I have never lived in West Germany for any length of time so I can't say what it's like to try and start a business there. The differences between east and west are still to be seen. They are obvious even to the passive observer. I don't want to dive into those differences at this time, though. The purpose is to let people who are thinking about moving here and starting a business know what challenges they will face.
One important thing to know is that if people here can't justify spending money on the product/service that your business supplies, then you will fail. There is no doubt about that. What they can justify spending money on is the question. This answer is still not known to me. I watch and pay careful attention to what people buy, when and ( if possible to find out) why. This is my form of market research.
I know that people here don't earn as much as their West German counterparts, but the cost of living is a lot less here, too. The question is, of course, is the pay in line with the cost of living. I think it is, so with that being said, the next question is 'what do they think is important?'. Okay, I know beer, sausage, and nice (read expensive) cars are important to everyone here. There are enough black Audi A3's, Beamers of every variety, and Porsches to prove that point. It also seems that expensive 'Jack Wolfskin' everything is in. I've seen people dressed from head to toe in the stuff, so they don't mind spending money on nice clothes.
They will take a bottle of water to a restaurant, though, to avoid having to buy drinks. I don't understand this. Why pay top dollar for clothes and cars and save a few euros on a drink in a restaurant?
The laws governing work are complicated, too. Employers are required to provide their employees with at least 28 days of paid vacation. Sick time is paid up to 6 weeks and then it's only minimally reduced. If the employee has a problem, let's say with alcohol, the employer can't fire him/her until all efforts have been made to rehabilitate the employee. This is definitely something to consider before you start a business here.
It seems that if you have a good idea and your good idea is needed here, then getting a business license isn't that complicated. A lot of paperwork, yes, but it could be worse.
Okay, I've told you about the comical things that could prevent you from taking your idea to the next step, let me give you some encouragement. The people here are awesome. Not to say that you don't have jerks, but the people you meet who like you will be loyal to you no matter what and lend a helping hand at every turn. They'll go above and beyond the call of duty. I have made extraordinary friends here who have helped, encouraged me and even given me a shoulder to cry on when I needed it. The friends you make here are genuine, not the 'good weather' friends who leave you the first time it rains.
I can only offer my encouragement here. If you really are serious about moving here and starting a business, do it. Weather the business is successful or not, you will leave with a whole new perspective on life and a lot of new friends.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Abortion Rights in the United States
I've been holding conversation groups at the TU here in Dresden and often have time before or after the meetings to peruse the bookshelves for interesting reads. The bookshelf closest to our meeting room happens to have lots of books in English about the American government and political issues that are also controversial. I found a book there last week that I'm currently reading called Bearing Right: How Conservatives Won the Abortion War.
I was an avid supporter of Dr. Carhart in the States and my views on abortion and women's rights haven't really changed since I moved to Germany. By the way, it's legal here and you don't hear much about it. One thing has though, I had a miscarriage last year and since then have felt a sense of loss; a hole in my heart, if you will. I wanted to be pregnant and losing it was heart-wrenching. So it's now my opinion that it doesn't matter how far along you are in your pregnancy when you either miscarry or choose to have an abortion; it's still a loss. Yes, with abortion the woman chooses to end the pregnancy, but the feelings of loss are there. The difference is the way she is treated afterward.
I know that the world as a whole doesn't think abortion is right, but stop for just a moment and put yourself in a woman's position. A woman who has 2 or 3 children at home, not far apart in age and thinks her tubes are tied, because that's what the doctor told her after her last delivery. She's not taking birth control because she thinks there's no need for it. Then a few months later, she finds out she's pregnant again. Her husband has a good job, but she stays home with the kids and they just can't imagine having another mouth to feed.
Imagine being a woman who has tried for years to get pregnant and hasn't been successful, until one awesome day in her 30's, and being absolutely thrilled, until she and her partner learn in her 26th week that the baby doesn't have a brain that is developing normally, or who has tested positive for Down Syndrome. She knows her life has changed forever. No matter what decision she makes, it's heart-wrenching.
