Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 2)

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1. What are 3 things that are on your Christmas wishlist?

I don’t really have a Christmas wishlist per se as my parents have been giving me money for Christmas, but I am planning to finally buy a DSLR after Christmas. I can’t wait as I’ve been wanting to get one for so long. That is really the only thing on my wish list this Christmas. Of course I also have other things on my wish list (a trip to Scotland in the spring, new running shoes) but they’re things I will buy with my yearly bonus.

2. What’s your favorite Christmas song?

I’m not sure I have one. I don’t really listen to Christmas music unless I have to. That makes me sound like I hate it, which I don’t, I just don’t go out of my way to listen to it.

3. Do you have a favorite band or singer that sings it especially awesome?

See above. Though I have to admit, I love All I Want For Christmas Is You – the version from Love Actually, mostly because I love the movie.

4. Have you heard about the website goodreads?

Yes, I’m on it. Add me!

5. What are 3 books you want to read?

Just three? Hah, I am such a bookworm, my to-read list is never-ending. I want to read the new Jo Nesbo novel (not released in English yet), the new Jussi Adler-Olsen novel (also not released in English yet), and The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, January’s book for #twookclub.

6. Do you hunt deer?

No. I know it’s pretty common in the US (I have friends there who like to go hunting) but here it’s not that popular. I don’t know anyone who goes hunting here, and this being Germany, you probably need a license for it anyway.

7. Have you started Christmas shopping? Are you completely finished?

I haven’t even started. I know, I don’t even have three weeks left to get it all done. I should probably start thinking of presents for my family and best friend, right?

8. Did you shop on Black Friday? What was the best deal you got?

I did shop during the Black Friday week as Amazon UK had great deals on stuff all week. I got an epilator (a.k.a. torture machine), the Zumba DVDs, and I finally got a new DVD player to replace my 9-year-old one. Everything was about 50% off so I’m pretty pleased.

9. What’s one holiday tradition your family has?

We decorate the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. It’s not unusual in Germany but I know that people in other countries put it up earlier than that. For me, decorating the tree is a big part of the afternoon of Christmas Eve. I love decorating ours and turning on the lights for the first time.

10. How many blogs do you read? Do you subscribe/unsubscribe often or do you purge every once in a while?

I actually just cut my subscriptions in less than half, from 130+ to 60. I used to have a lot more spare time but this year I just haven’t been able to keep up with all of them. I do have a few favorites I always read and (try to) always comment on. I think it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and I try to keep a balance now. Quality over quantity, right?

P.S. Be sure to sign up for my Christmas card exchange if you’d like to receive a card from me this year.

Ten on Tuesday (Vol. 1)

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I’m not a big fan of weekly blog memes, but I decided to make an exception for Ten on Tuesday. It’s been around for a while and I just decided to jump in because I hope it will make me start blogging more regularly again. Plus, I actually think the idea of answering ten questions about yourself on your blog every week is a pretty great way for your readers to learn more about you.

1. Do you wear glasses, contacts, or are you one of those perfect eyed people?

Oh, I am definitely not perfect eyed – I wish. I wear contacts. I also have glasses but they are several years old and I don’t wear them much anymore as my eyes have gotten a little worse since I got them. I am considering getting a new pair though, as I’d love to wear glasses again more regularly.

2. What is the next item you are going to purchase?

I actually did quite a bit of shopping last week so I think I am done shopping for myself for now. It’s probably going to be Christmas presents for my family and best friend.

3. Have you ever watched Judge Judy or any other real court show?

No, I live in Germany and we don’t get that show here. I have no idea if Judge Judy is like daytime television here (which is when we get those “real” court shows), but I try my best to avoid it.

4. How do you feel about fake nails?

They’re not my thing. I actually managed to stop biting my nails in August and have been really happy with my natural nails since then. But on others, I don’t mind them. I just prefer for nails to look as natural as possible, even when they’re fake. Another thing I don’t like about fake nails is how they seem to completely ruin your natural nails.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Soccer, hands down. I’m not a huge soccer fan, and I don’t watch a lot of sports on TV, but soccer beats football and baseball any day. I love how fast-paced it is, let’s face it, football on TV is a bit boring. But then, I am German, so it’s probably not that surprising.

6. If you could create your own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, what would it be and what would it be named?

Oh, I am actually pretty happy with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. I might improve it with some caramel swirls, though. I’d call it, Heavenly Caramel Cookie Dough.

7. Do you have any scars?

No big ones. I have a tiny one on my left hand from when my neighbors’ cat scratched me when I was 13. I also have a few small scars on the inside of my arm from giving blood.

8. Does your pet’s name fit them? Is there a more appropriate name?

Boring answer but I don’t have one.

9. What is your favorite television show theme song?

Oh, I think that would have to be the theme song from True Blood, ‘Bad Things’ by Jace Everett. It’s been my ringtone for the past two years. In a close second, the theme song from Gilmore Girls.

10. What was your favorite activity on the playground?

The swings. I don’t think I was ever brave enough to swing across the spindle, though.

On a good morning

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It’s no secret I’m not a big fan of living in a small town. I moved here for my job, and nearly a year later, the job is still the only thing keeping me here. I’m a city girl and always will be, but every now and then, I am grateful for living here, even if it will only be for a short part of my life.

Since March or April, I have been riding my bike to work every day. Just last week, I started walking again. It takes longer but when it’s as cold as it has been lately, I prefer walking. I enjoy having this time to myself, to listen to music and spend another 20 minutes lost in thoughts. Another upside is, it’s so much easier to just stop and take a quick picture.

Today’s sunrise was absolutely beautiful. I have often passed by these fields thinking I wish I had the time to stop and take a picture or I wish I had my camera with me. Today, I took the time to take a few pictures. The pictures were just taken on my iPhone 4S but luckily its camera is pretty good.

City girl or not – I am willing to admit that I am not likely to have an amazing view like this in the middle of Munich. Gorgeous, isn’t it?

P.S. Be sure to sign up for my Christmas card exchange if you’d like to receive a card from me this year.