Germany or USA?

A friend on facebook just asked if after 10 years or so, I haven't gotten over the 'Everything is better in Germany' stage. Good question. I don't think so, but it just gave me an idea for a post. So, for everyone's personal enjoyment, I thought I'd make a list of "stuff" and then declare a winner for each category. Mainly, I'll state whether I think Germany or the US is doing better in that area. For the sensitive readers, please note that this is supposed to be nothing but my own opinion and not gospel truth, nor is everything necessarily 100 percent serious. Ok? So, in no particular order:

1. Drivers: GERMANY - clearly!
2. Food (overall): Germany
3. Men: USA
4. Women: Germany
5. Sports (soccer and horseback riding excluded): USA
6. Soccer and horseback riding: Germany
7. The great outdoors: USA
8. Pedestrian/bike paths: Germany
9. Roads: Germany
10. Being Green (environmental awareness): Germany
11. Overall healthiness: Germany
12. Health care services: Germany
13. Public education: Germany
14. College education: USA
15. Voting: Germany
16. Civic involvement: USA
17. Customer Service: USA
18. Affordability (of almost anything): USA
19. Quality (of pretty much anything): Germany
20. Language ability: Germany
21. Critical thinking: Germany
22. Friendliness/Politeness: USA
23. Honesty: Germany
24. Racism (as in not being racist): USA
25. General World Knowledge: Germany
26. Public bathrooms: Germany
27. Public smoking: USA
28. Family services (companies): USA
29. Family services (government): Germany
30. Diversity: USA
31. Architecture: GERMANY!!!
32. Progressiveness (household appliances only): Germany
33. Glamor: USA
34. Natural Beauty: Germany :)
35. Violence: USA - meaning the USA has more overall violent crimes!
36. Marriage: USA
37. Religion: USA
38. Friends: USA - since most of my friends are either American or from other European countries...but those few German friends are definitely precious :)
39. Movies: USA
40. Music: USA
41. History (general): Germany
42. History (political): both lose
43. Debt (handling it wisely): Germany
44. Sense of Responsibility: Germany
45. Sense of Community: Germany
46. Sense of Individual Rights: USA
47. Safety: Germany
48. Christmas: Germany
49. Chocolate: Germany
50. Science: USA
51. Church (Mormon Church): Germany
52. Showers: Germany
53. Renting: USA
54. Interior Design: Germany
55. Swimwear: USA
56. Public Transportation: Germany
57. Recycling: Germany
58. Airport Security: Germany
59. Military Force: USA
60. Better Looking Presidents/Chancellors: USA
61. Natural Disaster Risks: Germany (as in it has very few if any risks for natural disasters such as tornados, earthquakes etc.)
62. City Development: Germany
63. Access to Government (as in finding the buildings, resources etc.): Germany
64. Choice: USA
65. Volunteerism: USA
66. Pre-school: Germany
67. Taxes: USA
68. Free Stuff: USA
69. Manners: Germany
70. Tolerance: USA
71. Land size: USA (Henry's suggestion)
72. Opening Hours: USA (mostly - I do prefer that almost everything is closed in Germany on Sundays)
73. Shopping: USA (I hate malls, but I think overall there are more stores here and better prices, and hello - OUTLET malls!!!)
74. Eating Out: USA (Germany wins for me only in the area of quality, USA has more free food, diversity, availability and affordability in this area, though the usual lack of quality makes me almost want to give this one to Germany...)
75. Vacation: Germany

Any categories you'd like me to rate? Anyway, I think I counted 39 out of 70 things going in favor of Germany. So, I guess I just established my bias. But no one can accuse me of not seeing ANYTHING good about the USA. I do. I just see more in Germany. Hahaha...

Happy Birthday

So, here is the first round of pictures from Germany. I took some while we celebrated my brother's birthday. I've been trying to get better close-up shots. Or, just better shots in general. I don't know how I did. But, at least I took pictures for a change. Usually, I bring my camera, and then forget to take pictures.

Birthday Magic

My brother

My brother's wife Mariella

My other brother's wife Quinn (with the bigger and better camera)

Opa (my dad) and Jeffrey (my nephew)

Tori (my niece)

my mom

my sister

Sophia and Amelie - poor Amelie was so sick she could barely open her eyes

Amelie

Amelie with her mom (my sister)

Amelie's Papa

my sister

A Post A Post!

I really haven't gotten to post much these days. Which is ok. There's been plenty to do with traveling, unpacking, seeing friends, sleeping, talking, thinking, thinking some more, reading, helping out family etc. You know how it goes. But, now that I downloaded my pictures from Germany, and that my brain is racking up more and more thoughts on this and that, it is time to unload a bit, and get a post out. But, since it is late, we will start off with something short.

