YOU KNOW YOU'RE GREEK WHEN.... (part 2)

 The following list has been compiled from an online student group and on a Facebook group called "Greeks Invented Everything", and even though some of it is written from the perspective of Greek-Americans, it's still highly amusing and relevant:

You know you're Greek when.......(part 2)

• You have a family wedding to attend at least twice a year. 

 

•  You or at least most of your uncles own a spit 

 

• You consider soccer the eighth wonder of the world.

 

Your cheeks receivetheir weekly work out every time you visit an aunt. 

                                                

 

• Your last name ends with: opolous, os, as, or is.

• Your last name consists of the entire alphabet .

 When leaving a house, you stand at the front door for a half hour more and talk 

You expect atleast 600 people at your wedding 

 

You tell your parents you're seeing someone and they start sending out wedding invitations. 

 

 

You're home an hour late and you're already listed as a missing person. 

• You break a leg, and yiayia thinks your life is over. 

You tell your parents you're having a party.

They buy out the whole supermarket. 

 

 

It doesn't matter people can't hear what you're talking about - you talk so much with your hands that people know what you're going on about anyway.  

 

You go to a wedding, and are introduced to cousins that you never knew existed.

  

You tell mama you're not hungry and she thinks you have an eating disorder. 

Your yiayia / mama / thia has a miracle cure for everything. 

 

Your mother or father still feels the need to tell you, "katse kala" ("behave") in public 

 

You are familiar with the phrase, "Sto leo yia to kalo sou" (I'm saying this for your own sake!)

 

 

You have one or more of those porcelain figurines in your house or you have broken one of those porcelain figurines and mama still hasn't forgiven you for it

 

You have a bottle of OUZO in your house right now 

 

Add aki to the end of any American word, and it becomes Greek 

Your family inheritance includes olive trees and xorafyia (farming fields)

If you missed part 1 you can read it here!

All photos are courtesy of Google images.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

LOVE COMING YOUR WAY

ALL THE WAY FROM GREECE!

 

 

 

 I found this "Folded Greek Mythology - Valentine's Day Card" at
https://www.etsy.com/listing/117021010/valentines-day-card-envelopes

IDEAS TO MAKE VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL

      I'm re-posting this from last year since I don't think any of you have read it (my blog was fairly new and I only had 3 followers then!!!)
     This post is especially dedicated to all my not-so-crafty readers who would, nevertheless, like to do something special for Valentine's Day!                         

 

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL

 

      Personally, I think we should celebrate love often, at every possible occasion. We shouldn't need a Valentine's day or Sweetest day or whatever day dictating us or reminding us to show our love.

    Nevertheless, I do understand how we get caught up in our routine, busy lives that we do forget that we love and are being loved. So, we should take the time and put the effort to make this day (at least) differ from the rest of the year.

 

    For example, let's make our own cards and include a poem or a quote.

Here are just some that you can write in your Valentine cards:

Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
- Aristotle

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward in the same direction.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way than this: where I does not exist nor you, so close that your hand on my chest is my hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.
- Pablo Neruda, "Love Sonnet XVII"


... and a personal favorite:

My Love is Like a Red Red Rose

by Robert Burns

My love is like a red red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
My love is like the melodie
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I;
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till a’ the seas gang dry.
Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi’ the sun:
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands o’ life shall run.
And fare thee weel, my only love
And fare thee weel, a while!
And I will come again, my love,
Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.


OTHER IDEAS:

-- Compose a list: "101 Reasons Why You're the Greatest"
and include it in your card.

-- Include confetti hearts inside the card so they pour out
everywhere when your sweetheart opens it.

 

Spice things up if you can! Prepare a special evening (and watch the sparks fly!) where you:

--Turn your "bedroom" into a "boudoir". Use soft colors and
fabrics, fresh cut flowers on your nightstand, mirrors
everywhere, etc. (A little tip: Place a perfumed
handkerchief in the dryer with your sheets before drying!)

--Take a picture of yourself in the most sexy outfit possible.
Hide in a secret spot in your house and leave him or her
clues on how to get there or leave a trail of "Hershey's
chocolate kisses" from the front door to the bedroom,
right up to the bed. On the bed leave a note that reads 'I
kiss the ground you walk on.'

