At Peace

Another day in Germany, and I hate to think that these surroundings will soon become familiar, but they are anything but ordinary. I love seeing new sights, and new surroundings. I learn something new everyday. Whether it is how to get back into the base using this thing called "the box" ( this thing still terrifies me because there is the potential to get stuck in it )., or a new word in German. Just being able to observe the German culture is so captivating to me. While out on my run I see elderly people riding their bikes for transportation and leisure. In America, people their age would be parked in front of the TV, maybe not by choice but in our culture if we see 70-80 year olds riding bikes we would automatically worry about them falling and breaking a hip. Over here...it is just the norm. I love the look on their faces when they ride their bikes in the woods...they know how to enjoy life here, and I think it is rubbing off on me. I haven't been this free of anxiety in a long time. It is freeing, and I feel so at peace.

Happy Monday, make it meatless!

P.S. Going grocery shopping today, I am done neglecting my food blog! I should have a new post up by Wednesday at the latest.

Exploring Germany One Step At a Time

I look like a creepy forest knome

I ran off base for the first time yesterday. I was starting to go stir crazy running in circles like a hamster on base and finally just decided to conquer my fear of thinking that for some reason the guards wouldn't let me back in the base. I am glad I did because I discovered a whole new world. 


When I was running on base near the gate the other day, I noticed an army unit running back to base from off of a path outside the fence. I needed to find out where this path went. I managed to build up enough courage and take my first steps alone off of base grounds. Right foot, Left foot. Ah, freedom. Out of the gates and past the guards I went. I found the path that I was looking for and started my journey of discovery. At first my journey started out like this:

Pretty, but I had no idea what else I would discover. I made a right hand turn at the end of this road and ran along side this:

and this...

To my surprise, I ran into a trail at the end of the road. I can't resist a trail so I followed it.

I ran down this trail for awhile...making sure not to make any turns so I could find my way home...but my watch has navigation...DUH. So left I went where I found these handsome fellas.

It is kind of hard to see from an iphone but yes, those are Bison grazing. Apparently there is some sort of animal reserve in the middle of the forest. There was also what looked to be some sort of wile boar. (all I know is that it was a hairy pig looking thing ). and etc. 

After stopping to observe these fine creatures I continued on my run.

I found a lake...

Speak German anyone? I have no idea what this says...but I am pretty sure it talks about the different species of animals living in that lake.

The weirdest part of the run is the fact that I ran into what seemed to be some sort of entertainment park in the middle of the Forest. There was awesome playgrounds for kids, oh and Mini Golf...yes. Who doesn't love mini golf in the middle of an awesome forest? Who knows what else there is to be discovered. I ended up heading home due to fatigue but will be back out today and ready to explore some more. Hopefully I don't get eatin by a bear..or some sort of weird Harry Potter like creature.

Here are a few more for your viewing pleasure.

Running heaven? I think so.

Routinely Blogging

I know it really hasn't been an eternity since I blogged last, but I am already feeling a bit of blogger guilt. I know that I broke my blog everyday for a year streak, but I am thinking of re-instating that goal for the sake of forcing me to do it. It feels like a part of my routine is missing, and if it isn't part of my routine I don't ever get to doing it..and before I know it my blog will become just another neglected blog in the blogosphere. I might just have to be an everyday blogger.

If at first you don't succeed..try, try, again?

On another note, So far Germany is treating me well. I finally got a phone yesterday ( iphone 4 Woot! ) so I can now tweet, take pictures, tweet pictures..etc. etc. Hopefully I can get going on my food blog again too. The scenery here is beautiful. You don't know fall colors until you see them in Germany.. ( well I guess I am just used to fall in California ). Pictures will follow soon. Hoping to go to the Farmers market today but that depends on if we get all of our stuff moved into our new place. Pictures are coming soon I promise!

Thanks for your patience :)

Happy Thursday!

Life in Germany: A New Beginning

So here I am blogging from Germany. I made it safe and sound and am slowly adjusting to the time difference. If you are in the U.S. you are sleeping right now. It is still weird to think about. My morning is my friends and family's evening. My evening is my friend and family's morning. It is like a time warp. Awesome.

