Change of latitude, change of attitude

I started to blog about our rough transition to Germany, but it was so bad it sounded like a depressing story. Even I was sick of reading what was essentially a complaint list. On one hand, I wanted it documented (in case my husband gets the hairbrained idea of coming back) and on the other, I'd just as well forget the nightmare.

It's been six months since our arrival. I had no idea a beating could last that long. I think I'm coming out of my depression and realize I need a change in attitude. I miss so much of home it's not even funny. However, I'm here and I need to set the tone for the boys. Keith would also appreciate an end to the constant "stupid idea" bashing. After all, this wasn't ENTIRELY his fault.

In my attempt to adapt, I'm forcing myself out more. It's so difficult to put yourself out there and make friends, but it has to be done. I'm forcing my kids to do it so I might as well walk the walk.

There's many things that are growing on me. I often wonder if it would ever catch on in the States. I do love the ease of riding the train, the yellow light before it turns green, the way they dispense medication, the veterinary care, how dog friendly the entire country is, the trained dogs still amaze me.

Pizza Boy delivery drivers will never earn a good spot, but it sure is easy being close when I don't feel like cooking.

We've had tea and cake with our German neighbors, and I've met a few German women who are amazing and funny.

I'm coming to terms that I might have to learn the language. My mental block is huge, my brain is small.

February will be a month of change. I'm here, let's try to embrace it. Gulp. Here we go........

Iced tea!

It's no sweet tea, and the baristas think I'm nuts, but I've found an addiction.

Oh Germany! Genius!

When we go to soccer tournaments or other street fair type functions, you have to buy a card. You pay a flat fee and you use this paper at the concession stand. We bought 2 drinks that we had to buy the 5€ card to purchase! Sneaky Germany.

1 Year Ago

It's been one year. One year of "new" teeth! I'm still not use to them, but I couldn't be happier with the long awaited results. Thank you to my parents for keeping what I had for so long, thank you to Keith for saving and spending with me, and thank you to Dr. Jackson and staff! What a long process...... It appears we will do it all over again with the boys. Yea genetics!

I don't give a shit

Pardon my language. Kinda. Living abroad and facing the challenges we have will bring out the potty mouth. There isn't censorship over here, so the boys are getting their ears full daily anyway!

I went to a "coffee" and met a fellow FedEx spouse. She was telling me how she approaches some of her difficulty over here. She cusses. She cusses at people who honk at her, correct her, correct her children, or rush her. So she opens her mouth to good ole American foul language and everyone leaves her alone. I found her story funny and told Keith about it when we got home.

The very next day we were waiting in a parking spot so we can follow another car to a new place..... Anyway, this German pulls up and begins honking and hand gesturing for use to move. We didn't. So he parks somewhere else and proceeds to walk up to our car (side note : Germans are quick to correct you in every matter) This guy walks up to our car and Keith rolls down the window. He's screaming in German and Keith pipes up..... "I don't give a shit!" The German was shocked and piped up in English "you do not care?" Keith said "Nope, I don't give a shit" Then he walked away! It worked! We couldn't believe it and just laughed. It's kinda become our catch phrase here. I'm pretty sure I'm not up for the mother of the year award, so I let this slide.

Wouldn't you know while I was searching Amazon, I came across this bag! Apparently there is a need for this over here!!! I bought 3.

Better Be Good.

The vets here in Germany crack me up. The exam rooms are open and shared. German dogs are so well behaved it's amazing. I haven't put my finger on it yet, but our goal is for Maverick and Goose to be Germanized before we leave. Look atGoose's sexy leg! 

Funny story..... Keith was gone and I had to take Goose to the vet. I also had the boys with me. We walk into the waiting room and there was this older couple with their cat, out of the travel crate. As I walked towards them andthe only empty seat, they start screaming "nein!" It didn't stop me. I sat their anyway and Goose sat down calmly and didn't want anything to do with their ugly cat. They were so upset, they got up and moved as soon as a seat came available. Rude. Well, we are called back to a room and the vet starts her exam. The door opens and guess who is ushered into our room....... Grumpy couple and ugly cat. I turned to the boys and said "that is what you call karma". Cole said "you do not care?" Nope! Sure don't son. I don't give a shit. (the story to follow) 

Sportsmanship

Cole has been practicing with the U-11 Taxofit camp. I'm not entirely convinced he has made the team, time will tell. In the meantime he is showing up with a positive attitude and desire to improve.

This past weekend there was a tournament south of town. Cole didn't have his player card so he couldn't compete in any of the games. It was an all day tournament and he had to watch all his new buddies play without him. I told him he needed to pay attention and support his team. I fully expected him to have about 10 minutes of interest and then want to go kick the ball off to the side while waiting another 7 hours to go home. Instead he sat with the coach and team, unsuited, and watched others play the sport he loves so much . All. Day. Long. 

I was impressed by his actions! I guess I wasn't the only one. The following Monday at practice his coach gave him the team medal.

I'm so proud of you Cole!! Some lessons are learned on the field and others learned off the field.