Wedding, Challenges, Christmas soon

Berlin, Germany

Midnight

Warm Fall Night

Hell, 

loads happened. 

I took pictures at the friends wedding and it was a lot of fun. Beautiful couple. Great background. 

A couple of days later I had my Bacherlerette Party. The girls dressed me up and took me to a Karaoke Bar. On the way there I had to collect advice from people on my way in 3 different languages. I managed. 

Oh and my crown sold at Alexander Platz for 50€! First round of drinks :-)

On September 1st my fiancee came to Germany. We had a lovely week, visiting with his parents and grandma, who also came to visit, going to a fair, doing a little sightseeing and just being together. 

On September 7th I married my love. My mom had gotten us a 1958 Baby Blue Buick to drive us from my place to the registry. I loved it. :-)  His Mom and Dad were there as was his 86 year old Grandma! 

After the ceremony we took some pictures and then drove out of Berlin to a friends house, where we had the party. It was basically a garden party with pot luck and a BBQ at night. We loved it :-).

His family left the Monday after. We left for a little honeymoon trip. 1 day in Hamburg, 3 in Hannover and the weekend in Görlitz (Harz Mountains).

It was fun, but in retrospect, I wish we spend more time with each other. Alone time ;-). 

So, he had to leave for the States. I am flying back for Christmas. And it's harder than I thought it would be. Not having him here, to talk, to hold, to kiss, to share, even to argue. 

I started working on ICU (adults). It's tough. Loads of stuff I need to memorize and apply. Loads of new hellos and sadly goodbyes. 

So, this is it of for the moment. 

Much love, 

Andrea

Family, Weddings and Distances

Berlin, Germany

11:00am

Warm fall day

Hello everyone,

My little nephew was born 6 weeks too early, but he did well. Emil Julian only needed one day of respiratory support and a week in the incubator. 2 weeks after he was born, my sister and her husband took him home. 

It took me a couple of weeks to free my schedule and go visit. He is so adorable. We cuddled a lot, I was able to give my sister some baby-free time by taking Emil of her hands and we also had some sister time. 

I spend a lovely evening at my Cousins house, which was awesome. A couple of hours at the lake and then back home, looking at her wedding pictures and a yummy BBQ afterwards. My cousin lives on the outskirts of Berlin, so I drove home on my scooter at night, being all alone on the country roads and I loved it. The air was fresh and smelled like woods and fields. It was beautiful and a little scary at the same time. 

The wedding has moved up to the 7th of September. Some people asked why and my answer is practicality. Victor is coming to visit for 2 weeks,  his mom, dad and the 82 year old grandma as well. My family and friends are here and so we decided to have a small ceremony at the local registry and a garden party after. 

Let me tell you, getting married to an American in Germany is a lot of hassle. German authorities love paperwork and it was very frustrating in between, but now that we're almost there, I try to leave that behind me. Just one more note, I think that people who work at a registry, where couples come to join together, should be friendly and outgoing, not grumpy and unfriendly.

So the official part is 20 min and I admit I am looking much more forward to the party afterwards, where we can have fun with our friends and family. I know I am his and he knows he's mine, so the ceremony is just formality. The party after is not going to be a typical wedding party, more like a garden party with cake and space for the kids to play, with a BBQ and homemade salads for dinner and a fire pot at night where everyone can sit, warm up and let the day come to a beautiful ending. Just what Vic and I love.

There is going to be a second "wedding". We still plan to have a more formal event in the USA next June. 

If everything goes as planned I would like to  move to the States next year, depending on the US government and my evaluation. I still have to apply for  the NCLEX, which might be a problem, because California has very strict rules about foreign nurses working in Cali and especially pediatric nurses (which does not exist in the US). I really want to work as a nurse in the USA, because I am a good nurse and I love my patients and I always give my job a 100%. We'll see. 

Till my wedding I still have some things to do. Work, of course. I am going to take the wedding pictures at a friends wedding. There is going to be a bachelorette party. So many things, too little time.

So these are the latest news. I hope everyone is in good health.

Much love, 

Andrea

California Dreams

2260 Miles from Philadelphia over the Atlantic Ocean

11:37pm ECT (Philadelphia)

There has been so much going on my life that I don’t really know where to start.