Anywho, I apologize if this blog is kind of all over the place. I blame the jet lag. I am still trying to speak coherently and complete whole thought processes. I did however manage to do something that I have not done since probably Junior high. I didn't sleep for 24 hours..except there were no sleep overs or scary movies involved. There was however awesome German sightseeing and buying needed kitchen tools. We have gone to nearly every PX and Commissary around here. Doesn't sound like fun? Well it is to me. So yea this is way better than any elementary sleep over. The product is still the same though. Sleep deprived and feeling a little off.

So what is Germany like? You might be wondering...Or, do I like it? Well so far I haven't gotten a huge taste of what real Germany is like. I have mostly just been on American bases so far. But don't worry I plan on branching out and doing a bit more exploring. Do I like it? It is hard to say as of now but I like the scenery and all the awesome fall colors and architecture.

I am starting to settle in a bit. I went for my first run in Germany today. Only five miles just to make sure I don't push myself into a horrid sickness from the lack of sleep and I think I missed a few meals in my time warp from the States to Germany. I love the first run of a new environment. It makes it really exciting to explore new places and get a better understanding of where in the world I am. Now that I have run around base I know how to get to the Commissary, PX, Subway, and the medical clinic all by myself. Yep, I am a big girl now.

Well I am off for now. I have some things I gotta take care of but there will be pictures coming soon. We move into our new place on the 27th. I will give you all a little tour.

Happy Monday! Make it Meatless!

Off To Germany I Go

I only have a half a day left in the States. Today is the big day. Off to Germany I go. I will be in Germany by tomorrow morning. Crazy to think about. All I know is that I want to be there already and wish that it didn't take a whole day to get there. Thinking about the long plane rides ahead of me is daunting. Especially the nine and a half hour one. That is a long time to be packed in a plane like a sardine with a bunch of strangers. It makes me shiver just thinking about it. There is nothing I hate worse than tight spaces and strangers. Put those two together and you have a lethal mix of potential freak out. I just need to focus on the goal.

I just can't wait to finally get to Frankfurt Airport and see my husband. He is only a day away.

I Hate Goodbyes

I have so much to do today before I leave tomorrow that it is starting to make my stomach turn and my head ache. I am terrified to forget something, and plane rides still give me the unfortunate memory of getting the flu while aboard.

Perhaps the thing stressing me out the most is the fact that I have to say goodbye to my friends and family. I am hanging out with my best friends today for the last time in years, and cooking the last dinner for my family. It makes me sad just thinking about it and I really just want to enjoy my last day with them. I am going to miss them so much!

It will also be my last day running my everyday running route, I just want to soak up all of the lasts of the day and really enjoy them despite the stresses of packing and having a really long day ahead of me tomorrow.

I hate goodbyes.

Germany Here I Come!

It is really strange not to be blogging everyday. Unfortunately I still don't have a whole lot to talk about...except.. I AM FINALLY LEAVING FOR GERMANY! Yep Friday Oct. 22nd. My flight leaves from Sacramento at 8:20am. From there I fly to Ft. Worth Texas, then it's a straight shot to Germany...only a 9 hour and 25 minute flight. You know it is going to be a long flight when they serve you dinner and breakfast on the same flight. Least there is a movie?

At least the flight will be shorter than the process it took to get my ticket. Good Lord. I think the lady was on crack..or should have been. One week, two trips to the ER and two days later she finally got me my plane tickets. Thank you Jesus.

All I know is that I can't wait to finally see my husband and enjoy life in Europe. If anything else goes wrong or prolongs this process I might scream. ( most likely through twitter ).

Happy Blogging

I must say it is quite a relief to not have to blog EVERYDAY. I guess I can truly say I am glad I failed this time. Blogging just isn't meant to be a chore.

I am still waiting on a date for when I am leaving for Germany. I am waiting on either the lady from Beale to give me an itinerary or for Eric to get me tickets. Nothing has happened on either side yet. I would love it if I could finally know the exact date I am leaving. I am so done sitting and waiting.

