Rides on Ferries Wheels

Potsdam, Germany
08:30 pm
Warm, but cloudy.

Hello,

I know that it has been a while.

During the last 4 weeks, I finally went on vacation for a week. After my last nightshift on a Friday, Sandra, Lea and I drove up to Hanover, where my great-aunt Traute has a camper. We spend a week on the campground and despite the ever changing weather enjoyed ourselves tremendously.

Here’s a list of the stuff we did:

- swimming in the lake (icy)

- finally read some books (I read Angels and Demons by Dan Brown and I loved it!)

- went for dinner at an American Diner (awesome burgers, delicious desert and oldies played by a jukebox… yes, I loved it)

- enjoyed rides at the Hanover “Schützenfest” (it’s a fair. Sandra and Lea did most rides, but I loved the ferries wheel)

- biked along the Maschsee
- watched “An inconvenient truth” at an Outdoor cinema (shocking movie, but very well done)
- visited the Park of the Senses (we went there at sunset. Lots of greens, small hills, a pond, huge rocks to meditate on)

- had a BBQ with friends

- shopping in downtown Hanover
- girls night in whilst it was raining (it rained a lot, but we cuddled, played games, too long naps)

- walks through Hanover.

The three of us had a lot of fun and were finally able to relax. Sandra had been stressed a lot about work and some other things. Lea has been through a lot lately (her aunt and a good friend have been diagnosed with cancer and both are currently undergoing treatment). And me, well you know that I needed that break.

Marina and I visited Denise, Olaf and their baby two days ago. Little Vivian is growing really fast and gets cuter every day. Tuesday is her bath day and Marina being a nurse student was able to practise how to bath a squirming infant. It was really funny! Marina didn’t really let go of her and after she had bathed and fed Vivian, I was graciously allowed to cuddle her to sleep.

Next Monday is my last appointment concerning my psychotherapy. I will go up to the top of the “Goldelse” in Berlin. After what I achieved this year, I am more than glad that I went through with it. I was able to sleep in the camper without being scared, I walked through the woods alone in the dark without being scared out of mind, and I enjoyed a ride in a huge ferries wheel in the dark while a storm was brewing. Thanks for therapy.

A heartfelt thought goes to Rae. Her family lost their smallest member after only being graced with him for a day. Here’s your candle to bring the light back into your life.

Love ya all,
Rea

USA, Running, Birth and lots more

Potsdam, Germany
09:45 pm
Cool, sunset

It’s been a while.

I know that I haven’t blogged for a while. Life’s been busy as usual.

Lots of things have been going on since the last time. First of all, I’ve bought my ticket to the US!! Yes, I’ll be back, lol. The trip starts on the 28th of December, when I’ll be flying to NYC, where I’ll spend New Years Eve and some additional days - sightseeing being on top of my list. Patty will join me and we’ll proceed to Indianapolis on the 3rd of January 2008. Rent a car, go stay with Tabers, visit friends, show Patty around. Oh, I would love to go right now!!! I was floating out of the travel agency with ticket in hand!

After my night shift 2 weeks ago, I finally had a few days off and managed to see Yannick. The boy grows so fast and is turning out to be a real charmer. We went on a walk along the Havel (a river through Potsdam) and he’d go “oh, oh, oh” while watching ducks and ships go by. He rode on my shoulder, chewing on my hair and bouncing up and down.

Jana (his mom) is doing well now that Yannick is enlisted for kindergarten from the 1st of September on and Jana will be going back to her education on September 24th.

My friend Denise gave birth to her baby girl Vivian on the 13th. She’s a petite little thing, having the eyes of her dad and the lips of her mom.

Denise and Olaf are going to be great
parents with lots of love for little Vivian.

Last weekend, my sister and me (as well as some colleagues and students) helped at the “friendship run for mucoviscidosis”. Mucoviscidosis (also called cystic fibrosis) is a hereditary disease that affects the entire body, causing progressive disability and early death. Thick mucous production as well as a low immune system results in frequent lung infections, which are treated, though not always cured, by oral and intravenous antibiotics and other medications. A multitude of other symptoms, including sinus infections, poor growth, diarrhea, and potential infertility result from the effects of CF on other parts of the body. We treat a lot of patients in our hospital from the day on they are diagnosed. Sometimes we can’t treat them anymore, only ease their pain and be there until the end. As to this day there is no cure, just treatment for the symptoms.

