Homebuyer Tax Credit 

National Association of REALTORS

500 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington DC, 20001

® Government Affairs Division

November 7 – April 30, 2010 Rules as enacted November 2009

 FEATURE

 First-time Buyer Amount of Credit: $8000($4000 married filing separate)

First-time Buyer Definition for Eligibility: May not have had an interest in a principal residence for 3 years prior to purchase 

Effective Date Current Owner: November 7, 2009 

 Limitation on Cost of Purchased Home: $800,000 November 7, 2009

 Purchase by a Dependent: as of November 7, 2009 Ineligible

Termination of Credit: Purchases after April 30, 2010

For the full report visit: NAR Issue Brief Homebuyer Tax credit

Subscribe in a reader

The FLORIDA LAKES SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA is an amazing international treasure that has settled right here in Central Florida.  This not for profit orchestra composed of 60 professional international musicians is led by award-winning conductor Michael J. Garasi.

Founded by world famous composer & pianist Guy Saint-Clair, who has recorded with the London Symphony and his beautiful wife & artist Audra, Florida Lakes Symphony brings a level of culture & excellance to our community that will enrich this and many generations to come…

DID YOU GET YOUR SEASON TICKETS TO THE SYMPHONY? CLICK HERE

 No matter the song…musicians can make a piece dance through your imagination like a ballerina or soar through the sky like a bird, ignitinging the flames of inspiration & creativity.

COPENHAGEN CONNECTION: It’s cold.  The sun is shining brightly, if you stand still someplace place directly in it, you warm up…but the wind coming in off the ocean is frigid.  I nestle closer. Inhaling, I feel alive as the salty sweet air cleanses my lungs and plays jump rope with my hair.   The guide explains the history behind every building.  She speaks four languages and adds humor to each, as she attempts to focus our gazes upon this massive building perched at the ocean’s edge.  This one in particular is a National treasure, the Royal Theater/ Opera House.  Morten whispers the secrets about the theater that aren’t in the travel guides.  His words dance across the waves as the sound of his voice transports me back to the beginning and I discover the history it has to offer…

"The History of the Royal Danish Theatre
In the period 1722-1728, the Danish dramatist Ludvig Holberg, in an unprecedented outburst of creativity, wrote a series of comedies that laid down the foundations of modern Danish theatre. His works were staged in the ‘Comedy House’ (Commediehuus) in Copenhagen’s Lille Grønnegade. The advent of state pietism put an abrupt end to the festivities in Lille Grønnegade, but after the death of the pious king Christian VI in 1648, amore liberal attitude prevailed in the capital. A small group of actors, remembering and saluting Holberg’s ‘poetical rapture’, exploited the new cultural atmosphere in Copenhagento form their own company. On the occasion of the opening of the theatre in 1748, they were just 8 actors and 4 actresses, and they performed two French comedies. A company of this size was only just able to fill out the roles involved in a revival of the ‘good old days’ of Holberg and Molière’s comedies in Lille Grønnegade. Later on, there followed the comedies of Beaumarchais and his roguish barber Figaro – and a vogue for sentimental German drama.&quot; …..read more at  <a href=”http://www.kglteater.dk/”>www.kglteater.dk/</a>

&quot;A small group of actors, remembering and saluting Holberg’s ‘poetical rapture’, exploited the new cultural atmosphere in Copenhagen to form their own company. &quot;
<a href=”http://www.kglteater.dk/OmTeateret.aspx”>www.kglteater.dk/OmTeateret.aspx</a>
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT DENMARK?
VISIT: <a href=”http://www.kimberanna.com”>www.kimberanna.com</a>
TAKE A CANAL TOUR: <a href=”http://www.canaltours.com”>www.canaltours.com</a>
Tell them Kimber sent you!  Don’t forget to grab a world famous Danish hot dog for the trip home.*

#Godmorgen alle!

Thank you : Google Translate

*Giggles*

“That’s “good morning everyone” in Danish.”

“I’ve decided after many Magic Jack calls to my family in Denmark,

I must learn more Danish. Not only will it help me communicate with

my family it will make speaking with my Danish clients easier:”

Being an International Realtor & living in Central Florida means the more languages I speak

the bigger my “sphere of influence” will be:D

Every week I try to start out by making a #MYWEEK. Basically, an “Important Acccording to Kim” LIST

of things I MUST do this week.