On a better note, it is meatless Monday. Hopefully I can get can a good meatless meal on my blog tonight. I didn't have time to make a Farmer's Market dinner this weekend. It was a crazy weekend but tonight I  am thinking Indian. It's a little chilly here and nothing warms you up better than curry.

Happy Meatless Monday!

Spent

I have a lot of emotions and feelings to express right now, but I know that no matter what I do, or how hard I try that I can't. I don't have the emotional energy to even try. I have nothing left.

I'm spent.

Blogging Fail

I forgot to blog yesterday. I wish I could say it was because I got lost in the woods on my morning run but that definitely wasn't the case. I was helping my parents get a garage sale together and went to bed asap due to my lack of sleep from having a cats ass in my face all night long.

So as of today... I have two choices.

I can either #1 limit my blogging to 3 times per week in order to focus more on quality instead of quantity.

#2 Attempt the blog everyday for a year deal again with today as the starting date.

#4 phase out this blog and merge together www.everythingimnot.com and www.amberhaas.com somehow.

What do you all think?

Search and Rescue

I am watching Hells Kitchen Right now...I almost forgot to blog...but here I am. I am also housesitting. It is kind of creepy staying all alone in an unfamiliar place. Hopefully I don't die. I must say that I love the location of this place though. It is a lot closer to downtown, and to awesome running trails. I am going to attempt the trails tomorrow but I might chicken out and stick to the roads. I just don't want to get lost and end up on the 5:00 news having to be rescued for not being able to find my way out of a paper bag.

Wish me luck.

If I don't blog by 10:00pm tomorrow you know what happened.

Day Dreaming

You would think that after watching Kitchen Nightmares I would be completely turned off about starting up a restaurant someday...but actually, it is quite the opposite. I guess you could say that I am learning from other people's mistakes, and taking in the tips that Gordon Ramsay gives them. Of course it is still reality TV and you have to keep up a filter of what is real and what is fake but here are some things that I have learned so far...

1. Being in debt blows, and can lead to suicide.

2. Location, Location, Location.

3. Not only does the food have to be good, but it HAS to be fresh. That one is kind of a no-brainer but apparently some restaurant owners failed to realize this before their visit with Ramsay.

4. Good Service = happy customers. No one likes to wait..or to have their food come out wrong.

5. You need a good team. Management can make a world of difference. A restaurant team that gets along and can work in an efficient organized manner is key.

6. You gotta know what you are doing.

Number six leads me to ponder. I would have no idea what I was doing at this point. Luckily I am not planning on opening a restaurant anytime soon, and I couldn't even if I wanted to. But if the time comes that I could actually reach this goal somewhere down the road I would do whatever I could to make sure it would be a success. One of my problems is that although I have a passion for food and cooking, I have a hate for crunching numbers. The whole business part would not be as fun for me...which obviously could be a bit of a problem. I suck at math...so either I study business or find a very trustworthy person to do the dirty work for me. That could be rough.

Anyways, so lets say somewhere down the road I get to open my restaurant. Where will it be located? What kind of food would I serve? Well, I would say that I wouldn't mind opening up a restaurant somewhere in old town Auburn. I love it there. Lots of competition however. As for the food, and style of the restaurant..well I am still thinking on that one. To be determined...

List Making

I am leaving soon..I am still not too sure when but there are a few things that I need to accomplish before I head off to Germany. So here is a list of things I would like to accomplish.

1. Run on the Western States Trail - How could I have lived in Auburn all of these years and never done this? It's pathetic.

2. Make vegetarian tamales

3. Make a Farmers Market dinner for more people than just my family.

to be continued...

Boring Sundays

I think my Gordon Ramsay TV show addiction is growing to an unhealthy level. Except I have learned a few things from watching Kitchen Nightmares. It has shown me that I need to be super prepared and educated if I am ever able to open my own restaurant. I definitely do not want to end up hundreds and thousands of dollars in debt. Just thinking about that makes me feel claustrophobic. I can't imagine the suffocating feeling being that in debt would bring. Yuk.

