Catching Up With Sharoncalling

Today I was snowed in. I am at my crash pad in the Ironbound--the Portuguese section of Newark, so named because it is Iron bound, bound in iron, surrounded by train tracks.

I have not been in the mood to write. It happens. Here's a little catching up:

For New Year's Eve I went to Milan and I DID make some friends and I did have a wonderful time. I saw a free concert at the Duomo and went to bed early. Lately my New Year's Eve's have been more thougtful rather than involving swinging from chandaliers (thats what Tsmatios "Sam" says when he describes the proverbial wild flight attendant lifestyle.)

I worked a few flights and then headed to Australia to visit JBR in Sydney. He lives right on Bondi Beach and it is summer there. I originally was planning on staying 2 weeks but it miraculously was extened to a month and I enjoyed every second of it. Yes, even that retarded conversation we had at the end, JB. IT was GOOD, even though very retarded. While in Australia, I almost died near Bateman's Bay on a camping trip and went on my own little expedition to the ends of the earth: PERTH. I ATE and digested with gusto every single bit of it. Kangaroos are crazy weird and Australians are lovely. May everyone get the chance to visit Australia.

I came back mid february to beautiful weather in Arizona. I came back just in time to attend my step-grandfather's funeral. My grandmother was really shook up and I was glad I was there. My Father visited and it was fun to see him interact with his brothers and sisters in the place he grew up. I was there for about 5 days and then went to work: a 4 day trip to Copenhagen, Denmark and a 5 day trip to Cologne, Germany or Koln, Germany. It was my first time to Copenhagen and we stay in the Marriott there. It is lovely, right on the river with huge glass windows for walls facing the river. It was FREEZING. When we arrived, instead of sleeping I went straight out. The second I walked out side, I had a hard time breathing and my nose hairs froze. I barely made it to the mall two blocks away. I shopped a little and went to the grocery store. I barely made it back and didn't leave the hotel after that. Sad, but true. I cannot stand cold weather, the kind that my 7th grade Utah History teacher, Mr. Preist, would say "you could spit in the air and it would freeze there." That's how cold it was. I still had a great time, though. I alternated working out in the gym and relaxing in the steam room and saana. Oh, my life is so hard sometimes.

Next I went to Cologne and it was quite warm there for this time of year. Daffodils were already out and the trees were starting to bud and blossom. It was 55. I walked all over the city the first day and ended up at Zara. That sucked up way too much time but was fun. I usually go in January and July when all the sales are but missed it because I was in Australia. I peeked my head in just for a minute but ended up staying there for a long time. I bought probably 700 dollars worth of clothes and took most of them back the next day. That's what Zara does to me. I kept some red, wedge shoes, a blouse, a denim skirt, and the most beautiful pantsuit you have ever seen.

I fell in love with the bakery that starts with a W. (I've written it down because I knew I would forget. When I get back to Arizona, I'll make sure to put it in this entry). The bread is Amazing. Especailly the Walnut bread. It doesn't sound that exciting but it is. It's one of the top things I've tasted in the world and I have tasted a lot of amazing things.

I was going to go to a free concert at the concert hall across from the hotel at lunch but I spent too much time at Zara. It sucked me in for hours again. Thats why I don't go shopping that often. I know when I do, that it will take me loooong and I will spend a lot of money. Same with music. The problem is, I am often disatisfied with what I buy if I don't take a long time. I know, TMI.

Moving on, I love Germany and determined that in two years, I will move there, probably to cologne. I have the ablility to live anywhere I want and this is not an unrealistic goal. We go to five destinations in Germany and each airport is accessible by train from koln.

I went back to Phoenix, ostensibly to re-pack and teach sunday school. But I also wanted to enjoy the warm Arizona weather and see how my new clothes look with some of my other clothing items. I am bad about that. It was good to be home, once again just for a few days. I arrived Friday, went to a dinner for The Girl Who Does My Hair. Met a few guys that were goobers (I didn't know it then but found out later; I'd tell you the stories but it's mean and would make this entry too long.) Saturday I went to a movie with Katie and company, Sunday I taught and loved it. I really feel like I am a good teacher and make a difference in people's lives. It's one of my most fulfilling church callings. AND it's the easiest for me with my schedule.

