This post title translates as Nickname for all you non-german speakers!
I have gotten a new nickname! Just to update everyone on my current nicknames I'll list them first!
Spiller
Steve-o
Stevey
Tiny
Four is respectable but now I have a fifth and its in Germen! Schnuckel, I go red when people call me this. Its my nickname in my "local" ExCorner. Again for non-German speakers Schnukel can mean sweetie, cuite, cutie pie....
If anyone calls me this back in Ireland I will slap them!
Tuesday 29 April 2008
Beat the Star
Firstly OMG Vernon Kay is hot!!!!!!!
Saturday was great fun though long. We arrived there at 5:30pm (17:30) and registered etc. We then stood around and waited, I managed to meet firends who I didnt know where going. (I know too many people every where I go!). We eventually were brought into the studio at 7:00pm (19:00). The warm up guy was very good and funny. He was delighted the Majority of the audience were english speakers and not German like most of the previous audiences!
They first did audience shots which is very strange. About 5 cameras are pointed at the crowd as you clap, cheer, woop and go aww for no reason!
Of course as usual with the comedian during one of the 'Ad Breaks' managed to mock me! As per usual, I was the only one in my group to be singled out there was 8 of us! It was about my hair as the Guy in front of me had a mullet and was a hairdresser!!!! Of course I suffer greatly from Staircase wit. I only thought of a response afterwards. For those that know me, yes I changed my hairstyle, and I like it.
The show itself was very interesting though a few of the rounds could have done with being timed. Otherwise it was very enjoyable.
We eventually got out at 23:00! I then went clubbing so it was a good night!
The show that was filmed will be aired on June 8th. I am told it is my teeth that will be seen as friends were on the otherside of the study and thats all they could see of me!
So tune into ITV at 18:20 I think for Beat the Star! Its the last episode on the series, but it will be interesting to watch it as I saw it filmed!
Tschüs!
Steve
Saturday was great fun though long. We arrived there at 5:30pm (17:30) and registered etc. We then stood around and waited, I managed to meet firends who I didnt know where going. (I know too many people every where I go!). We eventually were brought into the studio at 7:00pm (19:00). The warm up guy was very good and funny. He was delighted the Majority of the audience were english speakers and not German like most of the previous audiences!
They first did audience shots which is very strange. About 5 cameras are pointed at the crowd as you clap, cheer, woop and go aww for no reason!
Of course as usual with the comedian during one of the 'Ad Breaks' managed to mock me! As per usual, I was the only one in my group to be singled out there was 8 of us! It was about my hair as the Guy in front of me had a mullet and was a hairdresser!!!! Of course I suffer greatly from Staircase wit. I only thought of a response afterwards. For those that know me, yes I changed my hairstyle, and I like it.
The show itself was very interesting though a few of the rounds could have done with being timed. Otherwise it was very enjoyable.
We eventually got out at 23:00! I then went clubbing so it was a good night!
The show that was filmed will be aired on June 8th. I am told it is my teeth that will be seen as friends were on the otherside of the study and thats all they could see of me!
So tune into ITV at 18:20 I think for Beat the Star! Its the last episode on the series, but it will be interesting to watch it as I saw it filmed!
Tschüs!
Steve
Wednesday 23 April 2008
Tanz in Den Mai
Tanz in Den Mai is another excuse for the Germans to party. It means to dance in the May. It normally involves people going out on April 30th and dancing beyond midnight. Unfortunately for me, this year its on a Wednesday which means if I do go out, I have to get up early on Thursday. I am still debating it, though I should make up my mind soon. We'll see, I'll probably end up going out as their is a big party in Alter Wassel under the Bahnhof.
Tuesday 22 April 2008
Domestic God Test: The result
So I never got around to posting this yesterday for a myriad of reasons, all connected to minding children and very little time at the PC. So lets review my weekend then.
Friday was the easiest day. Got Döner and chips for dinner and watched "Im Dutzend billiger", "Cheaper by the Dozen" in english. Good show, boys went to bed easily.
