Photo Journal from Oct-Jan

I'll be back before long. 

Thanks for letting me take a break.

xoxo

November Check-In

I've purposely been quiet and not written in a while. Many times I have started a blog, a post, a tweet and then quickly deleted it. Reason? Well because when I share I'm sharing to share. I'm not sharing to start an argument or a heated discussion. I share to share. I know so often people read and they want to react. It's easy to get caught up in that. I don't want to be that way. Sure, I read- I agree or disagree. I may even research whatever you have posted to see if your source has facts to back that up. Is it a reliable source? (I encourage you, to do the same- before posting.)

Anyway, of course it's on everyone's mind what is happening in Europe and before I give my little November check-in...  so I'll share a bit. I'm only sharing my own personal experience here in Berlin. In Berlin, life has continued to move forward. It hasn't stopped us from doing anything. We are not living in fear. Also, my experience with Syrian refugees is small but I work everyday with two. These two are so positive, so joyful, so peaceful. I'm so lucky to know them. I am really looking forward to getting more involved and helping as much as possible to a larger group, too.

That's all I'm going to share with you through my blog. So moving on... for myself, I'm doing OK. As you can imagine, it's not easy being away from home with the holiday season quickly approaching but I have some seriously amazing people that I have gotten to know. I just really appreciate them and I'm so thankful we get to love on each other. From colleagues, friends, and now my CHURCH FAMILY... yes, it's been awesome! I'm so so so thankful to have a place I feel really connected. Saturday night church may be my favorite time of the week.

As I said earlier, normal life has continued on so work has been extremely stressful lately. Just lots to do and I can't seem to get on top of that. I think I'll go in tomorrow for just a tad, set an alarm and leave when it goes off. No ifs, ands, or buts about it because I am learning how to turn off work. This is not an easy task for me. It's something I'm really focusing on because otherwise work has been taking over my life- like 24/7 taking over. Work is not to be that. And I find myself not even realizing it but not having the time I want for other things because I'm emotionally and physically too exhausted. I'm thankful for those people who remind me to slow down and rest.

Well, talking about slowing down- I better sleep. I'll try to post pictures of my late Oktoberfest experience later.

All my love!

Amsterdam

Fall break came just when I needed it. I used my break to relax but also work ahead on school items that will help with my stress level. Of course, the job is never done. That's the thing about teaching- there is a never ending to-do-list hanging over your head. That list becomes very overwhelming and I feel like I'm in a cartoon. There some characters with questions over their heads, there I am with a paper and pencil. 

Back to break, I started break a bit sooner than expected. With my problem with my stomach, the doctor instructed me to stay home and rest. I've had tenderness in my stomach but not exactly the same thing other than one morning. I woke up at 4 that Sunday and was in a lot of pain. I kept thinking I should go to the hospital- but I didn't know for sure. So I said a prayer and ended up falling back to sleep on my own. When I woke again around 8, I was ok and everything passed. 

So come the first official day of break, Carlie and I traveled outside of Berlin to the B5 outlets. I actually bought less than I expected but I did leave with a few goodies. We shopped for a good portion of the day and when I got home I just passed out. The following days I did a little bit of school work and relaxation. The highlights include a haircut, a trip to the dentist, and Thursday's Street Food Market. The rest of the time I was in total relaxation/ school mode. It's a toss up. 

Carlie and I enjoying an evening out sampling pork sandwiches, käsespätzle, and many other tasty things. 

Me with this oh-so-cheesy grin because I'm having some darn good IPA beer. #tasteofhome

For three days, I traveled with my colleague to Amsterdam. We had a wonderful time. We traveled by train on Wednesday and arrived around 5 PM. Across from where we were staying was a great Caribbean restaurant. We are there both evenings. I begged the owner to open a place in Berlin. I've never had Caribbean food before but I never want to go without it again. These women I swear are magicians. 

The first night, I had jerk chicken with rice and some plantains. The next night, we split had fried banana chips with avocado sauce, some sort of steak dinner heaven, and to top it off- remember these ladies are magicians... sweet potato dessert. I would never consider anything potatoes really be dessert but I'll swear it until the end this was so delectable. 

