International living

There are times I catch myself and have to laugh at what our life might look like to others. A few months ago, I had preconceived ideas about living in Germany but I didn't imagine several things.....

You haven't lived internationally till you've had children spend the night who don't speak English and your kids still communicate just fine.

You haven't lived internationally till you are invited to a friends house and realize they all are speaking English just to accommodate me.

You haven't lived internationally till you've had children spend the night who know more languages than you. Have you been intimidated by a 7 year old intelligence?

You haven't lived internationally till Cole's friends are Batawan, Bahrain, Bilgazoo, Arial, Pasquel, Zallah, Valentine, and Jordan.... Just to name a few.

You haven't lived internationally till you have to take a camera phone to translate every thing you buy at the grocery store.

You haven't lived internationally till you hear the announcement on the train and immediately look around to watch people's body language to figure out what's going on.

You haven't lived internationally till you learn German from Google maps. The voice speaks Texas twang..... Strassa.

You haven't lived internationally till workmen show up and leave you house and you have no idea what just happened.

You haven't lived internationally till you properly know your exits on a roundabout, start to like the red to yellow to green light system here, or drive $100k cars on the autobahn.

You haven't lived internationally till the German police tell you next year we speak in German.

You haven't lived internationally till you understand the need for several different kinds of boots with tight skinny jeans.

You haven't lived internationally till you like riding your bike to do errands because it's quicker than taking the car.

I could go on and on..... To be continued....

Dear Cole,

I love you. You drive me batty sometimes. You can fire me up faster than anyone else and I fall for it every time. Together we will form you into a capable, honest, man of integrity. First I must have a drink. ;-)

Just don't ever forget how much I love you.

Choices

We have have personal preferences. People are like snowflakes and no two are alike. Both boys amaze me in their similarities and differences. This week they both needed a haircut. Cole opted for the standard trim. He looks handsome. Brad wanted something different. He had a vision in his head and asked that I carry it out. He wanted it very short on the sides but a long rat tail in the back. Brad couldn't be persuaded or deterred. He kept insisting his desires. So I gave him what he wanted. Let it be said.....

His taste isn't my taste. I love his creative vision and determination to express himself the way he chooses. I'm envious of his self confidence to go against the norm, and I will fiercely protect him from others who try to squash, steal, or break him from doing things his way. And, it's just hair.

He father might not share in his choices either, but we'll always support you!

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!