Every year about the same time, people from all over Brandenburg come to Potsdam to run laps for CF-patients. Every runner has a sponsor that pays a certain amount of money for a lap (the runner can have more than one sponsor) and the end sum will be used to help patients. For example my sister was able to talk my Dad’s boss into sponsoring her with 5 € per lap. Marina ran 23 laps (without any practise). I helped by baking cookies that were sold for 50 cents and count the laps. It was 32 °C (~ 90 °F) and there was no trees. Everyone was baking in the heat, but the runners were unstoppable.

There were adults, teens, kids, patients, babies in strollers and even a dog running. At the end about 32.000 € were collected. Awesome, isn’t it ?!

The summer hole seems to have reached us at work. Which is not all that bad in my opinion, because I have been able to finally breathe again and take my time for our little patients. Like for this boy.

His name is Jeremy and his about 1 ½ years old with a sad background. Let’s just say that after taking care of him for a couple of hours, he was clinging to me and calling me mama. Sad, isn’t it. He’s a very cute little guy and already very smart.

But this is my work. Take care of children, nurse them back to health and say good bye, when I have to. He will be back, of that I am sure. Sometimes it is very hard not to be able to do something to help.

During the last year I have been undergoing psychological therapy for my anxiety disorder. As some of you know I had been afraid of sleeping in my own apartment (more so at friends places), heights, walking in the woods (even in broad daylight). The therapy was a behaviour therapy, meaning that I made a fear pyramid (worst fear on the top, lowest on the bottom) and worked my way up by confrontation. For example my fear of the woods: walks in the woods starting with company (my therapist) in daylight for 20 min. and talking about what I fear most, doing a reality check on my fear, develop a natural interest about sounds of the wood, observing mother nature more closely and after some time going alone, up to walking alone during the sunset and in the dark. It feels awesome to be able to enjoy walking through the woods without being scared to death about what could happen.

Through the therapy I have been able to get to know Potsdam better. My height training took my all over the towers of Potsdam. Here some examples of the beauty of this city. I never noticed before how *green* it is. Parks all around, woods surrounding the city and lots of lakes and rivers. I won’t even start about the sights.

My therapy is coming to an end and I am more than glad about having decided to make one. Even as I started it, my fears lessened, as if the sheer process of finally doing something helped. Do not think that they will be gone completely, but when they reappear, I will know how to handle them.

Potsdam has been quite hot the last few weeks, so I welcomed the heavy rain last night. When the air is as thick with heat, I am hardly able to find rest, so I slept like a baby last night. But I enjoy the sun and love to jump into the nearby lake from time to time.

Have a lovely weekend,

Andrea

The Banyan

Potsdam, Germany
09:15 pm
Still chilly.

Hey,

I have started to do some research on Chennai and found this video about the Banyan, where Renu is working. Take a look at it and you might consider some donation for the place. A link is on the right side.

Thank you all,
A.

Pimp my Rea

Potsdam, Germany
09:00 pm
Bit chilly.

Hey,

Some of my friends and I went out to eat on Saturday. We had Mexican food and the company was nice. Sandra brought a friend from school. They are both the same age and yet the difference was huge. Nicky is a party queen, she goes out to dance and drink every weekend. Finishing something has always been hard for her, by now she’s at her 3rd try for an education. She skipped driving lessons because she fluked the theory test 3 times. Acting like a ghetto babe, talking non stop about her ‘man’… it was fascinating to see how ppl change. Sandra came from the same background as Nicky and yet she managed to grow and find a meaning for her life. Yes, I know she needs a kick in the behind from time to time. J

It was pimpin’ time for Andrea.

On Sunday, Sandra and I went to the thermal bath. It was awesome. They have this r’n’r room with lights and music under water. We loved the Jacuzzi.

And yep, I went and finally got my hair cut. It’s shorter, reddish with blond highlights. My hair got coloured, washed, massaged, cut and pimped to no end. I was in haven. It cost me a small fortune, but it was worth it.

Thank you all,
A.

Laughing Babe

Potsdam, Germany
08:00 pm
Storm is brewing

Hey,

Just a quickie. I am doing great. I am planning a trip to NY with Patrick over New Years. I will be getting my ticket next week, if Patty is able to get information about his ticket.

In about 15 minutes I will be leaving for nightshift... my last for this month. Yay!!