Something else I don't like about Germany, though, admittedly it is nothing German. Just unpleasant. Rope burn. I don't recommend it. When I was out running, I met my dad who was walking my brother's excited young puppy. She was so excited that she had to run around me, and her leash burned right into my calfs. I now realize why it is referred to as a 'burn' - because it does burn! And just so you can completely sympathize here are some pictures (cropped of course to display as little as possible of my nasty legs). Don't you love that I post nasty pictures like this? Oh, and do not be deceived. These aren't little scratches. They went all around the back of my leg. Yup.

Pssssttt, I have a secret for you!

Now that we are amongst ourselves, in the private privacy of this oh so private blog, we can share all our dark little secrets. Ok. I guess, it will be just me with the dark secrets. I know I have at least one lots of you have been dying to hear. Here it is: Germany is not...perfect. I will admit it, right now, right here. I know I had some of you almost convinced that Germany will be the New Jerusalem, or that it may just be Kolob, or wherever it is that God dwells. But, it is not so. Really. And, I will indulge you today, and give you at least one example that shows its imperfection.

Since I have been back in Germany, I have had to quickly remember some of the few things I easily forget being in the States so much, like always having cash on you, or that you can not just pay at any time, anywhere with credit cards. Most people here use something that more or less functions like a debit card, and so I successfully remembered, for example, to bring my German debit card to the grocery store, and not a credit card. But, despite thinking that I still got down the survival skills of a true German, a rude awakening was just around the corner.

Last week, I had purchased a little stool that I intended to bring with me to the US. The next day, I changed my mind, and planned to return it. Being the fully aware German, and knowing that returns don`t work like in the US, I had my prestine untouched item with me along with my receipt (which you always need). I walked into the store, which in size and style, was similar to an IKEA. That was my first mistake. When I walked into the entrance, I realized that I had to walk through the whole zigzag of the store, with Sophia in one arm, and a big package in the other. I figured it would be more effective to go in at the exit where the service desk was. Ha! When I turned around to walk out the entrance, I had to find out that this was not an option. Ah. Now I know how the Germany economy has managed to become strong over the decades - just trap people in your store and you´re bound to make some profits. Oh well. On I trudged as the stoic German that I am. When I got to the service desk (or rather check out also functioning as a service desk), I was once again reminded that I am NOT in the US. Not only was there a line, but the other store workers working close by did not rush to the rescue of the waiting customers, but continued on with their important duties (likely devising more plans of how to trap customers and get their money). Hmphh...

Well, I waited my turn, and when I was next, I happily handed over my package and receipt. The cashier looked at it for a second, then said, "Oh, you got this from the ware house?". Yes. I did. Because, when I wanted to grab the packages placed behind the model furniture, they were all out, and instead of getting me one from the ware house, I had to drive around the building and pick it up myself. Why does this matter? Because, if that is where you got it, then you have to bring it back there. Right. The cashier seriously tried to tell me that they could not take back the item in the front, and put it back where it belonged themselves. Noooooo. I had to leave, go to the back of the building, return my silly package, and then - this is the best part - come back to the cashier to get my money. At that point I was fuming, telling them how this was stone age style customer service. But, as I just mentioned, Germans are stoic, and the cashier didn´t even blink at my outbursts. So, grumbling I went over to the ware house, just do wait again, then wait for a detailed, hand-written note describing what I returned, how much of it, the color, size and what not. This is important to mention. German customer service may appear crappy, but we will still be thorough in our crappiness. When I finally got my receipt that I returned my item to the ware house, I came back to the cashier, excited to receive my money.

Nope. When I handed her my receipts all over again, she looked over them, and then DARED to tell me that she could only give me an in-store credit. Excuse me? I guess stone age was a little too modern a description for what I was encountering here. So, I gave her a piece of my mind, to which again the cashier responded with calm ignorance. However, she did pick up her phone to make a little call. And magically after that call she was able to give me my money back. Thanks.

At least, now I know how Germany´s economy has become so strong. Step 1. Trap the customer. Step 2 When trapped customer has made a purchase, make sure that return process is close to impossible. Result: steady profits.

Really, customer service in Germany is nothing but shameful. To add one more anecode, after this debacle with my return, I went to IKEA a day later. When I was about to pay, I asked if it is at all possible to pay half cash and half with my debit card. I asked because I assumed we are still in the pre-stone age days in the stores here, and this was probably not even something heard of. I sure felt great when the lady gave me a funky look and said 'of course, who doesn't do that?'. Yeah, who doesn't. I don't know.


