Weekend Review {12/28}

It was a long weekend, so lets do the damn thing.

WEDNESDAY -23

I worked from home on Wednesday since most of our office was doing the same and I actually had work to do, so that was a nice change of pace.  I also accomplished laundry since we were leaving that evening for Home, Home.  I did take a break to attend the 8am Crossfit class, which was me being glutton for punishment.  I didn't finish the workout.  Everything hurt, I almost peed on myself, and I had a 9:30 call I failed to get the code for, so I just stopped at the 40 minute cap.  It probably would have taken me another 10-15 minutes, but I wasn't interested.

I was expecting Teh German to get home by 5ish, so when he showed up at 4, I was definitely confused.  He explained that he was going to shower, but he was going back for a meeting that would probably take an hour.  He'd been waiting on this meeting for quite a while (performance review and he was planning to ask for a raise) and it's really been causing some stress, so I was fine with getting it over before the Christmas break.  While he was at work the 2nd time, I did the dishes, packed my clothes, took out the garbage, and loaded everything but the suitcase and dogs in the car.

Just enough space for Phil on the right and then Meri laid in the back behind the present....
#notsorry

When Teh German came home, I couldn't tell if he'd gotten good or bad feedback/news, but he quickly told me that it was a good meeting and that he'd not gotten exactly what he wanted, but DID get a raise, which was better than nothing.  Since the meeting was successful, instead of eating on the road, we decided to celebrate with dinner at Sesame.  We weren't really in a rush to get to Home, Home, so we didn't stress ourselves out over time.

We ended up leaving around 730-8pm and we arrived right around midnight.  Teh Dad and Teh Stepmom had stayed up, despite me warning them of our late arrival.  I did pull an idiot and released the hounds from the car and ended up chasing them through the rain to bring them back inside.  That said, no fenced in yard is an absolute terror in my book.

THURSDAY -24

Teh German and I had a hair appt scheduled at 1030, but I was up at 8 with the beasts.  I fed them and then we headed over to Teh Granny's to go business in her fenced in yard.  Loading the beasts up and driving them to and from Granny's was infinitely better and easier than walking around the yard with the dogs on a leash unsuccessfully begging them to go business.  We proceeded to do this 3x a day for every day that we were at Home, Home.. and by the end, Phil and I were both over it.  Phil because he kept being a retard trying to jump in Yurtle, me because it was so much more effort than just opening the door to let them out.

Christmas Eve Selfies

The calmest puppies in the house.

After a successful hair appt, we picked up bbq for lunch then headed home to release the hounds again.  After food and dogs, we decided to take a nap.  We had to get up to head to our massage/pedi that I had scheduled as a surprise for Teh German.  I finally told him what the surprise was when we were on our way home from getting our hairs did, at which point Teh German told me he'd never had a massage before...  If I'd have known that, I wouldn't have told him what the surprise was.  He doesn't really like new things and I could tell he was a bit stressed about it, especially after I suggested he get fully naked.

There was the one time, Teh German and I ate dog treats because we weren't sure if they were human or dog food since they were made by Teh MD-AR.  Teh MD-AR found this extremely funny... as did Teh Sister and Teh Dad.  #bestboyfriendever

He was a bit nervous when we arrived at the spa, but we parted ways when the masseuse came to take me away.  I saw Teh German again after my massage, when I was going to the nail room.  He had survived the pedicure part, but he was in better spirits.  After my toes were done, the lady said I should sit in the sauna to help my nails dry faster.  That also happened to be where Teh German was at, since he was done with his massage.  The pedi took a while because there were some distractions and there was story time while a scrub soaked in.

Teh German was super relaxed when I stepped into the sauna.  I could feel the difference without even talking to him.  I never quite realized just how receptive I am towards other people's stress levels, but with Teh German, I know instantly, which is good and bad.  When I sat down, Teh German immediately thanked me for the "surprise" because he had really enjoyed the massage.  We chatted for about 20 minutes in the sauna, until I could take no more heat because boob sweat is just gross.  If we hadn't left our phones in the car, you probably would have gotten a sauna selfie, butttt sometimes, it's just better without being tethered.

