So, tomorrow I'm going to meet my next host family- the family that I'm going to stay with after Christmas.
I'm really nervous. I've been trying to do my homework and yeah it's not working. I've already met my host sister, because she takes the same bus as me to school (she goes to a different school though) and she's really nice! Even so, I'm going to be living with these people for the next 6 months after Christmas. I'm sure I'll like them, and my host mom says that the host dad is SUPER nice, so nothing to worry, right? Right.
ALLES GUTE! :D
And when it's not good, alles wird besser sein. :)
LATER
I just got back from the church in Bayreuth! What it is, is every few weeks the young people from the 2 bayreuth evangalisch churches come together and hear this sermon and watch a skit type thing and sing some songs. This was my first time going to it (well, techinically yesterday was my first time but today is the second day of the first Event.). I really like it!! It's quite like what american young people church is like, and that is really nice to see, since I have so much different in my life. And the people are really nice too! I think I'll go to the young group every week too. Because it's nice to have a thing I'm used to in my life. :)
Ok, I'm going to go to bed now. Schlaf schön!
Love,
Lilly
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Not forgetting :)
I refuse to forget about this thing again.
REFUSE.
so, since I have about 5 minutes before I have to start getting dressed, I'll inform y'all on some stuff. :)
GOOD NEWS!
I flew in a helicopter! And made what would be a low A (maybe high B?) on my first German test! And I had to write it in German!! It was in religion. Yaaaaaay!
BAD NEWS!
I had a really strong allergic reaction that made me stay in the hospital for about 2 days! YAY!! Now I'm all better, although still recuperating and the doctors want a few more blood tests to see if it's this really rare allergy. The allergy that it is is EITHER:
When I become too hot and stress my body too much
When I eat a specific food, and then soon after stress my body.
The food is... WHEAT! Oh ja. So, if it is the latter allergy, I wouldn't be able to eat anything with wheat before running. I dn't know how long before. It could be a whole day. So, like, on monday I would eat a breadroll, and then on TUESDAY would I be allowed to go running.
If you can guess, I hope to god it's not the latter!
Since we don't know which I've been cutting out most wheat from my diet- aka bread and cereal. It's not that hard, and when we have only bread or dinner I eat it, but it makes me really scared. My host mom totally understands and has also been looking into wheat-alternative foods. :D
Ok, I have to get dressed now. I only have school till.... 12 today!! YAAAY!
REFUSE.
so, since I have about 5 minutes before I have to start getting dressed, I'll inform y'all on some stuff. :)
GOOD NEWS!
I flew in a helicopter! And made what would be a low A (maybe high B?) on my first German test! And I had to write it in German!! It was in religion. Yaaaaaay!
BAD NEWS!
I had a really strong allergic reaction that made me stay in the hospital for about 2 days! YAY!! Now I'm all better, although still recuperating and the doctors want a few more blood tests to see if it's this really rare allergy. The allergy that it is is EITHER:
When I become too hot and stress my body too much
When I eat a specific food, and then soon after stress my body.
The food is... WHEAT! Oh ja. So, if it is the latter allergy, I wouldn't be able to eat anything with wheat before running. I dn't know how long before. It could be a whole day. So, like, on monday I would eat a breadroll, and then on TUESDAY would I be allowed to go running.
If you can guess, I hope to god it's not the latter!
Since we don't know which I've been cutting out most wheat from my diet- aka bread and cereal. It's not that hard, and when we have only bread or dinner I eat it, but it makes me really scared. My host mom totally understands and has also been looking into wheat-alternative foods. :D
Ok, I have to get dressed now. I only have school till.... 12 today!! YAAAY!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
I am not dead yet!
So, guess who forgot they had a blog?
THIS GIRL! :D
I'm sorry, everyone who actually looks at this. Really sorry. I kind of fail at life, I know. I especially want to say I'm sorry to my loverly Digital Graphics teacher Mrs. ---------- and that I love her with all of my heart. :)
I'm with my host family right now! I am actually with a different host family that the original one. The Möhrlein's mother got sick with an allergic reaction and she won't be through with her therapy\unsickness till like, December or January, so right now I'm staying with the Möhrlein's friends, the Lemkes! I've met sister Möhrlein on the bus though. She's nice. :) And the Lemkes are really nice! I really like my host mom, we talk all the time. And I have 2 host sisters, twins, and they're really nice! I actually have 2 classes with them. :) I have a host dad too, and he's serious but very nice. He kind of reminds me of my own dad, and my host mom reminds me a bit of my actual mom. ^^
School: It's fun! After I was able to switch around my schedule a little bit, and the kids got used to me, (NOTE: It's very true that in some places the Germans need time to warm up to you. Only like 1 or 2 days if you're outgoing, but don't expect the American 'OH MY GOSH YOU'RE FOREIGN COME TO ME' attitude everywhere!) it's quite enjoyable. The best part, is that in most of my classes I understand what is going on! I mean, in Politik we were working on this artikel thing the entire week and since I didn't understand the artikel, I didn't really get the point of how it related to Politik, and was totally unused to the terminology, the class was sort of hard. But I finally realize that the teacher teaches Polotik through EXAMPLES, so that's that! :D
Here are my classes and a little about them\the teacher:
Politik: Super nice teacher, she leads the class in disscusion that can be sort of hard sometimes, but she's also more than ready to answer a question of mine. She likes to share a few words after class sometimes about differences in America\Germany. I think the other kids like her too, but not super much. Probably because the class is kind of hard, and she is a strict teacher. ^^
Economy: Cool teacher. The kids really like him, because he's young and doesn't make them be quiet all the time, but he also knows his stuff. He has actual conversations with us and then gives us tons of notes to write, and the kids are always '°whine° Herr Lindtneeeeeeeeerrrrr!' which is kind of funny! Because he's so chill I thought at first he didn't like me, but it's only that relationships between the teacher and student are very formal here, and I don't ask many questions (I ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND ECONOMICS. KIND OF) that we haven't talked all that much. That, and he didn't know I was an American student till he asked me a question and I replied 'yes, I like it very much.' :D
Biology: I like. The teacher, Frau David, is very nice and pretty cool, but she's one of those good teachers that can have fun AND keep a class quiet. Yeah, we're learning about molecules and carbohydrates and stuff, which I don't find super interesting, but it's actually not so bad! I know what they're talking about. If she asked me to write a test, I wouldn't be able to do it very well- it's actually extremely hard to write a test in a different language!- but I really do understand. This problem has actually made me quite mad sometimes, because I know that I know the information but can't prove it!