I left for the USA to visit old and meet new friends. What I didn’t know that I would also meet new family.

I arrived in Indiana and met up with my dear friend Colleen. It was like I hadn’t really left. We talked deep into the night. We went to see our old friend Sofiya’s exhibit, which both of us loved.

The next night 2 of the Weiss men came by on their way home. It was great seeing them. At midnight  I picked Victor up from the airport. We missed each other terribly and were very happy to be with each other again. That’s only what words can say… it was whew!!

First day was spend together introducing my man to Eiteljjorg Museum and Canal District. It was great just walking and spending time together.

We left for Columbus the day after to meet some distant cousins of mine, Ray and his wife Susan. Both of them are lovely, gracious people with a great sense of humor. We also met Ray’s mom and dad, Ingrid and Erich. Ingrid is my family tree connection. She is my Grandmas cousin (Dad’s side). I loved them both and we shared some family history and pictures. Victor wasn’t feeling too well; I guess too much chili, cheese and fried food. We stayed one night and after a fabulous breakfast home cooked by Ingrid we left to get back to Indiana. While my love rested a bit I started dinner. Sofiya came by to join us for food and conversation. Great night, despite me hogging Mark’s (Colleen’s husband) kitchen without giving him the heads up.

On Tuesday we spend time at the IMoA. They had a free guided tour about landscaping. The lady who held it was very enthusiastic and knew quite a lot about the old and new arts. The museum has 100 acres of grounds to walk on and explore, but Vic and I had already made reservations for a dinner theater. It was gonna be “Legally Blond”.

The food was very nice and I loved the first part of the musical. I went to use the restroom during the break and when I got back, Victor seemed nervous. 5 seconds later I found out why. He proposed to me. My first sentence was, you just did not ask me that. And my second one was yes, I will marry you. He gave me a lovely ring and a big kiss. Somehow the waitress got wind of it and we got champagne on the house as well as a lovely congratulation over the intercom. The rest of the show was great.

The next day we went with Colleen to her High schools to meet with her German students. Great kids and during the lunch hour we met up with Melinda to have lunch at a local diner.

For the evening we returned to Indianapolis to have a little celebration at the” Rathskeller”, a German restaurant. We left the next morning for California and I was nervous as hell to meet his family.

After a little rental car problems, we finally arrived at his parent’s house where we were welcomed with open arms by Victor’s mom Martha. Everyone was great hugging me and welcoming me into the family. I felt so blessed.

We had dinner with Victor’s brother Marco and his wife Deanna. Marco seemed quite and some of his first words were “So, when are you leaving?” – which he didn’t mean the way it sounded. He is a actually a good guy.

A week later the family threw an engagement party for us, with games, gifts and great food. I was kinda scared to meet more family and Victor’s friends but it turned out well.

We did some trips to San Francisco, Six Flags, Oakland, San Jose and Santa Cruz. The later trips I took with Carolina, one of the cousins. She’s great fun and we seem to have lot in common.

There’s one more person who claimed a part of my heart. The nana. Victor’s grandma lives with the family. She doesn’t know much English and my Spanish is very non-existent, but we got by surprisingly well. She’s a smart woman who has to fight everyday just to get out of bed since her husband died last year. Although she puts up a brave face, you can feel the sadness radiating of her. The only thing that makes her smile is spending quality time with her family, every member of the family.  I feel proud that she accepted me as one of her own.

You can imagine how hard it was for me to go back to Berlin. Home has switched from Berlin to being with Victor.  We’re planning to get married in June 2013. I am as excited as terrified about what’s ahead, but this is us making it work.

Love,

A.

Bronchitis, Antibiotic and Hallmark

Berlin, Germany

05:30pm

Mild autumn evening

Hello everyone.

The time flies by and soon it'll be March.

I am sick , again, which for this season is not strange for me. My immune system has to get used to the weather changes.

It's mild outside, but it gets very cold during the night.

Seeing as I am stuck at home, and yes, thank you, I do take the occasionally walk, the time was right to update my DVD collection.

My Vic send me the sweetest Hallmark card and it made me all mushy :-).

So, I got my hands on a couple of Hallmark movies. Just the right kind of mushy I needed. I recommend "Mrs.Miracle" and " Call me Mrs.Miracle". Touch of Christmas with a dash of romance.

