A very merry Christmas...

Our Christmas holiday started in San Diego about 2 weeks prior to Christmas day. Matt was scheduled for a job conference and he was planning on getting the chance to interview with a couple of companies while we were there, unfortunately though, the companies he was scheduled to interview with ended up dropping out of the conference, so no luck there. That was a bummer, but on the bright side, my parents were visiting San Diego for my dad's work and we got the chance to spend some time, and share some meals with them. One especially notable meal was at Morton's Steakhouse (Matt's favorite), it was oh-so-good!

After a few days in San Diego we headed up to Redlands to spend the rest of our time with Matt's family. We had a few days at first with his mom and dad; a little later his sister flew out and the family was all together! We enjoyed last minute shopping, some awesome meals, HDTV, and just spending time with everyone!

On Christmas Eve we celebrated our Lord's birth at Matt's parents' church. Afterwards, Matt and I drove around town looking for local newspaper machines...our wedding announcement wound up in the paper that day and it surprisingly took some searching to find the 12 copies we were hoping to get! After our "tour of the town" we stopped off at Panera to pick up some bread and headed home to an awesome Christmas Eve dinner with the family!

After we finished dinner we moved to the living room to open some presents! It was so fun to watch everyone open their gifts, and we are so thankful for the gifts that we received. The next shot is me opening up a gift from Matt, he got me a teapot!

This was such a wonderful gift since I had been mentioning my desire to start a little teapot collection...everytime I talked about it though Matt would laugh and roll his eyes, so I figured it wasn't going to happen! I am afraid though that he will view my teapot collection as approval for him to start a Porsche collection, since everytime he mentions that, I laugh and roll my eyes!

We had a great breakfast on Christmas morning then spent the day gearing up for a little get together that Bill and Susanne were hosting. Friends stopped by all throughout the evening, we had such a nice time catching up with folks that we don't get to see often enough.

The day after Christmas was a long one! Both Matt and I woke up early to go on our runs, then we went out to breakfast with some of Matt's friends, after that it was off to a couple of stores and the post office. When we got back we had about two hours to pack, then it was off to LAX for our long trip home.

Our flights and drive home all went well and now we are trying to recover from jet lag and get back to life here in Germany. Our search for jobs still is not over, please keep us in your prayers as we continue to seek out a variety of opportunities.

A wonderful Thanksgiving!

What an awesome week we had for Thanksgiving! It started on the Sunday before Thanksgiving with an very tasty Thanksgiving meal at the Hospitality House (one of the ministries going on here in Heidelberg). Then Tuesday of that week the Dining Facility at Matt's work had their formal Thanksgiving meal, which was also so very good! And finally for Thanksgiving Day itself we were off to.....

Switzerland!!

Yes, again. Can't get enough of that place! We actually went down with a group of folks who go to the Hospitality House, and had such a good time. This time we were in Interlaken, it was truly beautiful! The snowy mountains all around us were incredible!

We had a ton of fun touring around Interlaken and some of the surrounding area, and some of us had a great day sledding! We literally sled down a mountain, yes a mountain, really. It took two hours to go on one run...yes we had to stop some, and yes we got lost, and yes we ended up on a road dodging cars...very exciting. The second run was a little shorter (we only went halfway down the mountain) but still had the same adventurous feel, we took a wrong turn and decided the best way to get back was to go down the "closed" area, we had a humorous time going down steep slopes that at some points had snow hip deep. Our third run went off with out a hitch, that was until the ski patrol caught up with us and escorted off the mountain...(it was closing time and I'm pretty sure we were the only ones left!)

Here are some pics from our weekend!

The Hostel's Dog, couldn't resist this pic!

Comin' round the bend!

Stuck in the snow!

Group Picture!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland, and couldn't resist getting out to take some pictures!

First we walked down to the Schloss!

Then we headed out to the fields right by our house!

Here is a view of part of the town.

It's supposed to snow more this weekend too! So fun!

Enjoying our Wedding Gifts!

Matt and I have been enjoying our wedding gifts SO MUCH! We have made some really yummy meals in all the different cookware we've been given and we've received lots of compliments on our serving dishes. Right now actually I'm enjoying a very tasty glass of red wine (wedding gift) in a beautiful piece of stemware (also a gift!). Using our gifts have just been so much fun! Thank you everyone!

