Week/Year In Review - Ten Things Of Thankful x 2 (80)

Yes, I know, I'm quite late (48 minutes to spare here in Germany, to be exact), and on top of it, the headline is longer than usual, hinting at a few more thankfuls than usual.  First of all, I enjoyed the break from the computer over the holidays (if I didn't work, that is), but was so excited for all the last thankfuls if this wonderful year 2014. I can't believe it's been a year again. With all the excitement we had in our family this time last year (we found out for sure that Calvin was on his way on the 24th last year), it was very special "recapping" everything while having out little guy celebrate with us (or, more realistically, be very overwhelmed with the situation).

Today, I would like to share two separate lists of thankfuls. One focussing on the more general aspects of our lives, which are by no means taken for granted, even though they are not always regarded with the importance they actually have:

1. The people in my life. First and foremost my wonderful family, which even grew by one beautiful little boy this year. Secondly, my friends. I am so thankful for every single one of them.

2. Our home. Yes, we moved this year to our very own home. But that is not necessarily what I am thankful for (even though I absolutely am). I am incredibly thankful that our family has shelter, with all the amenities like power, running water, central heating, etc. that most people just take for granted without realizing that a large portion of this planet's population live without it, even people in our (developed) countries.

3. Food on our tables. With refugees dying of dehydration and people in Africa living through one drought after the next, food and water are definitely nothing to take for granted!

4. Health. One thing that we can only buy with money in a limited fashion. I am thankful for having access to healthcare when needed, but I am also thankful that our family is generally quite healthy.

5. Peace. This year, way too many people in this world did not get to enjoy peace. The (near) war in the Gaza strip, the uprising of the IS in Iraq and Syria that forced thousands to leave their homes and seek refuge in another country. I am thankful that our children can sleep in peace, unaffected by war and violence.

6. A job. More exactly: a job that sustains our family. Or in our case more than just sustains the family. I am painfully aware that a 40-hour a week job does oftentimes not allow a family to make ends meet any more nowadays.

7. Time. I didn't think I would enjoy being home as much as I do. I think the biggest part is that hubby is home, too, doing school. This maternity/parental leave is a unique opportunity for our family to spend so much quality time together.

8. Freedom. Even though I am writing a lot about our freedom as Atheists is frequently cut, at least we can speak openly about being an Atheist. We can choose not to attend any religious service without having to fear repercussions. I can speak my mind without having to fear prosecution.

9. Safety from natural disasters. I am incredibly thankful to be living in an area where the worst thing that generally happens is a much stronger-than-normal storm blow some shingles from our roofs or a huge rainstorm fills a few basements. After surviving a tornado in Kansas that completely destroyed a whole subdivision, I will never take this for granted again!

10. Love. Many people do not experience this. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by so much love every single day, and I am incredibly thankful for it!



On to the ten thankfuls for the week!

1. Snow!!!! Oh my goodness, snow!!!  And throwing snowballs at the girls!

2. A wonderful Yule celebration being spent with many friends visiting, too much good food eaten, and seeing the girls be so happy with the loot they got from Santa.

3. Slowly getting a handle on the chaos that ensued after the loot was discovered and opened.

4. Did I ever mention the dryer?

5. Calvin being a good sleeper!!!

6. Afternoon naps with the baby!

7. Little outings on the sled.

8. Hubby being the best and giving me my first few sets of D&D dice for a gift. I've only been playing for 6 years or so...

9. Traditions. Like spending New Years Eve once again with out friends!

10. A warm bed that I'm going to fall into in a minute.


I wish every one of you a few more fun days in 2014!

Updates 2011

It's been a while since I've written on here. A good 3 months to be exact. To be honest, I missed it, and there are so many things floating around my brain at times that will hopefully have the chance to come out bit by bit. I stopped writing last year because I was seriously burned out; oftentimes it was the choice between sleep and writing, then I was at a point where it wasn't much of a choice any more. Working 40+ hours a week and still being a hands-on mom to two little girl, a wife, daughter, sister, and friend just took a lot out of me. But my desire to write has become stronger and stronger, and here I am.

What has changed since last year over here? I got my contract with Siemens and due to the better salary and more time off (how do 30 days sound?), we'll be able to treat ourselves to a trip to the States in March/April and spend Violet's first birthday with her Grandma Cat. We celebrated an awesome Thanksgiving (late, since everyone had to work on Thursday) with family and friends; during our 4 years in the US, Thanksgiving has almost become my favorite holiday, because it focuses more on spending time with each other than consumerism. And of course I have this special memories of my first Thanksgiving celebration with a special young man and turkey stir fry back in 2005 :-) The Yule holiday was finally as picturesque as could be. We had tons of snow, which "forced" us to stay home for Christmas Day instead of visiting my family; Lily decided to make up for it with a spontaneous trip to the playground, facing down thigh-high snow and a somewhat hesitant and snotty Mami. New Years.. Well, what shall I say? We slept through it. I remember thinking: "That's not normal" when a former student once told me that she and her family had slept through the night at New Year's Eve, and here we are. But to be honest, there are so many New Year's Eves to come, and sleep was just more important at that point.

During this last months I managed to reconnect with some old friends and make some new ones, start and complete some projects, laugh, cry, and pick myself up again. It's not always easy managing everything, but seeing the love in my girls' eyes makes up for everything. Right now, Miss Violet is starting to walk and Lily is getting ready for starting kindergarten next Tuesday. I can't believe how fast time flies and would give a lot for it to just stop for a while, but then again I can't wait what each new day brings. And while reflecting on this past year I can't wait for what this new year, which is almost a month old already, brings (hopefully less change than last year!). A belated "Happy New Year" to all of you!