Donnerstag, März 08, 2007
hey
well, thought I'd pick up the old blogging thing again... for a little bit. If nothing else but to help other people procrastinate at work or whatever..
I am currently home in the US! yea :) connecting with friends, looking for jobs (arg!!), and hanging with my dad. I'm going back to Heidelberg on the 21st, hopefully going to the Ukraine to see my Will & Grace-esque Gay-best-friend (and the current love of my life) the week after, then heading up to Berlin and then to Poland and Slovakia! A few weeks later, I am going to Austria to run the 11k section of a marathon relay.
I love being able to say things like that... oh yeah, heading off to Austria and then Poland, blahblahblah. I love living in Europe, and I am going to miss it desperately next year. (and probably piss everyone off with my, "In Germany....") Coming home is wonderful. I love looking at the American landscape as the plane lands and coming into the airport and seeing Dunkin Donuts, driving my car through the streets where I grew up, seeing my friends, speaking English at stores, smiling at people, etc. But a part of me is in Germany now. I miss my apartment, my path next to the river where I pound out runs, my bike, my balcony. It's the first time that I have lived alone and I just love it. My place is so tiny, but also just right... I am in my childhood home now just feeling like, "Wow, where should I go... there are so many rooms."
OK, this is a babbling, incoherent post. Too.much.coffee. Gotta go brush my teeth and put some make-up on, so I don't scare a long-lost childhood friend when I see her for the first time in forever.
I am currently home in the US! yea :) connecting with friends, looking for jobs (arg!!), and hanging with my dad. I'm going back to Heidelberg on the 21st, hopefully going to the Ukraine to see my Will & Grace-esque Gay-best-friend (and the current love of my life) the week after, then heading up to Berlin and then to Poland and Slovakia! A few weeks later, I am going to Austria to run the 11k section of a marathon relay.
I love being able to say things like that... oh yeah, heading off to Austria and then Poland, blahblahblah. I love living in Europe, and I am going to miss it desperately next year. (and probably piss everyone off with my, "In Germany....") Coming home is wonderful. I love looking at the American landscape as the plane lands and coming into the airport and seeing Dunkin Donuts, driving my car through the streets where I grew up, seeing my friends, speaking English at stores, smiling at people, etc. But a part of me is in Germany now. I miss my apartment, my path next to the river where I pound out runs, my bike, my balcony. It's the first time that I have lived alone and I just love it. My place is so tiny, but also just right... I am in my childhood home now just feeling like, "Wow, where should I go... there are so many rooms."
OK, this is a babbling, incoherent post. Too.much.coffee. Gotta go brush my teeth and put some make-up on, so I don't scare a long-lost childhood friend when I see her for the first time in forever.
Dienstag, November 15, 2005
Wet Head
Sounds vaguely dirty, no?
Actually, this is a quasi-serious question about growing up. Ok, I admit that I do not intend to grow up any time soon. As my friend Catherine so lovingly puts it I am 'giving adulthood the finger.' (What do you mean? AuPair-ing and then spending the better half of a decade continuing my education will prevent me from embracing adulthood to its fullest?)
But, it is finally November in Germany! It is cold, grey, and rainy. It is that kind of teeth-chattering, bone-chilling, I-don't-think-I-will-ever-get-warm cold, too. Well, maybe not yet, but for a few minutes today it sure felt like it! It is awesome running weather though--I bundled up, put my gloves on, velcroed my G-Phi-B earnwarmers on, tied my key into my shoelaces and ventured outside. Exhilarating.
I came home, jumped in the shower, and then made my way back upstairs and out to meet Tara at Balzac. On my way out the door, Ina said, 'Okay child--don't you have a blowdryer?'
Short answer. No.
She insisted that I would catch a cold if I went outside with a wet head, which puzzles me a little bit cause it was still misting. I was just pre-wetting my head ;-)
But seriously, I know getting sick if you have wet hair is an Old Wives' Tale but I am sincerely curious to know if I am too old to go out in public with wet hair. I have never blow-dried my hair. I have waaaay tooooo much of it--Jen Song (SBHS 'Senior Luau') and Susan Chang (Soph Year Gummi Family bonding) would agree. It is just not worth it. I am fairly certain Inga, Emily, and Lauren remember my hair freezing into little haircicles when we walked to middle school on frigid mornings. I thought it was funny then, and, nearly a decade later, I still think it's kinda funny.
I promise that I won't show up for my wedding with wet hair, but is it socially unacceptable for me to do so now?
In other news, I should not have even bothered washing my hair because of the thing I hate most about Europe. People smoke everywhere. I talked to some Europeans about this, and many of them think that the US is too strict about its smoking policies, but for the love. I hated coming home and smelling like an ash tray after Mug Night, but at least that was quasi-appropriate. Beer, cigarette, I can buy that. I absolutely cannot stand spending hours in 'my' coffee shop studying and coming out smelling like I rolled around the floor of the Green Leafe. Bleh...
An interesting thing about Balzac though. I really love going there because it reminds me of my fave Starbucks in the US. Not that you should try to replicate your home life abroad, but it is nice to study in comfort. Though my Deutsch is getting much better, I don't even really need to use it in Balzac because all of the drink titles are in English! Yes, Latte, Cappuccino, etc., are Italian, but the 'Winter Special Apple Cinnamon' that comes before the 'Latte' is certainly English (unless I am losing it). It is trendy to do that here. It is so funny to watch the translation of the US abroad.
(And, I say the US because it is the US and the American media that affects European trends. It is not the English language itself but, really, Hollywood.)
Speaking of the exchange between the US & Germany (oh! brilliant segue Heather!) I went over summarizing and paraphrasing today in my Uni course. I had my students read this article. Check it out.
Actually, this is a quasi-serious question about growing up. Ok, I admit that I do not intend to grow up any time soon. As my friend Catherine so lovingly puts it I am 'giving adulthood the finger.' (What do you mean? AuPair-ing and then spending the better half of a decade continuing my education will prevent me from embracing adulthood to its fullest?)
But, it is finally November in Germany! It is cold, grey, and rainy. It is that kind of teeth-chattering, bone-chilling, I-don't-think-I-will-ever-get-warm cold, too. Well, maybe not yet, but for a few minutes today it sure felt like it! It is awesome running weather though--I bundled up, put my gloves on, velcroed my G-Phi-B earnwarmers on, tied my key into my shoelaces and ventured outside. Exhilarating.