Physik: The teacher is kind of like Economics, but the kids don't like her as much because apparently she doesn't explain things very well? I don't know, I just write the notes down and thankfully have already learned (most) of what we're talking about right now! It's pretty easy, just Force and motion.
Religion: The teacher is the most hilarious ever. Apparently, he's the 'star' of the school! I'm taking both 9 and 10 Klasse religion, because I love love love it! The stuff is incredibly interesting, pretty easy to remember, and of course the teacher is very nice. :)
History: 9 and 10 Klasse both. In both classes the teacher is ok, i like the 9 klasse teacher better, just because he has actually spoken to me. Not much to say. In the 10 Klasse we're learing about the Cuba Crisis and the teacher corrected me when I made an answer. It was kind of weird. :)
Geography: Another favorite of mine! It's easy to remember, the teacher is really nice and also has helped me switch my schedule around, and pretty interesting!
English: I actually don't like this class very much, just because it makes my brain think in English and then I have a harder time the rest of the day! But it is incredibly easy and the teacher is nice. I don't really do anything. :D
Deutsch: Hard. We're reading this text from 1956 or around then and delving into why the author said this, why the character acted this way, and it'd be quite easy if I could use the right words! I know exactly how to answer the things (thank you 9 and 10th grade english for all your dialectical journals!) but can't clarify what I want to say in german. The teacher is really nice, and she actually gave me a few internet URLs to help me in German. She even playfully hit me on the shoulder one time- it was so cool!!!! :'D
Sport: Swimming. Hard. Usually self-practice because I don't swim much. The teacher only cuts me a bit of slack, but was really happy when I improved. That made me also really happy. :)
Mathe: The teacher is another favorite amoung the kids! He's quite nice, kind of old, and can't really control a class. ^^ One of his most used sayings is 'it's really quite easy.' xD He actually clarifys things really well, and luckily I've already learned the stuff we're working on right now, but it's hard because they use different symbols here for math! So intsead of x=bh(.5) it's x=a(ha)(.5) BUT WHAT IS A HA?! :O I had (ok wanted to, Herr Fischer was totally 'yeah sure you can try but really you don't have to!') to take the state math test and made a 5 out of 21. YESSS!
Musik: The teacher just learned today that I was an american! Heheh. Really, I sit in the back of the class, copy notes off my neighbor from when she writes them from his lectures, and have mostly no idea what's going on :D They have an H here! And apparently we're supposed to know Music theory! :O But the teacher was really nice to me because I play the cello and know some stuff of Music, but the other kids don't really like him because the class is hard\not fun and he is not very flexible. :)
I also have art, but haven't gone to that because all the classes have been canceled and I only have it once a week!
SYNOPSIS: I like all my classes! Yes, I kind of dread some before I go to them, but they're never as bad as i think. I love having both 9 and 10 classes, and it's cool that I know most of the stuff that we're learning. It makes it easy. The teachers are all very nice and understanding to me, and more than willing to help. Probably it has to do with them wanting a good reputation for the school, but I believe they also like that I'm applying myself. They also don't believe that I've only had 2 years of german because 'of how well I speak!' Now, I don't really believe that, because I make tons of mistakes, but I have definitely gotten better from the beginning of this trip. All in all, I like school, have made friends too!
Tomorrow I'm going to the Movies with some friends. :D YAY!
Love,
Lilly
THIS GIRL! :D
I'm sorry, everyone who actually looks at this. Really sorry. I kind of fail at life, I know. I especially want to say I'm sorry to my loverly Digital Graphics teacher Mrs. ---------- and that I love her with all of my heart. :)
I'm with my host family right now! I am actually with a different host family that the original one. The Möhrlein's mother got sick with an allergic reaction and she won't be through with her therapy\unsickness till like, December or January, so right now I'm staying with the Möhrlein's friends, the Lemkes! I've met sister Möhrlein on the bus though. She's nice. :) And the Lemkes are really nice! I really like my host mom, we talk all the time. And I have 2 host sisters, twins, and they're really nice! I actually have 2 classes with them. :) I have a host dad too, and he's serious but very nice. He kind of reminds me of my own dad, and my host mom reminds me a bit of my actual mom. ^^
School: It's fun! After I was able to switch around my schedule a little bit, and the kids got used to me, (NOTE: It's very true that in some places the Germans need time to warm up to you. Only like 1 or 2 days if you're outgoing, but don't expect the American 'OH MY GOSH YOU'RE FOREIGN COME TO ME' attitude everywhere!) it's quite enjoyable. The best part, is that in most of my classes I understand what is going on! I mean, in Politik we were working on this artikel thing the entire week and since I didn't understand the artikel, I didn't really get the point of how it related to Politik, and was totally unused to the terminology, the class was sort of hard. But I finally realize that the teacher teaches Polotik through EXAMPLES, so that's that! :D
Here are my classes and a little about them\the teacher:
Politik: Super nice teacher, she leads the class in disscusion that can be sort of hard sometimes, but she's also more than ready to answer a question of mine. She likes to share a few words after class sometimes about differences in America\Germany. I think the other kids like her too, but not super much. Probably because the class is kind of hard, and she is a strict teacher. ^^
Economy: Cool teacher. The kids really like him, because he's young and doesn't make them be quiet all the time, but he also knows his stuff. He has actual conversations with us and then gives us tons of notes to write, and the kids are always '°whine° Herr Lindtneeeeeeeeerrrrr!' which is kind of funny! Because he's so chill I thought at first he didn't like me, but it's only that relationships between the teacher and student are very formal here, and I don't ask many questions (I ACTUALLY UNDERSTAND ECONOMICS. KIND OF) that we haven't talked all that much. That, and he didn't know I was an American student till he asked me a question and I replied 'yes, I like it very much.' :D
Biology: I like. The teacher, Frau David, is very nice and pretty cool, but she's one of those good teachers that can have fun AND keep a class quiet. Yeah, we're learning about molecules and carbohydrates and stuff, which I don't find super interesting, but it's actually not so bad! I know what they're talking about. If she asked me to write a test, I wouldn't be able to do it very well- it's actually extremely hard to write a test in a different language!- but I really do understand. This problem has actually made me quite mad sometimes, because I know that I know the information but can't prove it!