We ended up leaving just in time to arrive at the closest liquor store at 2 minutes till closing, which we were informed of by the man standing beside the door.  Fortunately, I knew what we needed and I was easily able to find both things and we were checking out right at 6pm.  We saw a guy show up at 6:01 and they had already locked the doors and would not let him in.  #goodtiming

Meri definitely missed her yard time.

We headed back to Teh Dad's for the evening.  I had forgotten to ask someone to feed the beasts, so I fed them first, then took them to Granny's, then it was time for dinner after Teh Sister and Teh Utah Specialist arrived.

It wasn't too late when we went to bed, but I slept like crap because it was hot then cold then hot and I was stressed about Teh German's present and if he'd like it.. and what it was that he got me (a square box and a round box).  I seriously almost got everyone up when I was awake at 2am to open presents because I just wanted to sleep.

Phil was guarding the presents.

FRIDAY -25 (Christmas)

I got up with the dogs at 630 and fed them and took them to Granny's.  I went back home and got back in the bed, but couldn't sleep.  It was everything I could do to leave Teh German alone.  I did try to wake up him eventually around 815, but he was being a Scrooge McGoo, so then I went to try to wake up Teh Sister, who was also being a Scrooge McGoo.  I went upstairs and no one was up and had a breakdown for like 1 whole second and got on the computer and checked FB.  Eventually the family decided to get up and pretend like it was Christmas.

Christmas Selfie!

Teh Dad had to work (he had traded with a guy at work so that way the guy could be off on Christmas since he had young kids), so he was leaving at 9, but everyone was functioning by 830.  We opened presents and Teh German LURVED his "cup" which turned out to be a not-GoPro GoPro camera (normal people call them action cameras).  I was worried he wouldn't like it because it wasn't the GoPro brand, but turns out he didn't care.  I explained all the ways it was just as good as the GoPro (if not better) and he was still pleased.  It took him over 7 minutes to open his gift because I'm psycho and I love making it difficult to get to the good present.  I mean, it did take me over an hour and a half to wrap the presents, so 7 minutes was record time.

(Yes I'm aware that I sound like a 12 year old child.)

Teh German got me the earbuds I'd been stalking on Amazon and a Citizen watch!  I've never had watch this nice before, so I'm excited about getting it fitted to me so I can wear it.  He wanted to get it engraved, but he wanted to make sure I liked the watch before he got #bahlalala engraved on the back.  Even I said, "Awwwwwwww" when he told me his engraving idea.  He's definitely the best.

Teh Sister made me some epic mustache pajama pants.  Now I just need to get Phil and Meri the matching collars.  I'd say Teh German needs pants too, but he got dinosaur pajama pants, which overrode his need to borrow my epic pants (which he informed me he'd be doing right after I opened them).

Badass pants and a weenier dog.

Teh German also scored 14 pairs of very colorful underwear (which I considered an us gift, since I get to enjoy the underwear too, lol) and some socks, both of which he needed, so I'd asked "Santa" (aka Teh Sister and Teh Dad) to get them for him.

After gifts and breakfast, Teh Dad left and Teh German and I skyped with his family.  His grandfather was super excited to talk to him and he even spoke with me some in English.  I love seeing old people get excited about technology.  On the other hand,  I dislike it greatly when people are inconsiderate.  Teh Stepmom decided while we were outside Skyping to let the dogs out on the porch since they wanted out.  This meant that we had weenie dogs crawling on us while we were trying to talk with the family, but then a dog wandered into the yard and all the dogs had to bark at it.  As I'm trying to wrangle 4 dogs back in the house without yelling, one kept slipping loose and going back to bark.  Which meant that Teh German couldn't hear what was going on and his grandfather was already having a hard time hearing before the dogs started barking...  Teh Stepmom helped me get all the dogs back inside eventually.  

