I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday.
(Author Unknown)
(Author Unknown)
It's been awhile since I've checked in online. The past 2 months have been hectic and unpredictable. Let's go back to Christmas...
I went back to the States for the holidays and spent some awesome quality time with family and friends from home and the lake. It was good to be in the company of honest fans (lol!) as it's never certain who you will find abroad. I miss "my people" sometimes and know that this amazing adventure comes in exchange for other important parts of my life.
A quick list of what has been happening. Please email if you'd like more details! :)
- We celebrated Kathryn's 30th Birthday and spent the evening dancing 'til 5am.
- I completed 17, in-depth, 1 page narratives on each of my students (a form of assessment I have never experienced prior to this year).
- I spent a fun weekend with Addy and Izzy while Jesse and Karen were out of town together. Rem came over and made her Dutch pancakes for dinner and we laid low for 2 days. God I love those kids!
- I am taking a formal German language night class for 4.5 hours/week to "sprechen Deutsche."
- Went on a Berlin Bizarre bar Tour that included a toilet and tranny theme (I can tell this is where the emails will begin flowing!)
- I am now hooked on "24" and it is all RimNuts' fault!
- Hosted a Grade 3 Art Exhibition at my school that was cooler than I ever imagined. There is something so personal and inspiring about children's artwork.
- I have been (forcefully) adjusting to morning runs. I hate running in the morning. You all know how I am in the morning (even my poor 5th Graders probably remember!). But, I'd like to complete a 10K this year. So... if I want a social life, I must get it over with before I leave for work or I find I am stuck out for the day.
- I spent last month on a budget I've never experienced. I had to figure out creative ways to mix my existing food choices with low-budget fresh fruits and veggies. This is not as easily done as may be assumed. I've never panicked more, as I have never known the feeling of truly "having no money." Ick.... never want to go back there again.
- I spent this past weekend at a conference. Enough said.
This month will be spent traveling to Austria. March brings Lizzy (yaaaaayyyyyyy!) & Jenelle. April brings Aunt Laura and Uncle Mike (yyaaaaayyyyyyy!) for 2 weeks, and May brings a 4 day weekend I haven't planned for yet. June and July are biergarten months, so I will be sticking close to the 'hood.
I know this is brief and has covered a lot of time, but if I spent my life blogging, I wouldn't have a life to blog!
I miss you at home and hope all is well in Chi-Town. Props to Alex and strength to him as he wins his battle again. I miss you, buddy! "The greatest oak was once a little nut who held its ground." (Author Unknown)
Love you all.
kate xo