Saturday I went to collect the friend while leaving the boys to do their chores and practice their instruments, now I didnt trust them to do this so I set traps, ie a pencil on the piano, and when I came back pencil still there. I tackled Timo. He admitted he hadnt practised. Then I tackled Malte, asked did I have to check the accordian for the trap (there was none) but Timo shouted out he hadnt done it!
I started getting the food ready at this point and the potatoe peeler refused to work for me. Eventually Malte came in and offered to do it, he peeled all the potatoes for the Shepards Pie. Was delighted with him. Eventually I got everything cooked and sat down to eat. Malte isnt a great fan of meet, especially when onions are involved so I ended up his meet, BUT I had to share it with Timo! It went down a strom, we saved some for the parents who also liked it on Sunday, will be cooking again it seams...
We got Timo ready and brought him to his birthday party and me and Malte returned to the house, I did a small bit of cleaning and then we started watching Dr. Who. I have become addicted to the new series and love it. The boys liked it too, Timo arrived home halfway through it. Now the boys are one of those annyoing people who have ask questions about hypotheticals from a TV show. this drives me mad, so I had to refuse to answer questions. After a bit of restitance, the boys eventually went to bed.
Sunday of course was the day I had set aside to go to the Rheinepark, now German parks are something else, this one even had a kleinbahn! Which we went on. The weather was glorious so while the kids played I read a book, it was sheer bliss. We eventually returned home, just before the parents!
So the verdict, granted these are self assesed!
cook: a shocking distinction
clean: A merit, Its not a strong point, but managed it
shop; Distinction, did what was required and then some
get boys up in the moring: pass, as they did it themselves
get one ready for birthday party, take hime to the birthday party: pass, wasnt exemplary or anything
make sure they are clean: They were clean all weekend, however I managed it I dont know!
I think I am therefore a Domestic God! :D
As people used to say before, I'll make a great house wife some day! :D
Friday was the easiest day. Got Döner and chips for dinner and watched "Im Dutzend billiger", "Cheaper by the Dozen" in english. Good show, boys went to bed easily.
Saturday I went to collect the friend while leaving the boys to do their chores and practice their instruments, now I didnt trust them to do this so I set traps, ie a pencil on the piano, and when I came back pencil still there. I tackled Timo. He admitted he hadnt practised. Then I tackled Malte, asked did I have to check the accordian for the trap (there was none) but Timo shouted out he hadnt done it!
I started getting the food ready at this point and the potatoe peeler refused to work for me. Eventually Malte came in and offered to do it, he peeled all the potatoes for the Shepards Pie. Was delighted with him. Eventually I got everything cooked and sat down to eat. Malte isnt a great fan of meet, especially when onions are involved so I ended up his meet, BUT I had to share it with Timo! It went down a strom, we saved some for the parents who also liked it on Sunday, will be cooking again it seams...
We got Timo ready and brought him to his birthday party and me and Malte returned to the house, I did a small bit of cleaning and then we started watching Dr. Who. I have become addicted to the new series and love it. The boys liked it too, Timo arrived home halfway through it. Now the boys are one of those annyoing people who have ask questions about hypotheticals from a TV show. this drives me mad, so I had to refuse to answer questions. After a bit of restitance, the boys eventually went to bed.
Sunday of course was the day I had set aside to go to the Rheinepark, now German parks are something else, this one even had a kleinbahn! Which we went on. The weather was glorious so while the kids played I read a book, it was sheer bliss. We eventually returned home, just before the parents!
So the verdict, granted these are self assesed!
cook: a shocking distinction
clean: A merit, Its not a strong point, but managed it
shop; Distinction, did what was required and then some
get boys up in the moring: pass, as they did it themselves
get one ready for birthday party, take hime to the birthday party: pass, wasnt exemplary or anything
make sure they are clean: They were clean all weekend, however I managed it I dont know!
I think I am therefore a Domestic God! :D
As people used to say before, I'll make a great house wife some day! :D
Friday 18 April 2008
Rhymes
Since I came here I have discovered alot of old Nursery Rhymes and rhymes about things have come back to me. For example I have taught the Boys "Ring a' Ring a' Rosy", its great fun on the trampoline.