Anyways..it is Sunday afternoon...I don't know what it is about Sunday afternoons but they are always boring...there is nothing to do. Sunday evenings are another story though. Hello The Next Iron Chef. Can't. Wait.

I am still waiting on a leave date for Germany, but I am hoping to find out by tomorrow. It will be soon though! I can feel it.

Happy Sunday

Brain Fart

I had something in mind to blog about at some point this afternoon but I completely forgot what it was. So much so that I can't really think of anything to blog about really...Technically I already blogged so my brain is already done for the night.

Check out my other blog. It's Tasty. www.amberhaas.com 

Getting Closer

All our stuff is packed. The movers came, re-packed all of our stuff and drove away with it. Off to Germany it goes, and off to Germany I go. I called the Airforce base that is about 30 miles away and all I had to do is send in travel orders through e-mail and then they are going to hook me up with plane tickets. Um, awesome. No trip down a seemingly endless windy road out into the middle of nowhere. I sent in my stuff but I am assuming the lady got to busy to get my ticket for me...monday I suppose. I wonder when I will be leaving.

I could go into greater detail of today's near dramatic event but I woke up at 3:30am so that I could eat breakfast and run before having to go to our storage unit. Soo there is a little fog in my brain. Tomorrow is another early morning because it is Farmer's Market Day! My favorite day of the week. How on earth is it already the weekend? Time flies.

Happy Friday!

Wait and See

Oh my. Things are suddenly moving so quickly. The movers are coming tomorrow to move our stuff from the storage unit. I hope that means our stuff will get there semi-soon. That would be awesome. I just have to get my plane ticket. I was going to go get them today but before I went I got a phone call from Ft. Irwin asking me if I had received my orders and that I have my passport and etc. She informed me that I might not be able to get my tickets through the Airforce because they have been having problems with bases not wanting to Honor other branches orders. Great. So, I will be calling the base tomorrow to see what the verdict is.

On another note. I am going to miss my friends a lot. I got to have lunch with them today. I am really going to miss that. I won't see them or their little ones for four years. The next time I see them their babies will no longer be babies...and the saddest part of all is that they won't remember me.

I am looking forward to see what Germany has in store for me. I am nervous, and I have my fears but there is no use fearing the unknown. I hate wasting energy on anxiousness, which I tend to do a lot. The only thing to do is just wait and see, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

Scared

It would be a lie if I said I wasn't afraid of moving to Germany right now. I am not your average Army wife. I don't have kids yet, I am not into gossip, and I still have goals and ambitions of my own. Of course I want to support my husband but that doesn't mean I have to let my dreams die right? I guess what I am trying to say is that I am afraid to get to Germany and have nothing to do. Sure I could work at the PX, or the commissary but that is 4 years of going nowhere toward my goal. There will be no internships, and no culinary school to attend. What if I just get stuck in the time warp...what if time just stays still. What if I feel lonely? I know my husband will be there...but he is going to be busy. What if he is too busy for me? I won't have friends to occupy free time, or family to visit with.

I'm scared.

The Black Forest

I must say today was a pretty good day. I got some closure on some things and I am excited to head to Europe. I still have my anxiety's ( mostly about crazy terrorists ) and I am going to miss my friends and family but I am ready for some new adventures and to get back to my husband. Hey maybe I will have something exciting to blog about?

I am excited to experience Germany's culture. Especially their food. ( minues the meat ). I think the first place I want to go is a place called the Black Forest. It just so happens that they film this awesome show that I have been watching on Hulu there. I think enjoy it every morning while I eat my bowl of oatmeal. I think you might enjoy it too... Ladies and Gentlemen I present to you. Cuisine of The Black Forest with Chef Walter Staib.

Ah!

For whatever reason, blogger/google is down right now and it is totally bumming me out. I am not going to let it break my year long blog streak. Just in case it doesn't come back up by tonight I am counting this as a blog even though it didn't get posted. It is indeed October 4, 2010.

