Are You a Big Kid?

When I was 17, I thought that when I turned 18, I would feel like an adult. Not necessarily be an adult, but have adult thoughts. Think like a woman, not like a teenage girl. What a bummer it was that on my 18^th birthday I was wondering how Mom had decorated the cake—horses or flowers, swirls or hearts?--and could barely contain myself while tearing open my presents. Clearly not an adult thought. Don’t worry, I said to myself, when I turn 20, I’ll really be thinking like an adult. I’ll knowledgeably smile down at my birthday cake and eloquently thank my mother for the beautiful decorations. Then I’ll sit back and casually open my presents while sipping on some decaf. I’ll give cheek kisses to all my guests when they leave and then I wont immediately sort through all my gifts, lining them up on my bed.

And then I turned 20 and my boyfriend dumped me (loser) and I cried for three weeks and could only fall asleep if my mom had tucked me in, complete with a funny story from her childhood (did you know Keiko practically flunked first grade for talking too much? Hilarious…).

Turning 21 in two months, I have very little-to-no-hope that I will begin “thinking like an adult” on June 7^th, 2011. Psh. Talking to some big kids myself, I’m beginning to have the realization that adults just look like adults, but have the same thoughts that they did when they were 12. Jesus lord. You mean I will never stop perking up when I hear the ice cream truck coming? And I will never stop believing Santa still lives on the North Pole, and just retired a few decades ago?

Now that it’s warm out, my host sisters and I are constantly on the trampoline. It is SO MUCH FUN.

Friends and 20-something year olds out there, do you feel like an adult?

19 Days

Aren't these little heart shaped clovers sweet? I discovered them on the lawn at the Louisiana Museum. If you're ever in Denmark, you have to go-- it is fantastic!

In 19 days I will be heading back to the US. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone? I am excited to go back to New York, but I have a lot to do before then. Like finals. In high school, my friend and I would go up to the roof gym at our school and scream our heads off at the end of every year, during all the exams and papers. I mean, we would really scream. We even streaked and ran around naked once. We never got caught, thank god :) It was exhilarating and extremely fun ( and always left my ears ringing- that's how loud we were!). If only that sort of thing was more acceptable...

Have great weekends, enjoy the sun!

A Beginner's Guide to: Not Saying "Excuse Me" in Denmark

How many times do you say "excuse me" in one day? If you live in America, I would guestimate perhaps 3 or 4 times at least. It's common courtesy, right? When you accidentally nudge someone in line, when you pass through a huge lingering crowd, when you need the person in front of you to get out of the way. I didn't think twice about saying it until I came here- because no one says it. Not even the Danish equivalent: undskyld (pronounced oonschool-pretend there's a potato in your mouth for the right pronunciation).

It irks me. I try not to let it bother me since everyone here claims that it's not out of rudeness...but it's still hard to get used to. If I'm in the way of someone trying to get off the bus, instead of saying undskyld, they'll just stand there, do a little feet shuffle, and then push past me.

Today I found myself pushing past someone without saying excuse me. At first I felt bad ass, like, hey- look at me, I'm being Danish..watchu gonna do...but then afterwards I felt kind of bad and was tempted to go back and apologize. Ah, well..

Anyway, here are a few more pictures from my parent's visit...

My Dad and I standing in front of the Rosenborg Castle. It used to be the King's summer house. Imagine that?!

Strolling through beautiful Nyhavn...

And the lunch we had there. I got this amazing pea soup...it was so good that I might have to go back....

I hope you are all having great weeks so far!!
xo

Adventures in Copenhagen

Last week I decided I needed to do one thing that would make my alter-ego, Holly, happy. I did name my blog Favor For Holly, after all.

Well, I decided that I would climb the spiral staircase steeple of the Vors Frelsers Church, something that I knew from the beginning would make Holly happy as a clam. Ugh. Freak.

Despite my crippling fear of heights, it looked manageable from the ground. It was a beautiful clear day, and I was feeling especially capable.

Once inside, I was surprised to see a flight of stairs leading up the church. “Where’s the elevator?” I asked. No elevator. OK. You walk up. Duh.

I made it up the first flight fine. I was even humming some bob Marley.

I made it up the second flight okay, too.

