Feedback - Repost from 23.9.2008

Potsdam, Germany

Midnight

Cold, clear night

Just a quick note: I did survive - lol!

We managed to renovate the kitchen (new paint) and completely change the living room:

Saturday:
- Buy Furniture at IKEA (Me and Sis)
-Clear stuff from old furniture (Me)

- But up for sale at EBay

Sunday:
- Early shift at Intensive Care for Children (Me)
- Take down old furniture (Me)
- Sell it for 50 € to a first grade kid (her dad).
- Prepare Kitchen (Me and Sis)

Monday:
- Get old furniture down to basement (I live 5th floor - no elevator) - (Me, Sis, her bf)
- get new furniture up to apartment (Me, Sis, her bf)
- Help mom and her bf get stuff (for painting and tools) upstairs
- Paint kitchen (5 walls) and remove wallpaper from 6th wall (oil stains!)

- Build up furniture and connect electrical devices

- trip to tool shop
- Move stuff from bedroom to living room (mostly books - lol)
- New wallpaper onto 6th wall
- Clean up
- Go to bed

Tuesday:
- Finish painting the kitchen

- Put supports under the drawers (Steel!)
- Small repairs
- trip to tool shop (Baumarkt ?!), ordering Hobby glass for 6th wall to prevent new oil stains
- take apart the bookshelves and bring them to basement
- go to nightshift

Phew, I feel really, really good!

More at some other point - will spend next 2 days at friends place.

Love, Rea

No stopping me, now...

Potsdam, Germany

10:00pm

Nice and cold

Yes! I got my contract!! A signed last tuesday.

Yes! I am repainting my kitchen.

Yes! I went on a shopping spree at IKEA's and am redoing my living room.

Boy, I feel awesome!

Last weekend I was in Havelberg, again. The weather was a mix of rain and sun, so I caught a cold, no news.

But, I also managed to secure myself a few goodies at the flee market:

Pink Floyd - The Wall - LP

The Rocky Horror Picture Show - OST - LP

Yes! Yes! Yes!

"You will, because you can!"

Rea

Change feels good!

Potsdam, Germany
9:00pm
It’s really, really nice outside

Hey,

It’s time for some change. But first things first.

Patty’s birthday was on the 23rd of August. We partied all night long (lol I was in bed by 3am, I guess).

The party was held at Micha’s family garden in Buckow. It’s lovely there. The garden is located at a small lake, with woods surrounding it.

We slept in tents as usual

and spend most of the night sitting on the pier, talking, drinking, and eating.

We even took one of the boats out in the middle of the night to the center of the lake and let the boat drift to watch the star filled sky, including falling stars.

Now to the change part… I desperately needed some!! I will redecorate my kitchen in the coming September and possibly my living room, too. We’ll see. But I did change myself a bit, by cutting my hair shoulder length and simply making some decisions:

1st: I will not give into my hospital concerning my working hours. It’s either the full 40h or I will leave and search for something else. I simply will not tolerated 30hs, which would force me to take a second job. No way!

2nd: I will be part of a congress (as speaker) in March despite the outcome of my contract negotiations. It’s about Sleep (labs). One of my doctors invited me to do a small presentation and I am more than delighted to do it.

3rd: I will do my registration as a nurse for the US in January 2009. It costs a lot of money, but it will allow me to work as a nurse (RN) in the US.

4th: Register for the green card lottery.

5th: Take a few days vacation to visit with Jana and Baby Laura. It’ll help me relax, spend some time with people who me a lot to me and help Jana a bit.

So, next week is the horse market in Havelberg again and as usual. I will be there!! Hopefully, I manage to blog soon after…rofl.

Much love to each and every one of you!

Rea

Loads of Things

Potsdam, Germany
00:30 am
Really nice night - heavy rain

Hey,

The guy is history. I will not tolerate a guy that is not able to respect me as a person and my needs like sleep. And the sentence "I was a macho once." should have been a big red light. I am staying single for the moment.

Work has been okay. My contract is up for being prolonged or cancelled. They offered me an unlimited one with 30h week. I rejected that, because I want to work 40h and I need the money to be able to move out of this country at some point soon. So that means more waiting and worrying.

I went to Patrick's Asia Night. And I wore one of my Sari's. In public. Guess what, it felt awesome! The party was fun.

We made sushi, I cooked thai food and made pompadums. There were want tans, an asian salad and baked bananas and pine apple for dessert. Oh, and my godson Max was there, too. The two of us had a blast! The kid loves veggies and fruit, as well as sushi, lol!

I've arranged a Baby Shower for my friend Jana. She already gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Laura.

We did the party after birth, because there was too much going on prior to Laura's birth. It was really nice.

Donnée, Lea and I drove to the Harz, where Jana and her family live.
They have a beautiful home.