Physik: The teacher is kind of like Economics, but the kids don't like her as much because apparently she doesn't explain things very well? I don't know, I just write the notes down and thankfully have already learned (most) of what we're talking about right now! It's pretty easy, just Force and motion.
Religion: The teacher is the most hilarious ever. Apparently, he's the 'star' of the school! I'm taking both 9 and 10 Klasse religion, because I love love love it! The stuff is incredibly interesting, pretty easy to remember, and of course the teacher is very nice. :)
History: 9 and 10 Klasse both. In both classes the teacher is ok, i like the 9 klasse teacher better, just because he has actually spoken to me. Not much to say. In the 10 Klasse we're learing about the Cuba Crisis and the teacher corrected me when I made an answer. It was kind of weird. :)
Geography: Another favorite of mine! It's easy to remember, the teacher is really nice and also has helped me switch my schedule around, and pretty interesting!
English: I actually don't like this class very much, just because it makes my brain think in English and then I have a harder time the rest of the day! But it is incredibly easy and the teacher is nice. I don't really do anything. :D
Deutsch: Hard. We're reading this text from 1956 or around then and delving into why the author said this, why the character acted this way, and it'd be quite easy if I could use the right words! I know exactly how to answer the things (thank you 9 and 10th grade english for all your dialectical journals!) but can't clarify what I want to say in german. The teacher is really nice, and she actually gave me a few internet URLs to help me in German. She even playfully hit me on the shoulder one time- it was so cool!!!! :'D
Sport: Swimming. Hard. Usually self-practice because I don't swim much. The teacher only cuts me a bit of slack, but was really happy when I improved. That made me also really happy. :)
Mathe: The teacher is another favorite amoung the kids! He's quite nice, kind of old, and can't really control a class. ^^ One of his most used sayings is 'it's really quite easy.' xD He actually clarifys things really well, and luckily I've already learned the stuff we're working on right now, but it's hard because they use different symbols here for math! So intsead of x=bh(.5) it's x=a(ha)(.5) BUT WHAT IS A HA?! :O I had (ok wanted to, Herr Fischer was totally 'yeah sure you can try but really you don't have to!') to take the state math test and made a 5 out of 21. YESSS!
Musik: The teacher just learned today that I was an american! Heheh. Really, I sit in the back of the class, copy notes off my neighbor from when she writes them from his lectures, and have mostly no idea what's going on :D They have an H here! And apparently we're supposed to know Music theory! :O But the teacher was really nice to me because I play the cello and know some stuff of Music, but the other kids don't really like him because the class is hard\not fun and he is not very flexible. :)
I also have art, but haven't gone to that because all the classes have been canceled and I only have it once a week!
SYNOPSIS: I like all my classes! Yes, I kind of dread some before I go to them, but they're never as bad as i think. I love having both 9 and 10 classes, and it's cool that I know most of the stuff that we're learning. It makes it easy. The teachers are all very nice and understanding to me, and more than willing to help. Probably it has to do with them wanting a good reputation for the school, but I believe they also like that I'm applying myself. They also don't believe that I've only had 2 years of german because 'of how well I speak!' Now, I don't really believe that, because I make tons of mistakes, but I have definitely gotten better from the beginning of this trip. All in all, I like school, have made friends too!
Tomorrow I'm going to the Movies with some friends. :D YAY!
Love,
Lilly
Saturday, August 27, 2011
HEY YALL :D:D
Hallooooooooooooooooooooooo!
So I am finally borrowing a computer to say hi! I've taken lots and lots of pictures and unfortunately won't be able to put them on until I get to my family in September. But so far I've done lots of cool stuff!
I HAVE:
Taught germans how to make a smore
Taught Thai kids how to make a smore
Made bread on a stick
Seen a TON of stars in the sky
Got caught in a huge rainstorm
Eaten a doener
Gone on a tour of the fire brigade
learned tons of german
failed badly at german
actually succeeded at german a few times!
made really nice friends
played with a fire hose
gone running
played soccer
talked to German kids
gone shopping!
Spent way to much money on sweets
gotten in trouble for never wearing shoes
taken lots of pictures
and way more things that I unfortunately can't think of right now!
Language camp is so freaking helpful. It's really amazing how much I'm learning and how much I was absolutely making a fool of myself before this. And with my host family, there was a small problem so I'll be staying with a friend's of my host family family and then going to the first family for the second semester! I'm not sad about it at all. I actually think i might be fore the best because i don't have to move now! :D YAAAAAY!
Ok my friend wants his computer back. :P Hear from you soon!
So I am finally borrowing a computer to say hi! I've taken lots and lots of pictures and unfortunately won't be able to put them on until I get to my family in September. But so far I've done lots of cool stuff!
I HAVE:
Taught germans how to make a smore
Taught Thai kids how to make a smore
Made bread on a stick
Seen a TON of stars in the sky
Got caught in a huge rainstorm
Eaten a doener
Gone on a tour of the fire brigade
learned tons of german
failed badly at german
actually succeeded at german a few times!
made really nice friends
played with a fire hose
gone running
played soccer
talked to German kids
gone shopping!
