Germany : Flag Your Cards, Know How to Read a Map and Stay Calm

We have finally made it to our documentation of Germany from December 2011! Here we go...

Before leaving on an international trip,

be sure to notify your credit and debit card providers

. 

Someone... possibly by the name of Whitney {me}...

may have

forgotten this crucial step on our Germany trip. When we approached the Hertz desk, we tried our two cards only for each one to fail. 

I felt sick to my stomach. 

The Hertz employees were awesome and worked with us hand-in-hand. We are incredibly thankful for bank security BUT we couldn't reach the company we banked with

at the time

because they don't have a 24-hr access line. With our time change, we were forced to wait a few hours in the airport. So we walked upstairs with our American dollar bills and chowed down on the always internationally reliable McDonald's.

They only offered McMuffins... no biscuits but that's ok.

We finally settled the issue with the bank and Hertz, packed our bags into the new rental car for the trip, and JD turned the car on... only to find out it's a manual. 

Neither of us can drive a manual.

So we unloaded our bags and trekked back up to the Hertz desk.

No automatic cars are available for another hour.

Walk around airport.

Whew! Automatic car is now available. We add a GPS onto the package and load the new car up.

Set out in our VW Golf from the Frankfurt airport to Ramstein-Meisenbacher. 

GPS doesn't work. Fortunately, there's a map. 

A very hard-to-read map.

Four hours later (should've only taken one hour), we arrive to our destination! 

Even with the absolutely terrible luck throughout our arrival, my jaw dropped as JD drove through the lovely, quaint towns that were more beautiful than even the greatest photographer can capture. 

The Lord is gracious in even our most frustrating moments.

We've been on a number of trips but this was, by far, the most terrible way to start one out. 

And yet, it ended up being a favorite trip of ours overall.

Prepare for our greatest attempt as we send you through a journey of one of the most whimsical countries on the planet.

Have you ever had a time where things were terrible and embarrassing in the beginning but the outcome was better than you could have ever dreamed?

Surprise! Did You Know We Were Movie Stars for Twelve Seconds??

Today we're linking up with Molly & Carly for #YOLOMondays! 

Keeping in line with our last post about extras...

Did you know JD and I were in a movie??

Yeah. Like, we were stars for about twelve seconds. It was awesome.


Ok, so it was only an ABC Family movie. BUT we officially made it onto Netflix. What!?

If you want to check out our part, without watching the rest of the movie - you can.

Movie: My Future Boyfriend
(It was originally named "Always & Forever" which we liked a lot better, but oh well.)

Time Stat: somewhere around the 39 minute mark.


About three months after graduating from college / three months into our marriage, we were living in "The Bungalow" (AKA: a cabin right next to my gracious grandparents on Lake Oconee). I was jobless and JD had just gotten a small job at a technology storefront in town. Needless to say, we had a small income and very flexible schedules.

So when we heard about Extras Casting Atlanta on Facebook, we were super pumped.



We heard about this company via my brother, Chase.

Side note: You can see him as an extra in the movie Wanderlust. We watched the movie on the airplane just to get a screenshot of him...



A day or so after we "liked" the company, we saw an opportunity pop up for a "kissing couple." We emailed one of our wedding photos and an engagement photo that night and two days later, we got a phone call asking us to be in the movie.


They asked us to bring in a few outfits for the wardrobe department to choose for our part. The wardrobe dept. told JD "Your outfit looks perfect," then pointed to me and said, "Uhh... What else do you have?"

I ended up with the floral dress and JD ended up with a green polo and shorts.

Then we got on set...

The director looked at JD and said, "What is he wearing? Did you even go through the wardrobe dept? Go change."

We got a pretty big laugh out of this. The wardrobe dept. got him some khakis and dress shoes within a few minutes, and we were back on set.

Our part was "so important" that we were not allowed to play as extras in any other part of the movie because the audience would notice us. This led to an entire twelve hours on set (getting paid $9 an hour), only to act for 30 minutes of it.

