Hi hi. I know, I haven't done a blog post in a few days. Well, I have a good reason! I was hanging out with some wonderful friends, almost entirely internet free. To me, life is more about computer cables and internet connections. Life is about living in the moment, and being present in it.
Don't think that I completely forgot about it; it is quite the contrary. I have taken some great pictures and intend to post them once I have some time and have settled in, in my new job.
Today I will be taking the train from Mainz to Bietigheim-Bissingen, where I will be picked up by a couple of my new colleagues. The trip should take about one hour and 45 minutes. That is, if I make my 4 minute connection in Vaihingen and that the Deutsche Bahn is not delayed. The DB supposedly has a 96% on-time rate, but if you walk in to most train stations, all you see on the board are delays. Please keep your fingers crossed for a good trip, and an easy transition to my life in Ingersheim.
More to come once I'm settled in. Thank you all for your thoughts, comments, prayers and well wishes. I read each and every one of them. I appreciate it so much!
And I'm off!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
How About a Little Protein?
After yesterday's 4 miles, I decided to not go as far today. I initially thought about only going 2 miles, but then I thought that I should do my 1.5 miles out and back. So with that, I was off.
It was really warm here yesterday, about 93 degrees Fahrenheit or so. With lots of humidity. Talk about sweaty...so gross. You start to sweat walking to the bus. You sweat waiting for the bus. You sweat while you are on the bus. You sweat as you walk to you destination. In my case, you sweat trying on clothes (didn't buy anything this time...), you sweat walking back to the bus stop. You sweat waiting for the bus back home. You sweat while you're on the bus. And the whole vicious circle (der Teufelskreis in German, as I learned yesterday...) repeats itself. No AC in the bus unfortunately. And the AC in the stores isn't cranked as high as in the States.
Today, with a little cloud cover, the humidity rose a few percent (as if it was even possible). However, I pushed on knowing that I needed to get my exercise in for the day. I was about half a mile in to the run when all of a sudden I felt something fly into my mouth! GROSS! A HUGE bug flew into my mouth and into the back of my throat. Absolutely disgusting! I coughed it out and spit it back out. Super super disgusting!
And so it continued. The entire 3 miles bugs kept flying into my mouth, into my nose, all over my face, my arms...SO disgusting. And of course it didn't help that the humidity was 1,000%, so I was sweating like no other. I'm sure you really wanted to know that now, didn't you! I guess someone somewhere decided I need to re-fuel while on my run; why not with a little protein?
Well my friends, off to a picnic by the Rhein later to meet up with some friends!
And I'll leave you with a photo of Eva, last night's Grill Master, preparing the charcoal for our lovely garden bbq last night.
It was really warm here yesterday, about 93 degrees Fahrenheit or so. With lots of humidity. Talk about sweaty...so gross. You start to sweat walking to the bus. You sweat waiting for the bus. You sweat while you are on the bus. You sweat as you walk to you destination. In my case, you sweat trying on clothes (didn't buy anything this time...), you sweat walking back to the bus stop. You sweat waiting for the bus back home. You sweat while you're on the bus. And the whole vicious circle (der Teufelskreis in German, as I learned yesterday...) repeats itself. No AC in the bus unfortunately. And the AC in the stores isn't cranked as high as in the States.
Today, with a little cloud cover, the humidity rose a few percent (as if it was even possible). However, I pushed on knowing that I needed to get my exercise in for the day. I was about half a mile in to the run when all of a sudden I felt something fly into my mouth! GROSS! A HUGE bug flew into my mouth and into the back of my throat. Absolutely disgusting! I coughed it out and spit it back out. Super super disgusting!
And so it continued. The entire 3 miles bugs kept flying into my mouth, into my nose, all over my face, my arms...SO disgusting. And of course it didn't help that the humidity was 1,000%, so I was sweating like no other. I'm sure you really wanted to know that now, didn't you! I guess someone somewhere decided I need to re-fuel while on my run; why not with a little protein?
