I'm going to be sore tomorrow!

Tonight Carsten and I had an appointment with a gym.  We were suppose to go last week Tuesday, but saw the film Slumdog Millionaire instead, so the appointment was rescheduled for today.  I was expecting to not like the place after we had a tour there about one month ago.  However, we met with a trainer and went through a routine that I am sure will cause some of my muscles to ache tomorrow morning.  We still need to decided which gym is best for us in terms of location, cost and services, so for now it is me taking my big butt outside for a job.

After the gym I came home and made us dinner.  After watching CSI:Miami in German, Carsten turned on MTV to see what they had on.  Well, I was able to see Rock of Love for the first time.  If you have seen the show or clicked on the link I provided you know this is a high class piece of trash.  Thankfully once it finished our MTV decided to play Paris Hilton's My New BFF again.  So, tonight I was able to see the first episode, which I had not seen previously.  What a great way to end the day!

My last day...

with my favorite teacher.  Since this is my last week of class with this particular school, today marked the last day with my teacher who instructs on Mondays and Tuesdays.  I will miss learning from him, as I think he is great at what he does.  Carsten says I shouldn't get too attached to people, but I can't help it.  If I could, living so far away from my family and friends would be much easier than it is!!

Rough morning

Last night after the art show I talked on the phone to a couple friends for a bit and then watched some TV.  I couldn't sleep and thought I would just relax in front of the television.  Finally around 2am I decided to go to bed; however at 6:30am Zoe decided to get sick right outside the bedroom door.  Thankfully Carsten got up and cleaned it up.  I am so thankful for this as I was not in the mood to get up and clean up after her.  The way I look at it, I cleaned up after her on Saturday when she got sick, so it only makes sense that Carsten does it today.  Of course on Saturday she got sick late in the morning and I was already awake.  But, I think that is a detail that can be overlooked; don't you agree :)  The rest of my day has been productive, doing homework, laundry, taking garbage out and now I am waiting for Carsten to come home so I can make dinner.  I hope all of you have had a great start to the week ahead!

A Magical Night

Tonight Carsten and I went to an art show opening at a cafe here in Freiburg.  We were invited by my friend Haydee, who is in my German class and comes from Cuba.  The show was great.  The art was quite modern, which is my favorite, and the music was terrific; done by two music students from the University of Freiburg.  At first I was a bit bored, but once Haydee arrived and I had some champagne, followed by beer, the night really took off.  If you would like to see the art that was shown tonight, you can click here for more information.

Time change

Today we had our time change in Germany, however, neither Carsten nor myself could sleep past 6:30am, so we got up early and began the day.  As I wrote yesterday, we may have found some furniture.  Today we were able go back to the store...stores aren't open on Sunday's here, but today was an exception.  Anyway, a HUGE disappointment happened.  The furniture is too big and won't work in either room.  I had such hope and upon finding out that it wouldn't work it just made the rest of the day feel like crap.  I realize in the grand scheme of problems not having furniture is not that big of a deal, but I am tired of sleeping on a mattress on the floor and eating off of cardboard boxes in the livingroom, as well as having clothes laying around the bedroom getting covered in cat hair and dust.

However, in a short time we are going to a cafe in the city that is having an art show.  A friend from my class invited me and so maybe this can help boost my mood.

Could it be?

A bulk of today Carsten and I spent looking at furniture, measuring and remeasuring out apartment and it might just be that we have found a bedroom set, as well as a dining room table, that will work in our space.  It appears as though Carsten's mom might come for a visit in May so it would be nice if we had some furniture before then.  Well, at least I can dream :)

So-Much-Fun!!

Last night Carsten and I went dancing and had ourselves a gay 'ol time.  The music was quite good and I was able to shake my money-maker like it was nobody's business.  As much as I would love to recap the entire night with the songs that were played and my moves to each tune, I am unable to do that due to the vast amount of music that I jammed to.  However, I can share with you the first and last song that I danced to.  The first song is by my favorite band of 2008 and you can hear the song and see the video by clicking here.  Now, the last song I danced to is probably now considered a classic, but I still love it.  To hear the song from 1989, click here.