Now, what about the 16 year old girl who has been molested since she was 11, who decides it's time for her to find someone who loves her. She meets Mr. Right, has sex with him, because it's natural for her, she's been doing it with her molester since she was 11, anyway. This time she gets pregnant, because Mr. Right isn't trying to cover his tracks, like her molester is. She wants an abortion because in her heart of hearts she knows it's the worst thing that could happen at this point in her life. But she can't, because she needs a parent's signature to have the procedure done. Her father is molesting her, her mother is in denial, or doesn't know. Both think she's a whore. Should she be forced to have that child and raise it, or give it up for adoption because she made a mistake at 16? If you say yes, or that adoption is the answer, you are heartless.
If you still think that no woman has the right to end a pregnancy because it's murder, well, there are worse things which could happen in life. You could be raped and told by someone else that abortion is murder, so you have to bear that child. Now, you have to raise a child that you hate. Or because you can't bear the idea of carrying your attacker's child, you drink motor oil and induce the abortion yourself.
Life is full of choices that you make, everyday, without much thinking about it. There are others which give you pause. Difficult decisions. Decisions that no one else has the right to take away from you because they are personal and private. No matter if you have a family to support you, or not. The decision is still difficult and you, not me, or anyone else, must live with the consequences.
I would like to say that abortion isn't an emotional issue, it's medical and personal. But the reality is, that it's very emotional. No woman makes it lightly. The least any of us can do, is respect her right to choose and support her in any way we can through that very difficult time in her life.
I was an avid supporter of Dr. Carhart in the States and my views on abortion and women's rights haven't really changed since I moved to Germany. By the way, it's legal here and you don't hear much about it. One thing has though, I had a miscarriage last year and since then have felt a sense of loss; a hole in my heart, if you will. I wanted to be pregnant and losing it was heart-wrenching. So it's now my opinion that it doesn't matter how far along you are in your pregnancy when you either miscarry or choose to have an abortion; it's still a loss. Yes, with abortion the woman chooses to end the pregnancy, but the feelings of loss are there. The difference is the way she is treated afterward.
I know that the world as a whole doesn't think abortion is right, but stop for just a moment and put yourself in a woman's position. A woman who has 2 or 3 children at home, not far apart in age and thinks her tubes are tied, because that's what the doctor told her after her last delivery. She's not taking birth control because she thinks there's no need for it. Then a few months later, she finds out she's pregnant again. Her husband has a good job, but she stays home with the kids and they just can't imagine having another mouth to feed.
Imagine being a woman who has tried for years to get pregnant and hasn't been successful, until one awesome day in her 30's, and being absolutely thrilled, until she and her partner learn in her 26th week that the baby doesn't have a brain that is developing normally, or who has tested positive for Down Syndrome. She knows her life has changed forever. No matter what decision she makes, it's heart-wrenching.
Now, what about the 16 year old girl who has been molested since she was 11, who decides it's time for her to find someone who loves her. She meets Mr. Right, has sex with him, because it's natural for her, she's been doing it with her molester since she was 11, anyway. This time she gets pregnant, because Mr. Right isn't trying to cover his tracks, like her molester is. She wants an abortion because in her heart of hearts she knows it's the worst thing that could happen at this point in her life. But she can't, because she needs a parent's signature to have the procedure done. Her father is molesting her, her mother is in denial, or doesn't know. Both think she's a whore. Should she be forced to have that child and raise it, or give it up for adoption because she made a mistake at 16? If you say yes, or that adoption is the answer, you are heartless.
If you still think that no woman has the right to end a pregnancy because it's murder, well, there are worse things which could happen in life. You could be raped and told by someone else that abortion is murder, so you have to bear that child. Now, you have to raise a child that you hate. Or because you can't bear the idea of carrying your attacker's child, you drink motor oil and induce the abortion yourself.
Life is full of choices that you make, everyday, without much thinking about it. There are others which give you pause. Difficult decisions. Decisions that no one else has the right to take away from you because they are personal and private. No matter if you have a family to support you, or not. The decision is still difficult and you, not me, or anyone else, must live with the consequences.