I had a little time in between being sick and redecorated my hallway. It looks great and just tonight I hung up a chain of angel lights. Just the right thing for the cold season.

Thanks to my payback card and 1,25€ I am now the proud owner of a waffle iron. Today for the first time I made waffles with my grandma's recipe. Added a little Philadelphia cream cheese with Milka chocolate and they were delicious. Though as I am used to cook for a lot of people, I had loads of dough left, which I am going to use tomorrow to make fresh ones for me and mom.

These are the days I miss my man the most. But I'll be brave and counting the days.

Have a lovely Sunday evening,

Andrea

Story To Be Told

Berlin, Germany

Cold autumn day

07:00 pm

Hello Readers,

Many of you know about this already, but I feel like writing it down.

12 years ago, during the times of AOL, I contacted a young American to ask about the life of a teenager in the States. School, hobbies and family. He was willing and answered all my questions. I thanked him and logged off. We talked again and again and slowly a friendship began. His name was Victor, he lived in California. A short time after, I went to the States, even to California, but was too afraid to loose the precious friendship we had build, so we didn't meet at that time.

He would sometimes send a package, with sweets (I didn't even remember telling him that I like Rice Krispy Treats). His mom once send me a scarf for my birthday, hand knitted.

Often we didn't talk for weeks, but just when it felt right, both of us were online.

Now, after a 12 year waiting period, he finally came to visit.

And no, it wasn't like in the movie: seeing each other at the airport, eyes meeting, falling into each other’s arms and boom.

He missed his flight, we missed each other, his bag was lost, I had to work the first 4 nights and had to get my male cat *fixed*. But it turned out alright. We fit. Very well. We love to kiss, especially each other. Talking is a big part of it as well. Just going on long walks. Sitting on park benches and breathing.

He loves how I smell, that I have a sense of humor and that I am a smart and independent woman.

I love his sarcasm, the way he enjoys food and how soft his touch is.

How the story ends, you ask. It doesn't. We both decided to giv

e us a big try. Yes, I know, but it's 9096,56 km between the two of you. So what. Some people sleep next to each other and no plane can bridge the distance between them. What could I possibly loose? It feels right.

In April I will fly to the States. Meet his familia. I am very much looking forward to that.

Much love to all of you.

Good night

Uncertainties

Berlin, Germany

Warm Spring evening

07:30 pm

Yesterday I finally confronted an old friend about the worth of our friendship to her.

For at least a year and a half I felt that I was the only one investing, calling, listening, helping out. I admit that she is not an easy person, but neither am I.

For the last couple of month I used her, being in difficult situations and me, being busy with work, moving and getting settled as an excuse for not bringing that topic up.

The difficulty is she either doesn't want to or is unable to grasp that I just basically told her that I won't be her friend anymore if her priorities don't change. Some of you might say that as a real friend I would except her the way she is. But I believe that as a friend I don't have to break myself for being her friend.

I gave her some time to think about it, but in reality I don't feel like I got through to her.

Any suggestions, thoughts or ideas are welcome.

Thank you,

Andrea

Cooking

Berlin, Germany

0900 pm

Cold and dark

Hey everyone,

just a quick note that I am still alive and kicking.

By the end of January I moved back to Berlin. It's a two room apartment in an old house, first floor, second yard. Anja, my best friend, lives in the apartment over mine.

I also switched hospital. During the last 2 years I have been kind of unhappy in Potsdam because I wasn't progressing at work. I had been trying to be moved to children's ICU (PICU) permanently, which my boss was not willing to do, especially since I have been jumping between my ward, PICU, Neonatal Care and the Children's ER. So, I decided to give her an chance and told her that I will not wait for ever and should an opportunity arise, leave. She didn't believe me. One of the head nurses left for a better job in Berlin and as it were, that hospital was also looking for Pediatric nurses. I applied, worked there for a day (4h Intermediate Care for patients with congenital heart diseases, 4h ICU) and got accepted. After I gave my notice she asked whether there would be anything to change my mind - which I considered for about 5 seconds and replied - that a week ago, maybe, but not now.

So, I am officially working at the Berlin Heart Center. So far I have not yet regretted the decision. I do miss my colleagues, but the new work place is such a challenge that I barely have time to breath sometimes. And I feel so at home already.