Another week comes to a close

It is Friday night here and I am ready for the weekend!  Today was a good day.  It's Friday so I had a test in my class today.  I did quite well and feel pretty good about my performance, except for one section, which kicked my butt big time.  Which considering the size of my butt lately that isn't hard to do, but that's another story for another day.

Tonight Carsten and I are going dancing.  The last time we went to this place I hit a street sign and cut my face...I still have the scar.  So, cross your fingers that the same thing won't happen tonight.  considering the wind and rain we have had here all week, my ability to drive straight is a bit challenged.

Anyway, instead of listening to fact paced dance songs while I get ready, I am listening to one of my favorite slow songs.  To check it out, click here.   Every time I hear this I get tears in my eyes; it is really that beautiful.

Wild Mood Swings

I seemed unable to establish any sort of equilibrium today.  I woke up around 5am with a serious case of the angst and was unable to fall back asleep, until around 7am when Carsten got up.  Then when I did get out of bed and check my email I had an unpleasant email regarding a job I had applied for.  It was at the point that my mood really went down the toilet.  However, once in my class I was distracted and completely forgot all about my angst and the email.  At the end of my class I was talking to my teacher and she questioned me on my study habits and homework assignments.  I explained the I complete the entire chapter by Tuesday night so I can review on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for our test at the end of the week.  She then asked how many hours I study per day.  I gave her my studying schedule and she laughed and stated I am spending too much time on studying and should only do 2 hours per day otherwise it can be too much.  She also said I am doing rather well for only having three months of German language school and compared what I know to other students she has who have been learning for a year.  That made me feel much better.  However, in the evening my mood again began to slip, though for no apparent reason.  So I decided to phone my grandma in Baraboo, WI as she always cheers me up.  We talked for about half and hour laughing over everything.  A perfect way to end the day!

My brain is about to implode!

I think I have a case of "studyitous", a rare condition caused from too much learning that leads one's head to explode.  Seriously, this German stuff is hard and makes little sense in some ways.  Sure, the English language isn't much better, but I'm not talking about English I am talking about German :)  I spent about 2 hours studying before class, had four hours of class and then another three or so hours studying tonight.  That is way too much German, heck that it too much time doing any one thing.  However, a decision has been made about my class situation and I will do one more week of class next week and then the week of April 20th I will start my Integration Course with another school; one of my current teachers works there.    

Movie and a couple beers

Today was another good day.  I had a productive morning of laundry and homework and class was also good.  After class I hung around the city centre.  I walked the main strip and ate a wurst in from of the Munster.  Afterward I walked to a nearby furniture store to see what I could find.  Well, what I found was a lot of over-priced furniture, though I must admit it did look nice.  Then I met my new friend Haydee (from school) and Carsten and the three of us saw the movie Slumdog Millionaire. It seemed that Haydee and I liked the movie more but Carsten also had nice things to say about it.  It won 8 Oscars and 4 Golden Globes and in my opinion deserved them all.  Great film with fantastic music!  After the film the three of us went to a neighboring bar and had a couple beers before calling it a night.  A terrific day that ended with a phone call to my brother, who I am so proud of right now.  You go Boo!!

Another great Monday

Monday's have become my favorite day of the week.  I tend to be more productive on Mondays and feel more energized than on other days.  So, today I woke up and did some homework.  I have decided to do one more week with this school, so instead of being done this week Friday I will finish next week Friday.  A decision still needs to be made on my Integration Course, but that decision will hopefully be made by the end of this week.  Anyway, in class today we played Scrabble for the first half of class.  We broke up into three teams of two and had to make words in German, without using a dictionary.  That was way harder than I expected it to be, but fun and a nice way of learning new words.  

A fellow classmate and I went to the movie theater after class to buy tickets to watch the movie Slumdog Millionaire tomorrow.  Tuesday is the cheap day for the theater so Carsten thought we should get our tickets early.  