And I wanted to share this with you because it made me smile.

Have a great one,
A.

Spoiling Babes

Potsdam, Germany
0:30 am

Cold wind, dark

Hey,

I did a lot for just myself over the last couple of days. Loosing my aunt has hurt, a great deal, but I am coping surprisingly well. I miss her, but also know that no matter where she is now, everything is better than it has been before. I love you!

Last weekend I went to Hanover to get spoiled by my aunt Traute. She’s a strong woman and a great inspiration for me. She took me out for lunch, did bike rides with me around Hanover. Made me breakfast every morning and just listened as I talked. Sometimes I was the one listening, as she did the talking. One thing always seems strange: she’s convinced I am the perfect Christian. Her arguments are about my opinions on life, loving to help with rarely accepting anything in returning and my openness towards other people and cultures. There’s one thing though: I do not believe in God.

The last couple of days I spend some time with Marina. BTW, she’s working on her driver’s license right now. I decided to put some of my great-aunt’s money to good use. She would have loved that.

I also spend some time with Max. He’s growing up so fast. Asking for his “erni”, running in and out of the room and charming everyone with his adorable smile.

And today I was out with Jana and her lovely son Yannick. He’s the cutest little guy. We strolled around Potsdam and its Parks for 3 hours, while Yannick enjoyed his prime seat.

There’s no better medicine to cure a soul than the laughter of a child. The three of us decided to go visit Sandra. She had taken a rain check on the walk because she had to clean her apartment. Okay, she was surprised and I guess a bit miffed, but in the end she loved having Jana and Yannick there.

He took a nap and was up and about afterwards.

Have a peaceful night.
Love, A.

Recovering

Potsdam, Germany
01:00 pm
Warm, sunny.

Greetings,

I am currently residing on my balcony, enjoying the lovely weather.

Thank you all for your condolences, this is a hard time I am facing but having so much support helps a lot. During the last 1 ½ weeks I managed to arrange everything for the funeral, which will be in Berlin on the 26th.

Off to other things:

I lost my voice. Yes, this is not a joke. And all those of you who met me, know how horrible this is for me. The reason I lost my voice is yet another Bronchitis. But I’ll be better soon.

Because I am finally on vacation (till the 2nd of May). Besides taking care of my grandaunt’s things, I will try to relax and do things for my own sanity. Teaching my sisters class and going to Hanover for a short trip are just 2 things.

Two days ago I finally managed to get my ticket to Chennai, India, where I’ll be spending two weeks a Dr. Renu Weiss’s house. She is a great woman with a big heart, check out the Banyan (link on the right), where she works at. Oh, and check out her blog, the way she writes about her life, just read it.

As you all know my best friend Patty is staying in Canada at the moment. He is planning on spending New Year’s in New York with some of us. If everything goes as planned, I will be going to NY for a couple of days and then stay 2 weeks at the Taber’s home. The ticket is rather cheap (640 €) for a trip like this. I will have to wait till after my time out to see whether I am allowed to go on a vacation over New Year’s. Update on that soon.

Have a lovely day,
A.

Defeat

Potsdam, Germany
03:00 pm
Sunny and warm

My aunt left us on April 4th 2007. After 2 ½ weeks of ICU-Care, she went silently. You will always be remembered and we thank you for all the things you graced us with: your smile, patience, love, indulgence, laughter, hugs, gifts, lunches and memories from your life. We know that you are sitting above us on a cloud, finally reunited with your greatest love and surrounded by family and friends; still watching over us and keeping us save. I promise to keep you in my heart forever.

With much sadness and love,
A.

Crying

Potsdam, Germany
06:00 pm
Cold, sunset


Hello,

I am currently very down. My great aunt is lying in ICU. On Friday she had gotten worse and I don’t know why, but the doctors decided to do a colonoscopy (a minimally invasive endoscopic examination of the large colon and the distal part of the small bowel). Somehow they punctured the colon and she was hurriedly taken to surgery. After 5 hours of endless waiting, my family got the news that she was back at ICU, still on ventilator. She got the tube out yesterday and they have her stabilized to some extent. She also has an artificial colon exit (colostomy).

Because of my nightshifts I had been unable to visit her prior to today. I wanted to cry when I saw her, but I did not, because my sister was there. But when Rina left and I was alone, stroking her hair, I was lost. When I was a little girl I sometimes spend a weekend at her apartment and she was the one stroking my hair to make me fall asleep.