P.S. On a serious note, I should say that there are more things that bother me here, like how hard it is to find products without added sugar in a normal grocery store. But, as it goes, there are so many things I enjoy and love, that it is still a rare instance that I am silently wishing to be back in the US. With that return instance though, I was ready to blow up the store, and head back to America instantly. Thank you America for making customers feel like kings - even if you hate them behind their backs. :)

History

Twenty years ago today, Germany made history - this time in a good way. It was the day that the Berlin Wall came down, and Germans from the East were finally able to walk past a line that previously may have cost them their lives if they attempted to cross it. As a German, I feel that this is a special day to remember, and it's a moment of history I'm very grateful for. My memories are a little weak of that day, since I was only 12 years old. But, I remember watching on TV how exciting everyone was when the wall came down, and people from the East could just cross over to the West. There were tears, there was excitement, there was happiness, and cheers, and I think a good portion of 'I can't believe this is really happening' on peoples faces. What an amazing day. I faintly remember how shortly before the wall fell, there was a surge in Eastern Germans trying to get out of East Germany, even if it cost them their lives. There was such a strong desire for freedom that people were willing to do whatever it took.

To me this is a great example of what can happen when a people are united in what they want, and are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to change things. I don't think Berlin Wall just came down due to mere politics (or Ronald Reagan for that matter). There was a change in the hearts of the people of East Germany, and when they took action, a weakened political system could no longer hold them down. This is also why I don't think that we can or ought to force 'freedom' on anyone. It doesn't work. It has to come as a result of people wanting it badly enough. Otherwise, a true change cannot be made.

Anyway, I don't think I'm able to write anything that does this day justice. I'm just grateful for the changes that took place in my home country that day. Those changes also came with a price. Rebuilding the East has been a costly endeavor for Germany. There have been hard times economically, and hardships for people in the East who had to adjust to a whole new life style. Yet, I'm glad for every penny this has cost us, and for every hardship that came with this change. Because not having that wall separating a nation is what everyone wanted, what everyone was willing to make sacrifices for, and what I think has made us a better, stronger people. At the end of the day, we were and are all Germans, and there is no place for any division. To me, it was and is worth all the sacrifices.

I think anyone who claims to be my friend, ought to read the news today and read a little more about this special day in my country's history. (If you don't read anything it's ok, too and you can still be my friend). Here are some links for your convenience:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/world/europe/10germany.html?_r=1&ref=global-home

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/world/europe/09berlin.html?ref=global-home

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/09/world/europe/09iht-reunif.html?ref=europe

Patriotismus, Militarismus und schlechte Autofahrer

Hier ist er nun - der langerwartete (seit ein paar Tagen) erste deutsche Blogeintrag. Heute hatten wir im Gottesdienst schon unsere ersten patriotischen Lieder gesungen, und alle Ansprachen waren ueber patriotische Themen (The Cost of Freedom, How to retain our Legacy und an das erste Thema kann ich mich nicht mehr erinnern, war aber auch patriotisch). Fuer mich ist der ganze patriotische Kram eher schwer zu handhaben, und so fiel mir nach dem Gottesdienst ein, dass ich ja schon vor ein paar Tagen ueber dieses Thema schreiben wollte. Und nun nehm ich mir mal schnell die Zeit, dazu ein paar Sachen zu sagen.

Vor 2 Wochen waren wir bei Henry's Eltern in Virginia zu Besuch, und hatten dabei die Gelegenheit ein "Reenactment" ueber eine Rede von einem wichtigen Revolutionskaempfer (Patrick Henry) anzuschauen. Dieses 'Reenactment' (keine Ahnung wie wir das auf Deutsch nennen) war wirklich interessant. Was nicht so interessant war, war der ganze patriotische Kram bevor die Show losging. Erstmal wurden lauter Militaerlieder auf der Orgel gespielt zu denen alle mitsingen durften, und es auch taten. Dann kam "God Bless America" und die Nationalhymne, und wir sollten fuer beide Lieder aufstehen. Habe ich natuerlich nicht gemacht, und mich lediglich fuer die Nationalhymne erhoben. Inzwischen lebe ich nun schon fast 8 Jahre in den USA, und Patriotismus wie man ihn hier findet ist immer noch schwer fuer mich zu verdauen. Inzwischen habe ich ja schon Spass an gewissen Sachen. Ich finde es voellig ok, und mach es auch gern, an Aktivitaeten und Feierlichkeiten fuer den 4. Juli teilzunehmen. Das finde ich alles angebracht. Was ich nicht angebracht finde, und auch gar nicht verstehen kann, ist all der Patriotismus in der Kirche. Soweit ich alles richtig verstanden habe, sollte Jesus Christus der Mittelpunkt des Gottesdienstes sein. Da sind manche Priestertumsfuehrer sogar so rigeros, dass zum Beispiel manche Lieder, die sich zwar um Christus drehen aber nicht aus dem Gesangbuch sind, im Gottesdienst nicht gesungen werden duerfen. Aber niemand scheint ein Problem zu haben, wenn wir 3 Ansprachen haben, die Christus kaum oder gar nicht erwaehnen, und wir Lieder singen, die eigentlich auch nichts direkt mit dem Evangelium oder Christus zu tun haben. Das stoert mich echt. Und wieso gibt es ueberhaupt nur patriotische Lieder im Englischsprachigen Gesangbuch. Wenn Patriotismus so wichtig ist, sollten dann nicht alle Laender patriotische Lieder in ihren Gesangsbuechern haben? Also, ich kann das einfach alles nicht ab, und es geht mir immer total auf die Nerven, dass das so gehandhabt wird. Und dann kommt dazu natuerlich noch der Inhalt von den Ansprachen oder Gebeten etc.