Sunday night I went to a party at Dave's. Dave and I have been out a few times and he deserves the best. He is truly the salt of the earth and is creative and interesting. Its too bad it's just not there for me. His parties are fun though. I had a goal that I would meet atleast one guy that I was interested in and that he would ask for my phone number. My friend Annie was going to meet up with us but called and said she wasn't coming at the last minute because of something her ex, sometimes current, boyfriend did to her. He was supposedly going to the party and she couldn't face him, she was such a mess.

Katie and I arrived, we went solo. There were many cute guys I had never met before (that doesn't happen too often at these). I briefly talked to a few when this tall, dark and handsome guy came up to me and started talking. We talked for about an hour, he was so interesting. he's getting his MBA, is around my age. WEll travelled. I thought, No way, this guy is someone I'd be really interested in going out with. I was wearing my new red shoes and feeling pretty hot. He asked about my friends and I said I hadn't made many since I wasn't around a lot and it was jut harder to find good friends these days. I saw Katie and pulled her over, introduced her to Mike and said Katie is a great roomate and friend. She said, "I know you, you are Annie's friend." He said, "WEll, if you are friends with Annie, you must be quality." I said, "yeah, Annie is wonderful. In fact I am meeting her for lunch tomorrow. We love Annie." Katie left, saying she was ready to leave when I was. I said okay. I turned back to Mike and we chatted briefly. Our connection was not so much there now and instead of asking me for my number which I was expecting, he said, "Well, maybe I'll see you around then." That retarded saying. And I looked at him and gave him this big smile and said. "Yeah, maybe. Goodbye." and left. As I was leaving, I had a thought. I hope you are realizing what I was realizing. What if. . .no, what if this were Annies ex, sometimes current boyfriend?? The one she is so upset about, is in love with and wants to marry? The one who keeps breaking up with her and breaking her heart?

We walked to the car and I said, "Katie! Was that Annies boy?" She said, "Yes." I said, " What a waste of my time!!! I had no idea!! I spent all that time talking to him when there were so many other cute guys!! Why didn't you tell me?" She said, "Well, I didn't know what to do. I was torn. It seemed like you guys were really hitting it off and it's not like she owns him." Ohhh. I would NEVER do that to Annie. Can you imagine how it would have made her feel if he did ask for my number and I did go out with him? She didn't go to the party becasue she was at home crying over him! These are the things that happen. You never get too old for these things. As long as you are single, these things happen. What a waste of time. I don't have much time in Arizona so I try to maximise my time use when I'm there. That was a waste of my time.

The next day at lunch with Annie, I told her I met him. She said, he had left the party and visited her right after and apologized for whatever it was he did this time. She needs to dump him or whatever you do when you decide not to see anyone anymore whom you are not officially dating but are making out with. I know its hard to see, I guess, when you are in love. She is such a quality girl and deserves to be treated so much better.

Moving on, I left wednesday for Newark and had dinner that night with Brigham at Forno's of Spain--only one of my favorite restaurants ever. I LOVE talking to Brigham he is just so funny! And fun. He will do things with me no one else will. I already told him twice I will be in love with him forever: 1st for going with me to el chevito d'oro in Queens and second for going with me to Fornos of Spain in the Iron bound. It was snowing and it was my first taste of snow This winter (oh, except Christmas in Utah). I walked to Penn Station Newark, risking my wallet and my life and met up with Brigs there. we walked to the restaurant, ate, and I walked back. I really love my crash pad. It is very "huygglig". A very important Danish word that means, "cozy". Like, comfortable companionable, cozy, away from the cold. That's very important in Denmark.