The worst thing is, after that proud life she lived, she’s suffering away and all I can do is watch.

A.

We Are Born and We Die

Last week a little baby boy died before he reached his first birthday. I was there when he was born, I was there when he took his first breath and I was there when he stopped breathing for the first time. He had muscle dystrophy. May his little soul rest in peace.

Redecorating

Potsdam, Germany
10:01 pm
Very nice, but dark outside

Okay, for starters: Never go to IKEA without a plan what you are going to buy and without someone who can act as your consciousness. I did have a plan: get a mirror, get some tea candles and get out. I forget to take someone with me! Duh. I went out with a mirror, a couch table, a tea candle holder and several frames in different sizes. I forgot the candles. LOL.

Despite not feeling well (my stomach is queasy and I hurt everywhere), I spend most of my time today building that couch table and rearranging my living room. Here’s a picture what it looks like now.

My grand aunt was supposed to leave the hospital today and go into a short time nursing home, but she caught a very nasty stomach bug and will be staying at the hospital. I will be pulling 5 night shifts this week so I won’t be able to visit her before Sunday. My dad and sis will take care of that. I do not trust my mom further than I can throw her at the moment, which is a shame.

"Fight for your right."

A.

Warmth

Potsdam, Germany
11:19 pm
Nice outside.

Okay, not a single one of you is going to guess what I am doing right now?!

Nope.

Nah, but that was a good one.

No.

Well, I am sitting on my balcony, wearing a long PJ, wrapped in my favourite blanket, enjoying the light warm spring night.

It’s so wonderful to be able to do that after such an eventful day at work (with eventful I mean lots of work!). My feet are up, the light wind is playing with my hair, I am having some Ben and Jerry ice cream ( Caramel Chew Chew) and I feel really content to just sit here and watch the city sleep.

Yesterday, I was driving into work way too early so I found a nice parking lot (a rare occasion), scrolled my window down and shut my eyes. The wind was rustling in the trees, far away I could here work crews, the birds were chatting, cars passing me by. And what I realized just then was that I could just be me, right at the moment. No mask, no fake smile. Don’t misunderstand me, I try to be myself at work as much as I can, but when a parent doesn’t a agree with a therapy that ultimately would help his/her child or if it was a very stressful shift, I, like everyone else, sometimes have to force a smile and put up a “everything is in order” mask.

Kids are smarter than some people think. They now right then that we’re not being ourselves. It amazes me every single time, that when I have to hold a child down in order to insert an iv needle, they cry and fight, but when it’s over and I pick them up, most of them calm down immediately, put there head on my shoulders and their arms around my neck. And when I am having a bad day and am wearing my mask, some sense it, come up to me, gift me with a shy smile, give me a drawing to cheer me up or just raise there arms to give me hug.

And then people ask me why I love my job.

Night guys,
Hopefully soon more.

With much love and a big hug,
A.

In Sickness And Health

Potsdam, Germany
04:20 pm
The end of a beautiful spring day with dark clouds

Hello everyone,

Long time no read. Am just watching the movie “Ladyhawke” with Michelle Pfeiffer and Rutger Hauer and it is simply beautiful. Heart breaking story, some romance, special effects in the making. The day was exhausting, partly because this was my 7th day of work in a row and there are still 3 to come. I am so looking forward to 4 days off afterwards. So, here I am chilling. And as soon as it turns dark outside, I will light some candles and enjoy some Hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Okay, here’s what’s been happing to me in the last couple of weeks.

My parents are going separate ways now, my mom having moved into her own apartment. Currently, talking to my dad is much easier than talking to my mom. The guy she’s been dating for a couple of months now, is moving in with her and despite me having nothing against her being happy, it just feels funny, because she told my dad that it was over just a couple of weeks ago. Mom also has been kinda lying to me and sis about some things, which I hate more than anything. So far my dad has gotten his act together and is trying to rebuild his life as a single person. His biggest fear was that sis and I would want nothing to do with him anymore, which of course is not the case.

Sis is having health problems. Her stomach has been playing roller coaster with her and the doc thinks she’s having gastritis because of personal stress. Well, let me see, parents divorcing, new education, not being able to see her bf all week, well, yeah, kinda stressful. Which, by the way, did not occur to my mom, when she called sis and heard about her problems and what the doc had said.

