An Americhick in Denmark

Say It Ain't So, Joe…

wrenni — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:49:13 +0000

Being a good Americhick, I have attempted to stay somewhat abreast of the happenings during this election year. Reading at least something about the candidates and their views, trying to find points and counterpoints to what they say and what has been said about them, and watching the debates. The third one is now over, and all I can say is WTF was John McCain thinking about? Sarah Palin, negative ads, condescension, talking down to the American public, repeatedly spouting lies that have been refuted time and time again… it’s an endless parade of irritating pandering to the rich, claiming how much of a maverick he is while planning to tax everyone who can’t afford it, even as he continues giving tax breaks to those who don’t need it. Not to mention his endless whining about how hurt he was when an outside person, someone he respects and hopes to count on if he gets into the WH, speaks out about how negatively he has been running his campaign of late… I know that both candidates have come up with some pretty amazing things about the other’s policies or plans, but only McCain’s campaign and running mate have lowered themselves to making it personal, claiming it’s about Obama’s ‘character.’ Yes, if there are questions about his associations or past actions, then ask the questions, and find the answers. Don’t make them up as you go, claim them as gospel, and then act all shocked and shaken when your supporters believe them and react. And don’t cry foul when you’re called out on what you’ve done, and claim that your opponent must repudiate what someone not even associated with his campaign has said about your actions. McCain has no power over what people outside of himself and his immediate campain people say (as evidenced by Ms. Palin’s loose lips), but I’ve also never heard of him doing more than stating that ‘he’s a good man, devoted to his family’ when one of his supporters called Barack Obama a terrorist… is that repudiation of the tactics that are happening in his campaign? I think not. But that’s just me… Honestly, I haven’t seen someone act this big of a baby since Bush whined about the first election, or had his lawyers at the ready to sue anyone who suggested he stole the second election. Of course, how Bush even got to have a second election is solely due to the unrivaled ignorance of a good portion of the US. Somehow they were sure that he could do a good job. Unfortunately they’ve been proven wrong in a spectacular fashion.

It will be good when the elections are over, and America chooses its next president. I hope that ALL Americans able to vote will do so, no matter where they are, because if you don’t vote, you don’t get a say in what happens when the person you don’t want in office steps in to do his job. I’ll be voting, from Denmark, because I REFUSE to move back to a country where stupidity and special interests have so much sway as they do now. I can only pray that people can get past their party lines and do a little outside-the-box thinking this time, rather than insisting that there’s only one way to do things. That’s what’s gotten us to this state right now…

Yes, I’m talking to Republicans, even as I recognize that Democrats can be just as stubborn, narrow-minded, and stupid. But for the last 8 years, a Republican’s been in charge, and we’re not looking so good, on the homefront or the world stage. Let’s try something new, shall we?

Of course, that’s just my opinion… I could be wrong…

Emptying the cupboards, tightening the belts, and watching the world go by…

wrenni — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:06:30 +0000

Ok… this was going to be a rambling post about how we’ve having to watch what we spend, and how we’re seeing how we can stretch our cupboard contents through the month, things of that nature. Obviously the economy, whether one is in the States or the rest of the world, is important, and lots of people are talking about it. But, I just read an article on Time.com titled ‘Is Barack Obama American Enough?’ and all I can think is WTF?!?!?! Is he American enough? Where does that come from? His name? How is having a name like John McCain any more ‘American’ than Barack Obama? Because it sounds more ‘American’? Please! Tell that to the hundreds of thousands of millions of immigrants over the years who have moved to the States, making it the country it is today, who have ‘foreign-sounding’ names, but who are as American as Mr. McCain. Tell them that, because of their name, they are, maybe, not American enough. And then see what they say.