Anyways, I had a fun day today. I got to go to Chipotle for lunch with my mom. OH chipotle I am going to miss your vegetarian tacos and addictive guacamole. Then we headed over to Sur La Table where I used the rest of my gift card to purchase a rolling case for my knife, and future knives. I love going there. I love drooling over all of the all-clad pots and pans, the never-ending collection of chef's knives, cookbooks, and fancy schmancy blenders and food processors. I love it all.

Perhaps the most adventures part of the day was going to an Indian Market. The place smelled like a mixture of curry and dirty ass cheeks. They had a seemingly never ending supply of rice and lentils which is heaven to a vegetarian but it looked like it had been sitting there since the Y2K scare. Out of pure guilt of being in the store shmoozing we didn't want to leave the empty store equally empty handed. We ended up leaving with a big bag of turmeric and split mung beans. I know what is for dinner tomorrow…and the next day…maybe if I go to Germany smelling like curry I can ward off any terrorist attacks.

That's it for tonight, I am going to watch some Kitchen Nightmares and head to bed.

Happy Monday, hope it was meatless! 

God Help Me

I am baking some apple pie right now. Yup, don't be jealous. Seriously don't. It's healthy and I would guess about 99% of you wouldn't like it...but it contains no refined sugars, a gluten free crust, and apples picked from the tree in our own backyard. Fresh and healthy. Tasty..to be decided.

Anyways, I am hoping at some point this week to be able to find out my official leave date. Of course I have to travel to Europe just as they are warning Americans about traveling to Europe and within Europe. Seeing as I have had a bit of a lucky streak and won two contests in a row, I am a little terrified. I am never fortunate enough to win anything without Karma coming back to kick me in the ass...or kill me in an unfortunate terrorist attack. It's amazing how people like Osama Bin Laden who live in caves can plan such intricate attacks. You would think their only attack could be to throw rocks, or burn each other's turbans. God help me.

Better Day

Today was a better day. I got to see my food getting sampled out at the farmers market, and I am looking forward to going to Germany and finally being able to see my husband. I might freeze though. It is already cold there, and still hot here.

I am kind of at loss for words considering I am distracted by a Saturday night movie called Canvas. I have never seen it before, didn't intend on watching it, but it unwillingly has my attention.

For some reason it brings back memories Sunday night Tv. I miss shows like Walker Texas Ranger and  Touched by An Angel. I used to love those shows. Thanks to my brother graduating from Liberty University in VA I got to to see Chuck Norris himself give the commencement speech. Yea thats right Chuck Norris.

Anyways...I think I am going to end this here. Here is a little preview of what I got at the Farmers market.

I love Chard it's pretty

Just a Little Sting

I still have to admit, I don't feel like talking or blogging, but for your sake, I will try.

So it's official now. I am leaving for Germany in the very near future. All I have to do is ship the car and get my plane ticket. For all I know I could be leaving by next week. I am a little nervous. It will be quite a change in environment, and the language barrier could be potentially harmful to my vegetarian diet. I will feel way out of my element. Not to mention it is an eight hour time difference. Eight whole hours! Do you know what that means? Well, that means that if you are a morning pooper, you will be pooping at night. Yep that is what an eight hour time difference can do to you.

All of our stuff will be in storage still when I arrive so as far as the kitchen utensils go, I will also be out of my element. I do have my new knife though, and there is no way I am leaving my baby behind. I think I will have to get a case for it so it will fit as snug and safe as Jesus in the manger.

I have a lot of things to get done. One of them being telling Jinny at Tsuda's that I can't be her next intern after all. It stings just thinking about it. I had a hard time looking at cookbooks yesterday at Barnes and Noble, and that is one of my favorite things to do. Even seeing Tsuda's menu lying on the kitchen table makes my heart sink a little. I know that this one opportunity shouldn't make or break my passion and career dreams in the culinary profession but it will definitely be in the back of my mind. I am afraid that Germany will not have anything to offer me as far as that goes. Not only do I not speak German, but I don't eat meat. I think I am SOL in the culinary department.

I am looking forward to seeing my husband though. It has been way too long. It never feels good to spend 6 months a part from a loved one. Least he probably forgot how annoying I am by now. It is time for me to remind him.