The refugee crisis here in Germany has forced me to get involved in people's lives, who I normally would not have even met. The enormity of their needs is unimaginable. Basic, social, medical, entertainment, education......the list could go on. Once involved in one person's life, getting involved in another's life is unavoidable. My heart bleeds for those who have lost everything, some have even lost children to the war in Syria. The fact that there are so many idiots here in Germany who want to stop the flow of refugees into the country amazes me. The two world wars that Germany began have taught the people absolutely nothing about human rights and the value of life in general. My sincere hope is that the government will remain more intelligent than the general population, continue to keep its doors open and help as many people as possible.
When the camp on Bremerstraße opened and Dresden für Alle was the first there to help get the refugees food, clothing and other basic needs I was also there. When they left and the Red Cross took over I stayed to help and stayed as long as possible. Now that I have stepped out of the forefront and am doing what I set out to do in February when PEGIDA had been turning the streets of Dresden into a horrible nightmare of hate, violence and bombings for over 4 months it's still difficult for me to understand the motivation of people here to carry out such acts of violence. 2015 is the 70th anniversary of the bombing of the city by allied forces, the end of World War II and the 25th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin wall. It seems that the people would learn to be a little more tolerant within this timeframe; however, that's not the case. In their minds there is only fear of the unknown, hatred of all foreigners and the knowledge that they are the superior race on the planet. No one here questions these things. This is where our problems here in Dresden begin. My work will continue, despite the fear and animosity which exist here. #RefugeesWelcome
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Pegida in Dresden
As an American who has lived in Dresden for over 6 years, I'm shocked at the rate Pegida has grown and the lengths that their puppeteer Lutz Bachmann will go to, to start trouble here. A convicted criminal himself is preaching that refugees from Syria are harmful to the German people and their way of life. How can he say this, when he is a criminal himself? Are they more harmful than he is?
Yesterday morning a young black refugee was murdered and the police in Dresden, although the young man had stab wounds on his chest and neck, are slow to call it a murder. My personal opinion is that most of the police are at least Pegida sympathizers.
Dresden is no stranger to upheaval. Every year on February 13th, the Nazis march through the streets of Dresden and in some past years have caused riots. They say that the Allied Forces falsely bombed Dresden in 1945 and 'murdered' thousands of innocent people. Were they not the one's who started the war? Or murdered thousands of innocent Jews?
I'm so angry about all of the hatred that is part of Dresden and although I wouldn't exactly call it my life's mission, I will say it's my goal to help at least calm the tide of hatred that is an ingrained part of this beautiful city.
Yesterday morning a young black refugee was murdered and the police in Dresden, although the young man had stab wounds on his chest and neck, are slow to call it a murder. My personal opinion is that most of the police are at least Pegida sympathizers.
Dresden is no stranger to upheaval. Every year on February 13th, the Nazis march through the streets of Dresden and in some past years have caused riots. They say that the Allied Forces falsely bombed Dresden in 1945 and 'murdered' thousands of innocent people. Were they not the one's who started the war? Or murdered thousands of innocent Jews?
I'm so angry about all of the hatred that is part of Dresden and although I wouldn't exactly call it my life's mission, I will say it's my goal to help at least calm the tide of hatred that is an ingrained part of this beautiful city.
A New Chapter in Dresden
I took part in MIT's ULab at the beginning of this year and it was really an awesome experience for me. Please don't equate awesome with easy, it wasn't easy and took a tremendous amount of time and energy. However, it was really life changing in that it forced me to take a closer look at my personal and business relationships and think critically about how I could improve them by improving myself. Turning the mirror in my direction and taking a look inside was not at all easy, but the result was well worth the effort. I began to think about how 'I' was always thinking about how what people were telling me related to me specifically and, if I were honest with myself, how I didn't really listen to what they were saying most of the time. The ULab changed all of that. At the end of the course I had truly transformed myself into a deep listener and not only did I listen to the words people said, but the deeper meaning in them, not to mention that I learned to listen to myself in the process. As the ULab 2.0 gears up for a new start on September 10, 2015, so do I. As an entrepreneur, Buddhist, and human being who wants to improve not only my life, but the lives of others, I am so excited to start learning something that will help me realize the goal of integrating refugees into Dresden life and culture and helping Dresdeners open their eyes, minds and hearts to welcome and learn from the foreigners who will call Dresden home.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Starting a business in (East) Germany
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Christmas Wishes
Christmas is right around the corner and everyone is busy preparing for that very special day. There are presents to be bought, apartments and houses to be decorated and food to be prepared. It's the same every year. However, a moment should be taken to reflect on the year and the people in our lives and to say "thank you" to your god for those people. Life is short, so don't waste time and not tell the people you cherish that you love them.