This week is as action packed as ever, since it’s Tuesday already (sigh)

I can already feel the tension building! *Giggles…

Cheerleading Practice, of course M-Nazarene,T-Field,W-Nazarene from 6-8.

Football M-W 5:15 pickup, Thursday away Game @ South Lake High School 7pm

WEDNESDAY morning 9am “Can’t miss”  our 2nd Annual Royal Ascot Fashion Show meeting @ Methodist Church so we can see this year’s venue. I’m so excited that a portion of our proceeds go to the new Mulberry Inn Home project from New Beginnings located in Historic Downtown Clermont Florida:D They are a wonderful charity to support!

Click here if you want to learn more: Old Mulberry Inn Project

THURSDAY is our Chamber BAH (Business after hours) 5:30 to 7:30 @ the ELKS Lodge! The South Lake Chamber of Commerce is THE place to be if you want to meet LAKE County’s best and brightest in a relaxed atmosphere.

Friday South Lake WOMEN’s COUNCIL of REALTOR’s LUNCH from 11:00 to ? @ Caraba’s!

Lake County’s most successful REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY leaders meet to keep on top of what’s REALLY happening in this challenging market. Public is welcome to attend price is only $25 at the door.

FRIDAY NIGHT, September 11th come right back to the Elks Lodge, we’re celebrating  the American Spirit with FOOD, FRIENDS & FUN all set to music. Come ready to dance, or just watch all the action. We promise lot’s of surprises that no one will want to miss. This night will definitely be “A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!”

(Don’t forget our favorite GREAT DANE, Torben flies back in from New York to join the festivities!)

*HOSTESS with the MOSTESS* for this wonderful event is none other than

one of Lake Counties brightest GEM’S, ANN DUPEE.

“Bring a friend or three because celebrating is so much more fun with friends. Plus, it will save tons of time the morning after telling them about what an amazing time you had! Don’t let anyone miss out on the fun since there is so much to do for everyone!”

CAN’T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE OUT…go ahead, live a little! You DESERVE IT for all your hard work:D

SATURDAY: Pop Warner Football GAMEDAY! CLERMONT @ this week, don’t miss a minute of the action featuring some of Central Florida’s most talented youths. Learn more @ CLERMONT KNIGHTS website http://clermontknights.com

SATURDAY NIGHT I’m off to my RPAC Boot Camp Weekend, lol…or at least that’s what I call it! As CHAIR for the Realtor Association of Lake & Sumter County’s RPAC committee I get to spend the weekend in one of Orlando’s finest hotels:D Every day is packed with tons of useful information about real estate and our role as business leaders in our community.

LOVE a well balanced week of BUSINESS and PLEASURE…when working with friends & my community, it’s always BOTH!

*GOSH I hope I didn’t forget anything….wishing everyone a wonderful, safe & productive week!

COMING SOON!!!!!

Danish National/Olympic Rowing Team, October 15th through the 25th

Check out http://www.lcrc.us for all the details

2nd Annual ROYAL ASCOT FASHION Show Nov. 7th, 2009

Silent Auction, Mock Horse Races, Fashion Show

Foreclosures Threaten to Derail Housing Recovery – Bloomberg

The mainstream MEDIA has put their SPIN on things but the true experts are REALTORS that are actually out in the field. Today’s REALTOR has to not only be experts on lending qualifications, tax bills & other government funded programs, we now keep keep our eyes on the economy & jobless claims.

“Today’s consumer buying trends will affect tomorrow housing market.”

REALTORS OUT THERE>>>WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Subscribe in a reader

LCRC.UC Founder Morten Bjoern is currently in Denmark and has been working closely with the Danish National Rowing Team.  Plans are being made for 15 rowers to fly over to the US to help us KICKOFF Lake County Rowing Club, train on Lake Minneola and show us how they have become the best rowers in the world!

Rowing is not only an Olympic sport but a wonderful way to stay in great health. Many Danish rowers practice well into their 90’s and are still going strong. For youths rowing is an exceptional way to teach discipline, improve balance, overall health and earn scholarships!

The top ranked, gold medal winning Danish National Team will be coming to Clermont Florida from October 15th til the 25th, 2009 in conjunction with Clermont’s 125th Celebration. If you would like to meet the team in person please contact Morten Bjoern @ 407-391-9383 or (407-770-8537 after Aug. 15th) or e-mail him Morten@lcrc.us. We are currently working on their schedule and would like to reach as many people in the community as possible.