I came home, jumped in the shower, and then made my way back upstairs and out to meet Tara at Balzac. On my way out the door, Ina said, 'Okay child--don't you have a blowdryer?'
Short answer. No.
She insisted that I would catch a cold if I went outside with a wet head, which puzzles me a little bit cause it was still misting. I was just pre-wetting my head ;-)
But seriously, I know getting sick if you have wet hair is an Old Wives' Tale but I am sincerely curious to know if I am too old to go out in public with wet hair. I have never blow-dried my hair. I have waaaay tooooo much of it--Jen Song (SBHS 'Senior Luau') and Susan Chang (Soph Year Gummi Family bonding) would agree. It is just not worth it. I am fairly certain Inga, Emily, and Lauren remember my hair freezing into little haircicles when we walked to middle school on frigid mornings. I thought it was funny then, and, nearly a decade later, I still think it's kinda funny.
I promise that I won't show up for my wedding with wet hair, but is it socially unacceptable for me to do so now?
In other news, I should not have even bothered washing my hair because of the thing I hate most about Europe. People smoke everywhere. I talked to some Europeans about this, and many of them think that the US is too strict about its smoking policies, but for the love. I hated coming home and smelling like an ash tray after Mug Night, but at least that was quasi-appropriate. Beer, cigarette, I can buy that. I absolutely cannot stand spending hours in 'my' coffee shop studying and coming out smelling like I rolled around the floor of the Green Leafe. Bleh...
An interesting thing about Balzac though. I really love going there because it reminds me of my fave Starbucks in the US. Not that you should try to replicate your home life abroad, but it is nice to study in comfort. Though my Deutsch is getting much better, I don't even really need to use it in Balzac because all of the drink titles are in English! Yes, Latte, Cappuccino, etc., are Italian, but the 'Winter Special Apple Cinnamon' that comes before the 'Latte' is certainly English (unless I am losing it). It is trendy to do that here. It is so funny to watch the translation of the US abroad.
(And, I say the US because it is the US and the American media that affects European trends. It is not the English language itself but, really, Hollywood.)
Speaking of the exchange between the US & Germany (oh! brilliant segue Heather!) I went over summarizing and paraphrasing today in my Uni course. I had my students read this article. Check it out.
Samstag, November 12, 2005
Beerdigungs
I am not really sure if it is 'right' to post this, but since I am keeping a record of my time here I thought I would. The title of this post, 'Beerdigungs,' means funeral. (Sorry to all of you who saw 'beer' and thought this would be funny...)
Lars' father, Juergen, had cancer for about one year. Recently, he took a turn for the worst and last Sunday he died. Yesterday, Friday, was his funeral. Though I had never met Lars' dad I wanted to go. I really like Lars and his mom, and I do feel like I am a part of this family. Lars told me to wear something normal--his dad didn't want anyone to wear black or fancy mourning clothes. He wanted it to be casual. He also did not want serious/sad music to be played but picked some old favorites by Fats Domino.
I cried at this man's funeral. I was kind of embarrassed because I had never met him--it just felt so awkward to be crying. I just kept thinking about Lars and about his mom, who I really like. I sat behind Lars' mom and brother at the service, and that was... awful.
The family hired a professional speaker because his dad was not religious. She was really good, even though I could only understand a little of it. What choked me up--besides watching Lars' mom try to stay composed--was the Fats Domino music interspersed in the ceremony. Music was a favorite hobby of Lars' dad, a very important part of his life.
The speaker talked about Lars' dad's character, his experiences growing up, and when he met Lars' mom. Then they played Blueberry Hill, which ends, 'Tho' we're apart, you're part of me still/For you were my thrill on blueberry hill.' The speaker then went on to talk about Karin & Juergen starting a family and having children. She talked about their family life and we all stood for a moment of silence.
Then, they played Fats Domino's Walking to New Orleans and the pallbearers came in. These men were all older and looked quite Dickensian--they had the top hats and everything. All the attendees followed them out while the music played on...
This time I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm gonna need two pairs of shes
when I get through walking me blues
when I get back to N. O.
I've got my suitcase in my hand
now ain't that a shame.
I'm leaving here today
yes
I'm going back home to stay.
Yes
I'm walking to N. O.
You used to be my honey
till you spent all my money.
No use for you to cry
I see you buy and buy
'cause I`m walking to n. O.
I've got no time for talking.
I've got to keep on walking.
N. O. is my home
that's the reason while I'm gone
yes
I`m walking to N. O.
I'm walking to N. O.
I'm walking to N. O.
Obviously, I bolded the parts that really choked me up.
I haven't been to many funerals in the U.S. so I am not familiar with all of our traditions. Here all the attendees watched them lower the coffin into the ground. Then, one person at a time went up, took a moment, and threw a flower on the coffin. Some of the older men bowed (that choked me up). Some of the men used this mini-shovel to throw dirt on the coffin... It was really moving, the way they said good-bye.
Afterward we all walked to this local pub/restaurant. This is a tradition also. You are only supposed to have a simple meal of bread or plain cake. I sat with Ina's parents. It was actually fun to talk to them. Only Ina's dad can really speak English, so I asked her mom and stepmom if they understood the songs and Christa told me that she has such memories of the melody that it make her cry. Then they asked about American traditions and if this was similar. I told them that cremation is becoming more popular and then people get 'thrown around.' (I can really be poetic when I want to, huh? Gosh...) Siggy & Christa (dad and stepmom) told me that they want to be cremated but put in urns. So, yeah. We also compared German and American table manners. We eat differently--they keep their knives in their hands when they eat, using the fork in their left, where in America we cut, put the knife down, and switch the fork over. Also, they keep their hands on the table when they eat--not elbows, just hands. It was interesting for me the first time I noticed Henrik being chided and dinner for not having his hands on the table. (Cause I could remember being told to get my hands off the table!)
As everyone was leaving, Lars' mom turned to me and just gave me this huuuge hug. (choked up, again) The beerdigungs was a sad, slightly awkward, and at times fun/funny experience. I am glad that I went--well, glad is the wrong word, but I think you get my meaning.