Something like that floors me, because not only is it putting importance on a name, but the person attached to that name. In this case, the person attached to that name happens to be black. So, what does that mean for every other person of color, whose name happens to be a little different than John or Sally Smith, or John and Cindy McCain. Are they suddenly becoming ‘less American’ because their name doesn’t fall into the prescribed ‘American’ pattern? Are the Redumblicans (please note that this is NOT a personal attack on my Republican friends, merely a statement against Redumblicans in general) really willing to risk what goodwill they might have with voters on someone taking that attack the wrong way, and passing their opinions to their friends, and so on, and so on, and so on… I’m sure they would insist that what they mean is they are questioning Barack’s associations – his ‘relationship’ with William Ayers, his belonging to a church with a preacher not afraid to speak his own mind – and how those relationships bring to question his patriotism. Obviously the Republicans have forgotten the history of the United States that has encouraged the ancestors of the very people they are seeking votes from today to immigrate to this great country of ours (The USA, not Denmark, I am still a US citizen even as I am becoming a citizen of the world. ). If I recall from grade school history, the founding fathers were traitors and terrorists, the whole lot of them, and proud of it. At least once they believed they could make a change, and take charge of their destiny. Once they had HOPE that they could make our country great. But, you know, who wants to think about that little bit of the past. After all, we aren’t supposed to think for ourselves any longer, or question the government for things like bailing out huge corporations so they can continue spending money recklessly… why, that’s un-American, to think that one man actually can make a difference!

All I know… if a few people hadn’t felt that they could make a difference, NO ONE would be having this discussion today.

Barack Obama is as American as I am. A bonified American hybrid, with the best of a few different flavors wrapped into one, seasoned with adventures, trials, and daily life, seeking the American Dream, just like the rest of us. He’s one man, trying to make a difference. If that’s un-American, then the US is going to be a very small country very soon. John McCain can have that country, I want to live someplace where it’s ok to question what goes on in the government, where it’s ok to speak your mind and have independent thoughts. And there’s NO WAY I’m moving back to a country with John McCain as president, because I don’t believe he can do that. You can shout about being a ‘maverick’ all you want, but unless you do it, it’s all talk.

So that was my rant for today. Now back to our regularly scheduled programme… :p

From the Chick's Køkken: Hot Cauliflower-String Bean Salad

wrenni — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:46:56 +0000

I love food. Oh gosh, how I love it. As is evidenced by my waistline, most definitely. We are working on that still, which I’ll post about a bit later, but in the meantime, it’s important that we adjust our recipes to keep food tasty, but adhering a bit better to lower fat and more natural ingredients. Finally, we have a few recipes that are ready for posting here, which we hope you will enjoy.

Oh, and for anyone considering ordering our particular brand of construction dust seasoning, I hate to say it but we are officially out of stock, and will not be replenishing our supply any time in, say, the next 5 years or so. Yes, you heard it here first, our kitchen is done. DONE!!! Barring a few minor, cosmetic, things, the evolving kitchen has finished its mutating, and now bears a distinct resemblance to a spread in Bedre Bolig og Have (Better Homes and Gardens for the danishly-challenged). Which means that now, we can do anything Betty Crocker can do, maybe even better. And we’re working on the cookbook to prove it!

So, enjoy the recipe, and stay tuned, as I intend to get up a few more over the next weeks. Honest! Props to my sister-in-law Trine for getting her blog going, and including some recipes. She’s an excellent cook, so make sure to check her out.

Hot Cauliflower-String Bean Salad

1/2 Head fresh cauliflower
3 Large handfuls fresh string beans (approx. 350 grams)
10-15 Cherry tomatoes, halved, skin still on (unless you really hate tomato skin, then peel away)
Some Butter/Country Crock/Lätta to taste (yes, this is a random measurement, thus ‘to taste’)
5 Cloves fresh garlic, chopped up
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Cook string beans and cauliflower, drain and set aside. Heat up the butter in a pan, add garlic and tomatoes, cook until garlic and tomatoes are warmed up and butter is slightly bubbly. Dice up cauliflower and beans, put in a bowl and add the butter-garlic-tomato mix, then toss until the cauliflower and beans are covered. Serve with a steak or other type of beast, and it should satisfy even the hungriest man or woman sitting at your table.

Enjoy!