Here is a pic of me making some stir fry in the awesome wok my coaching friends gave us!

Page Updates

No, I haven't made our page all cute and colorful, that would require creativity, which would just serve to stress me out!!

BUT... There have been a few adjustments. I added a link to "Heather's Photo Gallery" on the right hand side, it is just under "Matt's Photo's". I have started putting my photo's into Picasa, and if you click on the link it will direct you to my photo albums; then if you click on the album, it will open up all the pic's having to do with that album! Basically you'll find my photos from the past and the present; and I will continue to add pics occasionally. If your interested take a look!

Oh and I should note...any pics you see that might be considered a good photo were not taken by me, I have zero photography skills, I am blessed though with a husband and some family/friends who do take great photos!

The Scientific Method

Hypothesis: Some folks in the postal system get a kick out of mishandling packages marked "fragile"

Prediction: Yes. Most definitely yes.

Experiment: 4 separate items mailed to our address in 4 separate boxes. 3 boxes with no informative markings/1 box marked fragile.

Data: All boxes arrived together, no visible damage to the 3 boxes with no markings, box marked "fragile" had 2 corners crushed in and a large hole punched into one side.

Truth: Some folks in the postal system get a kick out of mishandling packages marked "fragile"

The Honeymoon!

Matt set up a trip to Switzerland for the honeymoon! He found us a little chalet in the middle of the alps, it was perfect! The weather was beautiful and we had a great time touring around the mountains. We were able to get a look at the Matterhorn, which was amazing!


We took a drive around Lake Geneva one day, it ended up that we crossed the border into France at one point and Matt found this really cute historic town (thanks Google Earth!) that we stopped in for some lunch and crepes. We actually spent so much time walking around this town that we didn't have time to stop in Geneva like we originally planned, basically we just drove through it on our route around the lake (it was a pretty big lake!).


What a great way to spend our honeymoon! It was fun to be with each other and look forward to starting our lives together!


Here are some pics from the trip!


Standing on a bridge with the Matterhorn behind us!



Touring the little French town!

Hiking up to one of the local lakes!

The Big Wedding Post!!

Brace yourselves my friends for information overload! I just updated the blog here with a wedding post and all the events leading up to the wedding! I hope you enjoy reading through and looking at all the pictures of this amazing time in Matt and I's life!

The Wedding

The wedding was just fantastic! I was SO EXCITED to become Mrs. Angliss! Matt is so handsome and just the most wonderful groom! I love him!

Everything seemed to go off without a hitch and it looked like everyone was really enjoying themselves, which was wonderful to see! What a special time to enjoy with all our family and friends. Of course we didn't feel like we were able to spend enough time with our loved ones, but I guess that is how weddings go sometimes!

As for wedding pics... they are now available online to view. If you would like to see them just shoot me a quick email at heatherangliss@gmail.com and I'll send you the link along with the event key! Enjoy!

Rehearsal and Dinner

The rehearsal the evening before the wedding went off just great; and we were all so excited to head over the the Lobster Claw to enjoy the Lobster and Steak feast Bill and Susanne (Matt's Parents) had organized for us!

What a great night to celebrate with Family and Friends! It was a great chance for both sides of our families to get together, Susanne mixed it up so well at the tables that everyone was able to have lively conversations and enjoy meeting each other.

Along with the rehearsal dinner we also celebrated my 30th Birthday! I know-great way to just let that one just slide by without much fuss! Check out the pic below of the fun bride birthday cake!

Here we are at the church practicing for the big day!

Enjoying the yummy Lobster!

Our friends Allan and Emily at the Dinner (Allan was one of Matt's Groomsmen!)

Me and Frank at the Rehearsal Dinner!

The fun "barbie" bride cake!

The Guy's Time

Thanks to Hurricane Kyle churning around off the shores of New England the guy's plan to head to Pleasant Bay and do some sailing was changed to meeting up for lunch and bowling!

I think the most important thing was the time that they got to spend together! I was jealous when I found out they were getting to have lunch at the "Land Ho" in Orleans. The food there is so good and the atmosphere is just calm and relaxed. Afterwards I think some of the guys realized that candlestick bowling isn't as easy as it looks!

Lunch at the Land Ho!

At the Bowling Alley!