Well my friends, off to a picnic by the Rhein later to meet up with some friends!
And I'll leave you with a photo of Eva, last night's Grill Master, preparing the charcoal for our lovely garden bbq last night.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Today's Record!
I have been really missing my spin classes over here. Boy, do I miss them! I was going at least 4 times a week, plus swimming and elliptical/running the other days (including Saturday and Sunday!). Of course I wanted to keep up my workout routine here, but new I wouldn't have access to a gym right away. I am so glad I had been cross training, and been able to run (a sunny day in January was when I had my epiphany- I CAN do this!). You hopefully read my post about the Reebok Women's 5k Fun Run I did on Saturday in Frankfurt, and know that was technically my second 5k. That one felt a lot better since the first one was the last leg of the sprint tri.
Yesterday, Wednesday, I did my first run in Wiesbaden after Eva had shown me where to access the "Springwater Trail of Wiesbaden". It is beautiful! Only a couple hills to get up and then it is pretty flat (minus one big hill getting back to the house).
After my 3 miles yesterday, I felt really good. When I got up this morning I thought, hey, why not try a little more? What's another half mile on either side? Especially when the nice lady on the Nike running app tells you how far you've gone. I decided that I was going to run 4 miles. Never in my life have I run 4 miles straight. Without stopping. I thought, ok, so, let's do this! Just see what it feels like. Why not? Yesterday you felt good. So, go and do it! (Plus burning more calories is always good!).
I set off on my run, out the door down the sidewalk and to the street. Across the street, up the hill and on to the trail. About half a mile in to the run: my. worst. nightmare. I see a dog out of the corner of my eye. Great. Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I am afraid of dogs. Have been my entire life. That's what happens when you keep getting attacked. Well, this stupid dog starts running towards me. Que panik. I look and see two people sitting on a bench. I go towards them, continually looking back to see when that stupid dog is going to bite me. As I approached the couple I said (in German): "I'm afraid of dogs!" The man replied, "It's ok. He must have gotten away from his owner. Stay here and I'll keep him away from you." As the dog approached, he talked to it, told it to go away and keep going- which luckily he did... and after he passed I turned to the couple and said, "Man, that is one huge dog!" The woman replied, "Yes. And he has one BIG mouth." To which I replied, "All the better to eat me with!" They laughed, I laughed and as the annoying dog galloped away, I continued my run. Thanks a lot, dog, for making my mile pace that much slower.
I have to say that 4 miles was tough but good. This is a major accomplishment for me. Seriously. I am well proud of myself. Though tomorrow I think will be an easy day, as I'm a little sore still this afternoon. I guess I need some advice from you runners out there! Any would be helpful! Thanks!
So now I leave you with this beautiful picture that I took on my run this morning. The fields of the Springwater Trail of Wiesbaden. Enjoy! (Did I mention that the weather is 93 degrees. Stifling hot with lots of humidity. Good thing I ran early enough!)
Yesterday, Wednesday, I did my first run in Wiesbaden after Eva had shown me where to access the "Springwater Trail of Wiesbaden". It is beautiful! Only a couple hills to get up and then it is pretty flat (minus one big hill getting back to the house).
After my 3 miles yesterday, I felt really good. When I got up this morning I thought, hey, why not try a little more? What's another half mile on either side? Especially when the nice lady on the Nike running app tells you how far you've gone. I decided that I was going to run 4 miles. Never in my life have I run 4 miles straight. Without stopping. I thought, ok, so, let's do this! Just see what it feels like. Why not? Yesterday you felt good. So, go and do it! (Plus burning more calories is always good!).