Anyway, we just had dinner and chilled after our day on the train. The next morning, we waked to the Van Gogh Museum. This was my wish while we were in Amsterdam and didn't disappoint. It's incredible. Lately, I've been aware of the lack of art and creativity in my life. It was eye opening and I've really been thinking about what's next. We continued on walking towards Hard Rock Cafe for lunch. We had the sampler and I had the best, amazing twisted shake. I cannot wait to have it again! 

Afterwards, we were going to the beer company for a tour and tasting but the bartender directed us not to do that. She recommended us to go to Blue• it had the best views of Amsterdam. Afterwards, we walked through the Red Light District to get home.  It was an experience. For me, more sad than anything else and with the same shops over and over. 

On our way to the Red Light District, I was intrigued by a alley filled with books. It was very cool to see- this large book sale happening near the university. 

We had dinner and were so exhausted we just stayed in. The next morning we found a bakery, coffee and walked our way to the train station. 

Train ride + book recommendation. 

It was a nice get away but I need to go back to see more. I know there are great museums there- I'll have to check out when to go again. 

Interesting in tidbits:

• Everyone is so willing to speak English
• English TV Programs- This is totally awesome since I watch everything on my computer here. 
• Triple seater bikes: No joke- I don't know how you get three people on one bike but they have seats for it. 
• Biking is an art form there: In Berlin, bikes and cars seem to take and give smoothly, but in Amsterdam it's a whole new level. Everywhere there is a bike lane. Bikes clearly rule the roads there. 
• Coffee shops vs bar: As everyone knows, Amsterdam is often known for coffee shops or a place to buy some weed. (Side note: Not for me. I've never done drugs and it's something I'm really proud of. I've been offered but have always declined.) Anyway, something that blows my mind is in a coffee shop, the owner can not sell any alcoholic drinks. 

xoxo

Question of the Day: Surgery

Let me set the scene for you- Wednesday to Friday I was to go on a learning house trip with my students. Now back up to Tuesday, I thought I had a bladder infection so I had my coworker help me call the doctor. I knew that I should get some antibiotics before going and this was my only chance. The nurse told me to come immediately, since it was already 4.00 in the afternoon. I took my wallet and coat that was it. I was suppose to get antibiotics and be back to finish my work. Well... so I thought.

I get to the doctor's office, a 3 minute walk from my school. The nurse checks me in and then hands me a plastic drinking cup. She points me to the bathroom and explains the drill- in German. Thank goodness I know the drill. Next, I wait about five minutes and the doctor calls me back. I start to explain my symptoms and she says that doesn't sound right. She has me lay down and starts pressing on my stomach. Starting on the left and moving to the right... OUCH! My right side is so tender and painful when she pushes. She explains to me that she thinks it's my appendix. I immediately break into tears. One, I'm to go on this trip and one teacher is already sick. Second, I have never been in the hospital other than visiting someone else. No surgeries, no broken bones, no scares. I can only imagine them putting the mask over my face and everything turns black.

She gets me off the table and calls the on-call doctor at the hospital she recommends. While she is waiting, the doctor asks me is there a friend you can call. I reply through snuffles, "Yes, I'll call a friend." She goes to ask boyfriend? partner? I thought, "Stop! You are making it worse!" HA!

My phone battery was low so I stopped at the school before finding my way to the hospital. I thought if I'm having surgery I need to call my dad. Of course, I'm still a mess because at this point I'm still going alone to the hospital. My colleagues are still in a meeting but one stops by my room while I try to gather my stuff. She offers to drive me to the hospital. I am so beyond thankful! I was thinking drop me off and I'll be OK. But she stayed the whole time!

So the hospital is a six minute drive away. We get there and I forgot about paperwork and answering questions... Thankfully, my colleague and friend, A. is bilingual and she helped me translate everything! I was really trying to stay calm so as I do when I'm really nervous- I make jokes. A and I joked about how we work so hard and now look - we are in a hospital. She took a photo for me to remember my first trip to the hospital.

