In the World Today

First of all, another happy birthday to my wonderful, lovely mother who turned 50 yesterday! And she is pretty dang hot for 50! Go Mom! (there's hope for me....)

On an entirely different note and more in line with the title of today's blog, I read some of the weirdest stuff in the news this morning. Mary, Megan and Dad, you might find this link interesting (I sure did!): http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6213854.stm
It's about women in Iran and how the state just can't seem to get them to dress "appropriately" and force is no longer working, hence they are turning to their very own fashion shows. Pretty interesting. There is also an article in the BBC News about Iran trying to ban Barbie and other toys because they encourage Western culture and all that badness. However, I didn't realize Iran is the world's third largest importer of toys. Hmmm.

I also read about another crazy Austrian who locked his daughter in the basement for 24 years and the rest of what happened there that I won't repeat in case anyone is thinking of eating soon.

Or that Fundamentalist LDS group in Texas that made their young girls marry way older men and have babies? Seriously folks, what the heck? Talk about some sick news today! Ewwww.

I just felt the need to share that will you all.

Spring!

It finally is feeling a bit like spring in this northern country! We've had 3.5 days of sunshine this week, a true record! And it's been in the 50s and even hit the 60s a time or two. Cause for celebration! And being outdoors.

I've been riding my bike to Uni when it's not rainy, three times this week! And this morning Emma and I checked out a local swimming pool (indoors) and swam for over an hour, then biked a bit. Megan, I think I need swim lessons so I don't look funny in the pool! ; )

Things are going quite well, classes are good and I'm really looking forward to all my May travels. I've also ordered books for my thesis, sadly they are being shipped home to Lenexa, then Monica Jo will send them my way. It's about time I got started on that!

That's the update! It's Dad's turn....

Trips

I actually got all of my money back from Angelina tonight, which was a huge surprise to me! That woman never ceases to surprise me! I am, however, quite excited to have the money, since I just spent it on tickets to Madrid, Brussels, and Portugal! I am doing all of that traveling in May. We have a week free from Uni and I think I already mentioned I would be doing the voluntary work holiday for Vaughn Town in Spain. I am going a day early to see my friend Cristina and a bit of Madrid.

Then the second to last weekend in May I'll head off to Brussels to see Alison. I thought she meant to come that weekend, and we got our wires crossed b/c she meant the weekend after, and she has a Uni ball that night! Oops! I already bought the ticket, so either I'll be going with or doing my own thing. Either way, I'll be in Brussels.

The weekend after that, the end of May/beginning of June I'll fly out to Portugal to see Rita, who I haven't seen since she left Ktown during the World Cup. It will be great to see her and some of her lovely country!

So two new countries in two weeks, very nice.

In other news I've dropped the one class and am taking another just for participation, which means my work load is back down from six classes to four. Whew! And I already have one presentation down and I think two classes I can avoid it, but the other one will be in June once I'm back from traveling. But that's plenty of time to prepare.

It was actually warm today, getting up to a balmy 57 F with lots of wind, but honest to goodness sunshine! Kathi and I ran some errands and I got some Italian ice cream (gelato....mmmmmm!).

Emma and Chris are in Budapest. I can't wait to see their pics!

I am still loving the new apartment and roomies and all is well.

Market Day

Jens and I went to the market near our house this morning and met some of his friends there. I love all the bread, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegies. The flowers are also beautiful and smell great. And there are specialities from other countries, like the French one where they sell the meat with feet and heads still attached, and the creamy meat. Or the Greek and Turkish specialities where the cheese and creams are sooooo delicious! I've put a few pics up. It doesn't quite do the scene justice, but it's the best I can do from here!

After Work Party

Kati, my new roommate (blond hair) took me out with her and her friends, Katharina and Kristina last night. We went to a place that has an "after work" party. It was a lot of fun! We just danced and talked. It was a nice way to end a day full of learning.

Kati and I also went to IKEA the other day and got some furniture. I got a table and chair, so now I'm sitting at a proper desk and it's waaaaaay better!

This weekend I have lots of studying to do. Fun stuff. : )

Moved!

102 steps. Oh yeah.



To our kitchen. And the skylight above!



My room in a choatic and messy state. It looks better now and will only improve!



Our bathroom.



Our toilet.




Our hallway. Our floors are REALLY squeaky. Amazingly so.






Outside of my building.


Entrance to my apartment building.



Chuck dancing and stirring with love as we made brownies.

Sailboats on the Alster!

View of the inner Alster from the Michel.

Me on top of the Michel.

Low tide.

Chuck, Chris and Eric at Salsalitos.

Nayeon, Hayeon, and I at Salsalitos!

Chuck and I Top Gunning it near the Alster.

Hear no evil....