After that, I just wanted to curl up with hot chocolate and be alone. Lars & Ina went out to get their mind off things so I popped in the most melancholy DVD I could find and graded papers. (Well, really just edited some in-class writing.) Unfortunately, my choice of DVD was not the best. I decided to watch Autumn in New York, the riveting emotional rollercoaster starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder. Suffice it to say it was so horrible that it made me laugh, but for some reason I couldn't look away. Don't you hate that? If you haven't seen it I am going to ruin it for you... (but you could still rent it anyway if you need a good laugh)
Basically, Winona croaks. But not before Richard Gere spends every ounce of effort he has locating a doctor to perform a risky heart surgery on her. He is assisted by his long-estranged daughter (apparently, he got some girl pregnant when he was kind of seeing Winona's mom but wanted to prove that he 'just wasn't that into her.') So this chick appears--who I assumed was as ex-girlfriend cause she was the same age (gross! why is that OK??) as Winona. She is pregnant and for some reason this makes her want to find the father who abandoned her. Luckily, she is a researcher, and to prove to her dad that the fact he missed her childhood is a forgivable offense, she uses her researching skills to find the only doctor who will perform the risky heart surgery.
The best part is when we find out Winona has croaked. The doctor, flown in by helicopter when Winona collapses for like the 50th time, is walking toward the waiting room. He pulls his little doctor-head-covery-thingie off his head and chucks it at the ground. Oh no! The camera flashes to each one of Winona's friends-- ChunkyGirlfriend has tears in eyes, GayGuyFriend looks shocked (but like, 4th-grade-play shocked), Grandma almost keels over, and Richard Gere... Oh, it was awful.
The movie ends with Gere in a canoe with a young woman. All I could think was, 'Wow, he forgot about Winona quickly.' Oops again. It is his daughter, lounging sexily in the front of the canoe as Gere holds his new grandson. 'I can't believe I am here with my father... and my son.' I can't believe that this movie was in theaters. I have seen Lifetime movies better than this for the love... Gere, bravely attempting to be a man in front of his newborn grandson, looks away. Then... he sees a swan. He catches the swans eye, the swan kind of nods its head and then swims away. Oh Winona... you're still with me! you're just a swan! The whole thing really seemed like a play acted by middle schoolers and directed by someone who has spent the majority of their career focused on AferSchool Specials or something.
Seriously, if you want a good laugh See. This. Movie.
Now I'm done. All the freaking teenagers in our neighborhood are doing their nightly ritual of gathering around a car and pumping the music. Train of thought--gone.
More tomorrow, promise.
Lars' father, Juergen, had cancer for about one year. Recently, he took a turn for the worst and last Sunday he died. Yesterday, Friday, was his funeral. Though I had never met Lars' dad I wanted to go. I really like Lars and his mom, and I do feel like I am a part of this family. Lars told me to wear something normal--his dad didn't want anyone to wear black or fancy mourning clothes. He wanted it to be casual. He also did not want serious/sad music to be played but picked some old favorites by Fats Domino.
I cried at this man's funeral. I was kind of embarrassed because I had never met him--it just felt so awkward to be crying. I just kept thinking about Lars and about his mom, who I really like. I sat behind Lars' mom and brother at the service, and that was... awful.
The family hired a professional speaker because his dad was not religious. She was really good, even though I could only understand a little of it. What choked me up--besides watching Lars' mom try to stay composed--was the Fats Domino music interspersed in the ceremony. Music was a favorite hobby of Lars' dad, a very important part of his life.
The speaker talked about Lars' dad's character, his experiences growing up, and when he met Lars' mom. Then they played Blueberry Hill, which ends, 'Tho' we're apart, you're part of me still/For you were my thrill on blueberry hill.' The speaker then went on to talk about Karin & Juergen starting a family and having children. She talked about their family life and we all stood for a moment of silence.
Then, they played Fats Domino's Walking to New Orleans and the pallbearers came in. These men were all older and looked quite Dickensian--they had the top hats and everything. All the attendees followed them out while the music played on...
This time I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm walking to New Orleans
I'm gonna need two pairs of shes
when I get through walking me blues
when I get back to N. O.
I've got my suitcase in my hand
now ain't that a shame.
I'm leaving here today
yes
I'm going back home to stay.
Yes
I'm walking to N. O.
You used to be my honey
till you spent all my money.
No use for you to cry
I see you buy and buy
'cause I`m walking to n. O.
I've got no time for talking.
I've got to keep on walking.
N. O. is my home
that's the reason while I'm gone
yes
I`m walking to N. O.
I'm walking to N. O.
I'm walking to N. O.
Obviously, I bolded the parts that really choked me up.
I haven't been to many funerals in the U.S. so I am not familiar with all of our traditions. Here all the attendees watched them lower the coffin into the ground. Then, one person at a time went up, took a moment, and threw a flower on the coffin. Some of the older men bowed (that choked me up). Some of the men used this mini-shovel to throw dirt on the coffin... It was really moving, the way they said good-bye.
Afterward we all walked to this local pub/restaurant. This is a tradition also. You are only supposed to have a simple meal of bread or plain cake. I sat with Ina's parents. It was actually fun to talk to them. Only Ina's dad can really speak English, so I asked her mom and stepmom if they understood the songs and Christa told me that she has such memories of the melody that it make her cry. Then they asked about American traditions and if this was similar. I told them that cremation is becoming more popular and then people get 'thrown around.' (I can really be poetic when I want to, huh? Gosh...) Siggy & Christa (dad and stepmom) told me that they want to be cremated but put in urns. So, yeah. We also compared German and American table manners. We eat differently--they keep their knives in their hands when they eat, using the fork in their left, where in America we cut, put the knife down, and switch the fork over. Also, they keep their hands on the table when they eat--not elbows, just hands. It was interesting for me the first time I noticed Henrik being chided and dinner for not having his hands on the table. (Cause I could remember being told to get my hands off the table!)
As everyone was leaving, Lars' mom turned to me and just gave me this huuuge hug. (choked up, again) The beerdigungs was a sad, slightly awkward, and at times fun/funny experience. I am glad that I went--well, glad is the wrong word, but I think you get my meaning.