So I got in and they made me again take a urine sample. Then they informed me that they would take "some" blood. Ha! Six to seven tubes later he was done. I thought it would never end. They left the needle in my arm in case I would need to be given medicine. This way they only would stick me once.

Now it came time to wait. We had to wait for my tests before really moving forward. While we waited, I called my dad and was texting about four people in Berlin; one being Carlie. Carlie said she would come around 7. In the waiting room, I noticed a Bible versus on the wall. I don't see that very often in Berlin and I asked A about it. She said this a Christian hospital. How cool! Maybe my doctor saw my cross or maybe she is a Christian too or maybe it's just the hospital she feels safe with. I don't know but I felt so much peace when I learned that.

To make sure every possible avenue was considered, the doc also had me see the gynaecologist. So I'm in with the gynaecologist when Carlie arrives. I was surprised when I saw her because she didn't call or text me to find out where I was. (This is the best part!) I saw how did you know- she responds with, "I asked." Oh obviously! She goes on to tell me, "I gave your name and he was about to look you up but then I said you don't speak very much German. He responded immediately that you were on the 2nd floor!" HAHAHA! Everyone knew where the English speaking girl was in the hospital.

So A left and Carlie stayed. Carlie and I waited about five minutes before my tests must have come back. Through this whole process A was allowed to be with me but when I was called back Carlie had to wait. It was strange but OK. I felt pretty certain they weren't going to take out my appendix because the gynaecologist showed me all my test were fine, perfect even. But as I turn the corner, there is a surgeon in all green. I thought oh no! She checked me out without saying yes or no until the very end. Finally, she said no I don't think so but if it gets worse come back. She thought it could be a virus. No other explanation.

They removed the needle, gave me a letter, and sent me on my way with the strong reminder if it feels worse at all- come back! Don't wait.

The next day I went to see the doctor. She said she wasn't convinced that it isn't my appendix because when she checked out my stomach again I jumped out of my skin. I wasn't expecting so much pain. Also, she stated you don't look like you have a virus. She told me that she'll give me until Monday and if I'm still hurting then I need to have it removed.

It's now Thursday afternoon and I'm feeling better. The pressure seems to be gone and I have a bit of a headache but that's about it. I'll keep you posted. For now, I'll stay in bed until Saturday.

Staying Local.

Today is the most beautiful fall day in Berlin. Right now as I type and share, I am sitting outside of a little American inspired cafe in Zehlendorf. It is the perfect amount of sunny and chill. The sun warms your face but the cool wind keeps you from ever actually being uncomfortably warm. There are so many people out today - cars passing, people on foot, others sitting a drinking along side of me. Of course, no shops are open so everyone is just meandering through the sidewalks.

Fall seemed to come so quickly for me. As soon as I arrived back in Berlin, summer seemed to already cool off. We had a few warm days but I can't really remember them. I feel like I've been grabbing jeans and a jacket since I got here. It's funny the weather helps me distinguish between my work in Berlin and my time at home. When it gets hot in Berlin, it's time to leave. It means the end of school is nearing and I need to pack but once it cools off I'm back in full teacher swing. (For now.)

I'm sorry I haven't wrote you sooner. It's not that I'm unhappy or keeping anything hidden. It's just that I haven't had time. I know that seems like an easy excuse. Let's be real for a second... if I taught in the States, I know at least once a week during the summer I would be in my classroom preparing. Well, when I spend all summer in the States not touching my work - I have a pile when I get back. I kind of prefer it this way because I don't my work to distract me from my family while I'm present with them. But it is nice to use it as a distraction to how much I miss them when I return. So yes, I've been busy with school and then on top of that- we haven't had a full staff since the second week of school. At leat one teacher every week has been out. Now with that being said, I'm over work being a distraction. I'm ready to have a social life in Berlin - well get back to it. I want to see my friends on a Wednesday afternoon and stay out late on Friday nights. But the last two weekends, I have gone into school to play catch up and prepare. I daily bring work home and I'm habitually in bed by 8.30 most nights. I hope you don't read this as complaining- I'm not. I'm stating and stating that I'm ready for a solution in this area of my life. I don't want this to be the normal. I don't want this to become the routine. Hopefully, soon. Maybe over fall break I'll work ahead so the weeks to come don't seem so heavy.

