Cornerstone

I don't think that I used to feel melancholy in the winter. But living in Germany has brought out a part of me that I didn't know I have. Here the rain never really leaves. In autumn, the sun starts to disappear earlier and earlier and earlier. The cold sets in around September and never really lifts again until late May or June. It isn't the type of cold that I'm used to in Colorado. Here, where I am surrounded by beautiful lakes, canals and rivers, the moisture never really leaves the air.

This has been a mild winter compared to last. The sun is coming back a little more each day. I have really learned how to appreciate the sun. I think I understand why people through history have worshiped her.

Next weekend I travel to Barcelona to meet up with Casey. She is spending another month in Paris this year. Rather than meeting there again, we decided to go someplace new for both of us. We also both want the sun!

Work is still work, but things are becoming more challenging and therefore more fulfilling. the house is still a work in progress...or did forget to write about the house?

Ah the Blumenstrasse haus! My flatmates over the past year decided to purchase their first home as a group of three people. They decided to buy a house of 6 apartments that needs renovation. The house is in a fantastic area. We are just a fife minute walk from the famous Schloss Sansucci gardens and castle! For running, I am in an ideal location for scenic trails. I jog through the castle walls and gardens, then up or down the steps of the terrace and later into the nearby forest.

When we first moved to the house we went nearly one month without hot water. Although this would be a problem under any circumstances aside from camping or visiting a third world country, it was especially frustrating during the last month of my marathon training.

Aside from the issues of hot water, the room I was meant to take ended up having a mold problem. While the mold was drying, I was redirected into another apartment in the house that lacked heating aside from a coal burning oven. Ah yes, a valuable skill to have when living in eastern Germany: "how to start a coal burning oven"! I was in the room until November, then I was able to move down into the flat with the kitchen and bathroom and heating!

What an adventure! I am having peculiar experiences in every part of my life. Although I enjoy the learning and perspective shaping experiences, I am exhausted. Some-days my brain feels like it's going to burst. Every facet of my life is stimulating in some capacity. I need rest... I miss my friends, family and culture. But I am strong.