgu1
Friday, September 02, 2005
You thought I married Kyle for love....
....but I really married to have a connection into the Wingfield Family of Technology. I always belived Burt and Kyle could get the Slingbox going, but I just thought it would take a long, long time with lots of problems. Me, of little faith was proven wrong last night. Just two days after Kyle found out about the Slingbox, Burt had purchased it, installed it, did some troubleshooting and had us watching US TV on the computer in Brussels last night! Check out the picture of Carol Sbarge on Channel 2 news!
I am in complete and total awe. Now Kyle can watch Sports Center and I can watch Ellen and Oprah! I hope we don't get into watching too much TV, but for the time being we are just going to relish in it. Don't call us on Saturday--we will be at the Belgian Beer Festival (with our friend Jason Mann) and then watching a variety of football games on the computer until the wee hours of the morning! GO DAWGS!!!
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Back to School
Well today was the first day of school for all of Brussels. I took care of Poppy for a bit while Kelly got Sonny settled in her 4 year old class. I happened to see them at the end of the day too and Sonny seemed like she took the transition in stride. I can't believe it, but I even got a bit of butterflies seeing all the kids off for the first day. I rememer the smell of cleaner in the school and the newly made bulletin boards. I especially loved the smell of the new books.
I remember in third grade I was just getting into how I looked and dressed. It was school orientation day and one of the few days that we could wear what we wanted to (and not the school uniforms.) I must have tried on 10 outfits trying to decide what to wear. Perhaps it was because I had glasses as big as my head and my mom just took pity on me but rather than fuss at me to hurry up, I remember my mom patiently pulling out more and more clothes, for over 30 min., until I found what I felt right in. (I still remember I wore a dark blue shirt rolled up at the sleeves and some type of skirt or shorts.) Funny that of all the experiences I have had, that is always a vivid memory to me.
After seeing Sonny off to school and visiting with some friends at the local school I headed to yet another school function. This one was a champagne brunch to celebrate sending the kids off to the first day of school at the International School of Brussels. There were over 50 women there of all different nationalities. It was especially interesting because I met a woman who is the Chief Information Officer of a large company. She has just taken a new job and will be commuting to London from Monday through Friday every week. Her husband stays home and does the traditional 'housewife things'. He cooks, cleans, does the laundry, grocery shops, manages the kids schedules etc. She did mention that if the kids are sick they want to still be around her though, so I guess there will always be some type of maternal nurturing side to moms.
After meeting her I met a guy that is in the same situation (imagine being the only guy among 50 women at a champagne brunch!) He was a totally normal guy that just happens to stay at home while his wife works. I am embarassed that the idea of this is just SO different to me that I have a really hard time getting my mind around the idea of dad doing the laundry and mom going to board meetings. Kudos to them though!
It is a little odd to be at both schools today since I don't have kids, but I am always up for a party! All of my friends here want me to have a child so that we will all be in the same boat. I explain to them--why shoud I have a child if right now I get all the benefits of hugs, parties, and cute stories and none of the hassle of temper tantrums, dirty diapers and sleepless nights? For right now, I am in the perfect situation!
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