Yesterday I was cooking for some friends and this is what I made: Chicken stuffed with herbs, surrounded by veggies (carrots, fennel, potatoes, red peppers, red onions). As a starter home made Garlic soup, which was a disaster first, but I was able to safe. I also made a salad. Everything was delicious and one of my friends brought the first tasty strawberries and we had Baily's cream with it. Yummy.

I will get a cat (or 2) soon. It's the right situation now - good apartment - friends who are willing to cat sit once in a while.

Have a great weekend,

Much Love,

Rea

Winter Wonderland

Potsdam, Germany

06:00pm

Winter is here

Hey guys,

I am sorry for not blogging for quite some time.

This year has been filled with joy and changes.

For those who don’t know yet, I will be moving back to Berlin by the end of January 2011 because I was able to get a new job. I will be working at the German Heart Center in Berlin as a so called jumper. Meaning I will be worked into 3 different wards (Children’s ICU, Children’s IMC and ICU).

I am very much excited about it, though also a bit sad to leave my current work family. It amazed me how many people actually are wishing me all the best, that I’ll be missed and not to forget them. The current pediatric nursing class stepped up to me, thanked me and wished me well with a hand-made card. I was pretty much close to tears. Some parents also thanked me. It is amazing how many people you touch – I feel so grateful that there are so many amazing people in my life.

My new apartment will be one floor underneath her apartment. I am so excited!

A couple of month ago I started to learn German sign language. This has interested me for a long time. When I was a kid I met my great, great uncle Günther, who had lost his hearing when he was a child. He was able to sign some and taught me. During the next year I helped him with official visits, banking problems and translated as much as I could. He got distant around fall, I confronted him and he told me off very harshly. So, we turned away. I’ve regretted that ever since. He’d been pushing us away because he didn’t want us to hurt too much when he died. He killed himself that December.

Ever since then I wanted to learn sign language, some of my ambition was guilt I guess. I want to be able to sign, to be able to communicate. Not just a little but a lot. The other part of it is to learn, to be able to communicate with many more people. Through the course I have met 3 more amazing people. One of them is Daniel, our teacher. Daniel is deaf, though able to speak and lip read. He is very smart and has a wicked sense of humor. As you might have noticed, I am quite taken with him.

Yesterday was my annually Christmas party. A lot of friends have been there, as well as my mom and her partner. The food was good, the company even better. This really is what Christmas is all about. Being with friends and family, spreading love and joy.

Please don’t forget to remember those who have no family or friends or joy at Christmas. Go out gift a homeless with a hot tea and a sandwich, donate clothes or money, call a friend that you haven’t contacted for a while, if you believe in a God, pray for those in need. Sometimes all it takes is to gift someone with a smile.

I wish all of you a joyous Christmas season. Arrive safely in the New Year. Stay healthy. Find love, give love.

Yours,

Andrea

Family

Potsdam, Germany
08:00 pm
Warm, sun is leaving


I have decided to let the feelings settle.You asked for more and here it is.

A couple of weeks ago I visited my great aunt in Teschendorf, which is a small village close to Berlin. I used to spend summers here with my great grand ma. A lot has changed, but some things stay the same. Like the old wooded gate to the barn.

I used to play in it, with the bunnies, steal fruits from the fruit garden behind it and climb the trees. Playing hide and seek with my great cousins.
Being there again, spending time with my great aunts and cousins was great. It was the 70th birthday of one of my great aunts and some family was there. The food was good, I played with the children, talked and laughed a lot. The part of my dad's family that was there is my favorite. Open, lovely people, that appreciate each other.
One of my cousins has a trampoline, which is a lot of fun and hard sport. Enjoy.

Much love,Andrea

Friend or Foe

Potsdam, Germany
10:00pm
Warm with a touch of cold

I know. It's been long.
In the last couple of month I felt like I distanced myself from my friends here, specially those in Berlin.

Like I had somewhat changed. Maybe became too arrogant or too self absorbed.
Most I haven't seen since February. Though some I have seen regularly.
With most I haven't even talked on the phone, unless one needed something from me.

Tonight I have realized, yes, I have changed, and no I haven't.