Spent way to much money on sweets
gotten in trouble for never wearing shoes
taken lots of pictures
and way more things that I unfortunately can't think of right now!
Language camp is so freaking helpful. It's really amazing how much I'm learning and how much I was absolutely making a fool of myself before this. And with my host family, there was a small problem so I'll be staying with a friend's of my host family family and then going to the first family for the second semester! I'm not sad about it at all. I actually think i might be fore the best because i don't have to move now! :D YAAAAAY!
Ok my friend wants his computer back. :P Hear from you soon!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
TOMORROW.
So.
I leave tomorrow.
I'm actually publicly putting this blog on Facebook today.
This means that people- maybe even LOTS of people might read this.
This makes me quite nervous, but not as nervous as the thought that I'M LEAVING FOR GERMANY TOMORROW. :D :D :D I'm leaving the airport at ~8 am and then I get into Germany (American time) 7am the next day! That's 23 hours! I really really want to just go to my host town, meet my host family, look around and that sort of thing, but we have to do this 3 week language camp. I know this camp will be extreeeemely useful, but I'm just so curious!!!
A lot of my friends aren't that happy with me going. ^^' They will miss me, and I'll miss them! The internet is so useful with staying in touch though, and I've done sooooooooooooo much social-ness this summer. It's much different when you know you don't have the school year to see everyone!
I don't know if I'll be able to post much or anything while I'm at the language camp, but I'll try! OOH I'M SO EXCITED AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT! :D :D
I leave tomorrow.
I'm actually publicly putting this blog on Facebook today.
This means that people- maybe even LOTS of people might read this.
This makes me quite nervous, but not as nervous as the thought that I'M LEAVING FOR GERMANY TOMORROW. :D :D :D I'm leaving the airport at ~8 am and then I get into Germany (American time) 7am the next day! That's 23 hours! I really really want to just go to my host town, meet my host family, look around and that sort of thing, but we have to do this 3 week language camp. I know this camp will be extreeeemely useful, but I'm just so curious!!!
A lot of my friends aren't that happy with me going. ^^' They will miss me, and I'll miss them! The internet is so useful with staying in touch though, and I've done sooooooooooooo much social-ness this summer. It's much different when you know you don't have the school year to see everyone!
I don't know if I'll be able to post much or anything while I'm at the language camp, but I'll try! OOH I'M SO EXCITED AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT! :D :D
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Global Student- Stereotypes
When talking about wealth, I would have to tell everyone that thinks that I am extremely wealthy just because I am from the U.S. that there is a diverse economy in America, and also my parents are the ones that make the money, not me. I have to work for all the "geld" that I have, and if the German's realize that then maybe the stereotype that all Americans are super wealthy will go away.
Global Student- In depth Questions
1. Children/Family Issues
Like America, German children are expected to be respectful. However, they are not as respectful as kids in my area. They can use explicit language around adults more, and also (at least during school) talk during the teacher's lecture. There are child labor laws.
2. Educational Achievement
School is harder than America's, depending on which type of school you go to. If you go to a Gymnasium, it will be harder than most American public schools. Some problems that German's have are too many kids wanting to go to into a Gymnasium, wanting a career switch in the middle of childhood, or simple academic problems.
3. Racial/Class/Ethnicity Issues
There are a lot of Turkish and Persians that have immigrated to Germany, and so there are many people in Germany who have a prejudice- you might even call it racist- against Turks/Arabs. This causes strife in the community.
4. The Environment
A major environmental issue right now is the e. coli breakout in Germany. This has caused an incredible economic and environmental problem in Germany, because countries have stopped buying vegetables from Germany and also hospitals are getting overrun with sick people.
5. Health Issues
A huge health problem is the rise of obesity (like the rest of the world) and also the e. coli breakout. Heart problems are common in Germany because of their diet. The e. coli has caused major strife and worry in hospitals and in people's hearts.
Like America, German children are expected to be respectful. However, they are not as respectful as kids in my area. They can use explicit language around adults more, and also (at least during school) talk during the teacher's lecture. There are child labor laws.
2. Educational Achievement
School is harder than America's, depending on which type of school you go to. If you go to a Gymnasium, it will be harder than most American public schools. Some problems that German's have are too many kids wanting to go to into a Gymnasium, wanting a career switch in the middle of childhood, or simple academic problems.
3. Racial/Class/Ethnicity Issues
There are a lot of Turkish and Persians that have immigrated to Germany, and so there are many people in Germany who have a prejudice- you might even call it racist- against Turks/Arabs. This causes strife in the community.
4. The Environment
A major environmental issue right now is the e. coli breakout in Germany. This has caused an incredible economic and environmental problem in Germany, because countries have stopped buying vegetables from Germany and also hospitals are getting overrun with sick people.
5. Health Issues
A huge health problem is the rise of obesity (like the rest of the world) and also the e. coli breakout. Heart problems are common in Germany because of their diet. The e. coli has caused major strife and worry in hospitals and in people's hearts.
Woah guess what. It's Global Student stuff! :D
Geography
- Continent: Europe
- Capital: Berlin
- Size in sq. km/sq. 357, 021 km sq/ 137,847 mil sq
- Neighboring countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and The Netherlands
- Climate: Like Colorado's, Temperate
- Natural disasters: Earthquakes and Floods
- Natural resources: coal, lignite, natural gas, iron ore, copper, nickel, uranium, potash, salt, construction materials, timber, and arable land.