The other night there was a Red Sky and of course that rhyme instantly came into my head.
I always liked that one and its turned out true. There was another on last night and it seams to be holding true again! Though it might be cold, it was 0°C leaving the house yesterday it was a gorgeous day! Hopefully today will be too!
Another rhyme that has been bugging me and the boys have latched on to despite the fact I cant remember the whole thing, is the one about magpies!
Of course my normal way for avoiding the Sorrow is to wave at the magpie, though when my sis was here she said something that the boys prefer, "Touch Green, Never Seen" I personally dont remember that one, but it works it seams!
Now the last ryhme is one my Mum taught me and I can never get right though its in my head alot at the moment about months of the year, I googled it and I found a site that has no less then 67 versions of that, trying to find the one my mum thought was fun! though there are some really fun ones there! I hope I picked the right one!
Hope these have inspired you to remember your childhood rhymes!
Tschüss
Steve
The other night there was a Red Sky and of course that rhyme instantly came into my head.
Red sky at night, shepard’s delight. Red sky in morning, shepard’s warning
I always liked that one and its turned out true. There was another on last night and it seams to be holding true again! Though it might be cold, it was 0°C leaving the house yesterday it was a gorgeous day! Hopefully today will be too!
Another rhyme that has been bugging me and the boys have latched on to despite the fact I cant remember the whole thing, is the one about magpies!
One for sorrow,
Two for joy,
Three for a girl,
Four for a boy,
Five for silver,
Six for gold,
Seven for a secret
Never to be told
Of course my normal way for avoiding the Sorrow is to wave at the magpie, though when my sis was here she said something that the boys prefer, "Touch Green, Never Seen" I personally dont remember that one, but it works it seams!
Now the last ryhme is one my Mum taught me and I can never get right though its in my head alot at the moment about months of the year, I googled it and I found a site that has no less then 67 versions of that, trying to find the one my mum thought was fun! though there are some really fun ones there! I hope I picked the right one!
30 days hath September
April, June and November
all the rest have 31
save February with 28
but once in four
has 1 day more.
Hope these have inspired you to remember your childhood rhymes!
Tschüss
Steve
Sleeping In
At home I would regular sleep in and be rushing to work, especially after a night out. This week it happened to me for the first time here and I wasnt even out the night before! Luckily all the rushing at home has me well prepared to get up and dressed quickly! Thankfully the boys are slow at getting up and was still finished me breakfast and teeth brushed before them! :D
Domestic God Test
Well we all know what skills are nessecary for a Domestic Goddess (though in my opinion thats a bit outdated!) This weekend I will face a Domestic God Test. I have to look after twin boys, cook, clean, shop, get boys up in the moring, get one ready for birthday party, take hime to the birthday party and make sure they are clean!
It will be an interesting test but can I do it?
Leaves odds as comments!
Tschüss
Steve
It will be an interesting test but can I do it?
Leaves odds as comments!
Tschüss
Steve
Thursday 17 April 2008
1 day to D-Day
Yikes so tomorrow my host parents are off to München for the weekend and leaving me alone with the boys! AAHHHHHHHHH!
I am kind of worried as over the last few days, apart from yesterday, me and one of the boys have had almighty flare-ups. I mentioned before I introduced the concept of Brownie Points and I am really pushing it this week. The boys are on 7 points at the moment having been on -10 on Tuesday! There are really working hard to improve this!
Hopefully I will come up with ideas to keep them active over the whole weekend. Thankfully one of the boys has a birthday party on saturday so thats one less to worry about! :D
Anyway I must go now to sort a few things out around the house! Will hopefully post a few things tomorrow before the parents leave!
Hope every has a nice weekend... please think of me....
Tschüss
Steve!
I am kind of worried as over the last few days, apart from yesterday, me and one of the boys have had almighty flare-ups. I mentioned before I introduced the concept of Brownie Points and I am really pushing it this week. The boys are on 7 points at the moment having been on -10 on Tuesday! There are really working hard to improve this!