I am all moved in, yet not entirely unpacked. The move was quick and I had net at first and then not the rest of the weekend, so that's why no postings. Plus, Chuck got here Saturday at noon, so I got up early and bought plastic tubs for my clothes, a trash can, and other small necessities. I still have no table, and I've been to several stores. Hmmm. It's on my list.

My roommates are great! They are really nice, and Kati offered to take me to airport to get Chuck and then the next day Jens took Chuck and I around town to sight see. I even saw stuff I hadn't seen before, like walking all the way up the Michel (church) and getting a great view from there, going down underneath the river in the Elbe Tunnel, and drinking (excuse the language) "catshit coffee" from an amazing coffee shop. All sorts of fun and learning!

Chuck took off this morning, to Magdeburg, then Venice, and then back to the north of France. Sounds like fun!

School is getting really busy and I have 6 classes and need to drop 2. I also volunteered for a presentation this week and I'm still working on the readings! Ahhhh.

I need sleep since we were up late this weekend. We met some friends and went out to some bars and showed Chuck the Reeperbahn, and ended up back home after 3 a.m., which for me is really late!

That is my update. I'm happy in my new place, had an awesome and hilarious weekend with Chuck, and am diving right back into Uni work. Whew.

Oh! I almost forgot the adventure of yesterday! Chuck and I got off the bus, then I realized I had left my purse on the seat! I never do things like that. We chased after the bus but couldn't catch it, so we stopped an elderly couple and in crap and scared German I asked to borrow their cell for a taxi and explained. They called a cab, and Chuck and I followed the bus, but it had already passed the end station. I went to where they started the line again, and I had such luck because the same bus was there and he had my purse! It was really scary and then really good to see my purse with my money, cards, phone, glasses and life in it. At least Chuck had his man bag. : )

Made It!

The move went really well, lots of friends and cars and it was quick. Angelina didn't freak out in front of everyone, thank goodness, and even said I could have my deposit back. I will believe it when I see it, however.

There are 102 steps up to my apartment. I'll say that again, in case you missed it, 102 steps up to my apartment. No elevator. So we hauled everthing up those stairs. Just walking up them is exercise. I'm excited. : )

My roommates are wonderfully nice!

Now I have to run errands because I have nowhere to unpack my clothes. All I have is a bed and lamps and a small bookshelf. And Chuck is coming in just a few hours. So it's time to get busy!

Yay!

Mary, I'm glad you are still sending letters! I have to admit, I've gotten quite used to them, and I look forward to them. I take turns taping them up in my room for a few months and then rotating in the new ones. Should I admit that online? lol. ; )

It is almost move time and I can't wait. As Megan would say, "patience little grasshopper, patience".

I'll let you all know once it's done and if things go smoothly with my soon to be former roomie. I really hope she doesn't make a scene or do anything scary.

: )

No Mail

Mary, thanks for your card! I was sad to read it was the last of a series! I love getting your cards!

I had to change my address today and it will take a week for them to do it, so please no mail for one week. And they also charged me 15 Euros to do it! Yikes!

I am packing today and moving out tonight. I can't wait!

I also have quite the group of volunteers. I was really surprised so many people wanted to help. I am really, really grateful to all of them.

: D

Relief

I found a great place tonight with great people. That was fast. I'm amazed and so incredibly relieved! Yay! Happy dance!

: D

Ohhhhhhh what a day

So today I got massively yelled at by my roommate and accused of things I did not do (i.e. breaking washing machine). It was a really horrible experience and after last week as well (where I wanted to move out), I finally just told her this isn't working. She obviously doesn't want me here, saying I was the rudest and most inconsiderate roommate ever (even though I bend over backwards to be nice) and that she can't believe how terrible I've been. I was so shocked. I think it's time I moved out. When she stopped yelling and let me get a word in, I said I would try to find a place as soon as I can. Not that easy, but I'll figure it out. I've not been treated so badly in my own home since Kathy, and no one should live like that.

Then, today, she texts me and says she paid the bills so we will get phone and net again (after not paying 4 months) and that she's ordered a washing machine. But no apology or anything. Does that mean she wants me to stay?

Either way I am definitely not happy staying here. I hope I find a place soon!

On the good side of things, I got accepted into this volunteer program for native English speakers and I'm planning to spend a week in Spain next month speaking English with Spaniards at a resort where I'll be staying for free. I hope it works out because it sounds amazing!

Refund...Finally

Yesterday I went back to Emma's to use her landline, and after a few calls and frustration, I was finally assured that I was getting a refund on the outgoing flight that I could not take. However, they didn't know how much, and it will take 8-12 weeks. But I think that is the best it's going to get, so I am happy with it.

I woke up a little before six this morning (yes, I realize it's Saturday) and the sky was that pre-dawn light and I heard so many birds chirping! I decided to get up and go for a walk/jog. I didn't do much of that at home, so I am trying to get some miles in again. I'm glad I went early because it's been raining ever since!