I set off on my run, out the door down the sidewalk and to the street. Across the street, up the hill and on to the trail. About half a mile in to the run: my. worst. nightmare. I see a dog out of the corner of my eye. Great. Anyone who knows me KNOWS that I am afraid of dogs. Have been my entire life. That's what happens when you keep getting attacked. Well, this stupid dog starts running towards me. Que panik. I look and see two people sitting on a bench. I go towards them, continually looking back to see when that stupid dog is going to bite me. As I approached the couple I said (in German): "I'm afraid of dogs!" The man replied, "It's ok. He must have gotten away from his owner. Stay here and I'll keep him away from you." As the dog approached, he talked to it, told it to go away and keep going- which luckily he did... and after he passed I turned to the couple and said, "Man, that is one huge dog!" The woman replied, "Yes. And he has one BIG mouth." To which I replied, "All the better to eat me with!" They laughed, I laughed and as the annoying dog galloped away, I continued my run. Thanks a lot, dog, for making my mile pace that much slower.
I have to say that 4 miles was tough but good. This is a major accomplishment for me. Seriously. I am well proud of myself. Though tomorrow I think will be an easy day, as I'm a little sore still this afternoon. I guess I need some advice from you runners out there! Any would be helpful! Thanks!
So now I leave you with this beautiful picture that I took on my run this morning. The fields of the Springwater Trail of Wiesbaden. Enjoy! (Did I mention that the weather is 93 degrees. Stifling hot with lots of humidity. Good thing I ran early enough!)
Commitment Phobia?
Many of you that I talked to my last few days at home might remember me telling you about my inability to commit to a suitcase. Well, I finally did, and she is amazing!
For those of you who don't know the story, I needed a new suitcase and just couldn't find one that called my name. How was is it that I could commit to spending at least 6 months in a foreign country (no matter how many times I've been here, it is sometimes still very foreign...), work for a company, live in an aparment- sight unseen, and quit my two jobs at home-- yet not be able to buy a stinking suitcase!?!? Ahhh, the things we can- and can not- control. That's what it boils down to.
Well, not so fast. Upon arrival in Germany, my German cell phone worked after charging, but my SIM card was not recognized. After six years I guess it finally gave up the ghost. So, Eva so kindly let me borrow one she had, and I was off on the hunt for a new SIM card. The cell phone I have still works. My good old Nokia that I bought the first time I studied abroad in 2006. That's why I love Nokia! Keep in mind it is far from a smart phone or iPhone. It is a bit dusty inside the lens and has the smallest screen out there but hey, it still works! If I extend my time in good old Europa I might just get a smart phone. But for now, little Nokia it is.
After searching the German equivalent of Best Buy, Wal Mart, Fred Meyer, etc...I settled on (FINALLY!) klarmobil.de. 9ct. a minute phone calls in Germany to land lines and cell phones, 9ct. per text message and 9ct. a minute to the USA (that was a HUGE selling point, and a must!). So, new number, new phone company, starting this new chapter in my life! Yay!
For those of you who don't know the story, I needed a new suitcase and just couldn't find one that called my name. How was is it that I could commit to spending at least 6 months in a foreign country (no matter how many times I've been here, it is sometimes still very foreign...), work for a company, live in an aparment- sight unseen, and quit my two jobs at home-- yet not be able to buy a stinking suitcase!?!? Ahhh, the things we can- and can not- control. That's what it boils down to.
Well, not so fast. Upon arrival in Germany, my German cell phone worked after charging, but my SIM card was not recognized. After six years I guess it finally gave up the ghost. So, Eva so kindly let me borrow one she had, and I was off on the hunt for a new SIM card. The cell phone I have still works. My good old Nokia that I bought the first time I studied abroad in 2006. That's why I love Nokia! Keep in mind it is far from a smart phone or iPhone. It is a bit dusty inside the lens and has the smallest screen out there but hey, it still works! If I extend my time in good old Europa I might just get a smart phone. But for now, little Nokia it is.
After searching the German equivalent of Best Buy, Wal Mart, Fred Meyer, etc...I settled on (FINALLY!) klarmobil.de. 9ct. a minute phone calls in Germany to land lines and cell phones, 9ct. per text message and 9ct. a minute to the USA (that was a HUGE selling point, and a must!). So, new number, new phone company, starting this new chapter in my life! Yay!