After we finished skyping, we headed to Teh Granny's to open presents with Teh Mom.  Apparently, Teh Sister was under the impression that Teh German and I would be physically building our own screened in porch when we move into House, so Teh Mom got us Teh Sister/Teh Utah Specialist and Teh German/me) saw tool sets for Christmas.  I was sad/happy to inform everyone that we would NOT be building our own screened in porch, but paying someone else to do it.  I am NOT Handy Manny.  I can only imagine what kind of disaster that would be.  Teh Mom and Teh Sister were quite disappointed because they had also given us screws as well.

Christmas Selfies with Teh Family

Teh Utah Specialist received the dreaded Purse this year and he did NOT look that excited when he first unwrapped it.

Weenie roast.

Weenie roast.

After we finished opening presents at Teh Granny's, we headed back to Teh Dad's to shower and then go back to Teh Granny's for late lunch.  Teh German got to meet my NC relatives.  He still chooses to love me.  Whew.  After lunch, we headed back to Teh Dad's for a short nap because I was super exhausted.

I had to stop and get a photo when I saw the clouds laying on the mountains.

When we got up, we were lazy for the evening.  Teh Dad showed Teh Sister and Teh Utah Specialist an episode of Duck Dynasty that he'd been saving for 6 months because it was a wedding episode.  We had pizza for dinner and after we played some Cards Against Humanity with A Game for Good Christians.  Teh German and Teh Sister tied for winner.  If we hadn't all already put our cards away, I would have suggested a tie-breaker round, but I was tired and the PMS was strong and I kept my mouth shut.

Awesome pajama pants by Teh Sister... and Judge the weenie.

We went to bed after putting all the cards away.  But not before I noticed at 11:58 that I was 1 German lesson from completing my daily goal.  Despite starting it, I wasn't fast enough and I finished at 12:01, which meant that I broke my 5 day streak, le siiigh.

SATURDAY -26

I woke up with the dogs around 8 and got up and fed them and brought them to Teh Granny's.  When I got back to Teh Dad's, I knew I wasn't really sleepy, so I started coloring in the adult coloring book Teh Mom had gotten Teh Sister and I as a be-quiet-in-church gift.  I hadn't planned on going after Christmas shopping, but we needed colored pencils since we had only gotten an 8 pack and there just weren't enough colors.

At one point, I went to the bathroom to discover why I'd been such a complete bitch and so exhausted the few days prior.  When I came out, I told everyone I'd started which explained why I had been such a bitch and to Teh German I said, "YAY no babies!" and we high-fived.  He blushed a little at first, but didn't seem phased otherwise.  #bestboyfriendever

After I announced that Teh WJL was sick and quarantining herself at her house instead of coming to visit/spread her disease, Teh Dad mentioned going to Boone to find tree decorations for Teh Sister's wedding, but Teh Sister shut that down quick when she reminded him that she was allergic to all things Christmas tree related.

Instead, Teh Dad, Teh German, and Teh Utah Specialist made a trip to Lowes for supplies to build a shadow box that Teh Sister had suggested would be a good first project for Teh Utah Specialist to build with their new tools.  Teh Sister and I left a little later for Walmart for colored pencils and we happened to see Teh Dad's truck at a red-light.  I creeper texted Teh German and Teh Dad dropped off the boys at the mexican place where Teh Sister and I had picked for lunch.

After we all ate, we headed to Walmart.  Teh German picked out the decorations for his tree next year and we picked up lights and some all-year wrapping paper.  We even picked up the colored pencils we had originally set out for and the items on the list that Teh Stepmom had given us.  On our way home, we stopped by the liquor store for Teh Stepmom.

We're adults.
Yes, that's scary to me too.

This hat danced too.
Sadly, it smelled like mildew so it stayed at the store, despite being $3.50.