The holiday season is full of parties to attend and cards to be written and it's often difficult to take the time to let everyone know how you feel, but even a brief line would go a long way. Hugs and smiles also work wonders.
I want to take a minute now to wish all of my friends and family a very Merry Christmas, happiness, health and prosperity in 2014. May all of your hopes and dreams come true in the coming year.
The holiday season is full of parties to attend and cards to be written and it's often difficult to take the time to let everyone know how you feel, but even a brief line would go a long way. Hugs and smiles also work wonders.
I want to take a minute now to wish all of my friends and family a very Merry Christmas, happiness, health and prosperity in 2014. May all of your hopes and dreams come true in the coming year.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Making the Decision to Become an Expat
There are a lot of things that happen when you move to a foreign country that make you wonder if you made the right decision. Every part of your being will be tested. Who are you? What do you believe? What is your culture? How much stress can you handle? All of these questions and more push you to your limits. It isn't easy, no matter what anyone tells you. If you have friends who are expats, take what they say with a grain of salt. Your experiences will be different because you have a different way of thinking about life.
One thing I really would like to urge everyone to think about before they take an assignment in a foreign country is what they expect to encounter there. If you expect it to be horrible, you're probably wrong. If you expect it to be wonderful, you are also probably wrong. I believe the best way to go about it is to not have any expectations about the country and people. Go, explore, ask questions when you can, but don't hold the people you meet to any standard. My experience has been if you go with an open mind and no expectations your experience will be awesome. On the other hand, going with a preconceived idea about how things are going to be will lead to let-downs and frustration. This is true for any foreign country. I love living in Germany but although I speak German it is still difficult. The other expats I have met here and the few Germans that have taken me in and made me part of their family is what makes it all worth it.
Go take a chance. If you do, you will be greatly rewarded. Yes, there will be days when you want to throw up your hands and leave, but stay. Do it because in the end you will look back at the time and realize that you have grown as a person and maybe also in your profession. You will have proven that you can handle stressful situations. And, maybe, you will meet awesome people who will make you part of their extended family. They will be part of your life no matter where you go in the world.
One thing I really would like to urge everyone to think about before they take an assignment in a foreign country is what they expect to encounter there. If you expect it to be horrible, you're probably wrong. If you expect it to be wonderful, you are also probably wrong. I believe the best way to go about it is to not have any expectations about the country and people. Go, explore, ask questions when you can, but don't hold the people you meet to any standard. My experience has been if you go with an open mind and no expectations your experience will be awesome. On the other hand, going with a preconceived idea about how things are going to be will lead to let-downs and frustration. This is true for any foreign country. I love living in Germany but although I speak German it is still difficult. The other expats I have met here and the few Germans that have taken me in and made me part of their family is what makes it all worth it.
Go take a chance. If you do, you will be greatly rewarded. Yes, there will be days when you want to throw up your hands and leave, but stay. Do it because in the end you will look back at the time and realize that you have grown as a person and maybe also in your profession. You will have proven that you can handle stressful situations. And, maybe, you will meet awesome people who will make you part of their extended family. They will be part of your life no matter where you go in the world.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Starting a business in Germany
I have lived in Germany for almost 5 years and I really love it, but sometimes it's so hard for me to understand the reasoning behind the laws here. For example, I've been teaching English since I got here and I really love teaching. The schools here don't pay anything and I think I can do a better job on my own without having to abide by their rules. My boyfriend asked me why I didn't teach privately and the idea to start my own school was born.
It's pretty easy to get started teaching but it's not easy to abide by all of the laws here. If you are a foreigner from a non-EU country you have a few hurtles to jump through first. Please keep in mind that I am one person and not a major multinational organization. First you have to apply for a visa then after getting your visa you have to get permission to open a business and you can only do this if it's economically beneficial to the area where you want to open it. Okay, so far, so good.
Then, let's say, you want to advertise online. That's a great idea, right? In theory, yes. The thing you have to be aware of is that there are lawyers in Germany that earn their money by surfing the net and finding websites that advertise to German customers. They are looking to see if you have everything the German law requires. If you don't have every I dotted and every t crossed, they will file suit against you and the fines are not small ones. I think this is absolutely absurd.