Tonight Emma and Chris are having me and our Korean friends over for cocktails. We are going to try to make our own since Chris and Emma have this stash of alchohol that they never use. It's cheaper than going out, as well.

Yay! : )

Guest Student

The two seminars I attended today were quite good. The first one has very interesting topics, Globalization and Development Politics, but the prof was a little boring. However, he seemed to be a very nice man. The second one was actually in ENGLISH and was really full, but he said all of us could stay, and it was great to have people from different backgrounds (me and the ERASMUS students).

I also found out why I can't register for classes. I visited the STiNE office today, again, and the person helping me looked up my info and said, "Oh! You're a Guest Student! That's why you can't use the system." Aparently though, I am special and any prof should just let me be added to their class after I give them my matriculation number. Sure wish I had known that earlier! Now I feel like I have a super power! Bwa ha ha! Ok, maybe not, but I felt some kind of special.

Mel and I walked around the Alster tonight and didn't even realize it had gotten so late, 8 pm, because it was still light out!

Megan and her family and crew are doing a marathon in Sacramento instead of the Nike one since no one really got in. It sounds like fun, so I will have to see what Dad says. But, if he'd rather wait and do a different run in SF, that's no prob, b/c there are lots of 5 and 10k's.

I can't believe I haven't even been back a week because it feels like so much longer!

Better

The airline called me today and said they would rebook my return flight. They even said they would give me a partial refund, I just had to call the people I bought it from. So I called, and they said no, they couldn't help me without an approval code. So I contacted BMI again who said, what approval code? So maybe I won't get the refund, but at least I have a flight home again, one that was already paid for! Whew! Big relief.

I also attended two classes this morning, but I don't think I'll keep either. The professors were especially horrible.

Another day or rain kept me off the bike, but I met up with Emma and we tried to think of something she could get for Chris for his birthday, which is tomorrow. He'll be a whole 25 years old! hee hee.

Tomorrow is another day or early classes to see if I like them. One is even in...can you guess...English!!! That ought to be interesting!

Right now I'm listening to lovely church bells and enjoying some yummy vegie soup.

Miss you guys!!!

Where's my umbrella?

Today it is raining all over me and I can't seem to find an umbrella. Angelina said she will not be paying the phone/net bill, and we will not be getting either again. So I'm out both of those for the next 3.5 months. I wonder what will go next, our electricity? Maybe they will turn the water off?

I also didn't get selected to partake in the San Francisco half-marathon.

And the icing on the cake? BMI refuses to honor my ticket home and has told me in very poor English to buy another ticket. I hope they can sleep at night knowing they cheat students. @$$holes. (sorry for the harsh language!) I am headed over to Emma's after class tomorrow to see if we can't come up with some solution.

On the bright side. The weather was nice today (until I got caught in the rain), but the rain smelled like spring rain, all dirt-scented and fresh. (ok, that sounds corny, but it's true!). And I still have my health and great family and friends. So that is the positive side to my sucky sucky day.

Hope everyone else is having a better day than I've had!

Argh

I got a letter in the mail from our internet and phone provider and I opened it because I thought there would be a telephone number I could call. However, that was unnecessary, as it stated that Angelina has not paid for either service since December of last year, therefore they have cut us off. Now, I am very displeased with this, as I need to work online and would like to stop using other people's and use the one I am PAYING her for. I left her a phone message and hope she returns it. This is absolutely irresponsible and ridiculous. She had plenty of rent money from me to pay for the phone/net bill. Who does stuff like that? I mean, seriously! Argh.

SUN!!!

As I still can't sleep well, I was awake at 6 and noticed the sky was lightening up. So now it's light by about 6:30 to 8:30. Oh yeah! And this morning I am seeing something for the first time, light coming in through my windows and shining on my wall. I am VERY excited.

Today is the first day of classes. I am doing that crazy thing again where I go to about three times as many classes as I will end up with, to pick and choose.

I also didn't realize I was supposed to use this online system that I've not been able to use so far, in order to pay semester fees and get my student ticket for using transportation. That means I have no ticket and had to buy an extra week one yesterday, but at least I figured out how to pay the Uni. I am hoping to get it all cleared up today, if I can figure out how to get someone to help me so I can sign in to the STiNE system. Goodness gracious. Yesterday was a bit crazy as I ran around trying to get everything done. I got to the bank at just two minutes to four, and after I walked in they locked the door, but let me transfer my money. Thank goodness, b/c it was the last day I could do it and I didn't even know!

I'm also thinking of taking my bike to Uni, but it's below freezing out. Hmmmm. Wet hair, bike, wind and below freezing. Do I dare?

Our phone and net are still not working, and I hope that when Angelina gets home next week she can fix those things. I would do it myself, except I have no idea.

Ok, I need to run. Time for school! Boy howdy. : )