The Bridesmaid's Tea

I was able to hold a Bridesmaid's Tea a few days before the wedding. The bridesmaid's, flower girl's, and I got the chance to get together at a really cute little inn in Chatham. We had tea and assorted treats in their cute little tea room then moved out to the lawn for some croquet!

Thank you so much ladies for helping to make this whole wedding experience just incredibly fun! I love that we can now share all these memories we made together!

Enjoying our tea!

Some truly authentic English treats!

Croquet Fun!

Massachusetts Bridal Shower

Thank you Erica, Julie, Auntie Annie, Auntie Karen, and Nana for each helping to put together such a fun shower!!

This shower was held in a really cute little restaurant called the Irish Ale House, the food was incredible! The best part was getting the chance to see and catch up with many of the ladies in the family, we had a great time just visiting with each other! What a blessing.

Here are some pics!

Guess What!

I'm sitting next to Matt right now! Yes, it is just absolutely wonderful!

He flew in to Boston yesterday and I was able to pick him up, we headed down to the cape and are now just enjoying our time together!

Wedding stuff is going well, only 6 more days!

The Cape and Canada

Hey Friends!! I'm finally on the Cape finishing up wedding plans and getting excited for the big day. Less than a month away! AND I get to see Matt again in 18 days! I tell ya, those days can't go by fast enough.

I got to the Cape about a week ago after an incredible trip to Canada! I just had the best time up there. Our family is so blessed to have the cottage available to visit as a vacation spot. It is hard to describe how special that place is. I got to spend some time swimming and kayaking in the river, plus I was able to fish, didn't catch much, just a small bass one night, which was let go. I took walks along the railroad tracks (the train wasn't running this year, though I guess a bear was out and about somewhere, found that one out at the end of the week...), I went on some really great runs up in Gatineau Park, oh! and played some fun games of tennis with my Aunt! I love that the atmosphere up there lends itself to being able to do a lot of fun, active things, but also do a lot of restful things (reading, playing cards, and sunbathing were my favorites). Of all the places I've been able to visit in the world, that little place up in Canada is pretty high on my list of favorites!

After Canada was the drive down Boston, I stayed with my Nana and Papa, and took the test for my personal training certification. I'm happy to report that I passed with no problem and now am a NASM certified personal trainer! Yay! I now have a nationally recognized certification. Before I just had a certification for the facility I was training in. It feels good to be done with all the studying and anxiety of the big test.

After the test I drove down to the Cape and have been here for the past week. I have definitely gotten a lot of wedding related stuff done, and just have the small stuff to finish up. I've been been able to join the local gym for the month and have been having fun doing strength training, working on the cardio machines, and going to classes, plus I joined the women's tennis league. Today was my first day to play with the ladies, and man oh man was I nervous. I'm am not terribly skilled at the game, I've only just started to play and have had no formal lessons. I feel really bad because I actually look like I should be good... you know long arms, long legs, sort of athletic... then I play... and reality hits. Anyways, playing today was actually pretty fun, I played doubles and I was really afraid of making people mad, but the ladies I ended up with were so kind and patient, and I actually was able to make some pretty good shots. Of course I made some pretty terrible ones too (I'm still cringing about the ball that hit the lamp at the top of the dome, higher up than I care to elaborate on!). Alright, enough tennis antics, I am now inspired to go out and practice my serve.

Sorry for such a long update, hope I didn't bore you too much! Til next time!

I also meant...

to mention the Olympics in the last post. I have had so much fun watching them so far, I'm becoming a little addicted, at least in that I like to have the TV tuned in to the games, even if I'm not sitting down watching them!

Last night's Men's 4 X 100m Freestyle Relay was pretty incredible, I feel priviledged to have been able to witness it! I feel like a dork because it put me in tears watching it. I don't really cry all that often over regular things, but when it invloves sports the tears seem to well up quite a bit! Even movies, I've seen some sad movies in my time that probably SHOULD have made me cry, one movie though I remember watching that really did make me cry a ton was the Prefontane movie...hmmm. A little odd I know.

Just been hanging out

The time is winding down for me here in MO. I have had a wonderful time hanging out with my parents and getting to visit with my sister and the kiddo's often. I'm going to miss them a ton after I leave at the end of this week.