We made salad and I had prepared Brownies and cookies the night before. I had prepared a cake base, which I forgot at home. The whole family had a good laugh about that one. But with some help from my sis by phone and an oven... et voila new cake.

The party was outside.

Jana's mom, dad, grandma and grandpa, as well as some other friends had already arrived. So, after coffee and cake we played some games - change the diaper,

guess the baby food,

blind feeding.

The evening was spend with eating self made pizza, bread

and soup. I spend that night in my tent in the back yard and in the morning Jana's mom, grandma and I went for a swim in a mountain lake in the middle of the woods. Best thing after a party night!!

Today wasn't too good. Sis was bitten by 2 bees 2 days ago. Her arm was swollen and she was too stubborn to go to an ER. So, after a painful, sleepless night she finally gave in and asked mom's bf Henry to drive her to the hospital. She was treated with the right meds and it seemed to be better. She came home today and while we were grocery shopping, I noticed her having problems breathing. She rejected my concern and said everything is fine. A bit later she searched for her emergency inhaler. Took it and nothing. I checked the inhaler and she had taken the wrong one from home. So, off to the ER (with her protesting, despite being short of breath). This was once again a moment in which I was glad to be known in the ER team. We were let to a doctor and Marina was immediately treated (anyone else with such an attack would have been treated as quickly, but it felt more personal somehow and I knew she was in good hands). It didn't get much better and she had muscle spasms as well as feeling dizzy. They are keeping her monitored and with oxygen in the ICU for the night. What a day.

I am going to bed now to get some much needed sleep. Will visit sis tomorrow and do some redecorating at my apartment. More in the next post.

Love,
Rea

Update on the Men Front

Potsdam, Germany
04:00 pm
Indefinable weather

Well, he called (after I ignored him), apologized and literally begged for a last chance. We met on Saturday, had pizza. Spend Sunday together and it was really nice!!

In one sentence: I might not be single any longer!

Love ya all!!

Rea

P.S.: Jana, you back home??

Run for Mucoviscidosis

Potsdam, Germany
08:30 pm
Still sunny, with a nice breeze

Too tired to say hello,

My sis and I took part in the Run for Mucoviscidosis in Potsdam, today. As I said you get one or more sponsors, who pays a sum from 0,50€ to 10€ per round you run (small one 340m). You run as many rounds as you can and he/she pays the sum. All the money goes to the Muco e.V. Berlin Brandenburg.

It was hot, though with a small breeze and I had told myself, that I would manage 20 rounds walking (I am too heavy for jogging). The start was the worst part, because for the first two rounds my feet were hurting and I thought that I might have to give up, but I just kept on walking and managed just fine after a few minutes. In the end, I walked 30 rounds, therefore my sponsor has to pay 300 €. My sis managed 40 rounds jogging/walking. We’re both so proud!

The end results are these: 41409€ with 4660km!! Thanks to everyone who ran, walked, wheeled in his/her wheelchair, got pushed in the stroller and walked faithfully next to his owner (some dogs).



I am back home, resting my feet, cooling my head and half asleep from exhaustion.

To all those who didn’t participate despite living in the area… come next year and run an extra round!

Bring the family; there are games, food, ice cream and music!


Love,
Rea

Men are confusing - Help!

Okay, I need second opinions.
Hypothetic case:
A guy contacts you at a single page on the internet. He seems nice and you talk online, exchange numbers and talk on the phone. You even view each other on web cam. There’s definite attraction and the two of you would like to meet. You set a date, drive into town, he cancels because he’s busy with work, you agree because you are tired from nightshift anyway. The two of you agree to meet the next afternoon. At 11 am, he cancels - work. He tells you that though he’s awfully sorry, that’s his life (lots of short notice jobs). You are sad, but can’t change the fact. He agrees to spend some time together on the weekend (which you are supposedly off work). Whenever he says he’ll call back later, it’s usually much later (you’re asleep) or only when you prompt him by calling him yourself. A day later, he calls and you have to tell him that there are 3 sick colleagues at work and that you would have to do late shift on the kids ICU on Saturday, but at the same time propose breakfast at 10am Saturday morning, your place, your treat. He evades and instead wants to meet Saturday after work (around 10:15pm). You have a charity run the next day and are reluctant to go out late, tell him so, he says I call you back later and hangs up. After a while you text message him, providing two solutions: breakfast Saturday 10am or late dinner Sunday after work, with him driving you home afterwards. His answer is “Well, babe, I think we are not going to manage meeting each other ever. I really like you a lot.”
Am I the only one confused right now??

Comments, please!?!?!