After that, I just wanted to curl up with hot chocolate and be alone. Lars & Ina went out to get their mind off things so I popped in the most melancholy DVD I could find and graded papers. (Well, really just edited some in-class writing.) Unfortunately, my choice of DVD was not the best. I decided to watch Autumn in New York, the riveting emotional rollercoaster starring Richard Gere and Winona Ryder. Suffice it to say it was so horrible that it made me laugh, but for some reason I couldn't look away. Don't you hate that? If you haven't seen it I am going to ruin it for you... (but you could still rent it anyway if you need a good laugh)
Basically, Winona croaks. But not before Richard Gere spends every ounce of effort he has locating a doctor to perform a risky heart surgery on her. He is assisted by his long-estranged daughter (apparently, he got some girl pregnant when he was kind of seeing Winona's mom but wanted to prove that he 'just wasn't that into her.') So this chick appears--who I assumed was as ex-girlfriend cause she was the same age (gross! why is that OK??) as Winona. She is pregnant and for some reason this makes her want to find the father who abandoned her. Luckily, she is a researcher, and to prove to her dad that the fact he missed her childhood is a forgivable offense, she uses her researching skills to find the only doctor who will perform the risky heart surgery.
The best part is when we find out Winona has croaked. The doctor, flown in by helicopter when Winona collapses for like the 50th time, is walking toward the waiting room. He pulls his little doctor-head-covery-thingie off his head and chucks it at the ground. Oh no! The camera flashes to each one of Winona's friends-- ChunkyGirlfriend has tears in eyes, GayGuyFriend looks shocked (but like, 4th-grade-play shocked), Grandma almost keels over, and Richard Gere... Oh, it was awful.
The movie ends with Gere in a canoe with a young woman. All I could think was, 'Wow, he forgot about Winona quickly.' Oops again. It is his daughter, lounging sexily in the front of the canoe as Gere holds his new grandson. 'I can't believe I am here with my father... and my son.' I can't believe that this movie was in theaters. I have seen Lifetime movies better than this for the love... Gere, bravely attempting to be a man in front of his newborn grandson, looks away. Then... he sees a swan. He catches the swans eye, the swan kind of nods its head and then swims away. Oh Winona... you're still with me! you're just a swan! The whole thing really seemed like a play acted by middle schoolers and directed by someone who has spent the majority of their career focused on AferSchool Specials or something.
Seriously, if you want a good laugh See. This. Movie.
Now I'm done. All the freaking teenagers in our neighborhood are doing their nightly ritual of gathering around a car and pumping the music. Train of thought--gone.
More tomorrow, promise.
Mittwoch, November 09, 2005
So, I'm sleeping with one of my students...
OK, ok... No I'm not. But, that would be a good reason for not writing for ten days, huh?
Been a little busy--and doing lots of other writing online. And, you know when you get to that point where you just feel tooooo overwhelmed to even contemplate restarting something that you have neglected. Almost got there... whoops! I know I have a loyal audience ;-) who is eagerly awaiting news of my adventures. (Seriously, I definitely count on other people's blogs to entertain me when I am killing time..I hope this blog helps some of you out there kill time as well!)
So... (my top ten things since the time I last wrote)
Top Ten Things:
10. Halloween. Hilarious! A few people from my Deutsch class & the AuPair girls and I went to the Irish Pub by the old church for Halloween Karaeoke. Sooo fun--except for the couple people who just wouldn't stop going up... There is always that one group at Karaeoke who, admittedly, is have a great time but simultaneously subjecting everyone else to that 'great time.' OK, kid dressed as Superman... you sang Superman! For. The. Love. We met a bunch of British armyguys there--and they were hilarious. It was fun comparing accents and accusing each other of being 'wrong.' Too funny.
9. Grey November. Germany is supposed to be cold, grey, and rainy. The weather has been gorgeous since I came, but every week I hear, 'Any minute and it is going to get worse. Enjoy this, Heather, it won't last much longer.' Ok, ok... November came in its 'normal' beastly fashion, but since then it has returned to previous wonderful-ness! Especially appreciated when I am running my 'favorite run of all time' ad nauseum. The sun shining on the field, appreciating the coolness of the trees shading the Silbersee.
8. So, when is Halloween anyway? Halloween really used to be looked down upon in Deutschland. Despite its Irish origins, Halloween is viewed as a symbol of American commercialism, greed, and (likely) obesity. Ina used to have a Halloween party for the neighborhood kids, but a lot of parents didn't like that. She didn't have one this year, and Henrik didn't go trick-or-treating (they have their own 'i demand candy' day at some point in November). Well, kids showed up on our doorstep on the 31st and again on the 1st. I got to answer the door on the first and shoo the kids away. You can't come around 2 days in a row scrounging for treats. Most of them quickly got the message, but there was this one that stared stupidly at me until I shut the door. uhhh, ok. All of your friends are leaving, you go too!
7. LaternaFest! This is such a Deutsch tradition! Kathi's kindergarten had a Laternafest (lantern party) and we hosted it at our house. The kids came during the day to set up and at night we all met at a point about 1/2 mile away. Every child had made a lantern in kindergarten. They hook them onto these sticks that have electrical bulbs hanging from them--about the size of a Christmas-tree light. The lanterns are all reaaaalllllly impressive. Kathi's was shaped like a cat, there were angels, Santa Clauses, pigs... We all walked in a big group toward the house, stopping every once in awhile to sing a lantern song. (I still have one stuck in my head--what the Germans call an 'ear worm.' Laterna, laterna... Sonne, Mond, und Sterne...) It was fun. All of Kathi's classmates were so cute--and fun to 'talk' to--and the twins and their little sister Eva (my favorite!) were there. Eva is superfriendly. She remembered me, grabbed my hand, and we hung out the rest of the night. Each of Kathi's grandparents, at some point during the night, asked if we had a similar tradition in the US. When I told them 'no,' they said I should start it. Hmm, ok. So, when my neighbors see me walking around with a lantern singing, I am sure they will run right out and join me...