My great-great aunt got out of the hospital two weeks ago only to be admitted again, last Monday. She has pneumonia and pleurisy; I will be trying to talk to a doctor next week. My aunt’s condition has worsened and she’s been gettting weaker and weaker. Because of my shifts I have not been able to visit her until this Saturday. She is still able to walk but needs constantly oxygen. At the moment she’s just skin and bones. Although she is hungry and would like to eat, a gastroenteritis has made it unable for her to do so.

It’s hard to see my once strong aunt as weak as she is now. Her will to live is weakening like her body. I know that death is more relief than pain for her. But at the moment I do not know what I will do when she passes away and takes a big part of my heart with her.

The second half of April will be my reward for getting over everything. 19 days off. My to-do-list: vistit friends in Berlin, go to the Pergamon museum, have an asian night at Sandra’s, watch a new movie at the Cinestar Original (in english), visit my cousin Ricarda (who will be having a baby soon), take walks in the woods (my therapy did some awesome things), go to IKEA, have a White Café Mocca and Double chocolate cake at Starbucks (heavenly), finish reading at least one book (I buy books when I get stressed out), spend some time with my godson Max, spend some time with Jana and her baby boy Yannick, play Sims 2 (including all the add-ons) till it dawns, make Rice Crispy treats, cook some receipes I always wanted to try, teach english, fix my LP-Player, spend some time with Dad, plan my trip to Chennai (India – whoohoo), go to the Harz and spend Walpurgisnight with friends.
Yes, I know it is way too much, but I am being realistic: if I manage to do at least one thing, life will be sweet.

I also have been doing something for my health. 2 weeks ago, I started Aqua fitness, which is more than fun and good for my joints. A friend also gave me a voucher for a 4 week training at a local gym, which I started last Friday. Boy, was I exhausted, but satisfied.

Okay, I guess that this is enough. The movie has been over for a while, my hands are getting numb from all the typing and it’s getting dark outside.

Stay positiv, don’t forget your dreams, it’s all worth it.

Love,
A.

Trying to catch my breath

Potsdam, Germany
08:05 pm
Cold and stormy

Hellu,

Sorry for not blogging earlier, but I’ve been a busy bee. Between Working as a nurse, teaching English, helping my sister with her studying, counseling my family and helping Sandra move out, I also have been taking care of my sick 86 years old great-great aunt, who was admitted to a hospital 2 days ago.

Phew, quite a lot.

Okay, starting from the beginning.

Work – fine, lots of things to do, but is has been a bit quieter at times.

Teaching – totally enjoy it. The class is very interested and I have to keep up with them.

Sis – does a great job at work, but still has a lot of studying to do for her upcoming exam.

Family – My parents are getting a divorce. No surprise for me, but it turns out it won’t be as quiet as I expected. My sister has a hard time coping, especially since my mom has met someone and is not honest with us and Dad concerning their ‘relationship’. She’s quite the egoist at the moment, which is understandable to some extent, but no excuse.

Sandra – moved out. Has a lovely two room flat, roof level, 2 balconies and Sanssouci right around the corner. Her Job is keeping her pretty busy, but we talk on the phone.

Great-great aunt Gerda – I have been taking care of her (and until 2 years ago; of her husband, too) for quite some time. Do grocery shopping with her, clean her apartment, make meals, do some chores and keep her company.

Actually, the whole family has done so to some extent. Last week she didn’t feel good, complaining about back pains, but at the same time claiming they came from lifting a neighbour who fell. Then on the weekend she was even weaker with a blood pressure of 180 to 93. We managed to keep it within normal range until Monday morning. She was weaker, hardly able to walk, had problems breathing, so I called her doctor and had her admitted to the nearest hospital. As it turns out, her blood pressure was still more than high and that she has some fluid in her lungs. She’s being treated for both and has been feeling a bit better today. I love her very much and it would be very hard for me to loose her, although I understand that it is only natural to go at some point. Just because I understand it, doesn’t me that I have to like it.


Me – alright for now. I am trying to stay on top of everything, while at the same time taking some breaks for myself. The weekend two weeks ago I went breakfast bowling with friends.

I was second last, but enjoyed it very much. Last weekend I was at Patty’s, my best buddy’s farewell party, he’ll be leaving for a work and travel year in Canada, soon.