I'm sure you are all curious to where I will go over fall break and soon after Christmas break. Well, for fall break I'll travel to the little canal city, Amsterdam! I'm very excited to return to Amsterdam after years and years away. I don't have a plan- just to walk along the canal, see a museum or two, and eat! The thing when I travel anywhere is food. If the food isn't good- forget it. Ha! My Christmas break will be one of my favorite, memorable adventures that I have while in Berlin - my best friend, Lacy is coming to visit. I can't believe in 87 days she will step off a flight at TXL and she'll see my cozy apartment. I'm beyond honored and thrilled she is coming to visit me for her first Europe trip. I've been making lists with the help of my Berlin friends of where we should go, see, do, eat and just relax. I'm geeking out- even harder than when I went to Barcelona and you know how giddy I was about that ! ! ! !

Lately, I've been TRYING to experience more of my neighborhood. It doesn't take as much effort to go 10 minutes around the block compared to 40 minutes to the center of Berlin and then figure something out. Most Sundays I find myself at a really cute, fresh, and family cafe, Frau Lüske. It is a 5 minutes walk from my apartment. The cafe has this beautiful outdoor deck and an even cozier area inside complete with cakes, pies, ice cream, and rolls- that doesn't even include the actual menu. The menu includes the best french toast in Berlin! It is served with fresh fruit and mascarpone. Oh it's so heavenly - by Sundays I'm carving it but this Sunday I did breakfast at home. (I'm trying for 21 days no sugar again, well starting tomorrow. )


Carlie has shared with me this great Italian place behind our train station. I'm still in shock that I never knew great Italian food was right under my nose. It's the perfect little place for a late dinner and share a bottle of wine with a friend. It's been really great to appreciate my neighborhood and taking advantage of it.

Well, I will leave you with that and a recommendation - go see the movie, The Intern with Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. Carlie and I went last night and it was very touching. I wasn't sold on going out because I was feeling stressed about school BUT I'm so happy I did. I need to force myself out more but still get my "me" time.

All my love.

Here's a little video of me walking through my neighborhood.

Photo Journal

My summer seems like a faded dream now. My six weeks in the States went so quickly. Now, I'm three weeks into work and will start my third week with students. The highlights of  my trip include meals out with friends, winery visits, a family trip to Ohio, a trip to New York, endless nights of food, seeing the USWNT play in Pittsburgh, and many other fantastic memories. I don't feel the need to give you a play by play of how my summer played out. So below I have attached countless photos of my time at home with brief captions. Wishing you all a warm and happy start to the academic year!

Being picked up at JFK.

Riding shotgun with Dad. 

She's so happy I'm home to taste test all of her meals.

Photos from Central PA

German Breakfast with the Dietz Family!

Typical. Ice Cream at the Purple Cow.

Two favorite places to be- with family and in the car. 

Early morning rides to Dad's work require naps and Dunkin' Donuts. 

Many trip to the local library and book stores. My sisters read as much as I do!

Nicole's Baptism. 

Best hot dogs in Central PA from the Squeeze In.

Bracelet from my Aunt Ellen. I'm in love.
"Promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep"

Nerf Gun Shooting Practice

Trip to Knoebel's

We took this perfect selfie in one take! #Nicolethepro

Ran into my aunt and uncle in the park.

Road Trip to Redwood, NY

 

My college friends. 

Family Trip to Ohio

I had my family try Currywurst at a German restaurant. #tastofberlin

USWNT in Pittsburgh

 

Parade in Williamsport with Canadian Team

Struggles of Packing

Spending my last days trying to pack. Ended up buying a new suitcase. Then spent my last evening with my sisters at their Back to School Night. 

Back to Routine

Enrollment Day at FSAS.

Trying to add more familiar faces to my room. 

You can see I'm full swing into organizing, planning, and preparing. PS: I don't love zebra print- I just happen to be the Zebra Family.

Until next summer.. 302 days away. 

xoxo