Long due update

Berlin, Germany

10:30 am

Sunshine, slightly windy

Wow, it's been a year and so many things happened. 

Let's start back in June last year. I traveled to California again to be with my husband.

This time the first days were a little hectic because we had our second wedding planned for the end of June. 

So, the family and me were busy with the last of the preparations. A big thank you goes to Carolina!! She held it all together and mediated between me and my mom -in-law if necessary. She handled most of the planing and gave me tremendous support! Thank you so much! I love you!

Also, a big thank you goes to my husbands mom, dad and sis and Cat's sis Andrea for their unwavering support!

For the wedding some friends from Germany joined us and I was able to meet them in SF and we did a little sightseeing together. The Friday before the ceremony/party we had a little cake pop party. I had decided that we don't want a wedding cake, because it is mid summer and American cakes are way too sweet. So, we decided to make cake pops. With a couple of cake pop makers and a lot of help we managed a little over a hundred cake pops. It was fun, but also a lot of work. 

The day of the wedding my husband took me and Cat out for breakfast, which was great to get away from the buzzing house. We originally had asked an aunt to perform the service, but she was too shy to speak in front of so many people. Last minute my friend Florian decided to step in. I was so grateful!

Concerning the wedding party..lots of unfamiliar faces...some things that went great..other things not so much....the two of us were happy when we arrived at our hotel at night. But, again, I realized that this is not my kind of party and am glad that we had that garden wedding party in Germany.

Vic and I drove down towards Monterey were we spend a week together. The first 2 days Florian joined in and the left for LA. The two of us went on trips, had meals together, spend time on the beach and just enjoyed being together. 

On the way home we spend one night in SF to go into the Redwoods. It was great! Huge trees, fresh air... loved it!

After we got back home, it was time to tell the family about our decision to move to Germany and not the States. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but the decision to do that wasn't easy for me either. I always wanted to move to the states. But since 2011 I got extremely settled in Berlin, loved my job, had a great apartment and 2 cats. Friends are founding families. Vic didn't much like his 2 jobs and lived at home. He had undergone studies to become a graphic animator, but wasn't able to work in it. He might have a shot at it in Germany. 

At a family dinner I cooked we told them. The reaction was mostly negative, which was pretty hard for the 2 of us. I think they were disappointed we hadn't told them earlier and also afraid to loose Vic. We had made a decision and were sticking with it.

The week till my journey back home wasn't easy. The atmosphere in the house was pretty cold, which was due to the fact that everyone was trying to digest everything. So, I kept busy with Cat and Andrea. Gay Pride, a fair and the flea market. Great times!

Shortly after I got back from the States, I found out that I was pregnant! I was so happy! 

For a joke I had bought a onesie "Made in California". Well, that's how I told my husband. ;-) 

Vic and I decided he would come here at the 31st of August and I was glad to have him with  me for the pregnancy. I was determined to work till "mother protection" (6 weeks prior birth) but I started to collect water in my hands which made them swell up and I didn't feel anything in my fingers anymore. So I was put on pregnancy leave (which in Germany means full pay). It was strange being home 24h with my husband. 

Finally living together was a huge change! I was used to doing everything by myself and Vic was used to work 10 to 12h a day and then go to bed. It took some weeks but we were growing as a couple as my bump was growing. 

Vic got a Visa for 5 years. Started a language course at a private school. We spend a lot of money, but after 4 month decided to stop for the moment and find a different school, because it was just not going as planned. Vic is also working on his drawing and animation skills, which is very necessary after his hiatus. He is working hard! After a migration advise we enrolled him at the local VHS with state support. That course is going much better!

In the beginning I was 100% sure it was a girl I carried. The doc told us pretty early that it's a boy. We were still very happy! All we wanted is a healthy baby!

The Grandparents on both sides were so happy! 

So on March 16th our son Benjamin Victor was brought into this world. He is our pride and joy! 

We are still growing as a family (which will probably never stop). Learning to understand Bennis cries, be astonished about his development, keep looking for a job for Vic. 

Hopefully Vic's parents are gonna be able to come by the end of the summer (they need to make sure Nana is in good hands). 

This is it for now!

Much love!

Rides and Bikes

Berlin, Germany
12 pm
Sunny warm spring day

Hello everyone,

yesterday was a day of revelation. Nothing great but it helped make me feel comfortable again.

I had a good early shift and because of a quick change in shift for the weekend, I would be able to go to the movies. Iron Man 3 is an awesome movie with great special effects, action and humor. Some people say going to watch a movie on your own is no fun, but I enjoy it. And afterwards I took my bike home.