6. I love being a Lehrerin (teacher). My courses at the Uni are sooo much fun. Yes, they are a lot of work, and a little stressful (I had to get up at the crack of dawn on Tuesday to get to Uni early to make copies because I hadn't had time to really plan until Monday) but they are so worth it. I really really like all of my students, they are so smart and funny. I love teaching! Sure, my topics aren't super-exciting, but I am trying to make them interesting--comparing research papers to Law & Order, introducing 'fake students' to segue into research questions (Don't be like Karla KissUp, pick a topic you actually enjoy!--yes, it sounds incredibly corny, but c'mon, I have to talk about MLA... they appreciate the drawings.) This week we got to talk about 'working bibliographies'--that necessitated gummi bears. They are thinking of research questions right now--some of the students are sooo brilliant! One is looking at how the idea of the frontier affects modern American culture, another is looking at the way Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland critiques the Victorian monarchy. Some are having a bit more trouble--- 'I want to research Canada. I found this book.' Hmmm, ok. ?? However, I respect them all--taking Uni courses in a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th!) language. incredible. My piddly little Deutsch lessons overwhelm me sometimes.
5. KinderKirche. Kathi & I went to children's church on Saturday. Admittedly, I had not-a-clue about what was going on at times; however, I did learn some new vocab and successfully hid the fact that I didn't know what was going on. We sang some songs about God--and this was a kids' service so they were very simple and very active--good for learning! We did crafts and listened to stories. I held yarn! It was really neat and Kathi seemed to like it. When we came home I told Ina about it (she had to work that Sat am) and she said, 'OK, so I will have a religious daughter...' It was good for Kathi & me to hang out. Sometimes I am not sure if she is simply being three or if we are comfortable with each other now, but she has been being a bit...bitchy... so, it was good to spend some QT together.
4. RandomHannoverDay. On Saturday afternoon, Tara and I planned to do the 'Red Thread.' This is a red painted line that goes all over Hannover past all the important sites. We had to go to the tourist office to get a book, but by the time we got there the office was closed. That was fine with me because we still have something to look forward to and we were in Hannover and could hang out. We walked down the Lister Meile (pedestrian zone) and went into all kinds of shops. We went into this huuuge Second Hand store (where they sell clothes by the Kilo) and I got this cute new red shirt for €2.31. We walked alll over the city, checking out stores that are normally closed when we hang out at night. Tara bought a winter coat (Australians don't really own these) and I got some cute slippers that look like ballet shoes. After coming out of one store, we were overtaken by this incredible scent... Where was it coming from??? Ohhh... freshly sugar coated Almonds... mmm.... (Yeah, random, but they smelled soooo good.) We literally stopped in our tracks, about-faced, and marched into the candy store where they were roasting the almonds. We bought a still-warm bag and dug in! Heaven. We also began our mission to see Hannover by UBahn--we want to get on a random UBahn and go somewhere. Well, we got on the 2 (which we have both been on before) and went to this Chinesisch restaurant Tara had seen before... mmmmm.... Delicious Chinese. Stuffed to bursting we went back to the city and strolled a bit more before parting.
3. Family Laufen. On Sunday, Lars asked me if I would run the route again. Henrik said he wanted to come, Kathi wanted to come too, and Ina agreed, so we went on a family run! I felt like part of the Von Trapp family or one of those 'we really love each other' 1950's sitcom families. Sooo funny. Lars & I ran--he pushed Kathi in the Babyjogger--and Henrik & Ina biked. The run was successful into Kathi wanted to get out and run, too. We run on some gravelly trails, which are fine when you have big grown-up feet, but she went down hard after tripping over a rock. Ick... I did learn that to get dogs to go away you just say 'Aus' (out)--so that is simple! Good survival tool. ;-) I also used the babyjogger to pick up Kathi from Kindergarten on Tuesday. I felt sooo out of shape--it messes up your stride or something. So, I propose that a new 'rule' should be enacted. Whenever you run with someone faster than you are, you make them push a babyjogger. Perfect. I might 'sneak in a run' from now on on Tuesdays--way to (1) do my job and (2) work out at the same time!! Might be helpful during the busy marathon-training season (starts at the end of December)!!
2. Deutsch/Coffee. I have been sooo lazy in learning German! I have been swamped with Uni stuff, plus my class moves so slowly that I haven't really had to study. Well, now I have to... you can only learn so much vocab without trying, and this isn't like school German where you need vocab for the tests. I would like to be able to speak! So, Tara and I met up on Tuesday night at the Balzac by Steinto--which means nothing to anyone reading this, huh? (Gotta come visit!) This is a big coffee shop on the corner of a busy road when you walk from the town center toward the Uni. I loved it!! It reminded me a bit of 'secret starbucks' in Williamsburg--it felt so American. Again, I don't think you should go abroad and try to replicate your own culture, but I have always studied well in those big but cozy Starbucks-es, so this was great. Í copied vocab onto index cards, and we chatted. (A bit too much, frankly, but whatev.) Tara and I talked about our options for next semester--this class has been a bit too easy and I don't want to move up with these people. They are very very nice, but I am ready for some new faces and a faster speed. We discussed studying on our own or maybe hiring a tutor once per week. This seemed fine until tonight, when Michael (my Deutsch Lehrer) talked with me. I told him that I wanted to skip a level, but he told me that I would have to skip two levels (based on next semester's offerings). He told me that he definitely thinks I could do it, and he would help me out over the break! Hardcore. I really think I want to do that, but Tara isn't sure and she likes our other plan better... Hmmm... I really think I will go with Michael's option though. It would force me to study and I would be challenged. Plus, I would like to stay in Germany for at least another year. I can't be screwing around at Balzac pretending to study but actually just chatting...
1. Finally, number one... Biking!! How did I not bike before!?!?! I bike to Deutsch class alllll the time. I probably bike about 50 miles per week (give or take). That really isn't that much... but I never used to bike at all (except in spin class). I love my bike. The other day, I practiced riding one-handed. Taking a finger at a time off the handlebar. Today, I hopped on my bike, started peddling, and automatically took my right hand off the handlebar. (I am more secure with the left hand--probably because I drove with my left hand.) It sounds stupid, but it was such a neat feeling! Earlier this week there was a big rainstorm. Henrik decided that he wanted to play around with the route he took home, crossing the street and getting on a different bikepath. I tried to stay with him but ended up hitting the lip of the ramp sideways because I had to bike through this big puddle. I thought Kathi and I were toast--if it had been a month earlier we would have splatted on the sidewalk. Somehow... we didn't. My feet found the peddles again and we kept going as if nothing had happened--although my heart was beating like crazy. I love biking home from class, being on the road with the cars, being outside. Soon, I will be superDeutsch and be able to talk on my cellphone and bike or drink coffee and bike. Hehe, I am crazy about my bike! (can you tell??) Maybe it seems weird to you, but if you lived here you would understand. Biking just helps me feel... like I belong here.
ok, that is all for now. Promise to get back on track with my journalling! :)
Been a little busy--and doing lots of other writing online. And, you know when you get to that point where you just feel tooooo overwhelmed to even contemplate restarting something that you have neglected. Almost got there... whoops! I know I have a loyal audience ;-) who is eagerly awaiting news of my adventures. (Seriously, I definitely count on other people's blogs to entertain me when I am killing time..I hope this blog helps some of you out there kill time as well!)