Our part?

We were supposed to portray "love" so JD bought me a rose, we kissed and walked off.

They shot about four different angles and we were finished.

About nine months later, someone wrote on my Facebook wall: "I'm pretty sure I just saw you on ABC Family..."

Contrary to our beliefs, they decided to keep our part in the movie and we were on TV.
How cool is that??


We still can't believe that we were in a movie, but it hits on our Top Ten List of the most exciting adventures we've had thus far. It was also the prime part to play as newlyweds.

 What unexpected thing would go down on your Top Ten Most Exciting Adventure List?


Hawaiii : Hawaii Five-O and Extras

While in line at the USS Arizona, a man asked us a random question: "Do you two watch Hawaii Five-O?" Surprisingly, no. We watch a lot of tv shows, but that's not one of them. "Oh, well, they're having this event at Waikiki Beach called Sunset on the Beach tonight. They will screen the premiere of Season 3 and the celebrities will come in on the Red Carpet. You should check it out."

So we did. 

It was super cool. The beach was packed. Tons of locals / "extras" in the show were sitting among the crowd. People even brought their pet birds. What?! 

Several opening acts went live, including pop sensation, kid-Hawaiian prodigy Aidan James with his ukulele. He played U2's "All I Want is You" at the opening...

Hawaii Five-O was interesting. The antagonist was the host of Iron Chef (a fave of ours) but he wasn't present at the premiere. Bummer. Groups of people would start cheering in the most random and inappropriate parts of the episode (i.e. murder scene), so we knew there was an "extra" in our presence. 

Are you an avid TV watcher... what's your favorite show?

Our top faves are: Parks & Rec, Duck Dynasty (I guess it's a southern thing), Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Parenthood, and The Office

However, we are heavily considering getting rid of cable in December. 

What are your thoughts on TV? 

A waste of time or a way to relate to the community around you?

Hawaii : Aloha Flea Market, the Wonderskirt & a Vintage Scarf

Welcome to the Aloha Flea Market (aka Swap Meet @Aloha Stadium).

One word: DEALS.

When I hear the words "flea market," "antique market," or "thrift store".... I'm there. Fortunately, my husband enjoys these things too. {sigh of relief}

The Aloha Swap Meet is fairly different from most markets.

Mostly because some of the tents sell coconuts. The vendor chops the nib right off the top, gives you a straw and you drink up. Mmm! Fresh coconut juice. Refreshing.

Vendors set up booths around the entire perimeter of the University of Hawaii's Aloha Stadium. The Swap Meet is the prime spot for all things cheap, Hawaiian souvenirs - and some

inexpensive

not-so-cheap stuff too. Do not hesitate in making negotiations with the vendors.

Here are a few things we bought....

A wonderskirt.

This thing is a.maz.ing!!! There are like 100+ ways you can wear it, plus it was only $15. You better believe I wore it on the plane ride home. It was the most comfortable plane attire I've ever worn. And it was cute. No more sweatpants for this girl!!

JD picked out a few goodies from the farm booth...

chipotle ranch dressing, coconut peanut butter, and pecans

. We also got him a few

Hawaiian button-down shirts

for his Casual Friday work attire. Does he wear one every Friday? Yes. He most certainly does. And he sports each one like a champ. 

A vintage scarf. 

I was super pumped to try it out for the first time. As soon as we got home, I bobby-pinned my hair, twisted the scarf and did a little up-do. My inspiration was from Pinterest via 

Girl Obsessed

. Her blog is filled with amazing fashion, so check it out. :)

So, readers, we (mostly I, Whitney) would like to know:

Do you love flea markets, thrift stores, antique markets? 

What is your most favorite find?

Do you wear vintage scarves? Which way do you sport it?

Hawaii : Makapu'u Lighthouse of Oahu / Adventure Is Out There!

After our spontaneous adventure, we continued on our hike up to the Makapu'u Lighthouse. 

