11 December 2008

How Much Wood Can a Woodchuck Chuck?

Did you know the German version of “oops” is “hoppla”? I didn’t until my Internet connection was slow in sending an email and Gmail told me.

I stink at selling plasma. Stink, stink, stink. But I'm not going to give up yet.

The following picture is to show several things. 1. The wooden bow that shows up in windows in Germany this time of year. 2. The CDs and tapes that belong to no one but remain in the apartment. Some say "Made in the DDR" on them. 3. A shirt that I inherited from Sister Grayson. 4. My poor arms. The left always has a good vein for donating blood, but the nurse was new and she couldn't get it right, so that arm is bruised and sore. An older nurse came and went for the other arm, so getting my coat and backpack on and trying to re-braid my hair were all interesting experiences.












My professor (the same one who told us that John Smith founded the Latter-day Church in the late 1820s) said the word “chuck.” As in, “chuck wood.” I didn’t know anyone really said that.

During my first game of Settlers after a several-month pause, I threw a tantrum and quit. Oops. Two days later, I played again against my roommate. It was going horribly but I was determined to stick it out. My eights and variety of resources finally paid off and I won! Wahoo! Queen of Catan once more!

Here's a picture of Sister Dixon (from Harmony, Utah), and Kira (from Ohio), and I after we made cookies at the institute. Well, they made cookies. I just ate what seemed like pure sugar and played a few games of Kicker (which warranted more comments about how I must practice all day--yeah right, like I have the time). Afterwards, Sister Dixon massaged mentholatum into my back, saying that my cold had settled there. I think it's a slipped disc, and it is getting worse and worse each day. Sitting is not fun and nothing really brings relief, but I have no desire/time/money to see someone about it. Additionally, I've lost my wrist brace that I used whenever I used the computer. Carpal tunnel is back as a result. Another reason to feel old. Oh, and that bluish-greenish sweater I'm wearing is another hand-me-down from Sister Grayson. That was the first time I dared wear a belt over a shirt.













I have a big announcement! But I'm going to wait to announce it until I get comments from at least ten different people proving someone actually reads my ramblings.

20 comments:

  1. Ok, here is your first comment. It is enjoyable to hear about the goings on in Germany with the Saints there. I enjoy the pictures too.

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  2. haha. Never heard of hoppla.. I like it though. I might have to say it every once in awhile now!!

    I want to know what this announcement is.. so I am commenting to show that I read your blog. ;) haha.

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  3. I read your ramblings! And I want to know your announcement! And I wish I was Queen of Catan...my roommate has kicked my butt the last three times we've played.

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  4. I love your blog. So sorry about the arms. I got a flu shot last week, and couldn't lift my left arm, because the nurse who poked me didn't go straight in. Grrr.

    I wonder what your announcement is?!? Does it have anything to do with where you'll be next year?

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  5. I have an announcement, too, but I'm not telling until you tell.

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  6. seven. and i was wondering if your paper was written in german or english. I'd be interested in reading it if it's in english. And I totally know the love and frustration that come with playing Settlers and Cities and Knights.

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  7. No. 8 checking in. If this works for you, I'll have to try your technique of holding the next post hostage until the last post earns enough comments!

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  8. Here's #9 and #10 is waiting over my shoulder. I should've waited to comment until I got an email from you proving that you read mine! My word verification is coutsi - as in - I wish I coutsi you!

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  9. Shalom! Here's number 10. I want to hear your announcement. Also, your ramblings do tend to ramble, but are quite enjoyable. Also, you need to sign into facebook more.

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  10. I love reading your blog. Looks like I'm #11 so you better post your announcement fast!

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  11. i read your blog all the time. i think it's AWESOME that you're going to school in Germany. AWESOME. I'm incredibly jealous, actually. I feel for you and being perpetually cold and getting sick all the time and struggles to find resources for all your papers but it sounds like you have a good time as well. Good luck with everything!

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  12. Of course we read your ramblings! It is nice to get positive reinforcement, isn't it. :)

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  13. of course i read your blog, michelle! i'm very faithful--but i should comment more. love you tons! :)

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  14. I don't have any anouncements.

    Soooo....what's yours?

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  15. Even I read your blog and now I want to hear the announcement. Erin - the girl you met in Leipzig in May that worked for the attorney. How is Mike by the way and Holger and everyone else? I can't remember too many names? And sister Grayson? I remember her!

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  16. I can't believe all the people who fell for the leave 10 messages and I will announce something scheme. Not me.
    I am not leaving a message.

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  17. I wanna know this secret. And Amy's does she really have an announcement?
    Amy???

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  18. Thanks for the comments, everyone! I've finally posted the announcement!

    Celia Marie: my paper was in English, but it was quite horrible. If you really want to read it, I'll send it.
    Erin: Everyone's doing well in Leipzig, and Sister Grayson just went home a few weeks ago (she can be found her in facebook as of Monday). Amy (my sister from the same mother): do you have an announcement? And is it the opposite of mine?

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