There isn't really any one place that will tell you everything you need to know to get started here. There is, however, a place to start.
http://www.existenzgruender.de/englisch/self_employment/start/law/index.php
Take a look at this link, hopefully it will provide a few answers to the slew of questions you will have about doing business in Germany. If that one doesn't help, here's another one that gives a lot of needed information. http://www.expatica.com/de/essentials_moving_to/essentials/setting-up-your-own-business-in-germany-27408.html
Good luck.
It's pretty easy to get started teaching but it's not easy to abide by all of the laws here. If you are a foreigner from a non-EU country you have a few hurtles to jump through first. Please keep in mind that I am one person and not a major multinational organization. First you have to apply for a visa then after getting your visa you have to get permission to open a business and you can only do this if it's economically beneficial to the area where you want to open it. Okay, so far, so good.
Then, let's say, you want to advertise online. That's a great idea, right? In theory, yes. The thing you have to be aware of is that there are lawyers in Germany that earn their money by surfing the net and finding websites that advertise to German customers. They are looking to see if you have everything the German law requires. If you don't have every I dotted and every t crossed, they will file suit against you and the fines are not small ones. I think this is absolutely absurd.
There isn't really any one place that will tell you everything you need to know to get started here. There is, however, a place to start.
http://www.existenzgruender.de/englisch/self_employment/start/law/index.php
Take a look at this link, hopefully it will provide a few answers to the slew of questions you will have about doing business in Germany. If that one doesn't help, here's another one that gives a lot of needed information. http://www.expatica.com/de/essentials_moving_to/essentials/setting-up-your-own-business-in-germany-27408.html
Good luck.
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Things to be Thankful for
Yesterday was Thanksgiving day and I know most of you cooked a turkey, whether fried, baked or grilled and sat down at a table full of family and friends, said grace and partook in a really delicious meal while watching football. You do this every year and then you go shopping and spend money you most likely don't have without thinking much about it. It's what we all do during Thanksgiving.
I would just like to suggest an alternative to this wonderful craziness. Why not cook your meal sit down with whomever you are closest to, family or the guy that works in accounting at the office, enjoy your meal and talk during the meal, instead of turning on the television and having it blast whatever during lunch or dinner. Turn it off and talk to the people around you. Tell them you are happy they are in your life and maybe, instead of joining the mad rush at the mall, sit down in front of the computer and order what you think they might like for Christmas, or even start early and make them something. If you do this you will have more time to spend with them, instead of in traffic or stuck in a line of frustrated people who expect great customer service on the busiest shopping day of the year. You could even invite the people you spent Thanksgiving with over on Friday and have a Thanksgiving leftover party and have them help you eat all that turkey you have in zip-lock bags in the fridge. Have some coffee and play a game, relax and enjoy their company. Life is too short to join the madness and not tell the people you care about just how much you care. You don't know when they will leave you, either through death or a job transfer. Take the time you have and tell them you are thankful they are in your life and enjoy the holiday season together, without the chaos.
I would just like to suggest an alternative to this wonderful craziness. Why not cook your meal sit down with whomever you are closest to, family or the guy that works in accounting at the office, enjoy your meal and talk during the meal, instead of turning on the television and having it blast whatever during lunch or dinner. Turn it off and talk to the people around you. Tell them you are happy they are in your life and maybe, instead of joining the mad rush at the mall, sit down in front of the computer and order what you think they might like for Christmas, or even start early and make them something. If you do this you will have more time to spend with them, instead of in traffic or stuck in a line of frustrated people who expect great customer service on the busiest shopping day of the year. You could even invite the people you spent Thanksgiving with over on Friday and have a Thanksgiving leftover party and have them help you eat all that turkey you have in zip-lock bags in the fridge. Have some coffee and play a game, relax and enjoy their company. Life is too short to join the madness and not tell the people you care about just how much you care. You don't know when they will leave you, either through death or a job transfer. Take the time you have and tell them you are thankful they are in your life and enjoy the holiday season together, without the chaos.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Gap Ad
I just have a few words to say about the ad Gap has running with the man in the turban and the woman at his side. How beautiful is that? I think it opens the doors for a whole new era of ads in the States and around the world. Why is it that every time we see a man in a turban there is some negative connotation attached to it? I think most men who wear turbans would appreciate a little positive publicity once in a while. For one thing, not every turban-wearing man hates Americans and two, how would we know anyway? How many Americans have been to an Arabic country or India? Not very many and with that being said, let's just drop all the stereotypes. I don't know why the media portrays them all as American-haters, but it all needs to stop and this won't happen until there is a little more cultural exchange and a better economy in the countries/ regions where the few people who hate the States actually live. Instead of judging them, let's try helping them build strong international economies. I realize this isn't easy; that there are political and cultural obstacles but simply judging people and not trying to understand their culture, or worse, imposing your own on them is not the way to go about accomplishing peace and acceptance. I salute the Gap for portraying someone other than a white, very thin woman as it's model for the Christmas season.