What's coming up over this next month and a half you might ask? Tomorrow I'm heading down to Arkansas to visit with Matt's Mom and Grandmother. I figured I was just a state away I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get down there, Matt will definitely be missed, but that is ok, our time apart is only another month and and two weeks, we can do it!

After Arkansas I'll be back here in MO for a day to celebrate my dad's birthday, then, off to Canada for a week! I'm SO EXCITED about spending some time there. My grandparents have a cottage up there and usually family comes up all summer long to visit the beautiful area. I will try to take some pictures so I can share about the trip, even though that is not my speciality, I will try.

Then...it's off to the Cape! I will spend four weeks there before the wedding, just getting ready. I don't have a ton to do. It's been nice that I've been able to do a lot of stuff online and on the phone, but there are just some things I do need to be there for. Besides it's a great excuse to spend some extended time on the Cape before the wedding! It brings me back to my college years when I spent every summer out there and had a fabulous time! I can't wait to see everyone when they come out for the wedding!

Matt has been doing pretty good, though it remains tough to be apart. I just miss him too much, sometimes it feels overwhelming how much I miss him! Anyways, he has been working (doing a great job I might add) on the house (painting and fixing things) and on the Porsche, he been keeping it maintained and in good working order... there have been a few hiccups, but that is all part of the learning process! I think he's also been enjoying the Wii he got for his birthday last month, so between that and work, he is keeping busy. I feel bad that I've been able to keep myself busy this summer planning trips and visiting people, and he has just been going to work day in and day out. The summer time has flown by for me, but I don't think it's gone as fast for him. I'm glad it's almost over though. Finally!

Alright, I've got quite a bit of stuff I have to get started on here for my day! Sorry about no pictures in this one! I'll try, to take some for the next post!

California Bridal Shower

Yea, Yea, Yea, long time, no post. I know. Sorry. Things have been busy!

I am back in the states after the most wonderful trip to Germany. I absolutely can't wait to get back there!

Right after I got back from Germany I was off to Southern California (Redlands, to be exact) with my Mom and Sister. Some friends of Matt's mom were throwing a bridal shower for me. It was really a wonderful time and I was just so blown away and grateful for everything, it was amazing and my Mom, Sister, and I loved it! Here are some fun pics to share from the shower!



My sister (Erica) and sister to be (Katie)!!



Yummy food and drink!




My good friend Julie got to join us!!


Opening Gifts!!

Opening a very special gift from future Mom (Susanne), she put together a wedding chest that included everything a bride needs (something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence for my shoe!).

What a fun and special memory. Made even better with my Mom and Sister, it meant so much to me that they were able to be there!

A great visit!

Well, Matt and I's time together is winding down, I'm flying back to the states tomorrow. We have had a wonderful time and I hate to be leaving, but it helps to know that the next time we see each other will be close to the wedding. Both of us are SO READY for that time to get here!

We've been able to get a lot of stuff done over the last couple of weeks. We did some work outside, bought a couple of things for the house, and basically organized stuff. I absolutely love the house! Matt did a wonderful job finding this place, we get to live in a nice spacious place, in an incredibly beautiful town and I am SO HAPPY with it!

The first day I got to Germany, we decided to take a picnic lunch out to the farm lands. It was great we just walked around the corner, down a walking path, and then we were at this cute little picnic spot, and the scenery was beautiful!

We were able to squeeze in a little getaway as well, we drove down to the Black Forest and stayed at a really sweet little hotel right on a beautiful lake, we really only spent one day away but boy did we fill up that day with fun stuff. After a yummy German breakfast we started the morning walking into town and rented a little row boat, then we walked around the town for a little bit, after that we walked back out to our hotel, grabbed our swim suits and spent a couple of hours sitting out in the sun and swimming (the lake was a little to cold for my taste, but there was a pool there as well).

After swimming we jumped into the Porsche and had an awesome drive all through the Black Forest, just imagine winding roads, not to many cars, and beautiful scenery. It was a blast.

Here are some pics from the trip!

Oh yeah!

I meant to share some fun pics from the end of the year banquet for the rowers.

They decided to decorate my car for the trip to MO! Obviously they went with the "wedding" theme!