So, I was on the way to the keyboard when…

wrenni — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 23:47:56 +0000

Ok, so it’s been a week. Actually a couple of weeks. Good, bad, frustrating, generally a week (or 2). We’ve been kind of waiting for the DH to get his vacation time, and in between then our diet group came off holiday, so we went in to see the tale of the scale after 3 weeks off. The DH lost a fantastic 4.6 kg. I, however, only lost 1.1 kg. Suffice to say I was disappointed, even though it was continued downward motion, and some slacking on my part occurred. I did continue to support the DH, however, so imagine my surprise at the most recent weighing when I lost 1.5 kg, pushing me over the 5 kilo mark, and even beating the DH (percentage-wise)! Yes, there was much more happiness in the nest this week, and a renewed commitment to the whole adventure. As well, the DH got his 10 kilo reward, as he has moved past that number like a snowball rolling down a hill – gathering momentum as he sheds the weight.

Anyway, the adventure continues… As well, I’m heading back to language school, and starting the new program at business school… oh, and I applied for a job at one of the local international companies, doing what I do best… what can I say, I like to keep busy.

So while the DH is on vacation, we’re planning a barbeque, and working on our apartment, and watching summer pass by on little bird feet… life is, as always, good.

Now for the details from the past few weeks of blood, sweat and vegetables:

Weight – 111.6 kg
Weight lost to date – 6.1 kg (approx. 13,2 pounds)

I’ve made my first goal, 5 kilos lost, and a bit more, which I am quite happy about. Next goal is 10 kilos lost, only 3.9 to go. The DH is heading towards 15 kilos gone, with only 3.6 to go. We also measured ourselves about a week before the group vacation ended, so even though my weight itself didn’t go down so much, there was a shift in the numbers on the tape:
Waist – 106 cm – 1 cm lost… total loss – 4 cm
Bosom (beneath the extra feathers) – 105 cm – 3 cm lost… total loss – 6 cm
Bosom (including the extra feathers) – 123 cm – no change… total loss – 1 cm
Wingbone width – 35.5 cm – 2.5 cm lost… total loss – 2.5 cm
Leg – 75 cm – 4 cm lost… total loss – 4 cm

All in all, I’ve lost a total of 23 cm, which works out to 9.05 inches lost, as of 26 July. The DH has lost 34 cm, or 13.38 inches. We’ll have another measuring party in a week or so, after the next weighing, and see how things are progressing. Whenever I get frustrated with the numbers on the scale, I have to remember to turn to the tale of the tape to remind myself that every small step takes me in the right direction, and patience will pay off in the end. Now to find my worrystone and start rubbing the impatience away…

Until next time, keep the feather side up, and the rubber on the road!

A little funny, to pass the time…

wrenni — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:09:25 +0000

I just saw someting funny in one of the online newsletters I get, had to pass it on…

It’s July, holiday month, so this is so fitting: Denmark is currently closed…

hahahahahahahahahahaha… you have no idea how true this really is!

I’m sorry, but Denmark is currently closed, please call back in August. Tak!

lolololololol…

Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?

wrenni — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:02:38 +0000

The DH and I, being the good geeks we are, marshalled our considerable geeky forces and were first and second in line for the official release of iPhone 3G in Denmark. While we weren’t the very first ones to receive theirs, as Telia shops in Copenhagen opened at midnight for sales, we were among the first in our little town of Randers, pop. approx. 60k, established approx. 1100 AD or so. (Have I ever mentioned that my new town of residence is far older than the country I was born and raised in, by about 500 years?! Boggles the mind sometimes. Anyway…)

So, after waking up the birds, and being on the very first bus, we arrived at our destination and were pleased to find that we topped the line. In fact, we made the line, which was quite entertaining. We got the pleasure of watching the town wake up, street sweepers and early morning delivery men dropping off their goods, the bakeries and cafes straggling open a couple of hours later, it was really kind of cool. We even got to watch the sun rise over the City Hall where the DH and I exchanged ‘jas’ a little over a year ago. Brings back some lovely memories. *sighs* But, I digress.