So... (my top ten things since the time I last wrote)
Top Ten Things:
10. Halloween. Hilarious! A few people from my Deutsch class & the AuPair girls and I went to the Irish Pub by the old church for Halloween Karaeoke. Sooo fun--except for the couple people who just wouldn't stop going up... There is always that one group at Karaeoke who, admittedly, is have a great time but simultaneously subjecting everyone else to that 'great time.' OK, kid dressed as Superman... you sang Superman! For. The. Love. We met a bunch of British armyguys there--and they were hilarious. It was fun comparing accents and accusing each other of being 'wrong.' Too funny.
9. Grey November. Germany is supposed to be cold, grey, and rainy. The weather has been gorgeous since I came, but every week I hear, 'Any minute and it is going to get worse. Enjoy this, Heather, it won't last much longer.' Ok, ok... November came in its 'normal' beastly fashion, but since then it has returned to previous wonderful-ness! Especially appreciated when I am running my 'favorite run of all time' ad nauseum. The sun shining on the field, appreciating the coolness of the trees shading the Silbersee.
8. So, when is Halloween anyway? Halloween really used to be looked down upon in Deutschland. Despite its Irish origins, Halloween is viewed as a symbol of American commercialism, greed, and (likely) obesity. Ina used to have a Halloween party for the neighborhood kids, but a lot of parents didn't like that. She didn't have one this year, and Henrik didn't go trick-or-treating (they have their own 'i demand candy' day at some point in November). Well, kids showed up on our doorstep on the 31st and again on the 1st. I got to answer the door on the first and shoo the kids away. You can't come around 2 days in a row scrounging for treats. Most of them quickly got the message, but there was this one that stared stupidly at me until I shut the door. uhhh, ok. All of your friends are leaving, you go too!
7. LaternaFest! This is such a Deutsch tradition! Kathi's kindergarten had a Laternafest (lantern party) and we hosted it at our house. The kids came during the day to set up and at night we all met at a point about 1/2 mile away. Every child had made a lantern in kindergarten. They hook them onto these sticks that have electrical bulbs hanging from them--about the size of a Christmas-tree light. The lanterns are all reaaaalllllly impressive. Kathi's was shaped like a cat, there were angels, Santa Clauses, pigs... We all walked in a big group toward the house, stopping every once in awhile to sing a lantern song. (I still have one stuck in my head--what the Germans call an 'ear worm.' Laterna, laterna... Sonne, Mond, und Sterne...) It was fun. All of Kathi's classmates were so cute--and fun to 'talk' to--and the twins and their little sister Eva (my favorite!) were there. Eva is superfriendly. She remembered me, grabbed my hand, and we hung out the rest of the night. Each of Kathi's grandparents, at some point during the night, asked if we had a similar tradition in the US. When I told them 'no,' they said I should start it. Hmm, ok. So, when my neighbors see me walking around with a lantern singing, I am sure they will run right out and join me...
6. I love being a Lehrerin (teacher). My courses at the Uni are sooo much fun. Yes, they are a lot of work, and a little stressful (I had to get up at the crack of dawn on Tuesday to get to Uni early to make copies because I hadn't had time to really plan until Monday) but they are so worth it. I really really like all of my students, they are so smart and funny. I love teaching! Sure, my topics aren't super-exciting, but I am trying to make them interesting--comparing research papers to Law & Order, introducing 'fake students' to segue into research questions (Don't be like Karla KissUp, pick a topic you actually enjoy!--yes, it sounds incredibly corny, but c'mon, I have to talk about MLA... they appreciate the drawings.) This week we got to talk about 'working bibliographies'--that necessitated gummi bears. They are thinking of research questions right now--some of the students are sooo brilliant! One is looking at how the idea of the frontier affects modern American culture, another is looking at the way Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland critiques the Victorian monarchy. Some are having a bit more trouble--- 'I want to research Canada. I found this book.' Hmmm, ok. ?? However, I respect them all--taking Uni courses in a 2nd (or 3rd or 4th!) language. incredible. My piddly little Deutsch lessons overwhelm me sometimes.
5. KinderKirche. Kathi & I went to children's church on Saturday. Admittedly, I had not-a-clue about what was going on at times; however, I did learn some new vocab and successfully hid the fact that I didn't know what was going on. We sang some songs about God--and this was a kids' service so they were very simple and very active--good for learning! We did crafts and listened to stories. I held yarn! It was really neat and Kathi seemed to like it. When we came home I told Ina about it (she had to work that Sat am) and she said, 'OK, so I will have a religious daughter...' It was good for Kathi & me to hang out. Sometimes I am not sure if she is simply being three or if we are comfortable with each other now, but she has been being a bit...bitchy... so, it was good to spend some QT together.
4. RandomHannoverDay. On Saturday afternoon, Tara and I planned to do the 'Red Thread.' This is a red painted line that goes all over Hannover past all the important sites. We had to go to the tourist office to get a book, but by the time we got there the office was closed. That was fine with me because we still have something to look forward to and we were in Hannover and could hang out. We walked down the Lister Meile (pedestrian zone) and went into all kinds of shops. We went into this huuuge Second Hand store (where they sell clothes by the Kilo) and I got this cute new red shirt for €2.31. We walked alll over the city, checking out stores that are normally closed when we hang out at night. Tara bought a winter coat (Australians don't really own these) and I got some cute slippers that look like ballet shoes. After coming out of one store, we were overtaken by this incredible scent... Where was it coming from??? Ohhh... freshly sugar coated Almonds... mmm.... (Yeah, random, but they smelled soooo good.) We literally stopped in our tracks, about-faced, and marched into the candy store where they were roasting the almonds. We bought a still-warm bag and dug in! Heaven. We also began our mission to see Hannover by UBahn--we want to get on a random UBahn and go somewhere. Well, we got on the 2 (which we have both been on before) and went to this Chinesisch restaurant Tara had seen before... mmmmm.... Delicious Chinese. Stuffed to bursting we went back to the city and strolled a bit more before parting.