Not my scooter, but my bike. Last week I've started biking again. It's silly, really, because when I was a teen I took my bike to go everywhere. School, groceries, movies and to meet friends. Sometime just for a ride to get some air. Nowadays, I take my scooter. Not much exercise in that.

So, last week I fixed it up again and started to bike to work when I have late shift. And I can tell you, it wasn't fun in the beginning. I was huffing and puffing. Still am, but not as hard and I enjoy the small hills in between as a challenge. And the moments in which I bike and actually breath normal are the greatest.

The best side effect is feeling good when I reach my destination. It's a great rush to know that I managed to get from point A to B.

The ride after the movie was great. Berlin at night is quite the sight and I really missed the sounds of a city at night, mixed with the warm air and rush of the wind.

About 6 weeks left till I get to see my husband again. Yes, I miss him greatly, but my friends and family, as well as my work, provide enough of a distraction. We send Whats App messages to each other daily and Skype every weekend. I can hardly wait to be held in his arms again, look into his eyes (not into a screen) and just be with him.

So, lunch is almost ready. Green asparagus with (low-fat) Hollandaise sauce and grilled salmon.

Then off to work on my bike.

Much love and a great weekend to all of you,

Andrea

February Delights

Berlin, Germany
1 pm
Ice cold and cloudy

Dear readers,

yes, the husband made it :-). He got here on Saturday and is staying till next Monday. For some it might be a short week. For us it's time well spend with each other.

We were at a party at Patty's house that Saturday. Had great food, music and talks.

We spend the most part of Sunday on the couch. Relaxing. But as it is with me, I had to get moving a little, so we decided to go for a little walk at the Friedrichshain Park. It was icy but felt good to be out and about.

Plans for the week, you ask? Not many. Museum. Coffee and Cake with friends. Spend Valentines Day with each other.

Short excerpt of what is going on right now. Read you soon :-).

MIssing, Holding and Missing

Berlin, Germany

08:30pm

Snowy, cold and wet

Dear friends, 

After I send my husband home in September I started my rotation in the adult ICU. I have to admit, I was scared as hell and am still a little nervous to start my shift there. But it's always mingled with excitement. New things to learn. New patients to meet. After 6 weeks my work-in was done and I left for San Francisco on the 14th of December. First time flying Swiss Air and I tell you, that I will do so again. Great Service, friendly personal and awesome food. My connection flight was in Zurich and I had 1h 30 min to start with, but adding to that my plane left Berlin 1h late because of snow and ice. While on route I was asked whether it would be okay to join  two other passengers also on their way to SF with a private transport. Of course I agreed, so the plane landed we got off and by the side was a lady with mine and 2 other  names on a piece of paper, took us out onto the runaway where a BMW waited for us. Private passport control and off to the gate, ahead of the crowed for passport control and into the plane. I was in awe :-). 

 My time in SF was great, but also exhausting. It's always hard to stay at someones house when you lived by yourself for a couple of years. I love my family in love very much, but still wished my husband already had his own place to have more privacy.

We got a place to have the ceremony for his family on June. It gives me a stomach ache just thinking about the costs. I sincerely want to have that ceremony, but also believe, that it is financially unwise this year. It is my husbands wish though and I already had my little party in Germany. I will do this. For him.

Best time next to spending a lot of time with my husband, was the 23rd of December. I felt very down, because despite the house being decorated for Christmas, it just didn't feel like it does at home. I made cinnamon stars, which turned out okay after 3 trials and listened to Christmas music. Still, not the same. 

Victor's cousin Andrea had invited us over to their house for football (big 49ers fan) and dinner. So we got on the truck, while it was pouring and stopped at a supermarket to get ice cream. I also bought some salad ingredients  By the time we got there I felt so bad I could have cried and then the door opened. Christmas tree, smelled like pizza, big hugs from Andrea and Carolina, as well as Brian, Cats husband. Tail wagging greeting from Eddie and Bruno, their dogs. I felt instantly better. We spend a great, uplifting evening with them, watching football, playing games, eating, pizza, cinnamon pizza and ice cream. They made my day :-). On the way home I had a good conversation with my husband. At the moment, in lack of our own apartment, the best conversations are held in the car.

By the 27th I left again. This time Lufthansa /United. Not such a great service. There was a little girl in front of me.. being a little sunshine and quickly making friends with me. We even sang a song together. 

I spend New Years Eve working and the Skyping with my husband into the New Year. What better way. 

Just 2 days ago I got a positive assessment for my work-in at the ICU, which makes me proud. 

Hopefully  my husband is going to visit in February. Wish us luck.

Much love, 

Andrea

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