A Day In My Other Home Town
I think my jet lag is finally gone. That, or just not as apparent as it was the other night.
Eva had to go to work the last two days, so I had asked her to not let me sleep in and to wake me up when she left for work. Otherwise, I'd just keep sleeping!
Eva woke me at about 8:15am on Tuesday morning. I have still been going to bed rather late, but I knew I had to get up and get moving! So, a-moving I went! Eva had told me that there is a trail/bike path behind her house, and showed me how to get there so I could go run. I did my 3 mile run, came home, got ready and went and met her at her office for lunch. Afterwards, I went around a few stores to take a look at their cell phones and SIM cards. (Backstory: in the car on 84 on the way to the airport in Portland I thought I had left my German cell phone on the kitchen table. I wasn't too thrilled by this, and the thought of having to buy a new phone here...in the end it was in my luggage, which I found while having to shuffle weight in and out of my two suitcases at the airport...ugh...). More on the cell phones/SIM card later. (Side note: when you read my blog, you'll notice that sometimes I'll do a few in a row. That means: scroll down until you find the one you read last, and then read UP the page accordingly. While they're not in time-order for you all reading them in one shot, I am trying to keep them as chronological as possible.).
SO: After shopping around, and buying this cute dress for only 15 euros at H&M (I know Mom, how could I possibly shove one more thing in there...),
I took the train to Mainz to have dinner with one of my dearest friends in the world, Caitriona! We're finally in the same time zone again, which is fantastic! And getting to hang out with her is so much fun!
And, of course, here are a few Instagram shots of my favorite place in the world! Isn't it beautiful! I love Mainz!
Eva had to go to work the last two days, so I had asked her to not let me sleep in and to wake me up when she left for work. Otherwise, I'd just keep sleeping!
Eva woke me at about 8:15am on Tuesday morning. I have still been going to bed rather late, but I knew I had to get up and get moving! So, a-moving I went! Eva had told me that there is a trail/bike path behind her house, and showed me how to get there so I could go run. I did my 3 mile run, came home, got ready and went and met her at her office for lunch. Afterwards, I went around a few stores to take a look at their cell phones and SIM cards. (Backstory: in the car on 84 on the way to the airport in Portland I thought I had left my German cell phone on the kitchen table. I wasn't too thrilled by this, and the thought of having to buy a new phone here...in the end it was in my luggage, which I found while having to shuffle weight in and out of my two suitcases at the airport...ugh...). More on the cell phones/SIM card later. (Side note: when you read my blog, you'll notice that sometimes I'll do a few in a row. That means: scroll down until you find the one you read last, and then read UP the page accordingly. While they're not in time-order for you all reading them in one shot, I am trying to keep them as chronological as possible.).
SO: After shopping around, and buying this cute dress for only 15 euros at H&M (I know Mom, how could I possibly shove one more thing in there...),
And, of course, here are a few Instagram shots of my favorite place in the world! Isn't it beautiful! I love Mainz!
Monday, July 23, 2012
A Beautiful Day for Flowers
Last night the jet lag really hit me. One minute I'm tired enough to go to sleep, the next it feels as though I've caught a second wind! Initially I had gone to bed around 9:30pm, which for me in the States is quite normal. I layed down, read a magazine and still wasn't tired. So I broke out the iPad and started reading a book I had downloaded. Four chapters later (it is also a good book!), I still didn't feel like I could fall asleep. So, I looked up some Big Bang Theory clips on Youtube for a few laughs. Some time later I couldn't get the wireless signal any more, and settled for the workout mix cooldown series of music on my iPod. Got all the way through that and STILL couldn't fall asleep! I looked through my music for some other "light" music and finally, somewhere around 12:30am fell asleep. Jet lag: please be kind to me tonight. This going to bed at 12:30am business is not going to work!
