First Visitors

This week, Nick and I have our first visitors to Karlskrona- and let me tell you, it is so wonderful! We spent the day yesterday exploring the city with them. Now, tonight, it is a home-cooked meal and off to the hockey game! It is so nice to have visitors and show them around our new home city. Can’t wait to see KHK win tonight! More on the visitors and the rest of our vacation later :)

Crazy Porcupine Tree

A question for the Swedes of the world! Today, Nick and I took our visitors for a little walk around the city. During this walk, we discovered this crazy porcupine tree. What kind of tree is this?!

The “seeds” — or what I’m assuming those were- were very prickly, and actually stabbed you when you tried picking them up. Of course, we had to have a little “snowball fight” and throw them at each other ;)

I’d love to find out what kind of tree this is though- thanks in advance for the input!

Next Stop: Stockholm!

Well, here I am on the last leg of my journey back home to Karlskrona. I certainly have plenty to write about over the next several days- between my adventures at Oktoberfest, going to Prague, visiting Terezin, and of course the travel experience- it has been a busy past week! My brother and friends will be here through Sunday, so it is my turn to show someone around the area!

Then, next weekend I will head North to Stockholm. As I have never been there before, I am really looking forward to it! We are staying at a cute little hotel/hostel on a boat actually- so that should be a fun experience! Any recommendations for must-see and must-do things?

Home Is Where the Heart Is

For my first Blogtober post, I thought I would talk about what home means to me, and where it is. The definition of it always seems to be changing. For example, right now I am “at home” — the hotel I have spent the last three nights is home for today. In September, I spent 1 night in Amsterdam, 2 in Munich, 2 over the Atlantic ocean, 3 in Prague, 12 in Minnesota, and 10 in Sweden. A lot of different temporary homes!

At the same time, tomorrow I get to go home to Karlskrona, and be with my husband again. We have a cute little apartment in the middle of the city, and I am truly looking forward to cuddling up with Nick next to a fire. I cannot wait to be home tomorrow! Karlskrona has been our home for the last two months. We live there, work there, and have friends there now.

Then there is Minnesota. Minnesota, where I was raised and spent 22 years of my life. Grew up there, went to college there, met the man of my dreams, and got married there. So much of my life has been there, and I think a large part of my heart will always be there. My wonderful family and friends still (mostly) reside there. Because of this, Minnesota will always be home to me.

To me, different parts of my heart are in different places. Home is where Nick is, and we live- Sweden. But my home town (and thankfully, his too!) will always be Minnesota. Home is where the heart is.

10 Things About Me

1. I am a crazy cat lady. I have one kitty (called kitty, named Elfie) whom my older brother Zack is watching while I am in Sweden. 

2. I love to take long, hot, bubble baths while reading a book.

3. I was lucky enough to marry the love of my life a few weeks ago. The past 20 months have been wonderful, and I am so excited to see the rest of our lives!

4. Since moving to Sweden, I have learned that I actually enjoy running.

5. I would much rather read a book than watch TV.

6. I was in a sorority in college, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Many of my closest friends stem from that experience.

7. I love classic rock, and have been to quite a few concerts with my Mom. Kiss, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, Motley Crüe, the list goes on…

8. I love restaurants, and the customer service industry. Customer service is practically nonexistent in Europe, so I miss this tremendously. 

9. I had LASIK surgery in July, and it is AMAZING!

10. One of my favorite past-times with my (now!) husband is playing hockey together. I had an open hockey skate in MN that he started attending with me— so much fun!

11. I have the most supportive and loving family, friends, and husband. I am so lucky to have each of them in my life. 

So there you are! For today’s blog post, I decided to focus on me a little bit more— hope you enjoy!