Damit waeren wir dann beim Militarismus. Bin ich die einzige, die das Gefuehl hat, dass das Militar in diesem Land verherrlicht wird? Ich finde das problematisch und beaengstigent. Natuerlich verstehe ich, dass das was Soldaten im Krieg leisten und ertragen, gravierend und schwer ist, vielleicht gradezu traumatisch. Aber weil ich das verstehe, verstehe ich nicht was daran so glamouroes ist. Es ist traurig, das junge Leute so etwas erleben muessen, und oft wenn es vielleicht nicht mal noetig ist. Es ist noch grausamer, dass sie wo kaempfen, und das Leben eines anderen Landes dramatisch veraendern und beinflussen, und niemand das ueberhaupt mal erwaehnt. Ich hoere staendig Gebete in der Kirche fuer 'unsere Soldaten'. Ich habe noch niemanden gehoert, der auch mal fuer die andere Seite gebetet hat. Da sind Menschen, deren ganzes Land zerstoert wird, die Familienmitgliedern verlieren, und die fuer Jahrzehnte die Konsequenzen des Kriegs spueren werden, mehr als irgendeiner der amerikanischen Soldaten, und trotz allem scheint niemand es fuer noetig zu halten, mal fuer diese Menschen zu beten. Nope, statt dessen denken wir an unsere Soldaten, und das Gott Amerika segnen soll. Der Rest der Welt ist egal - wir wissen ja eh nicht wo das ist, oder was da genau los ist. Mir stehen da echt immer die Haare zu Berge. Mir stehen auch die Haare zu Berge, wenn ich sehe mit was fuer Begeisterung die Leute diese Militaerlieder sangen bei diesem Reenactment. Ist es etwa schoen ein Soldat zu sein und in den Krieg zu ziehen? Kann ja sein, dass ich das echt alles falsch verstehe, und es eigentlich echt Spass macht. Aber wenn es Spass macht, dann muessen mir die Soldaten ja auch nicht leid tun, oder?

Naja, ich habe noch mehr Gedanken zu dem Thema. Aber ich will mich jetzt erstmal auf's Ohr hauen. Zum Thema 'Schlechte Autofahrer' habe ich nur eine Sache zu sagen. Es mag ja sein, dass ich in vielen Dinge in Bezug auf die USA die Dinge nicht wirklich objektiv sehe. Und sicher urteile ich nicht fair in vielen Sachen, wo ich meine das sie in Deutschland besser sind. Aber von einer Sache bin ich ueberzeugt: Amerikaner koenne nicht vernuenftig autofahren. Ich krieg wirklich staendig die Krise. Die Leute passen nicht auf, benutzen ihre Blinker nicht, lassen keine vernuenftigen Abstaenden, wissen nicht wie man einfaedelt, in schlechtem Wetter faehrt, auf die Autobahn rauf/runter faehrt, sie traeumen vor sich hin und blocken Spuren, etc. etc. etc. Es ist furchtbar. Ich dachte eine zeitlang das es nur in Utah so ist. Aber inzwischen bin ich in mehr als 30 US-Bundesstaaten gefahren...mit dem gleichen Ergebnis. Die Leute koennen hier einfach nicht vernuenftig fahren, und ich bin mir 100 Prozent sicher, dass wir in Deutschland besser fahren. Eigentlich wollte ich mich auch noch ausfuehrlich ueber die Polizei hier mit ihren Speedingtickets beschweren, aber das muss auch warten.

Auf Deutsch

Be forewarned. I have decided to start posting in German occasionally. Mainly, I'll be writing in German when I address issues that bother me because I'm German (but I'm also hoping to prevent losing my last few memories of written German) :) I created this blog foremost to have a place where I can write about whatever I want, and to just be me, but I know 'me' in all my German-ness sometimes isn't easy to digest for some (usually those of a less German nature). Since I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, or want to put people off from reading my blog, I figured I'll just write in German about those things that most non-Germans (or should I say non-Europeans?) probably don't want to read anyway. Of course, I realize there are some who will still understand what I write. Well, just be aware that you may not like what you're reading. I hope that this way I can still be myself and talk and write about whatever I want, while not trampeling over peoples feelings too much.
By the way, if you're dying to know what I'm writing about and it keeps you up at night, feel free to ask me. I may even include a quick painless summary of my German post to satisfy general curiosity. We'll see.