The next day I met up with Austin and worked the flight to Amsterdam. I will consider posting a very personal letter I wrote to JBR that talks a lot about prayer and God and AMsterdam and Austin. Who reads this blog anyway? My sisters? Occasionally molly and Hiedi and a stranger or two? Maybe Derek the Best? Probably not even JBR. Okay, I have decided I will post it.

So I went to Amsterdam. It's Austin's Spring Break (He's going to law school at Syracuse, New York) and he has never been to Europe. It was his idea to travel with me on one trip and back on another. I agreed. I owe him a lot, care about him a lot and just felt like he needed this trip. Amsterdam was fun. We mostly just walked around. We stay in the museum district and I showed him where the Van Gogh museum is, the Rijjks Museum, and how to get to the Anne Frank House. We also walked past the red light district and on to the touristy area with all of the restaurants and bars. It was cold and rainy, of course. Europe in March. So be it.

I flew back to Newark, took the train to Philadelphia, was picked up by Stringfellow II. Good thing I changed out of my uniform at the train station because he had orchestrated a date that I was somehow on. Soren and Mandy were in the car (and they are DATING now, how exciting) and we went to La Baya on Lombard and 14th or thereabouts and met up with another couple. Then we went to Soren and Stringfellow's house. The other couple left, we watched that suspenseful and then stupid movie called Skeleton Key. It really was suspenseful but then became stupid at the end. Good thing because it was just the kind of movie to give me nightmares. It's a good date movie though because it encourages huddling together under the blanket.

Then I spent the night in my old apartment on 13th and South. Melissa dropped me off at Jennie Hsu's where I had brunch (she lives near Manyunk), went to church and drove to the Patriarch's so Jennie could recive her Patriarchial Blessing. (I hope no one googles Patriarchial Blessing and gets this blog.) It was seriously one of my top spiritual experiences and was very special. That's all I'll say about that.

Monday I took the train to DC and met up with Britain and Ben. I really, really love those two. I consider both my friends and love spending time with them. It never fails to be a good, hilarious time. Their story is a good story but no room right now. Already this entry is massively long.

WEdnesday I flew to Newark and then to Copenhagen. In Copenhagen, Austin met me at my hotel. Yes, that same Marriott, but the weather was better. WE walked all over the city. We ate dinner at this small cafe near the "Troget" (sp?) area but away from the bustle. It's called Cafe katz. Upstairs are tables and you should make reservations if you want one but down stairs are red couches and low tables and they will serve you food, drinks, and cocktails and the atmosphere is funky and huygglig. WE sat next to a photographer who has some of his photos in an exhibit in the National Museum right now. He loves to play the dums. A friend of his has a rehearsal room in the basement of the school his friend teaches at so they just go there and play. He says he loses himself in it and its "like a vacation" every time. He closes his eyes and forgets about everyting else. Our food came, he left. I had this open faced sandwich with minced beef on a slice of white bread. It was topped with capers, horseradish, lettuce and a sweet mustard garlic sauce. Served with Beets. It was seriously excellent and seriously Danish. I drank a raspberry carbonated beverage and we had such a huygglig time.

We came back to the hotel, sat in the Saana, and then went to sleep. I really do love Copenhagen. The next morning, Friday, yesterday we flew back to Newark via Goose Bay Canada for a fuel stop. Got in 4 hours late but happily missed most of the problems from the storm. Austin spent the night at a friends and then took the bus back to Syracuse today. I slept in my Huygglig crash pad and woke up and relaxed all day today. Time has flown. It's already ten pm. Tomorrow I go to Oslo, Norway and meet up with Anne. it's a 4 day trip. We will talk about the trip we are taking in April. She wants to go somewhere warm but I am pretty sure we are going to a Nordic LDS singles conference (again, I hope that's not googled) in Sweden, driving from Oslo. That will be fun because I can see more of Norway and Sweden and being with Anne is always so much fun. Who knows, maybe I will meet my Thor. Probably not. But maybe Anne will. That would be good. Regardless, I think it will be fun because that is what I am sending out to the Universe. Right, Brigham? Right Jana? (The Secret the secret the secret. . . .)