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/web-responds-to-gap-s-defense-of-sikh-model-in-ad-campaign-185522447.html
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/trending-now/web-responds-to-gap-s-defense-of-sikh-model-in-ad-campaign-185522447.html
Monday, November 11, 2013
Atheism in the United States
I read an online article today about atheist 'mega-churches' popping up in the U.S. and around the world and I have a few things to say about them and the people who call themselves atheist.. The first thing is, just because they don't believe in God or the Trinity doesn't make them inhumane axe-murderers who want to murder everyone. Most atheist that I know are able to attend any religious service and get something out of it, whether it be a Southern Baptist church, a Pentecostal church, or a Methodist church.
Every article that you read about atheism is negative and I would like to have that come to an end. What are the people who call themselves "Christians" afraid of? If they were true Christians they would live and let live and not judge people who belong to other religious or non-religious groups.
One thing that truly irritates me is the preacher who gets up on Sunday morning and preaches to his congregation that drinking alcohol is a sin that you must ask forgiveness for and then 2 hours after the service is sitting at home with a glass of red wine in front of him. Is this not a bit hypocritical? If this preacher were any good he would teach acceptance of others and their beliefs instead of teaching his congregation what horrible people they are because, if you look closely at his life, chances are, he is only a human trying to make it in this world. Judging others for their beliefs, or lack there of is just as bad as drinking a glass of wine after preaching that it is a sin to drink.
If you are one of those people who believe that the United States is coming to an end because people are moving away from the church I have this to say to you. Don't make laws that take others' freedoms away. Just because you don't believe in something doesn't necessarily make it wrong. Don't be the one who invades other people's privacy and makes decisions, very private decisions, for them. What goes on in their lives is none of your business. If you don't want to drink, don't, but don't judge the man next door who enjoys a glass of wine in the evening. The world would be a much better place if you would try and be a little more tolerant.
Every article that you read about atheism is negative and I would like to have that come to an end. What are the people who call themselves "Christians" afraid of? If they were true Christians they would live and let live and not judge people who belong to other religious or non-religious groups.
One thing that truly irritates me is the preacher who gets up on Sunday morning and preaches to his congregation that drinking alcohol is a sin that you must ask forgiveness for and then 2 hours after the service is sitting at home with a glass of red wine in front of him. Is this not a bit hypocritical? If this preacher were any good he would teach acceptance of others and their beliefs instead of teaching his congregation what horrible people they are because, if you look closely at his life, chances are, he is only a human trying to make it in this world. Judging others for their beliefs, or lack there of is just as bad as drinking a glass of wine after preaching that it is a sin to drink.
If you are one of those people who believe that the United States is coming to an end because people are moving away from the church I have this to say to you. Don't make laws that take others' freedoms away. Just because you don't believe in something doesn't necessarily make it wrong. Don't be the one who invades other people's privacy and makes decisions, very private decisions, for them. What goes on in their lives is none of your business. If you don't want to drink, don't, but don't judge the man next door who enjoys a glass of wine in the evening. The world would be a much better place if you would try and be a little more tolerant.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Fruitvale Station
There is a theater here in Dresden which plays films in English late at night or if you're feeling lucky you can go to a Wednesday evening "Sneak Preview", where the theater doesn't announce the movie it's playing ahead of time. The only thing you know when you buy your ticket is that it will be in English. I've been once before and wasn't lucky at all. The movie was called "Insidious" and was supposed to be a horror film that everyone laughed through. However, tonight I was lucky. The film was "Fruitvale Station" and I have to say it was one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I like the documentary style of the movie and how the director chose to portray the main character.