Interesting Fact of Freedom

So, in preparations to have an educated discussion on vaccinations I've been reading away diligently. One thing I stumbled upon that startled me regarding the 'land of the free' was that vaccinations are actually mandatory. You can be denied school access, day care access, and be denied all kinds of governmental benefits if you're not vaccinated. Hmmmm, I thought. Then I wondered about Germany having mandatory vaccinations. And what do you know...they don't. Interesting, no?

7 Years

• It has taken me 7 years in this country to discover that there IS 'normal' tuna. I've never been a fan of the mushy, funky canned tuna, but thought that's all there is. It wasn't until the other day that I gave those funny 'solid and white Albacore' cans a closer look, to realize they were ALSO tuna - the 'normal' kind, for twice the price. Nice! Who knows what I'll discover next. Maybe Velveeta turns out to be 'real' cheese...
• Sophia seems to be getting better now. She ended up having an ear infection, and since she's been on the antibiotic a few days, she's started to sleep better again, and last night she finally ate some solids again as well - which is good since I think the antibiotic is giving her a bit of a diarrhea. Maybe I'll start sleeping better again soon too. Last night (and tonight) I was just wide awake in the middle of the night. Great...
  
• I got two pairs of cool, new glasses and a 6-months supply of contact lenses - all for only $300 because Henry is an Optometry student. Ahhhh, I love bargains - and my new glasses.
• The other day, or week or something, when the swine flu(ke) broke out, I had a little conversation with a friend (Thanks Reni) about vaccines. Since then I've had a new interest in the whole 'vaccine' topic and got myself a few books on the issue. I think I now see far more eye to eye with my friend now. So, be ready for a vaccine discussion soon! :) You gotta love all those controversial topics.
• There are 4 things I love about Germany : healthier foods being more easily available and affordable, alternative medicine not being as despised, more of an attempt to be green and conserve, and an overall more global mind-set. I was getting all sad the other day because I'd really like to be able to go for nice walks with Sophia in the stroller, maybe to the store or something, or to go on nice bike rides with her in a trailer. But alas, there's nowhere to walk here, and I'd not dare for a second to ride a bike here with Sophia in the back. I thought Utah was bad for biking and walking, but I have to say in comparison to Ohio, Utah is a biking/walking heaven. But really the best would be continuous sidewalks and bike paths - or at least a decent shoulder like in Utah. This article didn't help me not miss home a little (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/12/science/earth/12suburb.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=Vauban&st=cse )
  
• I've been losing some weight. Yeah!
  

Nightmares

Last night I was feeding Sophia, and thought I heard a 'questionable' sound in the kitchen. I got really scared, walked over into our bedroom with Sophia, while turning on the lights. Henry kept sleeping though. I finally got up the courage to go check up front, and found the kitchen window open (even though I had asked Henry to close it) and the balcony door unlocked. No one was there, but I got so freaked out. In the last couple of days I've been a little scared at night while laying in bed, thinking of people breaking into our little home etc. I really feel quite unsafe here at times (sorry, I'm not trying to bash the US)...I saw this picture of Germany on my computer, and just longed for home. I longed for the feeling of safety I usually felt there. I long for not worrying about crazy ghetto people, and people with guns. I long to not be afraid to have my windows open at night. I long for a more communal life style where you know your neighbors, and you go for a walk, and kids ride their bikes to school. I long for feeling safe.

Easter Oxymoron

Here is one other thing I don't get. I live in, without question, the most religious industrialized country. And not only is it a religious country, I dare say, most people are Christian. And here is my oxymoron...even though it's so religious, I always surprises me how Easter is barely a holiday here. I would say the holiday is just as "big" as Martin Luther King Day, Valentine's Day, etc. and smaller than Fourth of July, Memorial Day or Thanksgiving. That weirds me out, since I think Easter, along with Christmas are the most important religious Holidays ever. And Europe seems to feel similar. Usually Good Friday and Easter are days off of work. There are many festivities, many traditions and also many do's and don'ts. For example, on Good Friday, Discos are closed out of respect for this day and what happened this day. So, with all that goes on for Easter in Europe, I'm always amazed at how little Easter is celebrated over here. So, that's my Easter Oxymoron.

But, luckily, I don't have to go with the crowd. I love Easter. It's my favorite Holiday, and I'll try hard to make it special each year. I'll just have to figure out what I want to do for Good Friday. Any suggestions?