- Population: 81,802,000
- Life expectancy: 77 years (Men - 73 years; Women - 80 years)
- Fertility Rate: 1.4 per Woman
- Mortality Rate: 10.92
- Ethnic Groups and percentage of each:
- Religious Groups and percentages: Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%
- Languages spoken in order of prevalence: German
- Literacy Rate (% over age of 15 who can read and write): 99%
- Percentage that goes to university: 35%
- Average income: $36,440
- Independence/National Day: October 3rd
- Constitution Day: October 3rd
- Country from which they gained independence; Holy Roman Empire
- Year of independence: 1871
- Key events in political history and years they occurred: Unified 1871, World War I 1914-18, Hitler comes to power with Nazi power 1933-45, Soviet/Capitalist Control 1945-90, Reunified German Government 1990-
- Leader/president: Christian Wulff
- Political parties: Christlich Demokratische Union Deutschlands (Christian Democratic Union of Germany)(, Christlich-Soziale Union in Bayern (Christian Social Union in Bavaria), Sozialdemokratische Partei Deutschlands( Social Democratic German Party), Freie Demokratische Partei (Free Democratic Party) , Die Links (The Lefts), Die Grünen (The Greens)
- Current political situation:
- Political system: Federal Parliamentary Republic
- GDP (gross domestic product): $3.315 Trillion
- Unemployment rate: 6.1%
- Poverty line: $1,600 single person, $2,240 couple with child
- Percentage living below poverty line:
- Average family income: $36,444
- Percentage of workforce in:
- Agriculture: 2.4%
- Manufacturing: 29.7%
- Service/tourist: 71.3%
- Main industries: Machinery, and Vehicles
- Main imports:machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals
- Main exports:machinery, vehicles, chemicals, foodstuffs, textiles, metals and manufactures
- Currency: Euro
- Exchange rate: $1.44= 1€
- Prevalence of modern communication devices:
- Television: 36.5 mil Households
- Cell phones: 64.9 Mil
- Internet users: 39 Mil
Sports, Music and Entertainment facts
- Country's favorite sport: Soccer
- Other sports played: Rugby, Ice Hockey, Handball, Cycling, and Motorsports
- Favorite musicians: Juli, Heino, Silbermond, and Die Atzen
- Traditional forms of music: Volkmusik, Opera
- Popular games: drinking games. ;D
- Favorite foods: Italian, sometimes Turkish (depending on if they are prejudiced or not) NOT mexican/spicy
- Other forms of entertainment: Nature, basically things Americans like
Monday, June 13, 2011
Even More Global Student!
1) I'm supposed to make a list of negative stereotypes of Americans. THIS will be fun :D
We're dumb.
We're loud.
We have no manners.
We think everything should be just the way we want it.
We're fat.
We're stubborn.
We all LOVE Bush.
We think we need to "butt into" everything.
We love grease.
We love fat.
We love Fast Food!
We hate anyone who says anything bad about America.
2) Why do you think people have these stereotypes for America? I think it is mainly because of media and how it has shown the very ... interesting individuals of America to more people. Not only that, but the way American government in the past has dealt with foreign diplomats has been more accessible to the public. The open, free knowledge of everything that goes on everywhere the main reason I think that these bad stereotypes are so popular and well known.
We're dumb.
We're loud.
We have no manners.
We think everything should be just the way we want it.
We're fat.
We're stubborn.
We all LOVE Bush.
We think we need to "butt into" everything.
We love grease.
We love fat.
We love Fast Food!
We hate anyone who says anything bad about America.
2) Why do you think people have these stereotypes for America? I think it is mainly because of media and how it has shown the very ... interesting individuals of America to more people. Not only that, but the way American government in the past has dealt with foreign diplomats has been more accessible to the public. The open, free knowledge of everything that goes on everywhere the main reason I think that these bad stereotypes are so popular and well known.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
More Global Student
A. What are the five things that you are most looking forward to about studying abroad?
1. The food.
2. The people I will meet.
3. CULTURE!
4. The trains and getting around places.
5. Shopping for the things trivialities I will forget/ not be able to bring over (school supplies, etc.)
B. What are the five things that currently worry you most about going overseas?
1. Being able to do schoolwork and talk to professors in school. So school in general really.
2. Eating the food without feeling bad.
3. Making connections.
4. Not giving up.
5. My host-families. (I have 2 since one can only keep me for 6 months.)
C. What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss most from home when abroad?
1. My bed.
2. My immediate family.
3. Authentic Mexican food.
4. My close friends.
5. The trivialities that I cannot bring/have no use for in Germany but will randomly need while there.
D. What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss least from home when abroad?
1. Idiots.
2. The wide streets
3. Trucks.
4. Close-minded american-ness.
5. Tornados.
E. My greatest single challenge overseas will be: being able to just LET GO and not worry over everything I do/eat/say, while still representing the USA responsibly and appropriately.
1. The food.
2. The people I will meet.
3. CULTURE!
4. The trains and getting around places.
5. Shopping for the things trivialities I will forget/ not be able to bring over (school supplies, etc.)
B. What are the five things that currently worry you most about going overseas?
1. Being able to do schoolwork and talk to professors in school. So school in general really.
2. Eating the food without feeling bad.
3. Making connections.
4. Not giving up.
5. My host-families. (I have 2 since one can only keep me for 6 months.)
C. What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss most from home when abroad?
1. My bed.
2. My immediate family.
3. Authentic Mexican food.
4. My close friends.
5. The trivialities that I cannot bring/have no use for in Germany but will randomly need while there.
D. What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss least from home when abroad?
1. Idiots.
2. The wide streets
3. Trucks.
4. Close-minded american-ness.
5. Tornados.
E. My greatest single challenge overseas will be: being able to just LET GO and not worry over everything I do/eat/say, while still representing the USA responsibly and appropriately.
Global Student Stuff
For CBYX, we have this program called "Global Student" that we need to finish courses of. This is one of them, and there might be a plethora. Or at least several!
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD
1. Meeting People. I love love love love people and everything (good and bad) about them, and I am infatuated with the idea that I will be able to meet more.
2. Learning New Cultures. Cultures excite me, and learning, no, being immersed in an entirely different one is such an amazing opportunity that I simply could not close this door, figuratively speaking.
3. My Sister. I have a sister who did this same program and came back with such wonderful experiences. Not only did I want to be like her, but I knew that with my personality and yearning to see the world I could also apply for the program like she did. She inspired me, and I just want to follow in her footsteps with this program.