After buying the tickets I came home, did homework and then cleaned the apartment.  Let me just say that I love my cats dearly, but they shed way too much hair.  Twice per week I vacuum the apartment and as much as I like to clean this is becoming a big time commitment.  But I digress.  After dinner last night Carsten sat in front of the computer and I watched one really terrible movie.  The movie is called Avalanche and is from 1994.  It was a made-for-TV movie, probably on Lifetime.  It stars Michael Gross from Tremors and Family Ties but the real star was David Hasselhoff.  Yes, the Germans really  do love the Hoff as much as is rumored.     

Schönberg

Happy Sunday!  Today Carsten and I decided to go for a walk.  Now, when most people think of a walk I am guessing it is a little stroll through the neighborhood or around town.  Well, not us.  No, we went for a 10k hike up Schönberg.  It was a beautiful day and a great way to get some exercise and see more of the surroundings.  If you are interested, click here to see some pictures.  I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and are ready for the week ahead.

Another bust

Today we went to three different stores to look for a bed.  Two of the stores we had already been to in weeks past and the other store was new to us.  In the end, we found nothing that really jumped out at us.  We can't agree on a bed, and at this point I think I am just done with looking.  Carsten jokingly, or at least I think he was joking, said he wanted to "break my spirit" in terms of finding a bed.  And honestly, after today I feel broken down.  At this point I think I would take any bed, as long as it is more than a mattress laying on the floor, which is what we have now and have had since I arrived in Germany.

Other than the bust in terms of furniture shopping, the rest of the day was quite grand.  In the morning we rode our bikes to the city centre and did some shopping.  It was full of people down there and the city just felt alive.  In the evening after the furniture experience,  Carsten made sweet and sour chicken for dinner (yummy!) and then we watched a popular German television program called Wetten dass..?    It is a pretty entertaining show, even if you don't understand everything that is being said.  Last night's program had some famous people I knew, which always makes it a bit better for me.  

Tomorrow we are planning on going on a small hiking trip, which means pictures!!!  Time to get a good night's rest.

Credit Crisis

My friend Alica sent me this interesting link, which through the power of animation describes how today's society has found itself in its current economic state.  It really made sense and so I thought I would now share with those of you who might be interested in seeing it as well.  So, click here is you would like to see what it has to say.

Another puppy goes to doggie heaven

My mom bought a new puppy last week and named him Cookie.  She sent out announcements to alert everyone of his arrival.  However, this week he became ill and on Wednesday needed to remain at the animal clinic.  When the veterinarian returned to the clinic this morning Cookie was at peace.  I called my mom and she was understandably upset.  Losing a pet can be a really hard obstacle to overcome even when the pet has only been a part of your family for a short time. She says she won't be getting another dog, but I also said the same thing after my beloved Brandy passed away, and here I am with two cats.  Time really does heal all wounds.  

A nice end to the week

Since it is Friday I had a test in my class today, which went better than I had expected.  This week in class seemed more challenging and I had some concerns about how the test would go.  I also didn't sleep well last night and I thought that might also hinder my performance. However, I did well and the teacher even commented on my performance.  Yeah!!  

So, my day started out with waking up to a phone call.  Carsten phoned from work to say he forgot the orange juice for his work party today.  (He remembered the beer and chips but not the OJ).  He asked if I would bring it to him on my way to class, which of course I said I would no strings attached (cough, cough).  I was having a dream when the phone rang that had to do with me getting ready to go to a dance, an old woman (in her 80's) telling me she hopes I find a woman at the dance to marry and my mom sitting on a couch eating a huge bowl of popcorn.  A dream or premonition...it is such a fine line sometimes!  Anyway, I was not going to go back to sleep so I studied for a bit (3 hours) and then went to class.  Once I got home from class it was rest and relaxation...no studying; nothing.  I watched some DVDs, ate some funk food and waited for Carsten to return home from his party.  Now the weekend can officially begin.

Happy Birthday Tammy

Today is my cousin Tammy's birthday.  She hates, hates, hates having her picture taken and so I thought, what better way to say Happy Birthday than to put a picture of her on my blog.  This picture is a few years old, but then again so is Tammy.  Love ya!!!