And on Sunday I visited a very dear new friend of mine from work, Denise, who invited Sandra and me to Dinner. The food was superb and the company delightful. We laughed a lot. Denise is also expecting her first child – much health to you and the baby.

Btw, I also managed to find a long lost friend online and am so very happy to be in contact with her again. I missed you, Mersiha.

Much love to all of you out there – I am constantly thinking about you.

Love,
A.

P.S. Have caught a stomach bug. Thanks heavens for medication. :-)

Work, Schools and Henna

Potsdam, Germany
07:50 pm
Stormy

Hi,

First of all A Happy New Year to all of you. I celebrated New Year’s with my mom at an Indian restaurant. It was a lot of fun, the food was awesome and the people great. Somehow I entertained the owner’s kids with games, drawing and laughing. I loved it.

For the last 11 days I have been busy with work, finding an apartment for Sandra (with success) and getting some rest.

But I also did something I had been thinking about for the last half year. Yesterday, I taught “English for Nurses” to students (and former teachers of mine) at my hospital for the first time. We did some introducing to each other, so that I was able to assess my students (love to say that) ability to speak and got everyone to loosen up a bit. Next week we’ll start with Body parts and symptoms to have a basic knowledge to work with. I’ll keep you updated.

At the moment my mom is getting her hair colored with Henna. Isn’t that disgusting?! LOL

Love A.

A cold, a gift and snow

Potsdam, Germany
08:20 pm
Snowy, cold

A coughy hello to all of you,

Finally, a couple of days away from work. My Christmas was nice. I spend the 24th at home waiting for my sister to give me a call. She had to work and I volunteered to pick her up and take her to Berlin. The day was spend wrapping presents, writing cards, watching Christmas movies (I watched 3 different versions of Dickens’s Christmas Carol) and drinking hot chocolate.
By a quarter to 7, Marina called and we were on our way to spend Christmas eve with my parents and my great-great aunt in Berlin. We had potato salad (which I made) and sausages, our traditional dinner. Afterwards presents were exchange. You should have seen my moms face. This year my sister, my dad and I all put our heads together. She got 4 presents in this order: a red dot on her forehead, a 40 € worth gift certificate for a popular fashion store, a Soundtrack called “Bharati” and last but not least, 2 tickets for the musical “Bharati”. Mom was speechless. There’s always a first time for everything.

Mom and I will go see it on January 1st.

I had to work prior to the 24th and on the 25th and 26th as well. But my mom stayed with us and we had a fabulous goose on the first Christmas day as well as some old movies like “Pyjama For Two” with Doris Day, played some cards (I won – hehe).

It started snowing today. Very lovely for about 5 minutes. It’s not cold enough to stay on the ground, but I can always wish for a white 29th of December.

BTW, the coughy hello comes from me having another Bronchitis. Been coughing for about 6 days now, but I have been treating myself with some ACC and Ibuprofen for the headache, as well as a good old bath. I’ll be up and about in no time.

Good night and have a safe and Happy New Year,
A.

Christmas Is Coming To Town

Potsdam, Germany
04:55 pm
Icy, cloudy day

Yawn,

I’m back on my couch, cuddled into my favourite blanket. This weekend I had my annual Christmas celebration. Usually my closest friends come to bake Christmas cookies, decorate my Christmas tree and to have dinner together. This year I bought a 6.8kg (about 13 pounds) heavy turkey, because I was expecting a lot of people.

To those who came, thank you, I had a lot of fun and enjoyed having you here. To those who told me that they couldn’t come, I am sorry that you were not able to make it this year. To those who did not give notice, I am simply disappointed, please consider at least calling me next time.

Despite that, I enjoyed it very much. Jana, a former colleague and now dear friend, brought her nearly 4 month old toddler, Yannick. He is such a character already, smiling and flirting with everyone. The wee one was the highlight of the party.

We did “stehrumchen” (roughly translated “stand-arounds”). You take something from home, which you don’t use anymore or never have used before (which is standing around) and wrap it beautifully. Use one dice: 6 is take a present, 1 give someone a present, 3 everyone hand your present(s) to the person on your right. You can add things like: 2 roll the dice again, 4 everyone hand your present(s) to the person on your left, etc. Set a time for 30 min. up to an hour. We loved it and the present everyone wanted (a beautiful blue box) was probably the ugliest - LOL.

If I am not able to blog before Christmas:

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Hold tight to your families. Give love to those who are without it. Remember our loved ones who can not be with us.