At about 5:30 am we took our spot, then proceeded to wait. Slowly we were joined by other folks, and chatting ensued, though unfortunately for me much of it was in danish, so I didn’t pay too much attention. I did end up having a nice conversation with another iPhone devotee, discussing politics, religion, and the upcoming election, Obama and Hillary, and our experiences as citizens of our respective countries. She works at (runs, owns, could be all of the above) a local bookstore, and has strong opinions about the upcoming presidential contest. I enjoyed the time, the conversation, and hope to run into her again. All in all, the wait ended up being very pleasant and stress-free, with much camaraderie and no one acting like petulant children denied their favorite toy.

Then, at 10 am on the nose, Danish time, they began ushering us into the sacred walls of the Telia shop to worship at the altar of iPhone. Perhaps that, in itself, is where the problem began. Besides the usual stinginess in availability of said desired product, it seems the shops didn’t quite plan for the response they were receiving for the new toy. Computers began running slow, and it was about 40 minutes before the DH and I walked out with our prizes – bright, shiny new iPhones, one white and one black (so we don’t mix them up) – waving them to those who didn’t take the diehard geekfan route and queue up at the buttcrack of dawn. Then we headed home, only rushing slightly, as if to say that we didn’t really have to hurry, as we had what we came for. But of course, what good is a toy without the batteries? We started working on getting them set up, and ran into a problem. A small issue, but one with rather large implications for our immediate enjoyment of the new phones. It seems that Telia, still forgetting the potential response, didn’t set up the sim cards for immediate activation. So, we have to wait up to 48 HOURS before the card will be activated. Umm… WTF?!? Who came up with this bright idea?

In the meantime, the DH and I are having a bit of fun setting up our phones, and anxiously looking forward to the time when we have activated sim cards, and can actually call them iPhones… rather than iPod touches. Let’s cross our fingers for soon, shall we? All together now…

IKEA Rant #2534

wrenni — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 19:14:26 +0000

Just back from a shopping trip to the Århus IKEA. Now, don’t get me wrong… I love IKEA. Love it in a special way, because of all the goodies lurking, and the flat-packed boxes that turn into fun furniture with some sweat and tools, and the occasional curse because I’m not really inclined to work with my hands that way. But why is it that I must be assaulted by hordes of screaming children when I go to spend some of the DH’s hard-earned kroner on parts and pieces for our little home?!?!?1!!! Honestly… take a perfectly good shopping trip, in a store the size of a small town, that carries pretty much any and everything you could ever want, and serves you tasty swedish meatballs, then add screeching kids screaming for whatever toy or stuffie they’ve just passed, or screaming because they want a nap, or a meatball… you’ve just ruined that perfectly good shopping trip, faster than I can say WTF mate?!? You think I jest? Not bloody likely!

I understand that IKEA is a hard place to resist, and even here the consumerist culture is taking hold (thanks in no small part to the very same IKEA that I hold dear to my heart) and so must be fed from time to time… and a shopping trip can be a fine family outing, checking out all the pretty or interesting things, talking about how you might redo your family room like you’ve been thinking of, the kids happily testing bean bags and bunk beds as you eye that lovely set of sturdy yet still beautiful cabinets that could really refresh your kitchen while the significant other finds the perfect couch for the family room… But must everyone else then be subjected to the pivotal time when the kids go from having fun to just wanting to go home, the parents are still deep in shopping mode, and the kids then do the only thing they know definitely works when they want attention – scream at the top of their little lungs?

Have you ever noticed just how loud a child can get? Today, there was one kid, I swear, at the OTHER end of the store, wailing fit to beat the band, and sounding like he was standing right next to me with a megaphone pointed at my eardrum… If you know how big IKEAs can be, then you know that when I say OTHER end, I don’t mean a few meters away…

Anyway, all this makes me wonder… Are parents of small kids so addicted to getting out of the house that they forget that others might be hoping for a bit of peace as they browse the shops or stroll around, or do they really feel an overwhelming urge to make others suffer when their kids throw tantrum, as if to say ‘Don’t you wish you could have one too?’ Or maybe it’s a warning… ‘Be careful, or you could be as lucky as we are.’ eep