Changed in so far that I stopped tolerating some behavior, I don't run and try to catch people which don't really seem interested in keeping my friendship. Yes, in these aspects I am colder.

I am still the same with staying close to those I love, that I am able to appreciate and be appreciated in return.

You are probably wondering why I am posting this, today, after nearly not blogging for a year, because I was severely disappointed by a person I considered a close friend. He acted like an idiot and not only hurt the other persons feelings, but mine (and some other people's), too.

I won't tolerate that. I won't accept it.
Much love nevertheless, Andrea

Back to basics

Potsdam, Germany

10:00pm

Freaking cold

I have used this blog to tell people what’s going on, when in the beginning I wanted to use this blog to say what’s on my mind…
Here I am sitting on my couch, watching yet one more romantic movie and wonder about what is important in life. What do you need to be happy? Money? Some person to spend the rest of your life with? The perfect job?
I think that in order to be happy, you need to start at your own door. When you look in the mirror every morning, do you see how beautiful you are? Are you able to see beyond the lines in your face, your bushy hair and crooked teeth? Because if you’re not, how do you expect someone else to accept you for whom you are.
Getting dressed is one more thing. If you want to look good, dress comfortable and yet exclusively, not for anyone else but for your own *zing*. If you feel attractive, others will be able to see that spring in your step, that little bit of sunshine in your eyes, despite the heavy rain.
Do not forget to look at other people. You probably have your plate full, but can one little smile hurt? No, it cannot. When you do it for the first time, it might feel funny, but the more often you simply smile at people, the easier it will be. And it will not just ease your worry lines, but brighten up somebody else’s day.
Go at your day not like you have to, but like you want to. There are so many people who don’t have a job, who are barely able to live and here we are complaining about no milk for our coffee or lousy service. A waitress is rude to you? Give her that extra smile, the one that says “I know you are having a really shi**y day and I understand.”
One last piece of advice for today: Be thankful for every little thing in your life.
So long,
Andrea

In Sickness and Health

Potsdam, Germany
09:00pm
Nice warm and sunny

Hi!

Okay,

I admit (once more) that I haven't blogged in awhile...

Well, I work and still do my sport.

At the moment I have a bad bronchitis (once again), but despite that am planning to drive to Hannover tomorrow (including all my meds in my luggage).

Patty will join me and if I am better, we'll drive to Jana's place in Saturday evening for it is lil' Laura's first Bday!!!

Harry Potter is coming out this weekend and I am very excited, though I fear that I will have to see it German first - argh - because Hannover will only show it in English from next week on. Life sucks :-).

Other than that ... oh, I bought a Scooter and I love it very much!! It's fun riding it, easier to find a parking spot and navigate in Rush hour.

Mel and two friends visited me for a weekend. She was staying in Austria for a couple of weeks to study art there. We had a power sightseeing weekend:
- pick up 7am Potsdam main station on Friday
- Hospital to get some meds for an eye infection
- Home for breakfast and a short nap
- off to Sansoussi for an extended tour of the castle and the gardens
- Leave the girls downtown to get lunch and home without me, because I needed to work - argh
- Home by 10:30pm, DVD laughs and bed
- Saturday morning get up at 5:30am, shower, breakfast with the girls and off to Berlin
- Victory statue, Reichstag, Brandenburger Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and lunch, Alexander Place and wall exhibit, Körperwelten exhibit, East Side Gallery
- Dinner and party date at Patty's
- Off home by 10:30pm, talk, bed
- up by 8am, off to the train station
- Bye girls!

It was so much fun and I so miss these girls!

That's all folks,

Nighty night

Italy here I am

Imperia, Italy
11:00pm
Warm with a light sea breeze

Ciao,

I am feeling very well. My vacation in Italy started and I am so enjoying myself. We, mom and her bf, took off on Friday and drove down to the Bodensee, where we stayed for 1 night at an old pension. After a filling breakfast we drove down to Imperia, Italy.

We are currently staying at Villa Giada, a holiday park, with cozy apartments, 2 pools and the beautiful view towards the Mediterranean Sea (except for the autostrada).

We spend the first day just relaxing at the pool and enjoying a walk down the coast line. Imperia has one of those very old Gelaterias, where the ice cream is handmade and heavenly!