Barefoot through Berlin

Potsdam, Germany
06:30pm
Storm brewing

Just a quick note. I came out of nightshift today, didn’t go to bed, instead drove Denise and family to the airport, ran some errands, cooked lunch, showered, drove to Berlin, met up with Dad, had ice cream, called a guy and set up a date for tomorrow, visited the cemetery (cried), tried meeting mom (failed), tried to visit a former friend (failed), drove barefoot (sore – new shoes) back to Potsdam exhausted. Walked barefoot up to my apartment, washed black feet (lol) and wrote blog!

Phew,
Love you all!!

Girls night, Running and the New Me

Potsdam, Germany
07:30pm
Hot and sunny

Hello, Hello,

Well, it’s been ages. We had a girl’s night in at my place and everyone had a blast. Loads of food, a nice movie and talk, talk, talk. Hopefully, we’ll have a repeat of that sometime soon.

The Weiss family visited in April and it was great to see all of them again. We did some sightseeing, lots of talking, had some homemade food and lots of fun. The toured through Europe by train and enjoyed it a lot. They went to the States to visit friends and family.
Big hug to all of you!

Summer has hit Potsdam pretty hard. High temperatures, sunny days and no way to cool down. Well, I redecorated my balcony and am spending a couple of hours there every day if possible.

The Run for Mucoviscidosis is almost here. If you are in the Potsdam/ Berlin area, come and join us on the 8th of June at the Mercure Hotel in Potsdam. There’ll be games and fun stuff for kids and a BBQ. Find yourself a sponsor (boss, mom, dad etc.), run as many rounds as you can. For example, if your sponsor pays 2 € per round and you manage 10 rounds, its 20€ for the good cause. I will be participating this year, too, instead of just helping out. So, see you there.

Work is good. I’ve started to get involved in our sleeping lab and it’s very interesting work. My contract is running out in September, but I hope that I’ll get a new one. I’ve been looking around for a new job, but in my area most jobs are in home care, which is not something, I looking for.

I’ve also started to change my looks a bit. Don’t know why, it just feels like it’s time for a small change. Who knows, what’ll come out of it…

Oh, my friend Mandy married last weekend. I wish her and her husband Mirko, all the best for their future and a healthy baby.

A big hug to Eliza in Brazil!! Love ya, girl! Oh, she’s still single and looking…

Love you all,
Rea

Loads of things to do - post 4-9-08

Berlin, Germany
03:05 pm
Rainy, dull

Hey,

I am sitting at Starbucks enjoying a nice cup of coffee, whilst waiting for Denise to call me. She’s currently undergoing teeth surgery and I am her designated driver.

My nightshifts are okay, though I am busy every day I try sleeping as much as I can. The Weiss family will be visiting me on Friday and I’ve organized a room at my hostel and invited coolleagues and friends to listen to Renu’s talk about the Banyan. Because I didn’t know what day they’d be coming, everything was on short notice. I sincerly hope that some people are able to come! She’s a great woman and hearing her speak about the Banyan is very interesting and enlightning.

So today, I slept till 12:45pm and left with Denise for Berlin while Marina is taking care of Vivian. I am exhausted to the bone and coffee is the only thing keeping me upright and going J.

Tomorrow. I will have to do some grocery shopping and baking for Friday. And on Friday, no sleep for me, picking up the Weiss family, drop luggage at home, tour Potsdam (depending on the weather), go to hospital for talk and tour, more Potdam in the evening. I’ll be out like a light by the time I touch my pillow Friday night. But depite the days being exhausting, I so look forward to having Renu and the men!

My dad’s birthday is on Friday. It’s not a big deal that I won’t be there, because his sisters (2 of them) and husband as well as one of my cousins are coming to meet and celebrate with him. Marina will also be joining them and depending on when the Weiss’s leave, I am tempted to drive out and see them too.

My mom and her bf visit us on Monday. It was nice for a change. We had fruit and cake and decide to take a walk in the park. It rained hard the moment we reached the middle of the park and I was drenched within minutes. The 4 of us had a spontaneous dinner together and nice conversation, which can be hard, because my mom likes to be the center of attention.

A big hug to all of you I haven’t seen for a while or haven’t had the time to talk to. You guys are on my mind and in my heart. Jana: how are you and the little one? Any chance we could meet in Berlin in the near future? Colleen: Boy, do I miss sitting down with you and talk, talk, talk. Sonya: I soooo miss you!! How are you, girl?

To all the others – write, call or think of me!!

Much love,
Rea

P.S.: I planned to post it at the 9th of April... well... sorry ?! More new stuff soon.

Hanover, Horses and India

Potsdam, Germany
04:30pm
Cloudy, has been raining all day

Hey folks,

I spend 1 ½ weeks in Hanover at my great aunts. Because she had guests at home, Marina and I stayed on the campground, where she has a trailer. It was a trial for me because I used to be scared sleeping out there, even if I had company. But even after Marina headed home (she had to be back at work on Monday) I stayed alone and wasn’t afraid.