-- Fill the bathtub with warm water sprinkled with rose
petals. Take a bubble bath together.

--Play the game of monopoly with a few new rules. Change
boardwalk into backrub, and Tennessee into take your
shirt off. Every time you pass go, you get a kiss. etc.

For more great ideas check out:

http://www.karaspartyideas.com/2012/02/valentines-day-love-party.html

Whatever you do,

  have a wonderful Valentine's Day ! ! !

 

 

                                                             http://www.glitter-graphics.com/

...AND THE AWARD GOES TO....

       

       This post is sooooo long overdue I am really ashamed of myself. It seems I am a bigger procrastinator than I thought. Maybe I shouldn't even be posting this at all because some of my fellow bloggers who nominated me for the awards have probably forgotten about it but I would feel like "a donkey" (as we say in Greece) meaning obnoxious and lacking of manners, if I didn't. I have already said that I love receiving awards as I consider them a little note of appreciation of the effort we bloggers put in our blog writing. Some bloggy friends chose to honor me with these awards and I have to acknowledge that. So I apologise for taking me so long but better late than never, right?

       So thank you, thank you  Nell,  Suburban Momma,  K.Lee  and  Jenn  for honoring me with the these lovely awards! They're awesome blogs you should be reading. Rush over there and check them out if you don't already read them! They're fantastic!

       Now, prepare yourselves: this is going to be a long post as I have received 4 awards, but keep on reading to see if you have been nominated!

Let's start!  

 

       First, I'd like to thank Nell at  theramblingcouchpotato  for "The Sisterhood of World Bloggers Award". 

These are the rules:

• Include the award logo on your post.
• Thank the blogger nominating you, and link back to their blog.
• List 7 interesting facts about yourself.
• Pass on this award to 7 other deserving sisters.

7 Interesting Facts About Myself

1. Some of you know this, some of you don't, but I moved to the USA at 17 (on my own) as an exchange student who stayed on for many years going to college, etc, etc.
2. I love travelling and have so many dream destinations in my bucket list it's ridiculous. Possible only if I were Onassis!
3. Love anything that has to do with archaeology - from documentaries to movies to video games!
4. When I was much, much younger I aspired to become an actress. Instead I became a teacher!
5. According to everybody who knows me I'm stubborn and bullheaded. If that's how they perceive people with a strong will, so be it!
6. I like cats but in other people's homes. In my home I prefer a dog. It's an obedient servant and a cat is not. There would be a conflict there!
7. I work better under pressure especially when I have chosen when to press myself!
    

7 Fellow-Deserving Sisters:

• Michaela at   http://www.adventuresofayorkshiremum.co.uk/

• Amanda at  http://abooksandmore.blogspot.gr/

• Applebypie at  http://takingachanceinlife.blogspot.gr/

• Merrily Mary at  http://gomerrily.blogspot.gr/

• Josie Bisett at  http://xcartwright.blogspot.gr/

• Luana at  http://www.lapetitelulu.com/ 

• Karina at  http://momintheusa.blogspot.gr/

 

      Also, I'd like to thank That Suburban Momma at http://www.thatsuburbanmomma.com/ for the Laine Blogger Award. 

           

This award has a few simple rules for recipients:

• Answer 5 questions about yourself.

• Add the award logo in your post and thank the person who gave it to you by linking back to their blog.

• Pass it on to 5 other bloggers and notify them that they have won!

Here are the questions and my answers:

1. What is your current beauty obsession?

I guess it would be the cherry-flavored "Liposan",  a lip balm that protects and moisturises my lips and leaves a  pinkish red shiny look on my lips just like a lip-gloss.

2. Name one item you wish you owned.

I could actually name a few but since it has to be one I guess I'd like a new lap top computer or at least an i-pad!

3.What is your favorite topic to read about?

Well, apart from archaeology, I like biographies!

4. What inspired you to become a blogger?

I just needed an outlet, an escape from routine. I was a SAHM (not anymore!) and needed to do something creative. 

5. What nail polish are you wearing now?

Sorry to disappoint, but I just cleaned my nails of nail polish. They need a rest!