Ho Ho Ho,
A.

Thoughts and Flashbacks

Potsdam, Germany
10:10 pm
Cozy cold and starry dark


A warm hello,

Sitting on my couch I’ve been reflecting on my last two days. I have been “given” to another ward (Kids age 6-17), which I did enjoy. The kids are older and I am able to properly talk to them, no “yes, you are a good baby. Yes, you are. “. LOL.

The other ward is calmer, less stressful. It’s been a change of pace. The kids were grateful for being entertained and I was happy to be entertainment. We currently have so called “S1” students on many of the wards. They have started their education to become a nurse on October 1st and this is their first practical assignment. At the ward I help out, S1’s are not considered useful but a burden. They do the dirty work, like cleaning stuff, making the beds etc. and are pretty much bored. In my eyes, nurses should start training the students from day one on. If I give a little of my knowledge to the students, they are able to take some load of me by being able to help.

Jennifer is one of those students, who I “dragged” behind me for the early shift. Granted, I did a lot of explaining, showing, controlling and some stuff took a bit longer. But at the end of the shift, Jennifer was exhausted but happy, having been able to learn more on 1 day than in the last 2 weeks and I was happy, because our work was done.

You give a little and you are able to receive a little. It’s as easy as that. During these 2 days I took my time to talk to the S1 students on the kids ward, because not so long ago I was in the same situation

My second practical assignment was on that ward and 2 days into it, I was crying after work, actually thinking about dropping the whole education, because obviously I was useless. Jennifer admitted that she, too, had cried the first couple of days at home.

I wonder whether the big part of those nurses will ever change. For the sake of good nurses in the making, I hope so.

Tomorrow I will be back on my ward (toddlers). The colleague I will be working with is the oldest nurse on the ward and every other nurse has gone through her hands. She’s sweet but intimidating at the same time. When an unexpected situation turns up, she goes into stress mode, which in turn makes me go crazy. But it’s only 8 ½ h. It’ll pass. Hopefully.

Love ya all,
Good night and sweet dreams
A.

Christmas Joy and an Angel gets his Wings

Potsdam, Germany
08:30 pm
Freezing cold and dark

Ho Ho Ho,

I am so much into the Christmas season. My lights are up and I made my own “Adventskranz”. My apartment is decorated by candles. Here I am sitting on my couch, wearing my new snoopy PJ’s and Christmas socks.

A very good friend of mine works at the Christmas fair in Chemnitz and got me some “Children’s Punch”. I love that stuff. Yum Yum .

The last weeks have been as stressful as ever, although I had 4 nightshifts, which I prefer. The whole ward is quiet (most of the time). Children sleeping, no nagging parents. Just me, the second nurse and my work.

We are currently dealing with a lot of kids that have a Rotavirus, which causes them to be ill and have diarrhea. Oh, btw, it hit me too. 2 days out cold. But with the proper meds and a bit of TLC, tada, all better.

I am lighting a candle for baby Paul, who died two nights ago. We love you sweetheart and know that you are now free of pain and smile upon us. We will remember.

Money is nothing compared to a tiny smile of a shy babe.

A.

Past, Present and Future

Potsdam, Germany
05:45 pm
Rainy, dark and frelling cold (sorry just watched Farscape LOL)

Cuddlyhey,

it’s November already. I had promised myself to update this Blog at least once a week, but as with many other things I won’t manage that.
Work is as stressful as ever. I managed to take a 5 day break at the end of October, which I spend in Wismar, a small town at the East Sea. Some very old friends of mine have a little cabin and they let me have it for those days. It felt very good being away from my apartment, my roommates and my work for a while.
The days were spend with long walks at the beach, interesting discussions with art, philosophy and history students as well as sleeping and a great deal of simply being me. Wismar has beautiful old churches and though I am not religious it is still amazing to how much peace and quite churches radiate.

I’ve been watching a couple of good “old” movies, like ‘Jumping Jack Flash’ and ‘Phenomenon’. The first is hilarious, young Whoopi Goldberg at her best and the second one as sad as it is beautiful.

Halloween was last Tuesday, but I had to work so we had a post Halloween Party at my place. As usually less people, than planned, came and it was more of a lovely evening than a party, but we had great fun. Good food, fun games, awesome friends.
I am currently cuddled under a blanket on my couch nearly dropping of to sleep. Have a great November evening.

Love,
A.