3. Family Laufen. On Sunday, Lars asked me if I would run the route again. Henrik said he wanted to come, Kathi wanted to come too, and Ina agreed, so we went on a family run! I felt like part of the Von Trapp family or one of those 'we really love each other' 1950's sitcom families. Sooo funny. Lars & I ran--he pushed Kathi in the Babyjogger--and Henrik & Ina biked. The run was successful into Kathi wanted to get out and run, too. We run on some gravelly trails, which are fine when you have big grown-up feet, but she went down hard after tripping over a rock. Ick... I did learn that to get dogs to go away you just say 'Aus' (out)--so that is simple! Good survival tool. ;-) I also used the babyjogger to pick up Kathi from Kindergarten on Tuesday. I felt sooo out of shape--it messes up your stride or something. So, I propose that a new 'rule' should be enacted. Whenever you run with someone faster than you are, you make them push a babyjogger. Perfect. I might 'sneak in a run' from now on on Tuesdays--way to (1) do my job and (2) work out at the same time!! Might be helpful during the busy marathon-training season (starts at the end of December)!!
2. Deutsch/Coffee. I have been sooo lazy in learning German! I have been swamped with Uni stuff, plus my class moves so slowly that I haven't really had to study. Well, now I have to... you can only learn so much vocab without trying, and this isn't like school German where you need vocab for the tests. I would like to be able to speak! So, Tara and I met up on Tuesday night at the Balzac by Steinto--which means nothing to anyone reading this, huh? (Gotta come visit!) This is a big coffee shop on the corner of a busy road when you walk from the town center toward the Uni. I loved it!! It reminded me a bit of 'secret starbucks' in Williamsburg--it felt so American. Again, I don't think you should go abroad and try to replicate your own culture, but I have always studied well in those big but cozy Starbucks-es, so this was great. Í copied vocab onto index cards, and we chatted. (A bit too much, frankly, but whatev.) Tara and I talked about our options for next semester--this class has been a bit too easy and I don't want to move up with these people. They are very very nice, but I am ready for some new faces and a faster speed. We discussed studying on our own or maybe hiring a tutor once per week. This seemed fine until tonight, when Michael (my Deutsch Lehrer) talked with me. I told him that I wanted to skip a level, but he told me that I would have to skip two levels (based on next semester's offerings). He told me that he definitely thinks I could do it, and he would help me out over the break! Hardcore. I really think I want to do that, but Tara isn't sure and she likes our other plan better... Hmmm... I really think I will go with Michael's option though. It would force me to study and I would be challenged. Plus, I would like to stay in Germany for at least another year. I can't be screwing around at Balzac pretending to study but actually just chatting...
1. Finally, number one... Biking!! How did I not bike before!?!?! I bike to Deutsch class alllll the time. I probably bike about 50 miles per week (give or take). That really isn't that much... but I never used to bike at all (except in spin class). I love my bike. The other day, I practiced riding one-handed. Taking a finger at a time off the handlebar. Today, I hopped on my bike, started peddling, and automatically took my right hand off the handlebar. (I am more secure with the left hand--probably because I drove with my left hand.) It sounds stupid, but it was such a neat feeling! Earlier this week there was a big rainstorm. Henrik decided that he wanted to play around with the route he took home, crossing the street and getting on a different bikepath. I tried to stay with him but ended up hitting the lip of the ramp sideways because I had to bike through this big puddle. I thought Kathi and I were toast--if it had been a month earlier we would have splatted on the sidewalk. Somehow... we didn't. My feet found the peddles again and we kept going as if nothing had happened--although my heart was beating like crazy. I love biking home from class, being on the road with the cars, being outside. Soon, I will be superDeutsch and be able to talk on my cellphone and bike or drink coffee and bike. Hehe, I am crazy about my bike! (can you tell??) Maybe it seems weird to you, but if you lived here you would understand. Biking just helps me feel... like I belong here.
ok, that is all for now. Promise to get back on track with my journalling! :)
Sonntag, Oktober 30, 2005
I feeeeeeeeeel good!
Today I went running with Lars. Those of you who keep up with my mundane life may remember the last time I ran with my AuPairDad and my vow that within two weeks I would be back to my RunnerSelf. Ok, ok, so it's two months later, but I am back!
Lars and I ran about 5.5(??) miles together. He introduced me to a new run, which is gorgeous and nature-y with all kinds of varied scenery. Plus, it is sooo German! (If you come visit and are in any way, shape, or form a runner you will be running this with me.) We started in our neighborhood, ran down some residential streets, passed the local Kleingarten and into the forest. While in the forest, we ran through this tunnel under the autobahn and into this old field where the German army used to train (post-WWII). We run through this field, past some old army training apparati and to the Silbersee. Quick jaunt around the Silbersee and then out next to a road that goes over the autobahn and back to the neighborhood.
I kept up! I pusjed myself! No slowing down or stopping, and while I felt tired at the end I didn't feel like I was going to die!
Can't wait to run it again tomorrow :)
Lars and I ran about 5.5(??) miles together. He introduced me to a new run, which is gorgeous and nature-y with all kinds of varied scenery. Plus, it is sooo German! (If you come visit and are in any way, shape, or form a runner you will be running this with me.) We started in our neighborhood, ran down some residential streets, passed the local Kleingarten and into the forest. While in the forest, we ran through this tunnel under the autobahn and into this old field where the German army used to train (post-WWII). We run through this field, past some old army training apparati and to the Silbersee. Quick jaunt around the Silbersee and then out next to a road that goes over the autobahn and back to the neighborhood.
I kept up! I pusjed myself! No slowing down or stopping, and while I felt tired at the end I didn't feel like I was going to die!