Subscribe in a reader

WANT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HISTORIC LOW HOME PRICES?

Find a bank owned or foreclosed home here–>

Florida Floreclosures

http://www.myfloridahomesmls.com/kimjohnson

“Have you ever discover something that made you question reality?”

I guess as a parent you really do view your children through “different” eyes. At least that’s what my mother called it. When she see’s an ugly baby/toddler in a beauty pagent/talent show she will always exclaim, “poor thing, it’s so ugly it’s cute!”

Let me explain my mother is Korean, so she has a distinct Asian wisdom behind her statements. I learned this long ago as she told me Korean “fairytales/fables” before bed, translation is a very sardonic mistress.

“Unquestionably the Hans Christen Andersen of Korea: she had spun webs of reality where baby frogs buried their mother by the sea shore out of love and sisters were washed ashore still embracing after being lost at sea.”

Very heavy material for a four year old, but always with a lesson. Love comes at a price: hard work, patience & usually some type of suffering, just for good measure, lol.
I remember always wondering why all her stories were so sad. Many times while telling the stories she would cry. I always wondered if she was crying because she was sad the frog’s mommy died. Didn’t she know it was only make believe?

As an adult I realize that maybe that’s not the reason she is crying. I came to this realization at 4 am, after opening a box of Pizza my son Jeffrey had ordered for lunch. I haven’t been sleeping well worried about work/economy/election/Jeff and especially my mom’s recent strokes, so I figure the pizza will put me in carb coma for at least a few hours.

“Sausage & pepperoni?” I mutter as I open the box.

Who could have possibly have ordered this I wonder?  Jeff had. “So my son’s favorite pizza is actually sausage & pepperoni…after all this time” I mentally review. Jeff always tries to make people happy so he “goes with the flow,” in most situations. I realize I do the same by always ordering a pizza I think he likes. The Danish irony is, we are both eating pizza that’s not our favorite & pretending it is to make the other happy.

As I took a bite of Jeff’s pizza, I thought about how scared I still was about losing my mom. This pizza was a perfect example of what she always conveyed in her bedtime stories. I realized that those last few nights in Denmark actually put me in my mother’s shoes for once. I was a strange person in a foreign land, surrounded by people speaking a language foreign to me, missing my mother & family who could be ill or even dying, but tied steadfast by the love for her husband.

“By the second bite, I knew why my mother always cried when she told me bedtime stories….”

Telling me bedtime stories was the one time she felt safe sharing her fears, joys & pain. In her web of reality she would weave the pain of missing her mother, fear of her possible death, joys of motherhood and hopes for tomorrow. I realize now her children were possibly her only audience at the time due to the huge cultural gap & racial prejudices. Fairy tales are the perfect way to explain grown up thoughts to tiny minds & still have a happy ending.

My mother always ended her stories by telling me she loved me and that she wished my grandmother were here to see me. “She’d go crazy if she see’s you,” she’d say because we were all so beautiful/smart/good. That was her way of saying, “totally overcome with emotion.” *Giggles

“Reality is perception. I realize life really is a circle. I am my mother and my mother was me. I still have so much to learn and teach but wonderful mentors to guide me.”

I throw the rest of the pizza in the trash. It’s served it’s purpose and fed both my body and mind.
“I’m going to ask more questions and actually listen more.” I promise myself. I don’t want to regret what I didn’t do or say. I want to try to “walk in the other persons shoes more.”
I click off the kitchen light.

“I am truly blessed…each time I look at my mother’s smile or see her eyes in my son, I thank GOD for making me a part of their lives.”

Kisses Kimber

Subscribe in a reader

“Sometimes we forget what is truly IMPORTANT…”

Surround yourself w/ people who help you see the BRIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE.

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” –Winston Churchill

Life is too short not to be happy. _unknown

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.“
John Barrymore

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“If you can’t make it better, at least you can laugh at it.” —Erma Bombeck

“Don’t worry about the world ending today, it’s already tomorrow in Australia.”—Charles Schultz

Don’t Worry, Be Happy Lyrics

Don’t Worry, Be Happy
From the Movie “Cocktails”
Performed by Bobby McFerrin

Here is a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy……

Ain’t got no place to lay your head
Somebody came and took your bed
Don’t worry, be happy
The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don’t worry, be happy
Lood at me I am happy
Don’t worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don’t worry, be happy
Ain’t got no cash, ain’t got no style
Ain’t got not girl to make you smile
But don’t worry be happy
Cause when you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry, be happy (now)…..