I would like to say that abortion isn't an emotional issue, it's medical and personal. But the reality is, that it's very emotional. No woman makes it lightly. The least any of us can do, is respect her right to choose and support her in any way we can through that very difficult time in her life.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Greatest Memories: Being an Expat
My happiest memory is when I got my tickets to Germany. I had thought about moving to Germany and becoming an expat for a very long time, but when I finally decided to do it, it was like having little fireworks go off in my heart. It was wonderful. Then came all of the planning, emptying an apartment, including all of those non-perishable things in the pantry and trying to decide what to stuff in my suitcase and bring with me and what could survive a few years in storage. This all sounds rather simple, but once you're neck deep in a lifetime of memories, it's just not that simple. That's one thing in itself, making all of the decisions that land you in a foreign country, but I think the most difficult part of the whole thing is saying good-bye to the ones you love and the surprising thing is that the people you think mean the most to you, won't be there a year after you leave, but the people who you really didn't think about or care for, will be the ones to lend a hand after you've left and need to tie up a few loose ends. They're the ones who will lend a listening ear and Skype with you in the middle of the night, when they have to work the next day.
When you leave your comfort zone and move to a country with a language other than your own, you will be challenge beyond your wildest imagination. Everything you think will be easy will become your worst nightmare. When you move you'll need to invest in Kleenex, or whatever brand of tissues are popular in your new country because you'll buy enough of them to make the investment a smart decision. Also, don't fool yourself into thinking that moving to Europe will be easy because the people are also 'westerners'. Yes, women are free to do as they choose, sex isn't taboo, smoking is normal and people generally share the same customs as Americans, but there are so many little cultural differences that it will make you sprout gray hair in no time. The little innuendoes that you totally won't get will embarrass you to no end and you'll need to excuse yourself and pull out your Kleenex. Don't worry though, within a year or two you'll start to feel at home, make friends with the locals and share national holidays and events that don't make sense in the States. Oh, did I mention enjoy your four weeks of vacation per year?
My happiest moments, after moving to Germany, are too many to count. I have found my second home here and would be devastated if I had to leave. It's still difficult sometimes dealing with government agencies and the occasional hater, but all in all, I wouldn't trade it for anything. So if you're sitting on the fence about making the leap across the pond I can only tell you to do it. Yes, there'll be days that you'll regret it, but in the long run, it will change your life forever and it doesn't matter if it's only for a year or even six months. If you have the chance, take it.
When you leave your comfort zone and move to a country with a language other than your own, you will be challenge beyond your wildest imagination. Everything you think will be easy will become your worst nightmare. When you move you'll need to invest in Kleenex, or whatever brand of tissues are popular in your new country because you'll buy enough of them to make the investment a smart decision. Also, don't fool yourself into thinking that moving to Europe will be easy because the people are also 'westerners'. Yes, women are free to do as they choose, sex isn't taboo, smoking is normal and people generally share the same customs as Americans, but there are so many little cultural differences that it will make you sprout gray hair in no time. The little innuendoes that you totally won't get will embarrass you to no end and you'll need to excuse yourself and pull out your Kleenex. Don't worry though, within a year or two you'll start to feel at home, make friends with the locals and share national holidays and events that don't make sense in the States. Oh, did I mention enjoy your four weeks of vacation per year?
My happiest moments, after moving to Germany, are too many to count. I have found my second home here and would be devastated if I had to leave. It's still difficult sometimes dealing with government agencies and the occasional hater, but all in all, I wouldn't trade it for anything. So if you're sitting on the fence about making the leap across the pond I can only tell you to do it. Yes, there'll be days that you'll regret it, but in the long run, it will change your life forever and it doesn't matter if it's only for a year or even six months. If you have the chance, take it.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Education
A post from a professor of German on FB started a long thread of condolences and comments about kids today who think they don't have to do anything and should be given everything. It started because a student didn't do an assignment and wanted an extension on the deadline. He told her that she knew in advance the assignment was due on a specific day and she didn't do it, so the answer was no, she couldn't have an extension. Her response was typical for someone in their twenties who has never been forced to do anything they didn't want to do. She complained about having to learn a foreign language, even though she has no need for it and that it was only a check beside a long list of classes she has to take that won't help her in her major or future. Her point was that the professor should give her a passing grade so she could go on with her life.