After getting up this morning, having breakfast and getting ready, Eva and I headed out to do a little grocery shopping. On the way back home, we stopped by this place where you can cut your own sunflowers and gladiolas (I thought of YOU, Gramps!). We stopped to cut a fresh sunflower, and as I never leave home without my camera, took some time to snap a few pictures in the beautiful sunshine! Enjoy the beautiful pictures!
After getting up this morning, having breakfast and getting ready, Eva and I headed out to do a little grocery shopping. On the way back home, we stopped by this place where you can cut your own sunflowers and gladiolas (I thought of YOU, Gramps!). We stopped to cut a fresh sunflower, and as I never leave home without my camera, took some time to snap a few pictures in the beautiful sunshine! Enjoy the beautiful pictures!
Sunflowers and Sunshine
Lovely day for some sunflowers!
Eva and her prized possession! Only 70 cents!
Sunflower paradise!
Reebok Women's 5k Fun Run
After landing safely in Frankfurt on Friday, July 20th, after more than 24 hours of traveling (including the time change, etc), it felt really good to head out the next morning and participate in the Reebok Women's 5k Fun Run! This was a really great event. There was the Women's Village, where you could get your hair and makeup done, lots of freebies, different booths selling all types of things, from sports clothing to laundry detergent.
The 5k was at the Frankfurt Commerzbank Arena, the stadium where the Frankfurt soccer team plays and one of the stadiums Germany used for the World Cup a couple years ago. The run started at 4:00pm, and went around the arena, through the woods (but sadly, not to Grandmother's house...), back around the arena, through another stretch of forest and down the alley to the finish line. I finished the 5k somewhere around 35 minutes (I didn't have the chip on my shoe, and had started my watch a little early...), which for me would be a personal record. The last 5k I did was with the sprint triathlon I did in May, and wasn't the fastest time in the world. So, for me, this was a HUGE success!!
At the end, after crossing the finish line, we were given fruit, water, and other snacks, and also a "Finisher's Bag" with lots of freebies and goodies inside. Very cool, Reebok!
Check below for some action shots!
Me at the end of the race, after eating 2 apples, 2 bananas and lots of water!
Before; at the beginning of the race!
SPRINTING TOWARDS THE FINISH!!
(I totally passed that lady, by the way!)
Welcome to my blog!
Welcome to my new blog, my next great adventure and the next chapter of what is for sure to be an interesting part of my life!
This blog is meant to be a fun way to keep in touch with my family and friends, and a way for me to share my experience with you all. All of the opinions, rants, raves, etc. are all my own. Everyone's experience is different; and that is the beauty of this blog. It will be unique to my experience, and a great way to reflect on my time spent living in the heart of Europe.
For some of you, this is round 3 of "Kerby's Great Adventure", and some of you are just joining in on the fun. So, welcome, and welcome back! This whole experience wouldn't be possible without the help and support of my loving family and dear friends on both continents. My family means the world to me, and I thank God every day for them. I am also so very blessed and grateful for the friendships I have formed, and am very excited to make new friends this time around. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy following my blog! Leave comments if you like. I look forward to chronicling my journey and sharing my experiences with you!
Bis bald!
Kerby
This blog is meant to be a fun way to keep in touch with my family and friends, and a way for me to share my experience with you all. All of the opinions, rants, raves, etc. are all my own. Everyone's experience is different; and that is the beauty of this blog. It will be unique to my experience, and a great way to reflect on my time spent living in the heart of Europe.
For some of you, this is round 3 of "Kerby's Great Adventure", and some of you are just joining in on the fun. So, welcome, and welcome back! This whole experience wouldn't be possible without the help and support of my loving family and dear friends on both continents. My family means the world to me, and I thank God every day for them. I am also so very blessed and grateful for the friendships I have formed, and am very excited to make new friends this time around. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Sit back, relax, and enjoy following my blog! Leave comments if you like. I look forward to chronicling my journey and sharing my experiences with you!
Bis bald!
Kerby
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