Traveling

Henry finally made it to Germany on late Friday afternoon (with some delays, flying over Ireland and not getting his luggage till Saturday night), and we immediately took of to Switzerland to see my sister Meike. We enjoyed being out there, seeing the beautiful scenery, and trying all the good food (like cheese fondue and tons of chocolate). It was fabulous to be surrounded by the Alps wherever we seemed to turn. On Monday, we took off to return to Germany, driving to my brother's house. On the way, we stopped to see the famous Neu Schwanstein castle right on the German/Austrian border. Once again we enjoyed incredible views, and driving fast on the Autobahn. So fun. Now we are enjoying seeing more family and relaxing. Sophia is happy to have both her parents with her again, I think. She has been laughing out loud so much and just seems to thoroughly enjoy life. Or, maybe she is just loving the attention her two nieces give her. They just want to hold her and play with her all day long. Which baby wouldn't love that? Anyway,I have tried to take some cool pictures of our trip and the scenery, but they aren't the best, so just enjoy them and imagine that everything looks better than in the pictures.

P.S. I just noticed that I cannot adjust the picture size on this computer, so I will only post a few random pictures now. So, check back later to see all of travel pics.

P.P.S. Do not be deceived and think that the chocolate picture is anything like BYU fudge or something. It most definitely is NOT. These are thin layers of freshly made chocolate in any variation (white, milk, dark etc.) with anything added to it you could think of. We had some dark chocolate with pistaccios and hazelnuts I think, and also some white chocolate with rasberries. Delicious.

At the Pool

Today we went to the pool with Sophia for the first time. I have to say, she was the cutest baby there, with her little pink swimming suit and her little pink bath robe etc. Unfortunately, when I wanted to take pictures, my lens fogged up (it was really steamy at the pool because it was 'warm swimming day' with extra warm water and all), so I kinda gave up on the pictures and the few I took are - well, foggy. At any rate though, it was fun and I was totally proud of the cool pool my little home town has. They have 4 pools inside. One for teeny tiny babies like Sophia where they can just sit in the water and play, then a little bigger pool for toddler, with a little slide right in the middle of the pool, then a bigger one again, with a big, cool, curvy slide, and currents and cool stuff like that, and then the very big pool with jumping towers, and everything for the serious swimmer. I also loved how they had tons of toys out, a diaper changing area right by the baby pool AND, to make it truly perfect, a wooden huge sort of crib/pack and play right by the baby and toddler pool so kids can safely play in there while you pay some attention to your toddler.

Let me just say, it's a cool pool, and I wish I could find something like that in Ohio (or Utah, or all the other places we've been)...oh well.

Anyway, here are the foggy pictures.

Where is Fran?

I am sure you have all missed reading my exciting posts, or so I like to think...Well, I have to say I have been feeling kind of void of inspiration for blog entries. I'm just chilling and getting fat on tasty German food. Sophia continues to behave like we never hopped across one big ocean, and I keep missing Henry.

I haven't done too many exciting things other than seeing family and friends. I have tried to read on how to use my camera properly to take better pictures. If I get to it, I will put together a photo shoot of things I love in Germany/things I hate in Germany. But only if I get to it.

So, what can I write? Today when I drove home from a RS activity with my sis in law and mom, we talked about home birthing and somehow ended up talking about the fact that Sophia got stuck with her shoulders during birth. When I said that my sister asked me whether her arm was ok, and I said yes. It turned out that one of the girls from my home ward here just had a girl where there are problems with the arm because she got stuck during birth. When I thought about it later, I almost cried. I remember that moment so well, and how crazy and scary it was, and I am so glad that everything turned out ok and that our little girl is healthy and happy. What a blessing!!! She is truly a joy (which of course she also would have been if she couldn't move her arm, or had 12 toes and no nose or whatever...).

Other than that, I don't have much to say right now. I am waiting for inspiriation. Tomorrow I will take Sophia swimming with her niece and nephews. Maybe we'll have some blog material after that.

Absence makes the heart grow Henry

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Henry
Ann was the love of Colin's life
Until the day he went to meet her.
Later she became his wife
But absence makes the heart grow Peter.

Jack was obsessed with Debbie's writing.
Then one day he caught the train
And found the woman less exciting.
Absence makes the heart grow Jane.
I love you when you're not around.
If we come face to face again we
Stand to lose by being found,
For absence makes the heart grow Henry.

by Sophie Hannah (1971)

This is a poem I read a few years ago when I got to know Henry. After just a few days without my beloved husband I can say that absence indeed makes my heart grow Henry. I miss him so much. Home these days is simply being with my family, and so being here in Germany, no matter how nice, is just not feeling as homey without Henry. I can't wait for him to get here.