On Monday we drove to Genova down the SP1, which is the road down the coast. Lovely scenery, fresh ocean air. We took a detour (unplanned) through the mountains, which I loved (small Italian villages and a lovely chapel in the middle of the small road), mom didn’t. Genova is a huge Italian city (35km along the Sea) and it took us a while to find the aquarium but when we did, whoa. It’s right at the Antique port.

Yesterday, the weather was awesome, lots of sun, light sea breeze. I spend some hours at the pool, napping under a big umbrella, catching up on my reading and cooling down from time to time.

I am currently sitting in a small Internet Café in Imperia with smells of Coffée and Italian banter as background noise.

Another 1 ½ weeks of rest and recreation, trip to Nizza, go to the market, more walking practice in the mountains and lots of naps.

Have a marvelous week,
Love,
Andrea

Work, Sports and Migrain

Potsdam, Germany
10:30pm
Nice Spring night

Hi folks,

Well, I am good. There's a lot of extra work at the moment, because of one 2 long term sick colleagues. One of them is not coming back and we'll get a new nurse (around May 15th), till then work, work, work.



The weather turned out to be awesome the last couple of days. Lots of sun and a nice spring wind! Spend most of my spare time outside.



Finally, I found a chandelier for my living room! Lamp and candle holder all in one! After some troubles installing it I finally am able to use it!


I am still doing my sports. Once a week Bodytransformer and now walking twice a week again. It's strenuous, but does wonders to me! Last week, I also bought new trainers - gosh I love those - I did spend some good money, but after keeping up with my walking for over 1 year I thought it was time.


Today I finally have a day off. After going to BT, I met with a colleague to go visit one of the long term sick ones. She is staying in a nice clinic about 20 min away from here. During the visit I started getting a mild headache and thought I'd managed, but it got worse. Stupid I had my pain killers at home. By the time I left my colleague at home, I felt sick and needed to pull over to stop. One thing don't ever do: take heavy migraine medication on an empty stomach (bought some at a pharmacy before we left for home)!!
I managed to get home, but it was pretty stupid of me to risk my health like that and others too. After 4 hours of sleep I am kinda better. Still have an aura, but late shift tomorrow and need to sleep now.

I send my love out to all of you!

Rea

Angels

Another Angel gone to heaven. We'll miss you, baby girl, but are glad that your fight is over.

Life in General

Potsdam, Germany

08:00pm

Cold

Hey,

Life in general is okay. Lots of work, especially know, that one of my colleagues has cancer and she's not able to work anymore. Let's call her E for now. E has been a nurse for decades. Most of my colleagues have gone through her school. For years she took care of her sick mother until she died. No husband, no kids and few friends. Her reputation had reached me even before I knew her - tough nurse, stern look, hard school. But let me tell you, she's one of those bark, but don't bite people. When you have gained your trust, by working hard and showing her that you love your work, she'll be kind in her own way, defend you and stand by you. She's been shutting us off for the last couple of month, though I always thought that she was afraid of the truth, of how ill she is. I am just hoping that she either has a second chance at life or be able to go in peace, as hard as it is to write this down. We all love her very much.

I've playing around with Picasa and like to share these with you... give me your thoughts.

There is more at my flickr page. Link is on the right side.

Love,

Rea

"Quiet is good, too quiet is boring."

Spring feelings and air

Potsdam, Germany
0830pm
Spring is in the air

Hellu,

I am back in Potsdam from a week long break.

Last weekend I was at Lea’s birthday party at Patty’s new apartment. Yep, he moved and got an apartment with his brother. I like the area he lives in – lots of world cuisine (Thai, Indian, Chinese, and Italian) and the “BIOriental” market is right around the corner. Yay!

Julia, a new colleague of mine from Hamburg, celebrated her “finally here”-party at the same night. Kai and I spend 2 hours at her new apartment – it’s fabulous! 4 rooms, high walls, a “to live in” bathroom!

The following Monday I was on my way to Jana in the Harz Mountains. The 3 days were spent talking, laughing, cuddling with baby Laura and just letting my soul ease. Here some pictures. Laura is now 7 month and a very lively toddler – the family will have to secure the house when she starts walking!