4. Escaping My Town. When I first applied for this program, I'll be honest and say that I really REALLY wanted to get out of A-Town. I didn't feel like I fit in, and I never really did. This feeling has changed throughout the year, but the yearning to go and travel is too great to push away. Besides, I'll be back in a year! :)
5. My German Friends. I have been to Germany twice now, once to visit my best friend who moved there and some of my sister's friends from the Program, and another on an exchange trip. I really want to have the POSSIBILITY of meeting them again, even if for only a weekend. :)
6. Starting Over. I don't live in the biggest of towns, and so almost everyone is connected to another person somehow, even if casually. That being said, it is hard to go around and be a totally different person; I've never had the chance to really start over with a fresh start. Going to Germany with no one knowing me or anything about me (in the school at least) is a great chance to figure out just who Lilly Smith is.
7. Academics. I don't really know what I want to do in college, other than that I KNOW it will have to do with culture. So social sciences, and right now I'm thinking anthropology. I hope that going to Germany will help me figure out a tiny bit what I want to major in in college, and also give me a headstart/growing time for my brain to mature to when I come back to America.
8. Self Confidence. I have pretty darn low self-confidence, why I don't know. I don't understand it, because if you read emails or Facebook messages or anything people "love" me. I guess I just don't see why. I think going to Germany will help with that, it will give me a "love yourself no matter what you think inside your head" boot camp. P.S. I don't have a medical problem, I'm just a teen girl I PROMISE! :D
9. Maturing Time. Basically I want more time for my brain to mature, for a upper hand in school since I'll be staying an extra year. Selfish? maybe. Smart? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
10. Experience. I want the experience of going somewhere I have no clue and speaking the language badly at first and having to order something off the menu even though you have NO CLUE what it says. I want to come back "cultured" and "open-eyed". I want to have more experiences than just a girl from a little ol' Texan town. I want to be someone.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ABROAD
1. Meeting People. I love love love love people and everything (good and bad) about them, and I am infatuated with the idea that I will be able to meet more.
2. Learning New Cultures. Cultures excite me, and learning, no, being immersed in an entirely different one is such an amazing opportunity that I simply could not close this door, figuratively speaking.
3. My Sister. I have a sister who did this same program and came back with such wonderful experiences. Not only did I want to be like her, but I knew that with my personality and yearning to see the world I could also apply for the program like she did. She inspired me, and I just want to follow in her footsteps with this program.
4. Escaping My Town. When I first applied for this program, I'll be honest and say that I really REALLY wanted to get out of A-Town. I didn't feel like I fit in, and I never really did. This feeling has changed throughout the year, but the yearning to go and travel is too great to push away. Besides, I'll be back in a year! :)
5. My German Friends. I have been to Germany twice now, once to visit my best friend who moved there and some of my sister's friends from the Program, and another on an exchange trip. I really want to have the POSSIBILITY of meeting them again, even if for only a weekend. :)
6. Starting Over. I don't live in the biggest of towns, and so almost everyone is connected to another person somehow, even if casually. That being said, it is hard to go around and be a totally different person; I've never had the chance to really start over with a fresh start. Going to Germany with no one knowing me or anything about me (in the school at least) is a great chance to figure out just who Lilly Smith is.
7. Academics. I don't really know what I want to do in college, other than that I KNOW it will have to do with culture. So social sciences, and right now I'm thinking anthropology. I hope that going to Germany will help me figure out a tiny bit what I want to major in in college, and also give me a headstart/growing time for my brain to mature to when I come back to America.
8. Self Confidence. I have pretty darn low self-confidence, why I don't know. I don't understand it, because if you read emails or Facebook messages or anything people "love" me. I guess I just don't see why. I think going to Germany will help with that, it will give me a "love yourself no matter what you think inside your head" boot camp. P.S. I don't have a medical problem, I'm just a teen girl I PROMISE! :D
9. Maturing Time. Basically I want more time for my brain to mature, for a upper hand in school since I'll be staying an extra year. Selfish? maybe. Smart? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.
10. Experience. I want the experience of going somewhere I have no clue and speaking the language badly at first and having to order something off the menu even though you have NO CLUE what it says. I want to come back "cultured" and "open-eyed". I want to have more experiences than just a girl from a little ol' Texan town. I want to be someone.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Bunches o' Stuff
Heyo!
Were you wondering why I haven't posted in a bit? I bet you were. I bet you were just DYING to know what's going on in my life. Wellllll get ready, I have pictures. :)
1st: ORCHESTRA BANQUET!!!
If you didn't know, I am a cellist in the A-Town Symphony Orchestra. I am also the Social Chair for both Symphony and Philharmonic, so basically I make sure everyone's happy and plan parties! One thing that all the clubs do is this banquet, where they give out awards and have dinner and all the kids and parents that come just have a good time whilst dressed to the nines! This year's theme was "New York, New York" because our orchestra went to New York for the Orchestra trip this year (which was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.). Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures of the set up by itself but mainly of people. But you can still tell, right? :)
Some friends and the screen before we sit!
halo! And my best friend's signature face <3
That is my date and me. We sort of match, and we didn't even mean to! :D
That's Mr. Lopez, our orchestra conductor. He's one of my favorite teachers, and really cool! He's talking about the seniors graduating right there.
"Mr. Davis's Top 10 Reasons Orchestra ROCKS!"
The Phantom... of the Laundromat? We didn't understand either, but it was funny!
awards :)
Caleb, some other friends and I went to go eat FROZEN YOGURT afterwords, and also got our minds blown by dubstep!
2nd: PROM
Prom, the major point of many high school girls and boy's lives. "Who will YOU take? What will YOU wear? And oh God, is she wearing the same dress?!" All these I was expecting to hear tons and tons of times, but really, when my boyfriend (who is a junior so he can go) asked me I was crazy excited. I didn't care that it was cliche or girly, I wanted to get dolled up and figure out why this thing is such a big deal.