There is this little song I wrote
I hope you learn it note for note
Like good little children
Don’t worry, be happy
Listen to what I say
In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don’t worry, be happy……
Don’t worry don’t do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don’t bring everybody down like this
Don’t worry, it will soon past
Whatever it is
Don’t worry, be happy

WANT TO KICK IT “OLD SCHOOL?”

Subscribe in a reader

“WE are not a people who FEAR the FUTURE…WE are a people who MAKE IT!” Barack Obama.

We all need to help “write the next great chapter, in the great American story…”

This year the 4th of July meant I got to share my version

of this holiday with several people who are really

experiencing it for the 1st time this year. It made the

pressure pretty high, with little actual planning so I ended

up just “winging it.”

When I tried to explain to my nieces what the

4th of July means I was given a little assist

by our new 1st family, the OBAMAS.

Their oldest daughter Malia Ann Obama

shares her birthday with the

Unites States of America.

Brianna, my oldest niece, reminded me “Izzy’s birthday is Monday,” so she understands how important birthday’s are.

“America gets fireworks…

instead of presents!” she giggles.

Even a child knows everything deserves

something on it’s birthday but what

do you give a country?

*GIGGLES*

Of course my great Dane of a husband being so worldly…

knew the BBC.COM and of course the WIKIPEDIA version

of 4th of July, so he was an easy sell.

What he didn’t know was what real Americans

did to actually celebrate it. I mean he grew up watching

American movies as much as we did, so he half expected

a marching band or a CMT music video come to life.

*Giggles…

What actually occured was a lot of GOOD CLEAN FUN!

Tons of food, some burnt to a crisp…lot’s of splashing in

the pool, few false alarms from over protective psyco

mom’s/mini heart attacks, more food, streaking by the

boys, T&A chicken fighting, hairpulling, more moons,

DESSERT followed by an AWESOME firework display

(thx Morten, Jeff & Jimmy.) All from the comfort of

Jr & Ann’s new HOME SWEET POOL HOME.

Things went even better than we could have ever planned it.

All the kids loved it, most to the point of sleep:D

The older boys like COLT watched out for the little ones,

teaching Tallen that he had nothing to fear from those

BIG explosions in the sky!

Everyone huddled together to share this moment

in each others HISTORY…one day we will always remember

& keep dear fordozens of 4th of July’s to come…

“I hope everyone in the World enjoyed YOUR 4th of July.

No matter if it be a holiday or another day…

every day speant with those you love

should be made memorable.

We will never be able buy another day…

please don’t waste them.

Start now.

*PRICELESS.”

Subscribe in a reader

HOME April 11th…

Every story has a beginning, middle & ending.  Our story begins, like most fairy tales end….

“and they lived happily ever after.”

However, in order for you to appreciate the entire story we should tell the story in true Disney style.

There once was a girl named Kimber that lived in the fairytale land of  Florida, nestled near the heart of Disney World.  She dreamed of her handsome prince one day riding in on his white horse & sweeping her off her feet into the sunset…(enter handsome prince).
In a distant land far, far away (kind of more Star Wars than Disney but try follow along with me) lived a handsome prince/Viking/sailor that dreamed of one day meeting an exotic princess that he could defend & protect.  Living in the wintery, Nordic lands of Denmark had made this prince a master at all things Viking/sailing/shipping & also gave him an appreciation of warmer isles.  This led to him to traveling in true Viking style, in search of his beloved.  After many visits to Miami Florida where shipping & sunshine are plentiful along with beautiful exotic princesses, he found the fair Kimber! (cue first kiss).
Like most love stories there is always an inadvertent match maker & this story is no different…One day the exotic princess & the Danish prince met on-line through a mutual FB friend.  Just like all fairy tales, it was love at first sight.  Soon they were engaged & married!
The Danish prince (Morten) & the exotic princess (Kimber) married then honeymooned across the Danish countryside.  Their love grew to include not only each other but the country of Denmark & it’s amazing history & culture.  Now the lovebirds were torn…where would they spend their “happily ever after?” (enter Bjoern Global).
Of course the only way to be able to enjoy life with each other, theirr families & with both the countries they love, Kimber & Morten created Bjoern Global.  Together with a band of their closest, most trusted ladies & knights they strive to bridge the gap between both countries, it’s people, and maybe make the world a better place.
Our goal is to live happily ever after…surrounded by our friends & loved ones.  With families in both Denmark & the US, we can help anyone from other countries to bridge the gaps between them.  Since we have had to fight dragons (red tape) & overcome the difficulties of bringing together two people from two different “world’s,” we want to help others have a much smoother transition.
Whether it’s help taking advantage of the amazing pricing of investment homes in the US due to the dropping home market or finding an amazing yet affordable vacation home in Florida or in Denmark, we are here to help.  Americans can discover the history, beauty & culture of Denmark and the Danish can explore the tropical climates of the US & the surrounding island nations.
Bjoern Global allows us to spend time, as equally as possible, in both Denmark & Florida.  Our fondest hope is to make as many friends as possible, while building a successful company along the way.  If you would like to be a part of this fairy tale or need help with your own, remember:

“If you can dream it, we can help make it reality…ask us how we can help!”

Stay tuned for more juicy details about this modern day fairy tale…

*Kisses Kimber

Subscribe in a reader

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCTOBER 9, 2008.

REPUBLISHED TO SHARE WITH ELISABETH

“One thing I have noticed about Denmark is that certain names I have seldom heard, are very popular.”

Names like Peter, Torbin, Morten & yes Martin, pop up instead of John or Bob.  I am sure it doesn’t seem at all strange to the people living in Denmark to have an apartment door, list seven different Martins! For me it’s note worthy.

Almost immediately, I realized that I have never met a Martin I didn’t like;)     Martin Short is an amazing comedian from Canada (hey Three Amigos was funny…in parts), Martin Glover is one of my business partners from Florida &  now I’ve met Morten’s friend Martin Roundup, who is probably the happiest person I have ever known.

“Thin Martin” as I like to call him since Morten actually has many friends named Martin (shocker), is about 5′10″ has dark brown hair, model thin with a huge grin plastered on his face at all times.  If for some reason you couldn’t see his mouth at all you would still know he’s smiling because his eyes are also laughing!  He is the type of guy you would swear could have his own Sunday comic strip like Beetle Bailey or Cathy.  Martin works for the government of Denmark in the Ministry of Health…no joke, lol.  He has a gorgeous big apartment in downtown Copenhagen near the royal offices & all those old buildings that look very important, which he shares with his colorful roommates. What makes Martin special is that the minute you meet him, you know you can never be mad at him.  He is like a cute puppy that chews on your favorite slippers…you want to hit him but just when you start to he licks his butt & then goes to lick your toes too. Giggles*  He comes from a large colorful family that provide tons of zany stories like his sister’s “heavy rock band,” or his dad that can fix anything at all. His mother looks as young enough to be his older sister & her relationship with his father makes me dream of my Morten & I in the future surrounded by children.  Martin was obviously raised by a loving, tight knit family filled with love, laughter & I’ve heard…a splash of ballet! Spending time with Martin makes you forget everything too complicated, letting you focus on simple things like the taste of bacon & football on cold mornings.  He’s a very simple, honest & open minded guy that is a great friend.

“To be perfectly accurate, he is one of Morten’s best friends & I am lucky enough to be part of the package deal!  Hey, part of the perks of being a bride-to-be…new friends that “have” to be nice to you.”

So getting back to the issue at hand, “dinner with Martin…”  To be completely fair, we try to spend as much time with friends as possible because Morten will be coming home to the US soon and I know from experience how sad it is to lose touch with old friends.  I want Morten to spend as much time a possible with the  really good friends he has here in Denmark, so I can to get to know them all in the hope that they feel comfortable with “us” as a couple, enough so that they will come visit us in Florida (tough task I know…twist their arm, especially in a Denmark winter brrrr!)  As you all know, I love to be surrounded by lot’s of diverse and crazy people who help bring spice to my life! Most days I get to explore Copenhagen by Metro or on foot but my nights are spent with Morten.  Around 4ish I get the “planning our night” call and this night was no different.  We made plans to meet with Morten’s friend Jack, return some “designer” clothes that just didn’t fit my style…lol… and grab some food.  Spending time with Morten is always great but since I am new at this whole “relationship” thing I find it hard to spend all my time alone with one person, no matter how wonderful.  I guess I always feel pressured to be “on” so having a best supporting actor is always helpful;D

“Want to see if Martin wants to join us?” I ask when I find out we will be near the center of Copenhagen.  Morten grabs his cell and presses Martin’s number.