There is no way this lighthouse could ever be hidden. It's a pretty clear picture of Matthew 5:14-16.

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." 

Isn't it beautiful...

The entire path lasts about two miles. Apparently, it is the prime spot for whale-watching on the island from December to April. Maybe we'll get the opportunity to see the migration one season!

In the meantime, the lighthouse proves to be a fantastic sight to behold for now.

Do you see the white fence that leads to the lighthouse? 

Well, we found it and tried to follow the trail. Instead, an electric, locked fence denied us of entering. 

Booooo.

We explored a few more paths along the way. As I was taking more photos of the lighthouse, JD was being adventurous. A little tooooo adventurous for my taste.

My heart practically beat out of my choice when I turned around and saw JD sitting on this rock (aka the top, outermost point of a 500-ft cliff). I took a few photos as I walked closer to him (in a quiet panic) and asked him gently to please get off of that rock before the wind blows him off. 

In my defense, it was insanely windy. 

Whew. Fortunately, he somehow maneuvered a safe dismount and we got some incredible photos from it. Just looking at this photo makes me queasy. Haha! I really wish I had the boldness for adventure that he has. Gosh, he's awesome.

We hiked several more of the trails and headed back to the parking lot. The ole' Subes was awaiting our arrival. We couldn't have asked for a more fitting rental car than a Subaru. Have you seen those commercials!? The commercials alone make an adventure-seeker want to drive one.

If you decide to take a stroll to the lighthouse, check out the other paths but be careful. Most people were only walking the paved road to the lighthouse. They missed the adventures hidden among the off-course dirt paths. As we were walking, JD said, "Life is really what you make of it." I replied with, "Adventure is out there!!" 

Have you ever been on an adventure (physical, emotional or mental) that challenged you?? Was it worth the risk?

Hawaii : A Stroll Down the Danger Zone.

Linking up with Molly & Carly for #YOLOMondays! We felt this was, certainly, the most fitting post for "You Only Live Once."

We packed our backpack for the not-so-strenuous 2-mile paved road hike to the lighthouse. About half-way up, we stopped at this ledge to take a photo or two. We thought it would be a boring hike until we saw "DANGER" signs and found a steep off-road path to the Pacific Ocean, tidal pools and blowholes down the mountain.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Please check out this view. THIS is what we saw when we looked down...

Of course, JD started venturing down and I scurried behind.

We walked slowly and steadily down the mountain. 

As far as I'm concerned, we were borderline-bouldering at some points of our hike.

JD walked ahead of me, smiles and all.

Until we got further down the mountain... obviously, he went into protective husband mode as the path turned a little more treacherous. 

"Whoa. Be careful, Whitney." 

He worries about me sometimes. I am terribly clumsy.

I thought, for sure, I was going to slip on a loose rock and tumble into the sea. 

But I didn't.

I like to think that I'm incredibly brave, but when it comes down to it... I'm not. 

Fortunately, this barrier in my life has been gently broken down by a sweet husband who reminds me that the Lord is our strength and our shield. Then again, Christ has given JD the blessing and tough task of protecting me as much as humanly possible.

Very few people followed us on the path and we only met one guy on the way down. He had gone down about halfway before he decided to turn around and head back up. It gets pretty steep towards the bottom so he made a wise decision to not walk down further by himself. He encouraged us to continue on since we had each other in case something happened to one of us.

And it was the most incredible thing we've seen. 

Ever.

We had never seen a blowhole up to this point. To say that we were mesmerized, would be an understatement. JD had a lot of fun standing between the two blowholes and directing the water as if he were Poseidon. He was victorious in playing that role. 

Exploring.

Laughing.

Living.

Gazing out at the endless sea.

What more can a couple of newlyweds ask for?

We have found that the best moments are those you just happen to stumble upon; in the words of Robert Frost, they are most often experienced on the road less traveled.

I hate to think that I would've missed out on all of that beauty because of fear. I'm forever thankful for a husband who challenges me and believes in me. He knows my limits and he recognizes my potential.