Me, in my dress... :D:D I basically cried when I first found it in the store. I had never felt so pretty wearing ANYTHING! It was a great reward for losing 60 pounds. :)
candid shot. Probably my favorite. :)
That's my BEST FRIEND! Don't we almost look like sisters? :D
There's some other friends (sophomores) that had been invited to prom! We're switching colors!
My boyfriend and his best friend, who was in the group we went to prom with. Haha, they're dancing!
He ended the night with his beautiful singing and all of us joined it sometimes. :)
In the end, my realization was that it's not the Dance itself that makes the night, but the getting ready and the people you spend it with that makes Prom so magical. I was having the time of my life with my boy and his friends (who I mostly just met) while I heard a plethora of complaints from others, mostly because their friends/dates/plans weren't working out. In a way, I was extremely lucky my first prom was that amazing, but I'll be cheesy and say that it was mostly the boyfriend who made it that way. And before you come to conclusions, NO we did NOT do anything dirty. >:( We just danced and spent the evening together. It was a very nice ending to a very nice school year. :)
That, along with school has been taking up most of my life. I'm so close to the end of the school year! I just want to be DONE. I lust for summer like a Winnie the Pooh lusts for honey. Mostly because my birthday's in summer.... and money. And it makes it that much closer to GERMANY! But I can wait. :D:D
I do believe good times and better friends make life special!
Lilly
Were you wondering why I haven't posted in a bit? I bet you were. I bet you were just DYING to know what's going on in my life. Wellllll get ready, I have pictures. :)
1st: ORCHESTRA BANQUET!!!
If you didn't know, I am a cellist in the A-Town Symphony Orchestra. I am also the Social Chair for both Symphony and Philharmonic, so basically I make sure everyone's happy and plan parties! One thing that all the clubs do is this banquet, where they give out awards and have dinner and all the kids and parents that come just have a good time whilst dressed to the nines! This year's theme was "New York, New York" because our orchestra went to New York for the Orchestra trip this year (which was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.). Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures of the set up by itself but mainly of people. But you can still tell, right? :)
2nd: PROM
Prom, the major point of many high school girls and boy's lives. "Who will YOU take? What will YOU wear? And oh God, is she wearing the same dress?!" All these I was expecting to hear tons and tons of times, but really, when my boyfriend (who is a junior so he can go) asked me I was crazy excited. I didn't care that it was cliche or girly, I wanted to get dolled up and figure out why this thing is such a big deal.
In the end, my realization was that it's not the Dance itself that makes the night, but the getting ready and the people you spend it with that makes Prom so magical. I was having the time of my life with my boy and his friends (who I mostly just met) while I heard a plethora of complaints from others, mostly because their friends/dates/plans weren't working out. In a way, I was extremely lucky my first prom was that amazing, but I'll be cheesy and say that it was mostly the boyfriend who made it that way. And before you come to conclusions, NO we did NOT do anything dirty. >:( We just danced and spent the evening together. It was a very nice ending to a very nice school year. :)
That, along with school has been taking up most of my life. I'm so close to the end of the school year! I just want to be DONE. I lust for summer like a Winnie the Pooh lusts for honey. Mostly because my birthday's in summer.... and money. And it makes it that much closer to GERMANY! But I can wait. :D:D
I do believe good times and better friends make life special!
Lilly
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Elvis ain't dead, and you're comin' back.
Yo.
Monday night, one of my favorite people in my church, and a dear lady to my heart, Flossie Long, died. I learned right after I got in the car on Tuesday.
I tend to think I deal with death quite well. I seem to push it from my mind, sometimes I'll cry and sometimes I won't. I almost cried with Flossie, but the tears wouldn't flow. I'm ok with that really, and I do mourn her. I will miss her and her family and her house and her dog dearly; but she left this world with greatness. <3
Other than that, here's my schedule this week:
Thursday: Orchestra Concert
Friday: Orchestra Banquet/ anniversary with le boyfriend
Saturday: PROM
Sunday: rapid homework!
DOESN'T THIS SOUND GREAT?! :D I'm excited and scared all at the same time! Who knows if I'll be able to get all that I need to done? What an adventurous life I lead!
Another thing, I made dinner tonight~ I usually do since my parents are working like CRAZY, but this time I actually TRIED! I made fried rice, but without the use of any oil- boss right? But I made a ton load of rice so we have a lot left over. :)
Monday night, one of my favorite people in my church, and a dear lady to my heart, Flossie Long, died. I learned right after I got in the car on Tuesday.
I tend to think I deal with death quite well. I seem to push it from my mind, sometimes I'll cry and sometimes I won't. I almost cried with Flossie, but the tears wouldn't flow. I'm ok with that really, and I do mourn her. I will miss her and her family and her house and her dog dearly; but she left this world with greatness. <3
Other than that, here's my schedule this week:
Thursday: Orchestra Concert
Friday: Orchestra Banquet/ anniversary with le boyfriend
Saturday: PROM
Sunday: rapid homework!
DOESN'T THIS SOUND GREAT?! :D I'm excited and scared all at the same time! Who knows if I'll be able to get all that I need to done? What an adventurous life I lead!
Another thing, I made dinner tonight~ I usually do since my parents are working like CRAZY, but this time I actually TRIED! I made fried rice, but without the use of any oil- boss right? But I made a ton load of rice so we have a lot left over. :)
I have yet to tell my principles I will not be here next year. Or really tell anyone about this blog. I'll need to get on that sometime. Maybe once I start posting things people might care about? :D
Hope you're having a fun time,
Hope you're having a fun time,
Lilly
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's day!
Oh yay it's Mother's Day! :)
This isn't so much a "hey look what I heard about Germany today" post more of a "OH MY GOSH MOTHER'S DAY!" that made me realize... this is the last mother's day for a whole year with my mom. :( And she has to work most of the day... why? Because this really important thing is due really really soon and she isn't getting the results that she needs to turn into her boss. I wanted to make this Mother's Day extra special! :)
So my family has this sort-of mascot... SOCK MONKEY!