On Wednesday, we climbed the Hausberg. Despite me not having hiked for some time, there was snow and ice (partially melted) and Laura in the stroller to push up the mountain. Half way there we stopped and looked over the small town, listened to the first birds (singing of spring to come) and simply enjoyed being there.

Yesterday, I drove up to Hanover to visit a friend and patient of mine. He has CF and is waiting for a new lung transplant. We played some DS (Mario kart) and I accompanied him to some diagnostic. It makes me realize how precious our health is and how fortunate I am to have healthy lungs. Those who do believe in a God or higher being, please pray for him.

Afterwards I drove to Gifhorn to visit my great aunt Traute and her friend Gert. It was his birthday and we had a lovely evening. The guests were talkative and I enjoyed the company of some very smart and cultivated people.

Well, now I am back and facing a weekend of sports, work, English class and guess what – more work. But I really was able to finally breathe again.

Much love,

Rea

Not so bad after all

Hey,

just a quick note on my grabby day. First of all, I am still fine and no I am not suicidal, just having a bad hair day.

And it turns out that it wasn't all that bad, 'cause I ended up having dinner with a smart guy and pretty good company while watching 2 pretty awesome movies all tugged in on my couch.

Much Love,
Rea

P.S.: A shy person sometimes needs a nudge into the right direction.

Feeling Low

I am feeling pretty sad and kind depressed today. This was brought on by a song I listened to. It is so beautiful and it just struck me in the chest.

I am anxious to leave Germany. The day I finally leave will be one of the happiest days of my life. The people around me are depressing themselves, looking grim, looking hopeless and smiling at a complete stranger (which is what I usually do) makes them look at you like you’re a nut case.

I am also tired of being alone and terribly afraid of growing old all by myself without having felt real love. Yes, I have loved and been loved, though mostly by friends and family. There are days that this isn’t enough.

I miss having someone to meet with to talk English. Just chat, have a cup of coffee and listen to what is going on in their life. There are friends that live in Europe and that I can call on the phone, but you know it’s not the same. I want to hold Chris’s baby, dance with Eliza, share a joke with Sonya and Colleen over a homemade salad and watch Renu in action.

Its unsatisfying knowing that money is keeping me from doing that. Have you ever imagined what it would be to live without money? I know, that some people think that it would give all those lazy butts a reason to stay home and do nothing. But I think about unlimited traveling. About those people that crave an education so badly, but either can’t afford it or are not allowed one because of the color of their skin or maybe the way they look. And yes, prejudice is still going on nowadays. Sometimes stronger than ever. Sorry, back to topic. I would work. Because I love what I am doing. And I do know that there are millions of people thinking the same way. What a dream.

I wish on every shooting star that people’s dreams come true. That my dreams come true.


Rea

New Year's and Resolutions (or not)

Potsdam, Germany
08:30pm
Icy!

Heya.

It’s winter in Potsdam and I love it!! J

We have really cold days, though most with a lot of winter sun and it’s lovely going for walks.
When I returned from Mom and Dad’s my town was covered in snow.

What happened since Christmas?

I worked (no surprise there), though because my colleagues helped I was able to get off one night early. The next days were spent at Dad’s place with long visits with Mom.

It felt really good to be out there – fresh air, lots of quiet and peace. On my birthday I had plans to go to a spa, but it was too expensive and didn’t offer what I wanted. So instead, I spent the day at Mom’s, and we went to the movies in the evening. Australia is an amazing movie, not just for Hugh Jackman with no shirt and being wet, but for a great story and three awesome actors.

New Year’s eve, I stayed at Dad’s neighbors’, who have been friends with me for a long time. After preparing a small buffet, we ate and played activity.

By midnight we (my friends, Dad and his girlfriend Inge) gathered at the frozen lake and watched the fireworks.

Dad’s girlfriend has a dog, whose name is Pongo, he’s a Dalmatian half-breed. I so love this dog. Pongo is huge, but such a teddy bear.

After returning to Potsdam, I started learning for my NCLEX RN. It’s a lot of material to cover and I will need more than just the 4 weeks I planned. But I am keeping it up.

My Body transformer study is over. I didn’t lose weight, but lost girth (stomach and hip), yay! So I decided to keep it up for 1 year once a week.

Well, I guess that’s it for now.

Much love to all of you!

Andrea