The Lighter Side of Wren – weeks 4, 5, 6

wrenni — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:54:56 +0000

Ah, gentle readers, you might be wondering why it appears I’m writing for 3 weeks at a time. Well, a simple answer… summer vacation! Yes, even those of us attending weight loss meetings get a summer vacation, at least from the meetings. Which, in this case, will also include weighings. So, as we have eschewed a scale in our home as a tool of the Devil, we will not be weighed for the next few weeks. However, to show that we are still committed to the process, and filling out our daily food logs and whatnot, we did measurements this week, and will also do them the last week of vacation, to help monitor our progress. Then, of course, the DH and I will let you know what the results of 3 weeks of self-discipline have wrought, at least according to the scale

Some small details about the Wren:
(as of 7/5/08)

Height – 172 cm – as of yet, no change
Feather-weight – 113.7 kg
Waist – 107 cm – 3 cm lost, approx. 1.25 inches
Bosom (beneath the extra feathers) – 108 cm – 3 cm lost
Bosom (including the extra feathers) – 123 cm – 1 cm lost, approx. .5 inches
Wingbone width – 38 cm, as of yet, no change

So far, I’ve lost 17 cm, approximately 6.75 inches in all. Not too bad for eating more like a bear than a bird. The DH (lucky duck he is) has lost 20 cm, approximately 7-75 inches in all. *sighs* The endless battle continues, but I guess it’s to be expected, since he is a guy. I could go on about the fairness, or lack thereof, of that, but I won’t.

We’re still working out recipes, which I will be posting in the next week or so, I promise. It takes a while to adapt some of our prior meals into a more healthy, weight-reduction-encouraging fare, but we’re working on it diligently. We figure it’s better to have the food we like fitting into the new regime, as it will (hopefully) keep down the cravings and ‘sinning‘ via McDonald’s or the local chocolate shoppe. ‘Sinning’ is what our group called wandering off the diet path. I think of it as almost a necessary evil, just to stay sane at certain times, but still best to be avoided as much as possible. All I can say is, I’m really glad God doesn’t have a weight limit in Heaven… just in case. ;=D

The Lighter Side of Wren – week 3

wrenni — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:23:06 +0000

Ok, weigh-in time, end of week 3. But first, this disclaimer: All numbers are after an incredible weekend spent celebrating the DH’s best friend’s wedding, which included copious amounts of food and drink, almost no sleep, and a slightly off-the-plan hangover remedy. We did manage to get ourselves back on track on Monday though, so it’s not all bad.

Details so far:

Weight – 113.7 kilograms
Weight lost to date – 4 kilos (8.8 pounds)

So, not quite as exciting as before, but still downward movement on the scale, which is what counts. I’m a kilo shy of my first goal, but I am proud to announce that the DH has reached his first 5 goal this week, even with all the wedding debauchery. Three cheers for him!!! *beams*

Another week begins, here’s hoping I hit my goal at the next weigh-in, which will be in 3 weeks (summer holiday for the weight loss people). I’ll let you know what happens. We will be updating our measurements in a week or so, please stay tuned…

The Lighter Side of Wren – week 2

wrenni — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:28:25 +0000

Ok… now it’s the end of week 2 and and our third weigh-in, time for another round of truth in advertising. We’re beginning to hone our creative cooking skills, and with the fantastic addition (did I say fantastic? I meant fan-freakin-tastic) of our long-awaited stove, sink, dishwasher, and running water in the kitchen (say it with me, hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!), we now have the abilities and advantages that those additions can bring to make even more creative culinary wonders… some of which will be listed under The Chick’s Køkken, after being suitably taste-tested, of course.

At any rate, another week, another round of hard work and adjustments, and here are the results:

Weight – 114.2 kilograms
Weight lost to date – 3.5 kilos (7.7 pounds)

My first goal – drop a size and fit into the new pair of jeans I picked up in Washington while visiting Vicky. Not much further now, 5 kilos equals a size lost. 1.5 to go… The DH lost slightly less than I did, 1.4 kilos, but is doing a magnificent job, much closer to his first 5 goal… I am so proud!

Until next week -