Anyway, since I have been here, I have two things to tell. The first one would be that Sophia is the awesomest little traveler. We had the best trip. Sophia didnt make a sound for the whole trip basically. She slept for both flights, and only got a little fussy during the last flight's landing. Other than that no sound was heard, even during out 4 hour lay-over she just played and was quiet. And, to top it all off, she's been sleeping normally since we got here, taking her naps as usual and sleeping through the night. It's just been great and I feel so lucky to have such an easy little baby, even as we've been going none-stop all weekend (like a 7 hour birthday party yesterday). Everyone has been commenting as well how calm and content our little girl seems to be. She sure is.

The second thing I have to tell is that Germany actually has its flaws. Sure, I suspected that much before, but I've actually been noticing more things faster that bother me or that I don't like that much...I thought I would just mention that for all those who fear that I tend to think of only the US as flawed. Tis not so...though I guess I still tend to think Germany is the better nation. :)

Anyway, I gotta go for now. But pictures and stories will be coming soon. For now we're enjoying German rain, awesome roads, perfect Italian food, and great bread, cheese, meats, yoghurt, and 3 uncles, 4 cousins and grandparents who are all over our little baby.

Per Request

Here are two pictures of German stove tops. One is the new stuff what probably most people have (however, with new...I mean my parents had this kind of stove for over 10 years). And a picture of an old school German stove top. Both of these stove tops are a heck of a lot easier to clean than what I have to deal with every day.

More thoughts from the middle of the night

So, I had more thoughts tonight in the middle of the night on the whole cultural differences, America vs. Europe blablablablabla stuff. I realize that ye poor Americans do get quite a negative attitude from Europeans quite frequently. Now, I'd be a hypocrite if I pretended that I haven't contributed my fair share in discussing the many things that rub me wrong in this country. And I'm not going to pretend now that those things have disappeared (for lo and behold - people still can't drive), but, I repeat, I see that I may have to change some of my ways. Well, really what I'm trying to say is that it is pretty lame and annoying to give Americans a hard time just because they are Americans (since none of us have chosen our birth countries that would just be a silly thing), and I think Europeans should come off their high horse a little. I know many Europeans are thoroughly annoyed by the constant suggestion of Americans that they are "the greatest nation on earth". Well, we can disagree with that, but if we are bothered by what we perceive as arrogance and then run around equally arrogant - well, that'd be a little hypocritical, right?

Where does all this come from? Recently, I've become more aware of certain comments, and since they were targeted at me, I realized how lame a lot of those things are. Let me elaborate:
When I was home in Germany this summer, I grabbed a plastic cup from my parents cupboard to drink some water. My dad commented on how American I'm becoming. I asked why? He said because I picked a plastic cup instead of a glass. Hmmmm, funny...especially since I at that point didn't have a single plastic dinner ware item in my own kitchen, unlike my parents (if plastic dinner ware is so American, and they are not American, what was that plastic cup doing in their cupboard???). Also, said cup was from Swedish IKEA. American? I don't know. I could give more examples of similar nature, but don't have enough time right now. My point is that there seems to be some idea that anything that's different from how I/you do it, and it may just be American, and usually those perceived American things aren't as good as my/your ways. That just rubs me wrong. I mean, why on earth does it matter so much what kind of cup I drink out of, and whether it's American or German or Swedish? Who flippin' cares? Why can't we just like/dislike things based on our own personal tastes and forget the whole culture crap? Obviously, I still struggle with this myself, and probably will continue to struggle for another while, but at least now I see how bothersome it can be and have resolved to do better. That doesn't mean that I don't sincerely still dislike things that I think are wrong/bad/distasteful/annoying.

I just think it's lame to constantly sort of look down on differences that are totally unimportant. It's lame to be arrogant. And it's lame to dislike something just because it's "American" (or whatever other nationality). So there...

Weird Things We Eat...

Have you ever thought how many weird things we actually eat? I thought about it the other day as I was making some eggs for breakfast. I just suddenly realized how weird it is to eat eggs without thinking twice. I mean, look at them - all slimey and funky and unfertilized. Also, in Germany we eat "Mett", which in essence is raw ground meat (kind of like hamburger meat ) and you eat it on a roll with some spices etc. It's tasty, but geeze, thinking about it, I realize that's probably super weird to eat.

Then there is all the sea food - that's just weird period. Cheese is kind of strange, too if you stop to think about it, and so is yoghurt. Isn't it all just aged dairy stuff, sometimes even rotten, and full of bacteria. Why do we eat that, and why is it so tasty? Even milk I think is kind of bizarre. Why do we drink cow milk, but if it's from a horse, I'd be grossed out? I don't even dare trying my own human milk -yuck! So weird.

Any other weird foods you can think of? Feel free to tell me about them.

P.S. Video clips of Sophia forthcoming...

What I love...