The Hound Welcoming Committee

When we got home, the boys headed up to the garage to do "manly" projects while Teh Sister and I sat at the table and colored while Teh Stepmom worked on dinner.  We had thanksgiving for dinner, which was delicious.  After dinner was cleaned up, the boys went back to the garage to finish their project and Teh Sister and I continued coloring.

Eventually, the project was complete and the guys came back down.  Not long after, it was bedtime.  After not sleeping well the nights prior and shark week, I was exhausted.

This photo got texted to Teh German when he was being sassy.
He pointed out the shadow on my leg.
So much weenie going on in this photo.

SUNDAY -27

We had planned to leave on Sunday morning.  After taking care of the dogs around 8, I just stayed up and played on the internets.  Teh Sister and I had leftovers and chocolate pie for breakfast, which was delightful.  Once Teh Dad and Teh Stepmom left for church, we started getting ready to leave.  After showers, Teh German and I skyped with his mom for a little bit.  She was having some technology problems, so it was slightly difficult and they were mostly speaking in German, so I wasn't really paying attention much. 

After Skyping, we loaded up Yurtle, which had more space for the trip back.  I'm sure the dogs were pleased about this.  We were on the road by noon.  Despite getting to Home, Home without missing any exits, I went 10 miles out of the way after I missed our exit to I-77S in Charlotte.  Ughh.  Then we saw that there was something backing up traffic on 26 that was going to have us sitting in traffic for 45 minutes, so we took a scenic detour through podunk, SC.  We made it home right at 5.  Teh German unloaded the car while I took care of the dogs. 

After getting everything unpacked, Teh German played with his camera while I colored.  Eventually, Teh Germany was hungry, so I made dinner.  After dinner, we cleaned up the table and I continued the laundry and got ready for bed while Teh German did the dishes and watched YouTube videos.  We were super pleased to be back in Teh Cloud.  The dogs were absolutely exhausted and been napping on the couches since they'd come in after eating their dinner.  They quickly went back to sleep after I called them into the bedroom.  Phil didn't even do his usual stare down at Meri because she'd taken his favorite bed.  He just gave up and laid down and let me cover him with the blanket.

Soon after, Teh German and I joined them for sleepy time.

--------------------------

Teh German was super pleased about his first American Christmas.  He thanked my parents several times for such a good Christmas and we talked about it later as we were laying in bed.  Everyone was pleased with their gifts.  I'm not sure who was more pleased that Teh German hugged Teh Dad, Teh Dad or Teh German.  I was pleased that Teh German had felt like he was family, not a stranger.  Teh German did tell me that when I had went to Teh Granny's with the dogs the first time that Teh Dad had told him that he and I have a connection different than anyone else I had ever brought home.  I had to confirm that was true.  I really just like that Teh German can hang out with my family without me having to be there to hold his hand.  No one else I brought home was comfortable just hanging out with my family without me sitting right there with them.  I never understood it.  Now I don't have to worry about it.  It's awesome.

It was cool to get to "meet" his family as well.  I definitely need to get better at German so I can actually understand what is going on when we get there, but it's a work in progress.  Teh German did say he should start talking to me more in German so I can get better at my listening skills, which are seriously lacking.  I'm not so bad at reading though... ya know, if it's about newspapers, cats, cows, reading, or clothing.

I am super pumped to have another long weekend coming up.  Since we'll be home, we're planning on laziness and rides on Mike and Suzi.  I'm also hoping to get some wedding tasks accomplished for Teh Sister's wedding since I was finally given tasks to accomplish.... a month out.  As if we haven't had over a year to prepare for this wedding.  As I told them in person, they are killing me.  Of course there were jokes about that one time I wanted to run a half marathon on my sister's wedding day.  Oops.  #nevergonnalivethatdown

Hopefully all my Gentle Readers had an excellent weekend/Christmas/holiday as well!
PS.  The final night of the CAH Hanukkah thing was crap, IMO.  Send more cards.  That's what I'm in it for anyways. 

Post-Christmas Selfies
featuring Meri the photobomber..