For anyone with an anxiety problem who really wants to have his/her life back, get some therapy! I am so glad I did.

Hannover helped me breath again. I took some long walks, talked with my great aunt about family history (which my grandma never does), cuddle with an adorable dog (she was dog sitting),

cooked for the 2 of us and enjoyed bike tours despite the nasty rain.

The fresh air and time for myself did me good.

Back at work, I did 6 nights in a row and was more than happy about being done with them. Lately we’ve been having very sick children coming in and it seems one is sicker than the other. I just hope we won’t have to face any tragedy as the last one any time soon.

Marina and I had a bit of a problem. Since she broke up with her boyfriend (he cheated) she seemed very unhappy, despite pretending to be live itself.

I knew from friends that she met other guys (everyday a new one) and she complained about work (saying that everyone was nice, but that she felt unhappy and dissatisfied). I tried talking to her, asking her if she needed help, if she wanted to talk about something, if everything was alright. She blocked me off.

I vented my frustrations at Sandra’s and apparently she got some sense into Marina. We talked and she said that she doesn’t know what’s wrong, but is sorry that she didn’t say anything. We decided both of us need to spend more time with each other and I told her that she needs to get one of her hobbies back – specifically her riding. She’s now looking for a stable close to our home, which offers a cheap and good possibility for her.

I want to start walking. There will be another ‘Run for Mucoviscidosis’ and this year I would like to participate as runner and not as helper.

In April friends from India will come and visit me. Trust the German paper pusher to ruin my happiness. It took 25€, a cell phone call to Indian (for some dates I didn’t have) and some stupid papers to be filled. I love Renu and her family dearly, but those paper pushers rob me off my last nerve.

Concerning Renu and family, they are still looking for places in Rome, Paris and Amsterdam to stay at for a couple of days. They are a great bunch of people and are traveling through Europe on a budget. A room in a church as well as a room at a family home is appreciated. Write me if you can provide a room or a contact. Thank you!

I wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Love, Rea

Tears

Potsdam, Germany
10:30 pm
Clear night – many stars

Writing this is actually really hard for me. A baby died at work. It’s not something like that hasn’t happened before but this is different. The baby came to us grey and wheezing, I did everything the doc told me to till the ICU nurses took it into their care, 30 minutes later the short life ended. It moves me to tears every time I think about it. Like right now, I am crying. It happened so fast, almost as if it wasn’t real. But the grief in the mother’s eyes, the tears that our youngest doctor cried, everything was real.

The good thing is that I was able to function – the doc ordered – I did it. The bad thing is nothing could have helped the baby.

And after it died, we had to put away and keep working, which was easier than I thought. But at home, most of us collapsed in ourselves. Like a heavy weight that was suddenly trust on us.

The whole team had problems coping, so we talked today. About what we felt, what we still feel most. It helped me because I knew that I wasn’t the only one replaying everything for hours after I got home. I wasn’t the only one thinking that if I might have done something different, would the baby still live. I wasn’t the only feeling devastated, for all the great medicines that we have, there are still limits.

If you look up to the night sky tonight, you just might see a new star shining down on us.

Andrea

News and no news

Potsdam, Germany
06:30pm
Sunny side of Potsdam

Hello you,

It’s been awhile since New York and lots of things have happened. The last post was a long overdue update about my latest US Trip. I wrote most of it when I was still in Indiana, but up until today had no time to post it.

Life is quiet. Sis is single again and I think broke Patrick’s younger brother’s heart. Long story. Don’t get me started!

Patrick is at the moment sitting on his lazy butt and doesn’t know what to do at the moment (which job, another education….). That boy drives me nuts!!

Work is stressful, but it feels good to be back. I think I would not be able to live without working. I don’t have to have clinic life for the rest of my life, but I need to do something.

Some friends have been asking about my love life again. I am still single. There is no one currently that I am interested in. Sorry. Stop pestering me – it’s frustrating enough!

We have a TV Show that’s called “Auf und Davon” and is about young ppl leaving their home to go to another country, as au pair, student, trainee etc. They had a young woman that went to India (New Delhi) for three month as a trainee at a kinder garden. The first impressions she gathered where about traffic, way too many people and she was clutching her purse very hard (afraid to be mugged). I laughed watching her, because I was reminded of my trip to Chennai last year. In some aspects I could sympathizes and in others I wondered whether she had read anything about India prior to her visit.

I will definitely go back to India at one point in my life and will travel around the country more. BTW, miss you, Weiss guys.

I will spend some time at my Dad’s next week after 5 days of night shift. I am really looking forward to some breathing time.

Much Love,
Rea

P.S.: I recently rediscovered one of my first music vids. Enjoy!