By the third, Bob Marley soundtrack was long gone, and I was beginning to wonder why I decided to do this. The stairs were wooden, uneven, ancient, creaky…all of the things that make my heights-phobia tick.

At the fourth, I had to take a breather and talk myself into it. I stood there for 10 minutes...

...until I was blocking too many people, and realized that I had no option but to keep going.

The stairs got increasingly more terrifying. Now I could see in between them, the worst invention EVER. I kept focusing and saying “one step at a time,” but a tiny little vision popped into my head:

So I had to crouch down and refocus.

It took me fifteen minutes to climb up the next small flight- so I had to resort to my last option. I decided to picture everyone naked. It usually helps.

It didn't, but I had no option now, I had to keep going. Sweat was dripping down my forehead and back. My hands were vibrating. When I made it up the final staircase, I could see sky—I had made it to the spiral. I climbed on my hands and knees onto the base of the spiral—but it was too much.

I sat there in a ball, until I felt like my head was going to implode. So I didn't actually climb up the spiral, but I made it there, which is what matters most, right? Even though I was basically peeing my pants, I also felt incredibly alive and empowered. I could barely breathe until I was standing on the ground again, and then I felt like I could do almost anything (in fact, I went on a roller coaster the next day in beautiful Tivoli, which I must blog about soon!).

Have you guys done anything recently that terrified you? I'd love to hear!

Have a fabulous week! xo

Swans

I'm currently working on another 'illustrated' post, but since it's taking a little while, I thought I'd drop by briefly to share with you my new obsession...

Swans.

They are everywhere here and I can't stop photographing them (like the tourists who come to NYC and think that squirrels are the greatest, cutest things ever). They do this funny thing where they drop their necks into the bodies and glide around like they're in a recliner chair. There's something so romantic about them, but at the same time so intimidating. I kinda think they suffer from bitchface (although I've heard they are actually bitches, so maybe it's not just their face).

I tested the water. It was a wee bit chilly.
Later, folks. Oh yeah, and Happy Easter!!

Happy Birthday, Dad

Happy Birthday to the best Dad in the world, seriously. I'm one lucky girl!
Love you,
Joy

'Rents Here

Hi my dear readers! I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I couldn't wait to share a few pictures before my parents leave--more to come later, but for now, a sneak peak...


On the cruise to Oslo, Norway, the water was such a rich, deep blue that I was tempted to jump in...


On Saturday we went to the country side with my mom's old friend. She has such a sweet, cozy home overlooking the fjord that I couldn't stop taking pictures.

Isn't that the perfect little getaway? She cooked us a delicious lunch too-- amazing salmon, asparagus, couscous...

I didn't want to leave. It was perfect!
More later... but for now, have a great week!! xo

Knobby Knee Trees

The trees here have so much character- they remind me of something out of a Dr. Seuss book. Whenever I see these particular trees I always think of knobby knees (my mom took these pictures, aren't they great?)

Tomorrow we're going to Norway- on a cruise! I'm so excited but a little nervous about sea-sickness. Crossing my fingers that the waves just lull me to sleep. I think they will!

xox

p.s. this made me giggle.

Paris, Je t'aime

I feel the way I felt after my middle school boyfriend bought me a mint ice cream cone and then held my hand for a full 15 minutes.

I'm in love with Paris.

The cafes, the big lawns, the romance, the blossoming trees. It's perfect.

Just a few of my photos:

The eiffel tower through the trees. It was a clear night, the moon was out, and everyone was cuddling in the park.


our first meal-- salade nicoise, soup a l'onion, confit de canard and kir...


Saturday's outfit...(notice flats & a hat--it was in the 70's!)


wonderful company over a cup of coffee in Montmartre. That's my friend from high school--we promised we would meet in Paris (she's studying in Italy, lucky girl), and we did it!

I cried when I left. I think it means that I will just have to spend a year in Paris. What do you think?