Hopefully I will come up with ideas to keep them active over the whole weekend. Thankfully one of the boys has a birthday party on saturday so thats one less to worry about! :D
Anyway I must go now to sort a few things out around the house! Will hopefully post a few things tomorrow before the parents leave!
Hope every has a nice weekend... please think of me....
Tschüss
Steve!
Sunday 13 April 2008
When the language barrier gets annoying
Last night I went to a club/bar thing that I go to alot as its closing at the end of the month :( But something happened last night thats really annoying. While walking with my drink, some idiot raised his elbow, hit my glass and it hit my lip. My lip was pumping, in two places, so I ran to the toiletten, were the bathroom attendant started shouting at me in German! I retaliated by shouting that I didnt speak German (in English to annoy her!) eventually she got kitchen role for me.
Last night kind of hit it home to me though. If I am to come back to Germany, which I do plan to do, I'd want to be bloody fluent in the language.
I'm all right now btw (no need to ring mum!)
Friday 11 April 2008
Up Coming Weekends
I have a few interesting weekends coming up starting this weekend (well it actually started last weekend with my sisters visit! :D ). This weekend sees the family setting off to Frankfurt Am Main, leaving me all on my own in Köln. Not that I mind as they are visiting friends, who will more the likely not speak English and I'll be bored out of my mind!
Next weekend the parents are off to München and leaving me with the Kids, yes thats right a whole weekend, just me and the Kids. A friend has suggested we take them to the zoo on the Saturday to tire then out! We'll see what happens!
The weekend after that sees them go off walking for one day and at one point they were staying over night so another weekend alone for me!
The weekend after that sees a former Au Pair coming to stay so I will have company at least! Shes English so speaks English! YAY!
Good Parenting Skills?
Well I have 35 days left in Germany and I did something yesterday that I didnt need to do before. I actually had to send one of the boys to his room. Now, I'm not normally one for punsihments, my bark is normally worse then my bite (literally as I shout!). Normally my punishments would be in the form of not doing what that kid wanted to do. But today, it went to far.
Now it all started off with them both provoking each other to hit each other and of course being boys they did, which led to a shout from me. This continued for a bit but then stopped. Then all of a sudden, one of the boys hit the other full force in the lower back. That was it for me and I sent him to his room. When he eventually went he a hit a few walls on the way and slammed the door.
Of course when his father returned he told his side of the story claiming I should have sent the other boy to his room also. When I explained the story, literally what I have written here, the father said no more, but was I right?
I'm not a fan of big punishments like this, I prefer the old guilt trip or reminding them of times when we are alone if they want to watch TV and that they would want to behave.
I explained 'Brownie Points' to them recently enough and that idea has them whenever I get agree to be good for quite a bit and make me tea and that to gain to elusive points! I think this works better and is more poistive then sending to the room, but yesterday I was tired and was fed up completely with their actions, did I over react? hmmm time will tell...
Now it all started off with them both provoking each other to hit each other and of course being boys they did, which led to a shout from me. This continued for a bit but then stopped. Then all of a sudden, one of the boys hit the other full force in the lower back. That was it for me and I sent him to his room. When he eventually went he a hit a few walls on the way and slammed the door.
Of course when his father returned he told his side of the story claiming I should have sent the other boy to his room also. When I explained the story, literally what I have written here, the father said no more, but was I right?
I'm not a fan of big punishments like this, I prefer the old guilt trip or reminding them of times when we are alone if they want to watch TV and that they would want to behave.
I explained 'Brownie Points' to them recently enough and that idea has them whenever I get agree to be good for quite a bit and make me tea and that to gain to elusive points! I think this works better and is more poistive then sending to the room, but yesterday I was tired and was fed up completely with their actions, did I over react? hmmm time will tell...
Tuesday 8 April 2008
Bye Sis!
Well my sister is currently aboard here Ryanair (ugh) flight from Franfurt-Hahn to Kerry. It was snowing last night when she arrived in Franfurt and still was this morning. I'd say the plane still took off on time!
We had a great weekend here in Köln, shopping on Saturday in Köln Arcade out on Kalk Post. On friday night she met some of my friends and on Saturday we went to a Russian bar (the hangover from Russian Beer is horrible!!!) and to a club!