Laughter really is the best medicine!

Today was an okay day; not the best, but also not the worst.  Whenever my sleep is disrupted, as it was last night, the following day always seems a bit more of a challenge.  The only rough patch really was at my German language class, where the tasks we were doing seemed really, really hard.  On the upside, each of us had to read aloud (sounds like elementary school huh?) and when I finished she said I read really and could tell I have been practicing.  That made me feel good.  Once I returned home I did my homework and started studying of tomorrow's test.  A massive headache soon followed.   However, once dinner was finished and I had done the dishes, I called my dear friend Toyah, who I have not spoke with in too long.  We talked for almost an hour and a half and laughed about anything and everything.  My headache, gone, my outlook on things, improved.  It doesn't get much better than a good laugh, especially considering all the sadness and struggles in the world today!

Something to think about

I am approaching the end of my time at my current school (one week left) and then it is Easter, where Carsten and I will spend a week or so at his mom's place, and after that I begin my Integration Course.  However, after school today I stayed and talked with my teacher for about 30 minutes and she asked what my plan is for when I am done at this school.  I told her about my Integration Course and where I plan to take it.  She said she teaches the course at a different school and asked if I would consider going there.  She also said her colleague heard not so good things about the school where I am planning on going.  The cost is equal and the location is closer to where I live, plus I know her teaching style.  Those are the positives.  The negatives are, I don't know how much I care for her teaching style - though I think she is a really nice person.  I plan to talk with her about it more tomorrow and see if I can make a decision before the end of the weekend, which is almost here already!!!  How does that happen? 

Fantastic day today

Last night I slept unbelievably well.  So much so that when Carsten's alarm went off this morning I got up as well and made him coffee and breakfast.  I then did roughly three hours of schoolwork (mostly working ahead for the week...I am such a nerd!) and then I vacuumed the apartment, did dishes and some dusting.  I sent off some emails, made some phone calls and really was just a worker bee.  

Then I went to school and had a great day there.  I came home and played with the cats and then after a bit I went running outside (we currently have great weather, though it will change to snow by the weekend).  Once Carsten arrived home from work we went to the store to buy supplies for his party on Friday.  The party is  work party to celebrate his starting there.  It is a bit late, but he is combining it with another person who started more recently.  

The day has ended with me watching the final episode of Paris Hilton's My New BFF.  The girl I wanted to win did; however, since they are no longer friends in real life why does it matter.  I heard she is doing one right now in London and is also preparing to do a second season in the US, with a possible new one to follow that in Canada.  Clearly I have spent too much time on this crap and need to get back to watching something with a bit more class.  Like Flavor of Love :)  

More pictures

Here is a picture of me, Carsten, Gary and Klaus.  Klaus was the birthday boy, who with his twin brother turned 30 on Monday.  His party was at his parent's home in Austria.  My previous pictures focused more on Austria while these pictures focus more on the actual celebration.  Enjoy!

Pictures

Hi all!  Well, I have the pictures uploaded and even put comments to them.  To see our weekend in Austria click here.

Back from Austria

This weekend has been a fantastic getaway weekend; however we are both quite tired and could probably use a day to relax!  I don't have any pictures uploaded as of yet (I have no clue where Carsten has put the cables) but as soon as I do I will put them on here for you all to see.

The purpose for going to Austria this particular weekend was for a birthday party for a friend of ours.  We met him while we lived in Munich; he is originally from Austria and the party was at his parents home.  I referred to the home as a compound and kept having visions of the movie Hostel.  Not that the place was scary but the set up was identical, as well as the size.  Anyway, Carsten and I left Freiburg around 8pm on Thursday night.  We made it up to Gary and Klaus' place around 1am.  We would have been there sooner but our directions were not correct from Google Maps and thus we got lost.  Thankfully Carsten parked in front of a Police Station to look at the map and since that is not okay to do, some officers came to the car to help us out (get us to move).  So, we finally made it to there place, talked for a bit and then went to bed around 2am.  We got up early and were on the road driving shortly before 8:30am.  We made it to the compound shortly after 11am and then the grazing began.  I have honestly eaten more since moving to Germany than probably the last five years of my life combined.  Okay, maybe that is a bit of a stretch, 4 years 11 months, but all the food is so tasty.  Friday was spent baking and getting a room set up for a party room.  We also took a walk around the small village where we were staying.  This is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone else.  It was quite quaint.  Friday night we went to the nearest big city for dinner where I had fried chicken and french fries.  OMG!!!  So good.  That is only the second time in the five months I have been here that I have eaten anything remotely American.  Afterward we went home, watched some Austrian/German television (okay, American shows dubbed in German) and then off to bed.  