5 blogs I love that I would like to award:

•  Jamie at  http://chatterblossom.blogspot.gr/

• Dina Marie at  http://pluckyprocrastinator.blogspot.gr/

• Josie Bisett at  http://xcartwright.blogspot.gr/

• K.Lee at http://kisskissbyklee.blogspot.gr/

• Marissa at  http://www.shabbychicandcheap.com/

 

       Last but not least I would really like to thank K.Lee at http://kisskissbyklee.blogspot.gr/ and Jenn at http://mydailyjenn-ism.blogspot.gr/ for giving me the Liebster Award.

                                         

       The Liebster award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. What is a Liebster? The meaning: Liebster is a German word and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. 

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about 

    themselves.

2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you, and then

    create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the

    award to.

3. Choose 11 new bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to

    pass the award to and link them in your post.

4. Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

5. No tag backs.

      Since two fellow bloggers awarded me with the same award excuse me for cheating (a bit) but I shall post just 11 (instead of 22) facts about me. This post is already too long and honestly there's so much that I can say about me anymore. Jeez, enough! So...

11 Facts About Me: 

1.  Dishwasher or not I hate doing the dishes.  
2.  My favorite colours are red and black. 
3.  My goal for this year is to include exercising in my life and become fit. 
4.  I drink coffee. And I mean A LOT!!! 
5.  OCD, control freak, "over-thinker"! Psychiatrists would have a field trip and probably shred  their degrees/diplomas! 
6.  My favorite season is definitely the summer. I hate the cold! 
7. I'm an easy-going, fun-loving person who can't stand party-poopers. 
8. I love the country side but at heart I remain a city girl!
9.  Mood swings? Oh! Yes, plenty! 
10. I hate lies. Give me the truth even if it hurts. 
11. Trying to write all these facts about me is causing a short circuit in my brain. There's smoke coming out of my ears!

These are the 11 Questions from KLee that I have to answer to: 

1. Write something positive about yourself.

I'm a kind and well-intenioned person.

2. What's one of your favorite blogs that you think should get more recognition?

Mine! No, just kidding. I would like to answer this question but it would be unfair for many of the blogs I follow cause there is more than one that I love reading!

3. What do you like about blogging?

Apart for being an outlet for me, I also find it an interesting hobby where I get to meet people from all over the world.

4. What do you dislike about blogging?

That it takes up so much time away from my daily life. I've got to put it on a schedule, perhaps.

5. Do you have Instagram? What is your SN?

No! Why? Read the above answer.

6. If you can eat one CARB all day everyday, which one would it be?

French fries!

7. What do you want to get out of blogging? Honesty is the best policy.

Really just having fun with it. It's a hobby! Having followers and comments though, does make it more worthwhile and justifies the time I put into it!

8. When you are down, how do you pick yourself up?

Listening to music (really loud) or going for long walks. If these don't work, I sleep it off!

9. What is your worst fear?

Something happening to my kids!

10. Who is the one person you can rely on?

Well, it's two actually, my Mom and my husband.

 11. If you HAD TO tattoo one word on your forehead, what would it say?

"Danger! High Voltage!"

 These are the 11 questions from Jenn that I have to answer:

1. Who in your life do you most wish to be like?

I don't mean to sound arrogant or anything but I just want to be me with all my imperfections and idiosyncracies. Just me, whoever and whatever I am.

2. Other than parenting, what is your greatest accomplishment?

Surviving! If life gives me lemons I make lemon pie. Sometimes there's enough for a lemonade, too.

3. If you had your choice of living in a region where it’s either only cold all the time or only hot all the time, which would you pick?

This one's easy: Summer, hot weather, yeah! Can't stand the cold!

4. What is your biggest phobia? (ie: birds, snakes, spiders)

Cockroaches!!! Eeeeeew! Can't even look at a photo of them!

5. How old were you when you got your first paying job?

I think 18 1/2! Busing tables in college!

6. What do you like the best about where you live?

The ocean, the blue skies, the beaches, the food, the landscape....shall I go on?

7. What is the one place you’d most like to visit before you die?

The pyramids of Egypt!

8. What one piece of knowledge, that you’ve learned from your own experience, do you find most important to pass on to your child?