Many people hold the police in high regard and don't think that they are capable of making mistakes. I don't. Do I respect the police? Sure, but I also know that they are humans fully capable of being prejudice, disliking certain things, and just plain having a bad day. I wonder, though, if Johannes Mehserle, the policeman who shot Oscar Grant to death ever thought once about how his prejudices could influence his decision making skills. If he did, what does this say about the police in California, or the United States as a whole? Racial profiling occurs everyday, but how can we use it in a way that doesn't violate individual freedom, or even leave a young man dead at the age of 22, a daughter fatherless before she's old enough to go to school and a girlfriend and mother regretting conversations they had with him shortly before his death.
There are so many young black men in the prison system, I can understand why police think every black man is a bad guy selling drugs to their children. But that is the problem. If everyone thinks a certain group of people is bad then they will typically find a reason to continue to think in that way. At some point, someone has to break the cycle. I believe that if the cycle is to be broken, people ( yes, all of us) have to change the way we think. This doesn't only mean you and I, but the government as well. Holding students back, or not giving them the time and attention they need begins the cycle but putting young men behind bars and/ or killing them doesn't end it but rather furthers the problem.
"Fruitvale Station" does an excellent job of presenting the story in it's true light and making the viewer consider all of the issues surrounding profiling and the police's use of force. Everyone should see it.
Many people hold the police in high regard and don't think that they are capable of making mistakes. I don't. Do I respect the police? Sure, but I also know that they are humans fully capable of being prejudice, disliking certain things, and just plain having a bad day. I wonder, though, if Johannes Mehserle, the policeman who shot Oscar Grant to death ever thought once about how his prejudices could influence his decision making skills. If he did, what does this say about the police in California, or the United States as a whole? Racial profiling occurs everyday, but how can we use it in a way that doesn't violate individual freedom, or even leave a young man dead at the age of 22, a daughter fatherless before she's old enough to go to school and a girlfriend and mother regretting conversations they had with him shortly before his death.
There are so many young black men in the prison system, I can understand why police think every black man is a bad guy selling drugs to their children. But that is the problem. If everyone thinks a certain group of people is bad then they will typically find a reason to continue to think in that way. At some point, someone has to break the cycle. I believe that if the cycle is to be broken, people ( yes, all of us) have to change the way we think. This doesn't only mean you and I, but the government as well. Holding students back, or not giving them the time and attention they need begins the cycle but putting young men behind bars and/ or killing them doesn't end it but rather furthers the problem.
"Fruitvale Station" does an excellent job of presenting the story in it's true light and making the viewer consider all of the issues surrounding profiling and the police's use of force. Everyone should see it.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Men and Miscarriage
I first found out that I was pregnant somewhere during my 8th week of pregnancy. Mainly because I had been trying and wasn't successful, I stopped tracking my cycle and just gave up on the idea of getting pregnant. I started bleeding lightly on Thursday evening and then it stopped a few hours later. Friday I went to work and nothing out of the ordinary happened. I felt a little queasy, but given the circumstances, I didn't feel the need to rush to the doctor. Saturday morning I woke up to more blood and hot flashes, but still I didn't go to the doctor. Saturday I spent lying around with the windows open because it was cool outside. Saturday night I went to the E.R. because the blood hadn't stopped and I was scared. When they did the ultrasound the doctor turned the screen away from me and my boyfriend was the only comfort in the room.
Unfortunately, the look on his face when he saw the ultrasound wasn't comforting. The doctor was polite and apologized for making us wait so long, but in the end there was nothing to be done. The baby had made it's exit to wherever unborn babies go. I think to heaven. The weeks that followed were very difficult. A D&C was performed a week later, because all of the surgeons in the city were either on vacation or sick. I ended up with a cyst on my ovary because the hormones in my body didn't fall quickly enough and I had to have it surgically removed 4 weeks out and was hospitalized a third time due to severe abdominal pain.
Through it all my boyfriend stayed by my side and took care of me when I was too weak to take care of myself. He cooked, cleaned, visited me in the hospital put cool clothes on my neck when I thought I couldn't stand being sick anymore. I think he suffered more than me, at times, because he remembers things that I was fortunate enough not to remember, due to hospital drugs or sleep. He said repeatedly that it was his fault and he wished that I had never gotten pregnant. I know that he still suffers today four months out. The one thing I tell him is this: Life is a gift, a precious gift and sometimes you can plan things and they all go right. Other times, you plan things and they go wrong, or not at all, and you get frustrated or confused. In the end we are all human beings who unfortunately don't have complete control over what happens in our lives. If god wants to take our baby home before he or she is born, we can't control that. What we can control is how we react to that circumstance.