On Saturday we woke up, ate some breakfast and prepared for the day.  Carsten and I went back to the nearest big city to spend the day behaving like tourists.   We walked around the city centre, went to the Lentos art museum and walked up some hill to see an old church-like building.  Again, this will be more clear once I post some pictures.

Saturday night was the birthday party.  About 60 guests showed up and the party room looked fantastic.  The food was tasty and abundant as well as the beer and Jägermeister.  Thankfully I was able to pace myself, drink a lot of water and not have too much alcohol.  The party was a lot of fun.  I was able to talk some with a few women there, as well as Carsten and my friends who we came with.  It was a much different experience than the other party I had recently gone too.  Carsten and I left the party around 2:30 am and apparently the party went on until 4am.

Today was a long day for us.  We got up, couldn't really eat anything as we were still full from the night before.  Around 2pm we left for Munich.  We arrived there and hung out for about 30 minutes before leaving for Freiburg.  At 10:30pm tonight we finally made it home.  Like I said, a long day!  Now it is time to eat something and go to bed.  Again, I promise I will have some pictures on here soon.

No test for me tomorrow!!!!

For those of you who read this often, you know that every Thursday night I study for my test on Friday.  However, this week I don't have the test.  Why you are wondering?  Well, that is because Carsten and I are leaving this evening for a long weekend in Austria.  We are going to Linz.  I am hoping we take many pictures so that I can post them on here and share this experience with everyone.  So, until we return on Sunday evening, Auf Wiedersehen.

A better day

My class today was better than yesterday.  I seemed to understand more and was able to express myself verbally better than I have in the past.  I still use my hands a lot, but I do that anyway. The topic in class was how I spend my free time, which since I am not working one would think I have a lot of.  However, that does not seem to be the case, unless of course studying for at least three hours per day is free time :)  

I really dislike Wednesdays

It is Wednesday so I had the teacher I don't like as well.  I went into today with a positive attitude, told myself today would be different I just needed to believe it would be better.  What a bunch of psycho-babble, and I should know!  The class started out fine and then after the break I just couldn't understand a word she was saying.  Not one.  I asked her to repeat herself but still nothing.  So frustrating.  She eventually gave up on trying to explain it to me and I just stopped listening and worked from the workbook.  Maybe tomorrow will be better???

A tear came across my face

Not really, but it was close.  Tonight was the second to last episode of the train wreck of a show Paris Hilton's New BFF.  I still think I should have been on that show.  I mean, who would make a better friend for Paris than me?!?  Who else has bought all of her music?  No one, that's who!  Okay, i need to calm down...this won't get me anywhere.  Anyway, it is down to two people and net Tuesday i find out who she picked.  The one I have wanted all along is in the running, so if it can't be me maybe it can be her :)

On a roll

No, not a dinner roll, just another good day.  Though it would be nice if we could have some sun here or at least have the rain stop for a bit.  Seriously, I have rode my bike in the rain to school everyday since last week Wednesday.  As Donna summer says, Enough Is Enough.  I spent three hours on a homework assignment that was due today and when I finished reading it the teacher said, "Wow that was really good, but a bit too complicated.  Why don't you try to make things simple?"  If only I had known that beforehand.  Oh well, now I know!