Today when I had to already say Good-Bye to some of my family members, I got all sad again. I really love being here, and as I talked with some people in Church today, I had to remember all the things I love about being home. So, here is a list of what I love in Germany and that will just never be the same somewhere else (aka USA):

• seeing beautiful little villages everywhere
• having country roads through nature that are not open to any kind of car traffic
• all the greenery
• everything is organized, clean, and tidy
• recycling
  
• everything usually looks pretty and nicely put together
• no ugly bill boards or roads full of plastic signs everywhere
• lots of small businesses
• bakeries, butchers and Bistros
  
• awesome freeways with awesome drivers
  
• little food places everywhere, where you just sit and eat and talk and STAY
• fast food that is healthy (and usually Turkish)
• biking paths everywhere
• having your kids ride their bikes to school and back on their own and it is safe
• soccer
  
• the slower-paced life style
• the community-oriented life-style
• all the governmental stuff always found easily - just go to the Rathaus
  
• the energy and money-conscious life style
• bikes and pedestrians EVERYWHERE
• awesome public transportation
• people singing LOUDLY in church
• kids playing on the streets, and it is safe because it is not some big traffic road
• Greenery and peaceful places no matter how big the city
• tastiest bread in the world
• an actual cheese selection (that is also affordable)
• how easy it is to talk with people
  
• a lot of family friendly stuff everywhere
• mentionable student discounts for pretty much everything
• affordable, good, relatively hassle-free health care
• global mentality
• good education
  
• walking to lots of places
• lots of art and music stuff everywhere

I think there are so many things I really love and value here. While there are certainly a few things I appreciate in the USA, such as great camping and outdoors, cheaper gas prices as well as some cheaper living expenses, that almost sums it up for me. I just really love the German life-style, and it will be hard to be back in the States again.

What haven't we done...

So, for all of those who think we are on a lazy vacation in Germany...I thought I would sum up some of the things we have done since we got here. I feel like time is flying by and 5 weeks just does NOT seem enough for all the things I want to do and all the time I want to spend with family and friends. It is just never enough. I love my family so much and realize each time how much I miss Germany and being close to my family. Anyway, we definitly seem to be going none stop every day, and I cannot remember ever going to bed before 11.30pm or getting up much later than maybe 9 am at very best. Here is a list of some of the things we have done:

• Temple session
• walks with the dog
• biking in a little forest with old castle sand walls
• eating tasty bread, cheese, yoghurt, cereal, fruit etc.
• sleeping
• watching various Europe Championship Soccer games
• vacation in Greece
• swimming with my niece and nephews
• playing games with my niece and nephews
• running to various offices for my passport
• visit to the North Sea
• Grandpa birthday party
• visiting Sea Life
• watching one movie
• picking my nephews up from school with a bike
• helping my sister in law with math
• losing at Cities and Knights
• winning the new game of the year 3 times even against my ever winning brother
• Fourth of July party
• boat trip across the Steinhuder Meer to a little island
• walking across Schuetzenfest and going on the big Wheel overseeing the whole city
• checking out the City Hall in Hannover with my dad, niece and nephews, and seeing more of old downtown Hannover
• eating lots of ice cream
• enjoying a Gyro, Dönner, and Lahmacun
• buying my long awaited feta cheese, smelling like garlic and having everyone comment on how tasty it smells
• playing games with my youngest brother and parents
• singing with Henry and my brother
• visiting my friend and wife and their 24 hour old baby
• going to the zoo with my nephews and seeing every show they had once we came
• swimming in a lake close to our house
• helping my dad dig out the openings underneath our basement windows during a summer storm to prevent flooding of our basement
• having long conversations with my siblings
• baby shopping trip with my mom
• watching my nephews' soccer games and their awesome goals
• other things

Anyway, I really feel like I have been going nonestop and I have walked almost as much as on my mission. Each day we are somewhere where we walk for hours in the heat of the day, seeing things or doing things. It has definitely kept me in shape and I havent put on any more weight since I have gotten here. Maybe it is also that I usually have a late breakfast and an early dinner and skip lunch for the most part. Who knows...I am not sad, but glad that even though I stuff myself like a thanksgiving turkey each day, the pounds havent come on yet.

What else is to report? Only that on Friday night I got the most vicious back itch. My back suddenly started itching like CRAZY. I was ready to rip off my skin, and nothing we did would help. Henry scratched my back for hours with no relief, I tried all kinds of creams with no relief, and then even literally boiled my back with superhot water to make it stop and it just would NOT. I had the most miserable Friday night because I just couldn't sleep due to the itch and was just up and about all night trying to make it a little bit better. It has slowly gotten less itch but is still itching as I type. I think it is a left over from the worst sunburn I ever had. I think I really got over my vain streak now and will from now on stay out of the sun. It just doesn't seem worth it.