Recapping: Part I

Although I'm not caught up on my journaling or my sleep just yet, I thought I should start blogging about my time at home. Forgive me, if I forget something! I didn't journal and right now I'm all thrown off with the time zone. I still have an incredible case of jet lag. I've never ever have had it this bad!

** This is very "this happened, next, then, later...." Just a warning!

Wednesday, July 9

So I landed on Wednesday- my family was at the airport to pick me up. We made our way to the car and as quick as we could to the Jersey City diner I talked about earlier. Everything looked so good. We made a game plan and were prepared to share our meals. You know- I want a bite, we can split kind of deal. Well, something was totally off with me. I was so sick. I ended up not eating my meal at all and just had it boxed to go. I found my spot in the back of the van and stayed there most of the trip home.

Thursday, July 10

Thursday- before I saw anyone I wanted a haircut and my brows waxed. So we did just that. The girls came along and we all got a trim. Afterwards, I stopped and saw my grandparents, went to the doctor quick to see Judy! I finished off Thursday by seeing my best friend. Lace came over after work. We went with to get a haircut for her and stopped at the famous IGA for dinner supplies. Simple hotdogs and chips for dinner. And as many as my evenings with Lace ended, all of us in the living room watching TV and falling asleep on the couch.

Friday, July 11

Friday came along and I was headed over to the Dietz's. I was so excited to see them. Tammy and Matt produced a smorgasbord of a breakfast. Whatever I wanted was up for grabs- poptart, waffles, bacon. My excuse for eating all of this -- I'm on vacation. After eating more than I should have, Tammy and I went around. I was happy to accompany her on her errands. Any time with her is time worth spent! About midday, I traveled home to my sisters. Nan and Erin didn't seem to be up for much-- So Sarah and I decided to go to Half Way Dam! We stopped on the way to pick up some fresh blueberries and cherries at Green Ridge. It was nice to spend some one-on-one time with Sarah. We soaked up the sun while munching, listening to music, and practicing some German. In the evening, I cooked dinner and had a glass of wine with Lace.

Saturday, July 12

Saturday-- we found ourselves up and ready to clean cars. There was one short stop at The Cafe where I saw Jess and Steph. I was thrilled to see Steph, but I have to be honest it makes sense to see Steph in Middleburg. Jess, on the other hand, is not so familiar. It was great to see my world's collide. We both just happened to visit at the same time and ran into each other in Middleburg! This would never happen in Berlin. After chatting, we went down to help clean cars. Today was the day of my family picnic and as a treat, we were going to ride in GTO! We got ready and headed there. My family sure knows how to lay out a welcome home meal! We talked and ate and talked some more. It was a great evening! After clean-up, the girls and I met Jess and Karen at Mike's mom ice cream shop, Country Creamery. Head there this summer before it's too late! Here's her Facebook page with hours listed! It's such a quiet little place to sit and meet someone. Very relaxing! We caught up a bit before the girls and I rushed off to the fireworks! It was seriously a great Saturday!

Party Pick. T-Shirt Reads: Maybe Berlin is a good idea. 

Sunday, July 13

Sunday was a proud day to have any connection to Germany, as they won the World Cup. I watched all but the last overtime. I had to drive my sisters to church so we listened to it in the car. I'm pretty sure we were the only car going crazy! I don't think you can understand the full excitement and joy this brings European countries without experiencing it. You seriously get sucked into World Cup. It's a disease that floods the land and no one can escape. Anyway, this was all after church and lunch at Grammy Deppen's. Going to church at Grace has been something that I've really been missing. I was so happy to have two Sundays at home to be there with them. Then lunch at Gram and Pap's is tradition. My grandma prepares a full course meal almost every Sunday. It's always the best and that weekend was like no exception! YUM! So after all of this, I met with Sue as the girl's went to church Sunday evening. We caught up but surely not enough so we planned to meet again later. I picked up the girls and we headed to The Fence. Now, if you haven't been to The Fence -it's time to go. No questions. It's just a real simply delicious place to have a burger, fish sandwich, fries, and a milkshake! It just holds tradition. Summer evenings with good American food.

OK, this is a long enough post with a lot of sequential events. I have two more weeks to catch you up on and to be honest, they may come in the form of just photos and bullets. I'm sure you don't want to read through all the rest.

Update from Berlin: I'm doing well. Like I said, crazy sleep habits. Lots of rainy weather. I'm catching up with friends. Tomorrow, I'm headed to Potsdam to go swimming with my PA friend, Rach before she leaves for the States.

Better news- I bought my ticket to Italia. My mouth won't stop watering thinking of all the delicious pizza and gelato I'm about to devour.

This view in four days. 

Until next time, it was great to see each of you. I'm sorry if we weren't able to see each other. Trust me, I really wish we could of connected and I'm thankful for your understanding.