I had planned to go running again today, but the wind is fierce, yeah I just typed that, and I don't think I could make it very far.  It was challenging enough riding my bike against the wind.  So, if it is sunny tomorrow I will run again.  Of course if I had a gym membership this wouldn't be an issue ;)

A great start to the week

Today has been a fantastic day.  I slept fairly well last night and was able to wake up this morning feel refreshed and ready for the week.  I studied for about 2 hours and then went to school.  On my way there it started to rain and then sleet.  Man did that hurt my face.  Of course it wouldn't be so bad if my skin wasn't so dang soft and sensitive.  I mean it's like porcelain, but enough about that.  I finally made it to school completely soaked.  My class was fantastic and while there the weather cleared up.  So, when I got home I changed and went for a run.  I love how running makes me feel.  I am glad I have found it again.  Anyway, now I am going to do more homework and then start making dinner.  

Scary stuff

Carsten sent me the following link and said he thought this was one of the funniest things he has seen.  I watched it and thought "wow, that is some scary stuff!"  I love horror movies but what in the world is this creature?!?

A pretty good day

Today has been a productive and pleasant day, with only one odd blip, but I will get to that momentarily.  My task for today was to do my taxes, which I am happy to say I completed.  I also did some cleaning and even went for a run.  Running outside is really fantastic, even when it is cold and windy, as it is here today.  I feel so rejuvenated, blah, blah, blah after a run.  However, during my run I encountered an older woman, and by older I am guessing 70 or beyond.  She was walking her dog in my direction as I was running and she politely moved to the side as I was approaching to ensure room for me, her and her dog.  However, as she was moving to the side her foot slid off the curb and she fell on her butt.  Stop laughing, she is elderly!  I freaked and asked if she was okay, though I used the informal way and not the formal way, but I panicked.  She laughed and said something in German and then got her self up and walked on.  I had put my hand out to help her up but she did not take it, maybe thinking I would just push her back down.  So, that is the blip; kind of odd but it could have been much worse.

Happy Birthday Craig

Today is the birthday of my dear friend Craig.  He is in sunny Phoenix while I am in cold, cloudy Germany.  I wish we could spend the day together.  Thinking of you and wishing you the best.  Much love!!!

Ugg this is frustrating!

The early part of today was spent cleaning.  I am loving our new vacuum cleaner, though let's face it, how doesn't love to vacuum :)  The afternoon and early evening Carsten and I spent looking at furniture. We only went to two stores and somehow that took up roughly 6 hours.  In the end we bought nothing.  I know, I am as surprised as you (note the sarcasm).  As usual, we found lots of things we like, are concerned about the cost of everything and realized that what we want to get for the bedroom doesn't really fit in terms of the space we have.  We also found items for our dining room and living room and we were quoted a cheaper price than we obtained from another store one month earlier for the same items.  So, perhaps next week we will get those.  Whatever we decide to get, it appears that the mean wait time is 8 weeks.  What that means to me is that it will be summer before I am sleeping in a proper bed and not just a mattress on the floor!

Sad news

I received an email from my father that my paternal grandmother is in the hospital and is not doing very well.  Please send positive thoughts her way, as she is a remarkable woman who has endured many hardships in her life and seems to always come out smiling.

Another German Film

Tonight Carsten and I watched another German movie.  It was made by the same people who made the movie I saw last Sunday, the spoof on Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.  This time the movie spoofed Westerns.  They really are funny, off-the-wall humor movies.  This one was called Der Shuh des Manitu.  I liked the other one I saw better, but this one was still quite entertaining.  

My best yet

Since it is Friday, that means I had a test in my German language class.  However, this week I scored higher than I ever have, with a 46/50!!!  I about got up on the table and danced, but I told myself that type of behavior was all in the past.  So instead I just smiled really big :)  Now, let the weekend begin!

A better day

Yesterday was not one of my better days.  In addition to feeling as though I was going through the day in a fog, I found myself to be irritable and things just weren't going as I would have liked.  I began to feel as though being here in Germany away from everyone was becoming too much and and that I should think about returning back to the States.  I also felt overwhelmed with the German language and wondered if in fact I could improve in this area.  Lastly, I feel quite unsettled in the apartment without a proper bed, anything to put our clothes in and using cardboard boxes as a coffee/eating room table.  Later in the evening I shared my concerns and frustrations with Carsten and this was his response.  Well, what did I expect, he is German after all :)

All that being said, or in this case typed, I feel much better today.  Life is still a bit foggy, but some of it has lifted.  My class went better today and although I continue to feel overwhelmed with the language, I have to accept that for now this is my life and I need to just make the most of it.  Gosh I hate being so mature and "grown-up" about things!!!