If you are a boyfriend or husband out there who has lost a baby, the one thing I want to say to you is that it's not your fault. I have so many girlfriends who have lost babies that it's astounding that any child is born. They all have children now. I am still hoping for one, but this information gives me hope that one day we'll have one, too. Don't give up hope. Don't stop trying because you think you are at fault. In 95% of the cases, the doctors simply don't know what happened. I think children are such a precious gift to parents. Don't throw up your hands and give up at the first loss. It's so common that even the doctors don't say much about it. Read online, educate yourself , mourn your loss and move on. Don't sacrifice what could be for something that you've lost.
Unfortunately, the look on his face when he saw the ultrasound wasn't comforting. The doctor was polite and apologized for making us wait so long, but in the end there was nothing to be done. The baby had made it's exit to wherever unborn babies go. I think to heaven. The weeks that followed were very difficult. A D&C was performed a week later, because all of the surgeons in the city were either on vacation or sick. I ended up with a cyst on my ovary because the hormones in my body didn't fall quickly enough and I had to have it surgically removed 4 weeks out and was hospitalized a third time due to severe abdominal pain.
Through it all my boyfriend stayed by my side and took care of me when I was too weak to take care of myself. He cooked, cleaned, visited me in the hospital put cool clothes on my neck when I thought I couldn't stand being sick anymore. I think he suffered more than me, at times, because he remembers things that I was fortunate enough not to remember, due to hospital drugs or sleep. He said repeatedly that it was his fault and he wished that I had never gotten pregnant. I know that he still suffers today four months out. The one thing I tell him is this: Life is a gift, a precious gift and sometimes you can plan things and they all go right. Other times, you plan things and they go wrong, or not at all, and you get frustrated or confused. In the end we are all human beings who unfortunately don't have complete control over what happens in our lives. If god wants to take our baby home before he or she is born, we can't control that. What we can control is how we react to that circumstance.
If you are a boyfriend or husband out there who has lost a baby, the one thing I want to say to you is that it's not your fault. I have so many girlfriends who have lost babies that it's astounding that any child is born. They all have children now. I am still hoping for one, but this information gives me hope that one day we'll have one, too. Don't give up hope. Don't stop trying because you think you are at fault. In 95% of the cases, the doctors simply don't know what happened. I think children are such a precious gift to parents. Don't throw up your hands and give up at the first loss. It's so common that even the doctors don't say much about it. Read online, educate yourself , mourn your loss and move on. Don't sacrifice what could be for something that you've lost.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Technology
Can I complain for a minute about how much trouble technology is sometimes? I do realize that Skype, Gmail and Facebook make living abroad bearable but once you forget your password, or worse when your account is hacked your life very quickly becomes a nightmare of question and answer sessions. Oh, and god forbid that you forget what your security question is or the answer to one of the questions. Then there is the issue of that wonderful foreign language, because it's impossible to live in a country and not speak it's native language, or so Google thinks. Even if you're proficient in the language having to read in it and figure out exactly what they want on top of being stressed about forgetting all of the questions and answers being asked of you is just craziness in a glass jar.
I do so hope no one goes through this often. Technology is so nice to have when it works.
I do so hope no one goes through this often. Technology is so nice to have when it works.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Elections in the U.S.
Watching the election coverage from outside the United States has definately been interesting for me. Now that there is a little distance of body and soul, I can see more clearly the mud slinging, he-said, she-said nonsense occuring in the media. I'm actually waiting for there to be an explosion somewhere, unless the elections happen soon, or the candidates learn how to take our nations issues seriously and stop trying to rob women of the rights they fought so hard for. What government in a civilized nation can hold hearings on women's issues, but not allow even one woman to be present? That's my first question. Second question, why are we talking about this, when we have so many unemployed and Marines murdering innocent people in a foreign country that we are supposed to be supporting while they form a democratic government? I think before we can truly lead the world in a democratic, peaceful way, we must first learn what these things mean, and more importantly, how to do things in our own country. This begins with choosing a candidate who proves himself of herself worthy. Unfortunately, so far I have only seen that in one man and I hope he wins re-election.
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