Tuesday, January 4, 2011

State of the Union Address


Ok, so I'm not sure about the direction or status of Life in Graz in 2011. My blogging's been sparse lately and, honestly, it's because I don't know what to tell you. We've pretty much settled into life here and that means we have our routine and we're kinda...well, boring. At least in blogging terms. It's a good thing, you see. Stores don't overwhelm us, we know where we're going, one of us understands the language pretty well, we like recycling, we (I) know how to cook without the lack of certain ingredients getting in the way, we've got friends, work, favorite spots and basically, we're cruisin'.

"V to W": Call me immature, but this, however, never gets old or ceases to amuse me.

I can't blog to you about how things shock or appall me anymore...they don't. I could, however, turn it around and write to you in my 'canty commentary way' about how certain things in America now shock or appall me. I could piss some peeps off too. But, do you really want to hear my thoughts and ramblings? And, do I want to put it all out there? I kinda do sometimes. Then, sometimes I don't. It's really quite a serious life struggle.

I also work lots during the day and am back in the groove of blog designing.  And, I love it.  It's the perfect job for me at this stage in my life.  I get to be creative, work on my own time, interact with others, help people add some flair to their life and work towards a goal and tangible (semi-tangible) product in the end.  Being a person that likes a 'project', especially a creative, crafty one, this is important.  It keeps me going.   I think that's why I enjoy cooking and decorating (well, not decorating here but in another life) so much too.  End product, creative process, a feeling of accomplishment.  (I even like cleaning 80% of the time because of this...serious.)

So, we'll see how this year goes.  I just can't post stuff to post stuff..."oh, today we went to the Hilmteich...again!  And, here's pictures of places you've seen before and probably don't care so much about."  I mean...it's getting old, huh?  This, of course, means we need to be more adventurous and I can't count how many times people told me how much more I need to travel while I'm here when I was back in Texas.  I know, I know.  But, our situation right now is unique..and we're not in a place financially to do too much extra...period.  And, I'm pretty much ok with that.  I'm not sure if I would be traveling to other peoples' expectations if we could, anyways.  It's just not my style.

It's also not my goal to go see places just to mark them off my list and say I've done it.  There's a part of traveling (American-style) that feels so forced and stressful to me.  I am no Eat, Pray, Love bimbo, but I want to take little trips and not feel like "I have to go see this and do this" because that's what you are supposed to do.  This usually requires longer trips, so I may not get to do it my way.

That being said, we do hope to take several weekend trips...Venice and Dubrovnik come to mind, but we'll see.  A beach is sounding so quite wondey right now I can almost feel it.  

wondey Dubrovney

So, we shall see. If I get 15 comments (or more) on this post, I will keep going with the blog.  Only one per person, Meems!

Tschuß!

35 comments:

Cat said...

well....I'm glad I'm the first. (and I'm not even a friend from back home keeping up with your 'life in graz'. But, i admire you and think it's great you're getting to walk "that road" that so many of need to. I long for simplicity. I can't tell you how good it has felt to THROW STUFF OUT! Stuff. Everyone's life is filled with STUFF. Stuff we don't even need! I long for my kids to grow up in a more simple, secluded life. (yes, I guess I'll be known as "one of those parents" here in America. Ok, enough ramblings from me. I think I just wrote another post! ha! You BETTER keep the blog up and running! ;)

Anonymous said...

i like your blog very much- and it´s nice to see our city from a different view....

my favourite things around graz- try some of these- maybe some inspiration...

- Tierpark Herberstein in Spring
http://www.herberstein.co.at/

- Grüner See Tragöß in Spring
http://www.google.at/images?um=1&hl=de&rlz=1G1GGLQ_DEAT297&biw=1440&bih=837&tbs=isch:1&sa=1&q=gr%C3%BCner+see+trag%C3%B6%C3%9F&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=

- Freilichtmuseum Stübing (you can easily take the train ..)
http://www.stuebing.at/

- Bundesgestüt Pieper (where the famos white Lippizaner life)
http://www.piber.com/

and one of my favourite things:

take a tour at Zotter Chocolate Factory... and eat a loooot of chocholate...

http://www.zotter.at/de/schoko-laden-theater/schoko-laden-theater-bei-zotter-in-riegersburg.html

Cathy McConn said...

That picture is worth the post! And Elsie has a much better smile than that other SOU person. Keep it up for sure. You don't realize how nice it is for us to see Austria and Graz, even if you think it's repetitious. It's really not, because we have short memories. And we like to see some of those places again. And your commentary makes us smile! Go for 2011!

Amy said...

I completely understand your hesitation of posting what you think are boring daily updates, but for those of us far away, we love it! Keep it up!!!

Juliette said...

I owe you an email, but we just got back from a mini trip ourselves ;-) I say post what you want, when you want. I, for one, am interested in your creative journey and can also empathize on the shock & awe posts.

btw- totally travel on your terms! It's way more satisfying. Also, have you checked out last-minute trips from Austrian tour companies? You might be surprised at some of the deals and steals they post!

Jessica said...

I love the blog, but no pressure!

Anonymous said...

keep going carolyn!

Anonymous said...

That picture is Priceless...

Sara said...