On Sunday we went to go to the Dom but mass was on so we went to Romanische-Germanischen a fantatastic museum here in Köln.
I have pictures from the Weekend and will probably post them tonight.
Tschüss!
Steve
We had a great weekend here in Köln, shopping on Saturday in Köln Arcade out on Kalk Post. On friday night she met some of my friends and on Saturday we went to a Russian bar (the hangover from Russian Beer is horrible!!!) and to a club!
On Sunday we went to go to the Dom but mass was on so we went to Romanische-Germanischen a fantatastic museum here in Köln.
I have pictures from the Weekend and will probably post them tonight.
Tschüss!
Steve
Friday 4 April 2008
100th Post: 42 days to go!
Well this is my 100th post! :D Wooo! But today I have also realised I have 42 days left in Köln before I depart for Amsterdam to meet my Parents and fly home! I will be sad leaving in Köln as it has become my Home since January and it feels like a home now. I actually know my way around Köln better then some of my friends who have been here since last year!
I will miss all my friends here, the Crazy Ukrianians I met at Karnival, the usual crowd in corner and of course the TT Crowd, who have been a great support!
At the same time I will be glad to be going home to meet all my friends again, go to my old haunts (yes I know it was only four months since I was there!) and just enjoy beening back in Cork with friends and family.
This post is not a reflection on my time here in Köln but that will be coming before I leave, probably in the last week or so! Anyway, just wanted to get that off my chest!
Tschüss!
Steve
I will miss all my friends here, the Crazy Ukrianians I met at Karnival, the usual crowd in corner and of course the TT Crowd, who have been a great support!
At the same time I will be glad to be going home to meet all my friends again, go to my old haunts (yes I know it was only four months since I was there!) and just enjoy beening back in Cork with friends and family.
This post is not a reflection on my time here in Köln but that will be coming before I leave, probably in the last week or so! Anyway, just wanted to get that off my chest!
Tschüss!
Steve
My Sister Visits!
My Sister is coming to Köln today for a visit! I'm all excited! Im collect her from the Hauptbanhof this evening. Shes flying Kerry-Frankfurt(Hahn) like I did coming over. So she has a bit of journey to Köln. It should be a fun weekend! :D
Incidentally there is a TT/Düsseldorf Americans Meet up tonight in Köln, so will probably head along to that with her! Meeting at 8pm at All Bar One on Friesenstraße.
Nearest Tram stops are Dom/Hauptbanhof and Friesenplatz. Will give an update on other TT events after my Sis leaves on Monday.
Other plans I have in store for my sis, is shopping tomorrow (shops closed on Sun so we have to do it then), Köln Arcaden and city. Sunday visting the Dom and Römanische and Gearmanische. Monday rest until she has to get bus back to frankfurt where she is staying for one night before going home on Tuesday. I assume she will blog about her visit, I know I will be telling her too!
Also an apology as I lately have been focusing on my other blog and not blogging here! I do apologies to my fans! :D
Incidentally there is a TT/Düsseldorf Americans Meet up tonight in Köln, so will probably head along to that with her! Meeting at 8pm at All Bar One on Friesenstraße.
Nearest Tram stops are Dom/Hauptbanhof and Friesenplatz. Will give an update on other TT events after my Sis leaves on Monday.
Other plans I have in store for my sis, is shopping tomorrow (shops closed on Sun so we have to do it then), Köln Arcaden and city. Sunday visting the Dom and Römanische and Gearmanische. Monday rest until she has to get bus back to frankfurt where she is staying for one night before going home on Tuesday. I assume she will blog about her visit, I know I will be telling her too!
Also an apology as I lately have been focusing on my other blog and not blogging here! I do apologies to my fans! :D
Tuesday 1 April 2008
April, April!!
Its april fools day and the shout here is if you have tricked someone is "April, April!"
Via Slugger O'Toole the April Fool Defence Kit!
I have fallen for one today but it was online so had noone shouting at me!
Via Slugger O'Toole the April Fool Defence Kit!
I have fallen for one today but it was online so had noone shouting at me!
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