Always be yourself, be positive, be kind to people but take shit from no one!

9. Early bird or night owl?

Actually, both!

10. What is your favorite meal to cook? (opening a can of spaghetti o’s counts)

Ordering! Hahaha! Well, that too!  I roast the best pork chops and potatoes!

11. If you found out you were expecting a child, how would you react?

Now? At 42? With 2 pre-teens in the house? Don't even joke about it!!!

And finally these are my 11 questions to my nominees : 

1. If you had 3 hours to yourself (no husband, no kids, no chores) what would you do? 
2. What is the best life advice you can give to your followers?
3. What is your goal for this year?
4. If they made a movie of your life, who would you pick to play you?
5. What is your favorite quote?
6. Describe your ideal Valentine's day!
7. What is the best song to describe your mood today?
8. Apart from blogging how do you spend your free time?  
9. What is your favorite memory?
10. If you could do any job in the world, what would it be? (Except for being a mom or dad!)
11. If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money, and why?
     

I pass this award on to these lovely bloggers:

• Galina Varese at  http://chezmaximka.blogspot.gr/ 

• Leslie Hernandez at http://www.bravenezz.com/

• CindyDowdle-Schoen at  http://cobaltmoonjewelry.blogspot.gr/ 

• NoelMarie at http://www.highheeledmama.com/ 

• Dena Barrie at  http://itsabouttakingthejourney.blogspot.gr/ 

• Olga at http://olga-kidapproved.blogspot.gr/

• Wanda Ann Olsen at http://www.memoriesbythemile.com/ 

• Tracy Winslow at  http://www.momaical.com/

• VFoley at http://ohabbyday.blogspot.gr/

• Sannel at  http://sannellarson.blogspot.gr/   

• Heidi Lyn Burke at http://www.typativemamacat.com/

So, my deserving bloggies go forth & present!

Spread the love and recognition!

YOU KNOW YOU'RE GREEK WHEN..... (part 1)

       The following list has been compiled from an online student group and on a Facebook group called "Greeks Invented Everything", and even though some of it is written from the perspective of Greek-Americans, it's still highly amusing and relevant:

You know you're Greek when.......

•  You make frappe before leaving home, when getting to the office, after lunch, when having guests, before the guests leave, after the guests leave and before going to bed.

• You still have clothes that you used to wear when you were five stored in suitcases.     

• You hide everything from your parents, but they still think they know everything about you, and make you believe that they actually do.

• When you arrive home you find 20 people waiting for you at the airport.

• When you come back from college you still have to live with your parents, and fight over curfew all over again, as if you never left them before. 

 

• Your relatives alone could populate a small city.

• Everyone is a family friend.

• You fight over who pays the dinner bill.

 

When you go on a date you start thinking of places that you never thought of before to avoid family or family friends. You end up in a lousy place and still bump into the relative with the biggest mouth.

• You tell your friends how to rebel against their parents when you can't stay out past midnight.

• You ask your dad a simple question and he tells you a story of how he had to walk miles just to get to school with no shoes. 

• You're 6'2", can bench press 325 pounds, shave twice a day, but you still cry when your mother yells at you.

• Your uncle owns a restaurant, has $300,000 in the bank, but still drives a '76 Monte Carlo.

• You are a card-carrying V.I.P at more than 3 dance clubs.

• At least 5 of your cousins live on your street.

• All 5 of those cousins are named after your grandfather.

• There are more than 28 people in your bridal party.

• You have at least one relative who wore a black dress every day for an entire year after a funeral... or their entire life!


• Every Sunday afternoon of your childhood was spent visiting papou (Grandpa) and yiayia (Grandma) or extended family.

You've experienced the phenomena of 150 people fitting into 50 square feet of yard during a family cookout.

• You thought killing the lamb each year and having feta, tzatziki and olives on your dinner table was absolutely normal.

• You learned to play tavli(backgammon) before you went to school.

• You thought that talking loud was normal.

• You thought everyone got pinched on the cheeks and money stuffed in their pockets by their relatives. 

 

• Your mother is overly protective of the males in the family no matter what their age.

to be continued.....

                                                                                          All photos are courtesy of Google images.