Ever have one of those days?

It feels to me that today either my brain cells are dead or they are misfiring, or both; I mean, why chose between the two.  I was completely lost in class today and it feels as though I am in a fog.  Even typing this now things just feel a bit off.  Carsten was ill yesterday so maybe his bug jumped ship and onto mine.  Whatever it is, I don't much care for it!!  Thankfully I have Hart-to-Hart to look forward to.

Sending out positive thoughts!

In recent weeks I have heard from a few friends and family members of the difficult times they are enduring.  Though I can't be with each of you in-person, know that I am always here to listen and provide support and encouragement.  I would be nowhere without my friends and family and I hope you all know how much you mean to me!!  Much love to you all :)

Could it be?

Am I looking old?  The teacher that I have on Mondays and Tuesdays asked me today if I was 46 years old?!?  When I said no, I was only 36 his face turned red and he apologized saying that he is 46 and that he thought we were the same age.  Um, 46...really, he thinks I look 46.  I think someone has cataracts, and it isn't me!  I still think he is  great teacher, but saying I look 46 is going to take me some time to get over :)  

Not sore :)

I woke up this morning without any pain from my workout yesterday.  This makes me quite happy because otherwise I fear my bike ride to school today would be quite painful.  However, I feel great and hope Carsten and I can agree on where to have a gym membership soon.  

Back from the gym

Carsten and I had looked at two gyms in the area last week Thursday and today we were able to try one of them out for free.  We were there for roughly two hours.  It felt great.  I used some machines for my arms, abs and legs, I ran on the treadmill for 4 miles, used the elliptical machine, rowing machine, did lots of sit-ups and then walked for 15 more minutes on the treadmill, before riding my bike back home.  I forgot just how much I enjoy working out.  However, I am scared of what tomorrow will bring.  My hope is that my legs won't be too bad since I ride my bike everyday.  Off to relax now before going to sleep.  

Great day at school

I had such a great day in class today.  I don't know if it was being around German speakers all weekend or what but today really felt good and natural in the class.  I also had the better one of my two teachers here in Freiburg, which helps as well.  I started my new "advanced" class today, so let's see how it progresses.  Whatever happens, the first day was a success!

Back in Freiburg

Carsten and I had a birthday party to attend in Stuttgart on last night.  As planned, we went to the party and spent the night there.  The party was different than anything I have ever been to in the US.  When I think of a birthday party I think of food to munch on, a variety of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), lots of people talking, music blaring in the background and maybe some dancing.  This was not that kind of party.  Let me set the scene.  It was 6 couples (12 people in total for those of you who need help with the math).  We sat in a circle in the living room and were informed when the main meal was ready.  We were told we could have only one of the main dish (which was a wrap of some sort).  For beverages we had our choice of juice, water and soda.  This was a DRY party!  Then for the next four hours or so the conversation felt more like group therapy, with one person talking at a time.  The entire night was in German, so I did not partake in the conversation, as I could only understand words and not whole sentences.  Needless to say I could not wait for bedtime, which occurred around 2am.  At 9am we were all awake and taking showers, etc before having breakfast together.  Oh, I should add that three of the couples spent the night.  So, Carsten and I shared a room with two other people, who were complete strangers to me.  It has been a long time since I slept in a room with a stranger...or two.  After breakfast everyone talked for a couple more hours and then we left for home.  My head hurt, not from drinking, clearly, but from thinking so much and trying to understand what everyone was saying.  In the end, not the most restful weekend.  However, tonight I watched a German film that was in the genre of Naked Gun.  Very funny.  It was called (T)raumschiff Surprise: Episode 1.  It spoofed Star Wars, Star Trek, Robin Hood and westerns.