That's (a) sock monkey! Isn't he the coolest? Yeah, he really is. :)
Anyway, here is the story that I made for mom. I really like to bake too, so what I made her was a picture book (that I colored and everything) about Sock Monkey, Daddy and me making m&m and nut cookies! Enjoy!
Oh look! Sock Monkey is going to bake some M&M and Nut cookies for mom for Mother's Day!
OH WOW he is working hard!
*gasp* Sock Monkey! Don't eat all the M&Ms!
Looks like he'll need some help from... Lilly!
Now he's back to working hard!
And Daddy is working hard at being the taste-tester! :D
Look at all the cookies Sock Monkey, Lilly and Daddy made!
Awwww it says "Love you"!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!
I hope everyone who sees this has a wonderful Mother's Day, and even more wonderful mothers. :)
Lilly
This isn't so much a "hey look what I heard about Germany today" post more of a "OH MY GOSH MOTHER'S DAY!" that made me realize... this is the last mother's day for a whole year with my mom. :( And she has to work most of the day... why? Because this really important thing is due really really soon and she isn't getting the results that she needs to turn into her boss. I wanted to make this Mother's Day extra special! :)
So my family has this sort-of mascot... SOCK MONKEY!
Anyway, here is the story that I made for mom. I really like to bake too, so what I made her was a picture book (that I colored and everything) about Sock Monkey, Daddy and me making m&m and nut cookies! Enjoy!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MOM!!!
I hope everyone who sees this has a wonderful Mother's Day, and even more wonderful mothers. :)
Lilly
Thursday, May 5, 2011
OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD YOU GUYS!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!
PI/ Anne Holder FINALLY sent me a confirmation! No more secret blog! No more secret tumblr! No more "Oh noes do I secretly have a horrible fiend of a *insert distant relative here* that is hindering me from being able to go?!"! And most importantly... NO MORE CONFUSION! Now I just get to wait till they find a host-family, which will hopefully be soon!
Then again, know my luck, I'll find out 2 days or so before I legitimately meet them. ;)
I'm happy.
In other news, I have an AP US history test (that I think I will bomb), English timed writing (that I will have to take after school), Chemistry test (that she hasn't taught us about) tomorrow. And on saturday I have a cello competition. I felt like crying 3/4 of the day at school. I love life! <3 At least school is almost over. :D:D:D
Back to being diligent! :)
Lilly
PI/ Anne Holder FINALLY sent me a confirmation! No more secret blog! No more secret tumblr! No more "Oh noes do I secretly have a horrible fiend of a *insert distant relative here* that is hindering me from being able to go?!"! And most importantly... NO MORE CONFUSION! Now I just get to wait till they find a host-family, which will hopefully be soon!
Then again, know my luck, I'll find out 2 days or so before I legitimately meet them. ;)
I'm happy.
In other news, I have an AP US history test (that I think I will bomb), English timed writing (that I will have to take after school), Chemistry test (that she hasn't taught us about) tomorrow. And on saturday I have a cello competition. I felt like crying 3/4 of the day at school. I love life! <3 At least school is almost over. :D:D:D
Back to being diligent! :)
Lilly
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Partnership International
Hi.
So, I still haven't gotten a letter from Partnership International, the German company that needs to a-ok me before I leave. I have to admit, I'm STARTING to get nervous as everyone around me are adding onto the list of "in-kids". I mean, what if it's August 10th and then I get the letter? Well.... that would Stiiiiiiiiiink. But I just need to stay positive! :D
Good thoughts from a town,
Lilly Smith
So, I still haven't gotten a letter from Partnership International, the German company that needs to a-ok me before I leave. I have to admit, I'm STARTING to get nervous as everyone around me are adding onto the list of "in-kids". I mean, what if it's August 10th and then I get the letter? Well.... that would Stiiiiiiiiiink. But I just need to stay positive! :D
Good thoughts from a town,
Lilly Smith
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Hello!
Hello!
My name is Lilly Smith, and I am part of the AYUSA 2011-2012 German Exchange trip. Basically, in August of 2011 I am going over to Germany to live with a host family for 10-ish months... and then I'm coming back to America to finish up high school and get on with my regular life. Will it be hard, nerve-wracking and scary as all get out? YES. Will it be more than worth it? DOUBLE YES!
I'll tell you some things about myself since this is my first post.
1. I am very conscious of my weight.
2. I love people and interacting with them. Because of this, I love culture. I also get very attached to people.
3. I love to cook/bake! :D
4. I love to read!
5. I live in Texas.... woo.
6. My favorite animal is a cow. My second favorite is an elephant.
7. I say "love" a lot because I believe there are different forms of love for different things. For example, I love my family, but not with the same love i love my friends. :)
8. I have the BEST sisters, mom and dad!
9. I love to run. :)
10. I've been told I'm very enthusiastic. Haha! :)
There, 10 facts! It is strangely hard to write about myself. I hope I can keep up with this blog throughout my year and keep everyone reading this up-to-date. :)
Thank you for reading!
Lilly Smith
My name is Lilly Smith, and I am part of the AYUSA 2011-2012 German Exchange trip. Basically, in August of 2011 I am going over to Germany to live with a host family for 10-ish months... and then I'm coming back to America to finish up high school and get on with my regular life. Will it be hard, nerve-wracking and scary as all get out? YES. Will it be more than worth it? DOUBLE YES!
I'll tell you some things about myself since this is my first post.
1. I am very conscious of my weight.
2. I love people and interacting with them. Because of this, I love culture. I also get very attached to people.
3. I love to cook/bake! :D
4. I love to read!
5. I live in Texas.... woo.
6. My favorite animal is a cow. My second favorite is an elephant.
7. I say "love" a lot because I believe there are different forms of love for different things. For example, I love my family, but not with the same love i love my friends. :)
8. I have the BEST sisters, mom and dad!
9. I love to run. :)
10. I've been told I'm very enthusiastic. Haha! :)
There, 10 facts! It is strangely hard to write about myself. I hope I can keep up with this blog throughout my year and keep everyone reading this up-to-date. :)
Thank you for reading!
Lilly Smith
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