I love your blog and reading about life in Graz! I guess I'm a lurker first time poster, but I hope you will keep on keeping on. I'd love to hear your opinions too. I'm looking to get back into writing always worried if I'll run out of words or ideas but that's just crazy talk. Anyways, I'm Sara, canuck in cali and looking to make an itnl move in the upcoming months. (I'm looking at you New Zealand!) and I support comment #9 on your quest to 15. cheers!

Tamara said...

Keep posting! It is so interesting to see my home country through the eyes of an expat! Alle Gute für 2011!
PS: You should definitely check out Venice and Croatia, they are so close to Graz and so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. Please keep posting.

brookes said...

Challenge accepted! Keep showing us the good life, regardless of how "boring" you may think it is. I love living vicariously through you and your dog. On a for real tip, I do.

Brooke said...

You would be greatly missed if you quit! I know it may seem mundane or boring to you but every day life in a foreign city is exciting to me!

Christi Bennett @ pisforparty said...

You better keep going! You make my laugh. =) I just sent Chris from Celebrations at Home your way for the possibility of a new blog design. She is great!

Niki said...

"But, do you really want to hear my thoughts and ramblings?"

Yes, I do. :-) Most of what I write is boring to most, but I blog anyway.

And I agree with what others have said. Your life may seem boring to you, but I find it so interesting. Austria is beautiful and I love when you post pictures. Even if they're pictures of places we've seen before.

I dream of visiting Europe (and NZ - Sara, I hope you blog about that) and I too am living vicariously through you. Don't stop blogging about your life.

Amy said...

looks like you evoked some emotion in your follower and lurkers! yes, you are funny, regardless of the subject matter, so you must keep us entertained. and now i think you need to make a few side trips to satisfy us!!!

Susanne said...

Please, keep blogging, I love your blog. I am a German living in Tx and I have travelled alot in Austria , summer and winter.
Alle Gute fuer das Neue Jahr 2011.
Tschuess, Susanne

Sara said...

College student from Chicago heading to London for the final semester...It's gonna be a big change and how on earth would I cope with homesickness if you weren't blogging? And how else would I be able to prove to mein bf in Bremen that we HAVE to check out Graz!?
Simply couldn't do it without you. You magically turn any mundanities into hilarities. Let the hilarity ensue! totes diggin' it. Really!

Sincerely,

Another Sara.

Anonymous said...

Dear Carolyn, As an ex-resident of Graz, as an immigrant living in the US, and as a religious reader of your blog (the only blog I read...) I have to say...Please do not stop writing!!! You really have a very charming/open-minded/refreshing outlook on life and your surroundings. There is something very special about this blog...Monika

Erin said...

i think journey says it best:
don't stop bloggin'
hold on to that feelin'
streetlights, people

i'd miss your blog. don't stop.

Waltraud said...

I love your blog, so please don't stop writing :))

Liebe Grüße
Waltraud

Monica said...

Hello Carolyn,

please don´t stop blogging, I love to read what you write. It´s always nice.

Liebe Grüße
Monica

Anonymous said...

i really enjoy reading your blog. i'm from graz and it's nice to see how the tree of you are doing here. :-)

a tip for a cold winter weekend:
thermal bath blumau. http://www.blumau.com/
The building is beautiful!

Julie said...

Hey Carolyn. You've already met your quota, but I'd thought I'd put in my two cents anyway and tell you how much I enjoy your blog. Really.enjoy.your.blog.

Christopher said...

I really enjoy reading your blog as well. Please try to stick with it.

Anonymous said...

nix da, weiterschreiben!

doris said...

Genau: weiterschreiben!! :D Pleease don't stop blogging!!

Kristen said...

Your blog makes me laugh out loud and is easily one of my favorites, so I'm relieved to see there are already more than 15 comments here! Whewww!

You have a writing style that makes me want to read what you write all day....it's fun and effortless and makes for an exceptionally pleasant reading experience, so please write about anything and everything! You're a natural, so please... if it gives you enjoyment...keep it up. :)

melissa said...

So sorry I just read your blog and I see you will continue but I must add my 2 cents in. You can not stop because you make me laugh and that is so important to a good healthy life so for the sake of you aunts life you must continue.

Love,
Melissa

Heather said...

Keep going! Keep going! Glad you got lots of comments so you'll keep posting!
Happy New Year!

Christian said...

> 15 comments -> Keep on :)

Anonymous said...

I love Graz so and when I am in New York i love getting your blog!!! It makes me so happy. Thank you so much for taking the time to do the blog. I am selfish and do not want you to stop writing the blog. Keep going please.

Molly said...

This is just redic. Obvi you're gotta keep bloggin' it up. What would BOD be without her sister blog LIG?

jja said...

I adore both cities but since Dubrovnik is my city my vote for Dubrovnik. Venice is amazing in February and I used to go there every year but Dubrovnik is best in July/August.

Rachel in Heidelberg said...

Sorry have not replied to e-mail yes you need to come & visit me then you can blog about it :p but preferably when I don't have suspected swine 'flu :( I have never been so sick in my life, fingers crossed I manage to stay out of hospital as was threatened yesterday if I don't start to pull through . . .

PS Most Eis in Graz is Italian so you're not missing out but yes Italy is the best place in the world, go to Venice for the carnival in Feb, I've heard it's amazing & much nicer in the cold weather than summer :p

Post a Comment

Thanks for leaving me a comment! You know I love it so.
- Carolyn