My question is what happened to her in her childhood to make her think that anyone should give her anything? Does the world owe her something simply because she was born? She most likely thinks she's privileged because she was born in the United States of America and doesn't need to do anything to earn a living or her place in society. The Mobile County School System is only exacerbating the problem by passing new guidelines instructing teachers that they must give extensions to students for their assignments if they don't meet the deadline. What do they think they are teaching the children? If you don't have time to do your homework, it's okay, you can do it later. You know, after you get finished watching all of your fave t.v. shows and facebooking all your friends and stuff. Like whenever you get the chance. K. What kind of education is that? What kind of adults will they be? Can our society survive with people who have this kind of mindset? My thoughts on that are: 1) That's not an education. 2) They will expect deadline to be extended regardless of the circumstances. 3) Our society can't survive with people thinking that way. Seriously. Go to a third world country and live for a while, maybe then you'll see that life isn't all about what you want when you want it. Make a contribution first and then maybe you'll have the right to ask for an extension on a deadline when you've just had surgery and need a few days to recover, or one of your parents die, or your child was just diagnosed with cancer.
My question is what happened to her in her childhood to make her think that anyone should give her anything? Does the world owe her something simply because she was born? She most likely thinks she's privileged because she was born in the United States of America and doesn't need to do anything to earn a living or her place in society. The Mobile County School System is only exacerbating the problem by passing new guidelines instructing teachers that they must give extensions to students for their assignments if they don't meet the deadline. What do they think they are teaching the children? If you don't have time to do your homework, it's okay, you can do it later. You know, after you get finished watching all of your fave t.v. shows and facebooking all your friends and stuff. Like whenever you get the chance. K. What kind of education is that? What kind of adults will they be? Can our society survive with people who have this kind of mindset? My thoughts on that are: 1) That's not an education. 2) They will expect deadline to be extended regardless of the circumstances. 3) Our society can't survive with people thinking that way. Seriously. Go to a third world country and live for a while, maybe then you'll see that life isn't all about what you want when you want it. Make a contribution first and then maybe you'll have the right to ask for an extension on a deadline when you've just had surgery and need a few days to recover, or one of your parents die, or your child was just diagnosed with cancer.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Dr. Seuss
Growing up, Dr. Seuss was one of my favorite author's. I loved all of his stories that made me laugh and taught me about life. My father read Mark Twain to me along with other great authors and I loved to read Charlotte Bronte and other classics, but Dr. Seuss made me laugh. His books were so much fun and so colorful that I can't imagine a child not loving his stories and illustrations. His birthday was March 2nd and even though he passed away in 1991 I will always celebrate his birthday with a little story and a project to teach my students about him and his wonderful stories that moved (now) three generations.
Because it's the week of his birthday and I want my students to learn about him and his stories I've been searching the internet for whatever projects and lesson plans I can find which are Dr. Seuss themed. I found a lot and I'm happy that there's so much out there. One disappointing thing I found though, was a short film that he narrated for the U.S. Army in 1945. The link to it is here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OUR5uvs9aw
I know the world was a different place during that time and what was said in the film is true, Germany started three major conflicts in it's short history, but I'm shocked to see a figure that I thought was open to new ideas and so optimistic write such propaganda. Watch the film yourself and make your own judgments. I must say although I'm disappointed to know he was involved in such things when he was young, it won't diminish my love for his stories and cartoons. He moved me into believing that there's some good in all of us and we should strive to think of others and do the right thing each and every time. Thank you Dr. Seuss. I think you learned something in life, too.