Who do you feel challenges you and believes in your potential the most? 

I Want YOUR Advice : Perfumes

Whitney, here.

I need some advice. 

{Perfume from Anthropologie}

For Christmas, the only gift I'm asking for from my husband is a bottle of perfume (and maybe a pair of black TOMS). 

My biggest problem is that I see a perfume bottle, fall in love with the bottle style so hard that I want to buy it without even caring about the scent. Example: Anthropologie's Happ & Stahns Perfumers above. It's a pin cushion with the loveliest of pins on top... and it's my favorite color. Who wouldn't want something so pretty?!

I'm a lover of lotions but have yet to dabble much in perfumes. 

Perfumes seem so womanly - and I want to smell womanly!

I want to smell delightful to my husband. 

So delightful, in fact, that the words of Solomon flow from his mouth when we embrace:
"How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!
How much better is your love than wine,
and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!"
Song of Solomon 4:10

(Ok. So he would never say those exact words... that would be weird.) 
A sweet-smellin' wife adds an extra flame to the candle.


So, here's where you come in. 

I need suggestions on perfumes that smell lovely... 

because if I try to pick one out myself, 
I will base it on the aesthetics of the bottle and not the nature of the scent.

Give me your best blogosphere spritz and help a sister out! 

America Has Spoken.

This morning, we are thankful that, as believers in a Risen Savior, we find Hope in Christ and not in a nation or a president. 

We pray that our country will "move forward" in the direction of good and not evil. 

We pray for the unborn - that they may live and live in the abundance of Christ. 

We pray for the military and their families - that the Lord will protect them as
our heros fight to protect us. 

We pray for the small businesses - that they will excel and be successful. 

We pray for the unemployed - that the Lord will bless them with opportunities
for employment instead of depending on the government to provide for their needs. 

We pray for our re-elected president. 

We pray for this nation. 

And in all things, we pray that the Lord's name is known and lifted high. 

#GodBlessAmerica.


Hawaii : Kualoa Ranch... Movie Sites & Ranch Tour

Happy Election Day!!

Welcome to

Kualoa Ranch

, home of MANY movie and TV sets. 

The Kualoa mountain range stands tall behind the main ranch house. The ranch was a sugar cane plantation at one time... until they realized sugar cane did not grow well on the land. Now the Kualoa Ranch is home to lots of cattle and movie sets.

The steers under the tree were featured in the movie Run Down. 

We signed up for the Movie Sites & Ranch Tour as well as the Jungle Expedition Tour.

With a half-full bus and open windows, we began driving down the road where Adam Sandler tried to get Drew Barrymore to stop for him in the movie 50 First Dates. 

First site stop?

Yeah. This will most likely be our 2013 Christmas Card...

Do you remember this tree from Jurassic Park?

Jurassic Park was supposed to be filmed on Kauai but a hurricane hit, so they filmed it on Oahu instead. 

This is the most famous dead tree you will ever see.

Then we drove by Godzilla's footprints...

...and the garage from the movie Mighty Joe Young...

...and then we stopped inside of the Pearl Harbor bunker to see the Kualoa Goes to War / Kualoa Hits Hollywood museums.

The Kualoa mountains are the background from most of the scenes in the film Journey 2. Remember the

Waimea Waterfall

? That was in the movie too. (We watched Journey 2 for the first time on the plane ride home. It was pretty cool to notice places throughout the movie that the tour guide didn't even mention.) 

The view from the Pearl Harbor bunker. We {heart} Hawaii.

The original tikis from the Biggest Loser TV show.

When we say MANY movies were filmed here, we mean it. Here are just a few of the other ones we jotted down from the tour:

TV shows: 

Lost

Gilligan's Island

Hawaii Five-O

Birds of Paradise

Movies:

Aztec Pyramid

You, Me & Dupree

Wind Talkers

Pearl Harbor

Battleship

George of the Jungle

Do you remember any of the scenes from these movies?