“Ask him…” Morten says without missing a beat.  Now, if you know me you know I am not shy but the whole Denmark thing throws me off.  I feel so “fish out of water” with the language thing etc. I actually hesitated.  Then I thought, “Why do I care if I talk to Martin on the phone, I talk to him in person?”  I guess since this is the first person I have spoken to on the phone from Denmark besides Morten it’s just a cherry I need to pop, lol.

“Hellllo Martin!” of course he will know it’s me right? “Hi Kimber, how are you?” Martin cheerfully replies. “Good, what are you doing?”

“I am at work…” he explains.  At this point my hopes are dashed.  Darn, my first attempt at setting up a dinner date in Denmark looks like it is failing, lol.  “What are you doing?” he continues. “Oh, we were going to have dinner and wanted to see if you would be interested…” I admit. “OK! Can you pick me up?”  SCORE! Well, well….I haven’t lost my touch, lol.  He does want to hang around with us;D  I’m still a little cool.  I tell him we will be there in 5.7 minutes because Morten says it will take between 5 to 7 minutes to get there.  Rather than take the time to ask how he knows this and what would cause the 2 minute swing I just blurt out something in hopes of sounding casual.

We arrive at the government offices in about 10 minutes and Martin is standing outside next to the ever present line of bicycles.  He waves us over with his giant grin in place and looks so happy to see us.  I jump in back so “the boys” can bond.  Strange but I like sitting in back when the guys are in the car because I think if I am quiet they will forget I am there and act like they would if I weren’t.  I like to see people as they really are and I admit, like to be NOT the center of attention from time to time (Ok someone write that down!)

“It’s been a very busy, stressful day!” Martin says after hugging & greeting me.

His smile threatening to make me giggle, I wonder what he looks like on a good day.  Martin goes on to explain how many directions he gets pulled working for the government and how he has to start a million different things, which he doesn’t mind but at the end of the day has to leave without getting them all done, which stresses him.  I can tell he likes his job and really cares if he gets things done or not.  This impresses me because many people in Denmark have told me they like to make money but don’t really want to have to work very much, lol.  I think Martin would work for free if they gave him interesting assignments and free food;D Of course the usually question arises of “where should we go eat?”  Morten is the one who actually asks since he is driving but it makes me think, do people really want to know the answer when they ask or is it just the polite thing to do… I hate to pick the place because I never want to let the group down and if I pick a bad place and I feel pressured to ensure the night is a success.  Plus, I have no clue where to go in Denmark so I sit back and wait to hear what Martin and Morten decide.

“How about Danish food?” Martin suggests…visions of sweet rolls dance in my head. “How about Italian,” Morten says without missing a beat. “I think Kimber would like to try traditional Danish food, wouldn’t you Kimber?” “Ummm….is there really traditional Danish food?” I ask thinking this is another joke on the silly American girl like elephant eggs. “Of course, it’s very good.  I think you would like it!” “How about Italian food?” Morten repeats as we head toward the resturant.  I guess the driver gets to decide.  “Thai food is good!” he says as we pull into a spot that looks impossibly small.

Martin jumps out of the car and checks to see if we are actually in a spot that doesn’t block the driveway and isn’t marked no parking.  He is very serious about this, you can tell because he actually lowers his eyebrows to consider the distance between the front of the car and the back then goes around to measure the distance between other cars around us.  We must meet his approval because we get a renewed burst of a smile and a hearty thumbs up!  We all burst out in laughter;D

“So, if we get a ticket we can say a government official said we are correctly parked?”  I quip in an effort to see if I can make Martin giggle…it’s funny to hear a boy giggle.  Instead he gives my a proud grin and his chest actually puffs up as he says we are in fact parked correctly!  Morten grabs my hand and we are off the the Thai place.