P.S. If I'm not posting as frequently this week it's because my parents will be in town! I'll do my best to keep you updated! Have a great week. xoxox

Une Jupe Rouge

In a few hours I will be heading to Paris for a long weekend. I am so excited. All I want to say when I get there is: Une Jupe Rouge (A red skirt). My 6th grade french teacher, Madame Crumlish, had us recite it 100 billion times. Her classroom always smelled like grape perfume and she wore her prescription sunglasses to teach because she lost her regular pair. Before holidays she would cover the tables with pretty doilies and give us non-alcoholic kir, a french cocktail made with blackcurrant liqueur.

I will squeeze in another post on Tuesday when I return, and before my parents arrive Wednesday morning!
Enjoy your weekend-- Sending love from Paris!

P.S. Another blogger finds a way to appreciate the rain. So cute!

Pretty

I got this journal in London, at the Museum of Natural History, in the sexual nature exhibit. The exhibit was fascinating and hilarious, and kind of made me want to go to The Museum of Sex once I'm back in NYC. Has anyone gone? Is it worth it?

When I spotted the journal, I knew I had to have it. Every time I write, I swoon over the gold peacock (if I was a female peacock, I'd be sold) and and buttery, soft pages.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Would You Be 10 Again?

This past weekend, I took my 10 year old host sister and her best friend to the next town over, Roskilde, a cute bustling town full of cafes and shops. It was the warmest day so far, so we took off our scarves and bought cold sodas. They were giddy with excitement when we stopped in Glitter, Denmark's equivalent of Claire's. I spotted them $12 to buy a "Best Friends" bracelet set, complete with rhinestones and sparkling silver, and watched as they discussed very seriously who should have the "Best" and who should have the "Friend." When we passed a lingerie store, they glanced at me, glanced at each other, and then burst into nervous laughter. By the end of the day, I was having trouble remembering what age I was. It was so refreshing to be around them!

Would you go back to being a 10 year old, or do you like being older?

P.S. This blew my mind.

A Beginner's Guide to: Crossing the Street in Denmark

How do you cross the street? Up until 3 months ago, I crossed the street the second I got a chance to, along with the 8 million trillion other impatient New Yorkers trying to get somewhere. It doesn't matter if it says "WALK" or "DON'T WALK." What matters is getting your nonfat soy caramel no foam extra whip double shot venti frappalappa crapacino.

Not in Denmark.

You cross when the little man is green. No exceptions.
Picture this: rush hour in the heart of Copenhagen. The little man is red, but no cars are coming, no bikers. A crowd of 50, no, say 60, people are standing at the curb, waiting to walk. Waiting to walk. No one budges until the little man is green. I'm the girl in the front, hopping up and down and looking like a dog who has been demanded to SIT while her owner dangles a fresh-off-the-grill pork chop in front of her nose. It's torture.

Once, after a three hour psychology class and 3 minutes until my train, I was feeling ballsy and crossed, even though the little man was red. I felt kind of bad ass until I realized a hoard of Danes were looking at me like I just cursed in front of their grandmas.
Never again.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!
P.S. I've been gaping at these black & white photos for the past two days. "Unexplainable" is an understatement. My favorite has got to be the man with a child's face coming out of his butt.

Let's Talk About...

The bitchface look. I suffer from it daily. I would say I could be diagnosed. The number one thing that a new friend says to me is: "Wow, I'm surprised how nice you are, since you came off as a real BITCH at first."

It's just my face.

I think it has to do with growing up in NYC, with a mother who made sure I was street smart by the time I was out of diapers. Don't talk to strangers. That has translated, over the years, into: Don't smile at strangers. Don't let your mouth turn upward in the tiniest bit. Don't even smile with your eyes. AKA, look bitchy.

It really works, in NYC at least. You look around and every girl has mastered the look so well that strangers (read:weird men with too much time on their hands who ride the subway all day and sit next to you and have terrible breath and ask you obnoxious, intrusive questions like: where are you going looking like that?") pretty much leave us alone.

Then one day I woke up in Wisconsin, going to college with a bunch of bright eyed, bushy tailed people (hi, guys!) who smile at everyone. I was stunned. At first I thought it was a mistake. "They must be confusing me for another half-asian girl," I thought. Nope, just smiling to be nice.

Three years later, I have finally mastered the face switcharoo: bitchface in NYC, niceface in WI. As for Denmark? I'd say I'm still working on it.




Happy Friday, everyone! Hope it's getting nice and toasty out wherever you may be...
:)