Can't wait to run it again tomorrow :)
Samstag, Oktober 29, 2005
Backwards and Forwards...
this weekend last year, I:
*dressed up like an American Girl for Halloween
*got waaaasted at my friend Nick's party
*had to be walked partway home by WRCTheresa & peed behind a bush on Jamestown Rd.
*went to Taliaferro to get one of my OA babies to take me home and ended up signing a contract promising to buy them beer & getting videotaped ('I'm an American Girl.... American girls don't <> drink!' ::eyes unfocus and refocus:: )
*stumbled home through CW with Tim & Jake
*managing to send an embarrassing 'driunken emiol' before collapsing into bed
hehe, good times :-D
this time next year... ??
*dressed up like an American Girl for Halloween
*got waaaasted at my friend Nick's party
*had to be walked partway home by WRCTheresa & peed behind a bush on Jamestown Rd.
*went to Taliaferro to get one of my OA babies to take me home and ended up signing a contract promising to buy them beer & getting videotaped ('I'm an American Girl.... American girls don't <
*stumbled home through CW with Tim & Jake
*managing to send an embarrassing 'driunken emiol' before collapsing into bed
hehe, good times :-D
this time next year... ??
Freitag, Oktober 28, 2005
HeatherFest 2005
Friday morning I made it to the UBahn without incident. No dogs! :) This class is also wonderful. I was afraid that teaching 3 of the same class would be...sucky. Once I started, though, it was awesome!! I am totally in love with one of my students. (shh...) He is a future teacher at a vocational school in 'Wood Technologies.' I had them fill out these information index cards, and he put that he had trained to be a 'janitor' after HS. As we were talking--I went around to meet everyone--I knew that wasn't what he meant, but I didn't want to offend him. I mean, what if that really was what he meant and I made some awful comment like, 'You needed to train to be a janitor? Hmm...' Of course, we finally came around to the fact that he meant 'carpenter.' Whoops. It is fun to find out random info about my students, although (and I told them this) sometimes I remember the info but not their name. I saw one of my students on the UBahn and could not remember her name at all but definitely recalled that she has a turtle named Bruce. It is interesting to think about grading all their work, too. I have just been putting fun comments on the 'Oprah' surveys, but I am getting anxious about that. At WM, a prof could put notes on your paper in shorthand or whatever, and it didn't matter. It was never an example of English for you, but now I am afraid of showing them something wrong even in a stupid little comment. I am getting insecure in my English--eek!! I am also realizing how much work it will be to grade papers, but I love love love this. I was sitting in the classroom while they were writing just thinking about how much I belong there. It was incredible! Then I thought, could I really take another year off? If I do I have to keep teaching at the Uni-level. [Later that night, one of my favorite WM profs sent me an e-mail about a 1year MA program at the Uni of Heidelberg. Stay in Germany!? Go to an incredibly prestigious uni with a course I LOVE taught in English?? Definitely applying]
Friday afternoon the kids and I had our first 'HeatherFest.' It was just a fun afternoon of being random. Henrik was reluctant to go at first--he was frustrated cause it's vaycay and he is bored but none of his friends are around, but he came around. We picked up Kathi and went on a little mini-exploration of 'Downtown Bothfeld' aka the 10 shops on Kurze-Kamp-Strasse. We went into this cute candy shop and they each got to spend about 50 cents. Henrik found a ladybug, which he took a bag for and spent the rest of the afternoon building an elaborate home for. We stopped in the bakery and the kids each got a Berliner (which is a donut. Maybe you have heard the famous story of JFK saying, 'Ich bin ein Berliner.' He meant--and the people understood his spirit!--that he was a resident of Berlin at heart. He said, 'I am a donut.') We mailed some letters and stopped at VMarkt to buy gummies for our project.
I took the kids to the Uni and we went up to the 14th floor for lunch. It was cool but a little overwhelming--I wasn't quite sure how their caf worked. We finally settled down to sandwiches and working on our HeatherFest activity--making ghosts for Halloween. We put candy in our tissues, twisted the tissue around and tied it--making a little ghost. Then we put faces on our ghosts. They are cute. At one point two of my students came over to say Hi. We gave them some Halloween ghosts and they spoke some rapid German with Henrik, which left me sitting there grinning like an idiot. (Plus the fact that I didn't remember their names--Thorsten & Christiane--until like 1/2 hour later.) When we were leaving, Henrik said he had to pee and went over to the side of the building--the side right near the front door! AHHH! I ran them back inside and showed them the bathroom. Now that would have been lovely--'hey look! there is our English teacher? Is she letting that kid pee on the school?!?'
Overall, a good week!
Friday afternoon the kids and I had our first 'HeatherFest.' It was just a fun afternoon of being random. Henrik was reluctant to go at first--he was frustrated cause it's vaycay and he is bored but none of his friends are around, but he came around. We picked up Kathi and went on a little mini-exploration of 'Downtown Bothfeld' aka the 10 shops on Kurze-Kamp-Strasse. We went into this cute candy shop and they each got to spend about 50 cents. Henrik found a ladybug, which he took a bag for and spent the rest of the afternoon building an elaborate home for. We stopped in the bakery and the kids each got a Berliner (which is a donut. Maybe you have heard the famous story of JFK saying, 'Ich bin ein Berliner.' He meant--and the people understood his spirit!--that he was a resident of Berlin at heart. He said, 'I am a donut.') We mailed some letters and stopped at VMarkt to buy gummies for our project.
I took the kids to the Uni and we went up to the 14th floor for lunch. It was cool but a little overwhelming--I wasn't quite sure how their caf worked. We finally settled down to sandwiches and working on our HeatherFest activity--making ghosts for Halloween. We put candy in our tissues, twisted the tissue around and tied it--making a little ghost. Then we put faces on our ghosts. They are cute. At one point two of my students came over to say Hi. We gave them some Halloween ghosts and they spoke some rapid German with Henrik, which left me sitting there grinning like an idiot. (Plus the fact that I didn't remember their names--Thorsten & Christiane--until like 1/2 hour later.) When we were leaving, Henrik said he had to pee and went over to the side of the building--the side right near the front door! AHHH! I ran them back inside and showed them the bathroom. Now that would have been lovely--'hey look! there is our English teacher? Is she letting that kid pee on the school?!?'
Overall, a good week!