Because it's the week of his birthday and I want my students to learn about him and his stories I've been searching the internet for whatever projects and lesson plans I can find which are Dr. Seuss themed. I found a lot and I'm happy that there's so much out there. One disappointing thing I found though, was a short film that he narrated for the U.S. Army in 1945. The link to it is here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OUR5uvs9aw
I know the world was a different place during that time and what was said in the film is true, Germany started three major conflicts in it's short history, but I'm shocked to see a figure that I thought was open to new ideas and so optimistic write such propaganda. Watch the film yourself and make your own judgments. I must say although I'm disappointed to know he was involved in such things when he was young, it won't diminish my love for his stories and cartoons. He moved me into believing that there's some good in all of us and we should strive to think of others and do the right thing each and every time. Thank you Dr. Seuss. I think you learned something in life, too.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Life Changes
I teach English in Dresden, Germany. If you've ever read any of my other blog posts you know that I love it. It's a real challenge though, and sometimes I wonder if what I'm doing is what I'm meant to do. I have a website, Google+ page, two blogs and I teach between 10 and 16 hours a week. Yes, I stay busy. Lately, I've started wondering if it's what I should be doing. What am I passionate about? What difference can I make in the world? How can I improve my student's lives? Am I in the right place? etc.....I'm sure you've heard it all before from both friends and strangers.
I do think that everyone is meant to be happy. No, I don't mean winning the lottery, momentarily gleeful kind of happy, but really happy. Not everyone is, and it's true, not everyone can be happy all the time, you know 24/7, but in general everyone should be able to find something and someone they love an make a life for themselves. So, with that being said, the next question is why people don't make changes in their lives in order to bring about happiness? Want to know the answer.....you probably already guessed that it's FEAR. Yes, I said it. Fear is the reason people can't make changes in their lives that would enable them to be happy. Anxiety doesn't help either.
I watched a video on YouTube that lead to this pondering. The woman giving the speech isn't the world's most eloquent speaker, but she makes some important points and gives some great tips about rebooting your life. I'm not ready for a reboot, but I think that even if you're not ready for such a drastic step listening to what she has to say can help you find out what it is in life that you really should be doing, instead of working in a job that you hate, or are just comfortable with. The world needs change, so if you can make a change in your life, do something that will make an impact on the world and create change in other people's lives, why not do it?
I'm posting the link to the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWxMDdLey0E Go watch the video and see if it doesn't inspire you to make a change.
I do think that everyone is meant to be happy. No, I don't mean winning the lottery, momentarily gleeful kind of happy, but really happy. Not everyone is, and it's true, not everyone can be happy all the time, you know 24/7, but in general everyone should be able to find something and someone they love an make a life for themselves. So, with that being said, the next question is why people don't make changes in their lives in order to bring about happiness? Want to know the answer.....you probably already guessed that it's FEAR. Yes, I said it. Fear is the reason people can't make changes in their lives that would enable them to be happy. Anxiety doesn't help either.
I watched a video on YouTube that lead to this pondering. The woman giving the speech isn't the world's most eloquent speaker, but she makes some important points and gives some great tips about rebooting your life. I'm not ready for a reboot, but I think that even if you're not ready for such a drastic step listening to what she has to say can help you find out what it is in life that you really should be doing, instead of working in a job that you hate, or are just comfortable with. The world needs change, so if you can make a change in your life, do something that will make an impact on the world and create change in other people's lives, why not do it?
I'm posting the link to the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWxMDdLey0E Go watch the video and see if it doesn't inspire you to make a change.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Good deeds
I've been living in a hectic state lately, running around like a chicken with my head cut off. So today, I had a flip-chart with me where Dr. Seuss teaches students basic colors, shapes, letters and all of the other essentials that we learn in kindergarten. I went to the post office to send off a package to Berlin and had the chart with me. Needless to say when I got home after 4 I realized it was missing. So I mentally went over my day and realized it had to be at the post office. Are you thinking this is about to end badly? Well, I was, too until I went back to the post office and the man behind the counter smiled at me as soon as I entered the door. ( Please note: Germans don't generally just smile at random people.) He told me he'd be with me in a moment and a woman went into the office and appears with Dr. Seuss flip-chart in hand. You can say what you'd like about the people who live in the former East Germany, but they are the most honest people I've ever met. It makes me happy to live here with so many awesome people.
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