Now, Thai food is not actually one of my favorites.  To be honest I really don’t like it.  I like spicey & Copenhagen Thia is like a watered down Euroasian mix, but who knows, if the liquor is strong it may be good!  We hit the closest place and Morten and Martin greet the bartender/host to arrange our place in the wait list.  I can see they are all joking and having a great chat when I hear some people whisper there is a 45 minute wait.  The bar area looks great with lots of cocktails on the tables and cheerful tipsy people waiting to get in.  Morten comes back with the bad news and we decide to head out.  As we walk out the door we notice Martin is missing.  He walks out moments later saying,

“You ever meet someone several times but not know where you know them from?  That bartender I swear I know but couldn’t figure out where but didn’t know how to figure it out, so I asked him.  He said that was fine since every time he’s ever met me I was drunk!  You know we met at a bachelor party!”  We all laugh at that because yes indeed, I know the feeling.  Another mystery solved and the night continues with more adventures to come.

We hit the next Thai resturant which happens to be just a half block down street.  Funny but Denmark has more Thai places than Chinese or Mexican.  I wonder why but don’t ask since it might be somehow rude, lol.  This place doesn’t have a bar but real “Asians.”  Must be good right?  Garlic and mushrooms line the back tables as the waitresses clean and cut them up between taking orders.  Each table is covered with orchids and traditional Thai decor abounds.  I think to myself, if I were to make a movie, this is what I would make a Thai resturant look like, lol.  I hope they serve liquor as the girl points at a table and goes into the kitchen. We strip off our ten layers of clothing, well I do, the boys take off their jackets, and settle in.  Menus are already sitting on the table so we begin browsing our options.  Strange foods are discussed, things we don’t want, things we do and finally decide to split 2 of the “everything good 5 course sampler dish” they offer.  After a few minutes discussing if 2 orders will be enough for 3 people or if we need to order 3 we let the waiter decide who confirms 2 orders will be fine for us if would order extra soup.  Which of course we did, who knows better than an asian waiter right? Martin does not like spicey food so he asks for a coconut soup and my mind wanders to thoughts of what the soup could possibly taste like.  I am assured my soup will be spicey and of course wonderful.  I ask for vodka and juice and am told they only serve it with sprite or whiskey.  On second thought, even my Irish blood isn’t ready for vodka and whiskey and sprite can’t cut the taste of cheap vodka so I order tap water (sigh).  Samplings of exotic foods come out for our tasting pleasure.  We spend the next few minutes guessing what each item may be, Morten tricks Martin into eating bamboo leaves that are dry and crusty which he chases down with the plate garnishes that he eats like a salad without missing a beat or even popping Morten a good one for the joke.  We oh and ah over the variety only to discover upon questioning it is all different forms of chicken, lol.  Oh well, everything “tastes like chicken” anyway. Our meal is sprinkled with colorful stories from Martin & Morten about soulmates, drunken sailors,  having sex w/bags over their heads with flags in their mouths shouting “for the good of the country!”  The night is too short as we realize that we have missed our appointment with Jack & Martin has missed his with one of his tenants that doesn’t want to move out.  Funny, Martin says people move in but never want to leave, lol.  After seeing his house I can understand why.  It is a couple hundred years old & looks like an old castle might complete with a Prince for a court jester (Martin) that keeps them entertained.  He even has a maid come in to keep things tidy so who would ever want to leave? We hurry to pay the bill, Martin is forced to chug half a beer to our cheers and we are off to beat the parking ticket that is sure to arrive if we don’t make the car in 2 minutes time.  After a few twists and turns, Martin is delivered back to his trusty bicycle where hugs and goodbyes follow.  Martin opens the car door for me to get in & says as he always does, “I will see you at the party, maybe before?”  He is so excited about his 29th birthday party.  We promise to rest up for it and truly hope to make it the best ever.  I picture the last beer he chugged kicking in while he is on his bike ride home.  I giggle wondering if it could be drunk driving on a bicycle? lol…he isn’t even tipsy but I bet he will have to stop and take a piss! I reach over to give Morten a great big kiss, he bites me playfully instead.  Funny, just a few months ago I would have never considered going any place this cold or thought I would be half way around the world.  Now, I couldn’t imagine not being here.  Don’t pinch me…I’m enjoying myself.  Now if only I could find a decent drink!  Can’t win ‘em all. *Kisses Kimber Step back in time and enjoy MARTIN\’s BIRTHDAY DINNER See pics of our FIRST DINNER WITH ELISABETH Subscribe in a reader

Subscribe in a reader