I had to laugh when they chose black and white to write with. Last year when they "decorated" my car they used blue and red, and you can still see little specks of blue and red on parts of my roof (if you look really hard)! I gave them a hard time about it a lot! But, it is a lovely reminder of my darling girls!

Can you believe it!!

I get to go to Germany.... on Sunday!! Matt saw an opportunity yesterday, so we decided to take it! I CAN'T WAIT!! I honestly was not expecting to be able to see Matt until the week before the wedding, this is just an awesome treat. We will definitely check in with everyone while I'm there. It looks like I'll be there for just over two weeks.

In other news...

Everything went great getting out to Missouri. Total time was 17 hours, and I decided to push it and do it all in one day, I couldn't believe I was able to do it, I was completely awake the ENTIRE drive, no sleepiness at all. Which, if you ask Matt is nothing short of a miracle, since I tend to be a pretty sleepy person in general!

So far Missouri has been great! I've made it out to the golf course twice this week, I had a sleep over with my sister, nephew, and niece once (so much fun!), and I've been able to scope out some good runs in the area. There is one 2 mi loop, one 4.5 mi loop, and one 13 mi loop. I probably won't get to the 13 mi one for a couple more weeks (I still need to get a little more comfortable at higher mileage again); BUT my goal is to get in some of those long loops while I'm out here; I'll let you know how it goes when I run the first long one!

Now I'm off to pack and get ready to head over to beautiful Germany! So excited.

Another move

I've just realized how long it's been since I last posted. Sorry about that friends! Things have been pretty hectic, since I am right smack in the middle of a move! Yep that's right, heading out of Northern Virginia and spending the summer in good ole Missouri! I'll get to be with my parents, and my sister and her kids are out there as well! I can't wait for a summer of spending time with family (and saving money!).

The last week has pretty much been devoted to packing up and moving out, yesterday was the actually moving day (my stuff is basically in storage until it gets shipped overseas after the wedding). Some of my rowers were able to take the time yesterday to come out and help, it made the moving just fly by. Seriously. It took about 3 hours, and all it cost was the price of the rental truck and a pizza party at the end... one of the cheapest and easiest moves ever! A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out and helped!

Today will be my last day in Va. I am planning to go for a last run on my favorite trail around the local lake, then I'll be going to the end of the year banquet for the rowing team, after that I'll spend the night at a friends and start the drive tomorrow morning out to MO!

I'll catch up with everyone again when I get out there!

I'd like to Introduce...

I haven't had the chance yet this season to introduce you guys to the incredible group of athletes that I get to work with every day!

Many of you know that for the past couple of years I have been Head Women's Coach at Gar-Field High School in Northern Virginia. It has been an incredible experience and I have had the chance to work with a great group of coaches and a great group of kids!

Specifically I coach the Women's Varsity 8 (this is an 8 person boat, plus a coxswain). The other coaches on the Womens's side coach a Varsity 4 and a Novice 8.

I need to spend some time and brag about my athletes, they push themselves incredibly hard, have an unbelievable work ethic, and conduct themselves with a maturity that I hardly ever see among teenage girls this day. I personally think that I work with the best group of athletes in our area, and they make me proud every day!


I wanted to share some pics that have been taken of the team throughout the season, we have an alumni's parent that has been coming out to the races and taking pics of all the kids, so he put us together a CD and now I have some FANTASTIC pics to share of this incredible group of kids! There are lots of pics I hope you enjoy them!

Here is their boat...



And here is mine ('lil tinney' I like to call her)...

Discussing strategy...

Gearing up for the race {"push it, push it, to the limit, limit" ("louder!")}...

Heading down to the water (can't you just feel the focus!)...

Giving the "Blessing"...

Pushing them off the dock...

I have to explain their facial expressions in this next pic. After I push them off and they start on their way I usually yell (obnoxiously loud, for everyone to hear) "Have a good time out there. I LIKE YOU GUYS!!" They still think I'm a little wierd with that one (after three years), but it just wouldn't be the same without the line, it's tradition!

My job is done...now it's just time to wait for them to come down the course...

And they're ON THE COURSE!!

Some of the awesome coaches I work with!

And a beautiful shot of the water (you can see some weather coming in, we got pretty soaked that day!)...


Hope you enjoyed all the pics, I'm sure there will be some more. Not so many at one time again though! I just couldn't decide on which ones to share!