Okay it wasn't quite as mad as you might think but I was busy today. Forgive any spelling errors. Too lazy to check :-)
PERGAMON
I finally got my butt over to the Pergamon Museum to see the Babylon: Myth & Truth exhibit. If you are interested in checking it out online I've added links above. Anyway, I got over there around 12:30 and stayed until about 4ish. At the end my back was killing me and I decided to just listen to the rest of the stories. I found a nice bench and just punched in the numbers in to my headset. I had a self-guided tour in English.
All in all it was a pretty good exhibit. There are two parts. The myth (based on the Bible's interpretation) and the truth about the people, royalty and life in general. If you look at all the artifacts they've uncovered over the years you get the feeling that these folks were pretty on top of it; way ahead of their time in almost every facet of life. It's pretty cool to look at the sculptures, books, paintings, etc. and think that most of what I am looking at is like 4000 years old. Crazy.
The Babylon exhibit ends this week but I need to go back to the museum to see the Greek and Roman antiquities and artifacts. I was only able to see the Pergamon temple. There are a ton of museums here and I hope I'll be able to see more. The next museum stop for me is the National Gallery. I think this is the museum with the Egyptian antiquities. My favorite.
REGISTERED FOR GERMAN CLASS
After the museum I went to the Goethe-Institute and registered for my German language class. I start on October 28th. I'm pretty excited. I brought some books with me and have been trying to learn a little German this way. It's helped for sure but there is nothing like going to class and interacting with other people. Logan has been teaching me a few lines of German too. I've been using what I've learned so far in the "real" world and so far so good. Only bad thing is that I don't always understand the answer so I end up having to ask (in German) if whomever I'm talking to speaks English. Kind of a bummer but that will resolve once I learn more.
COLANDER
I bought a nice colander today along with a laddle, spatula, measuring cup, shredder (for cheese) and a milk steamer pot (for hot choco & milche kaffe). Ah the basics of life. You really miss these simple utensils when you don't have them for 3 months. It's nice to be somewhat civilized again.
THE WEEK AHEAD
We have a busy week ahead of us. Chris hopes to send his resume out this week along with making some phone calls to contacts he has here. Logan has basketball after school on Tuesdays and is getting extra help with math after school on Thursdays. He has Friday off as it is German Unification Day here in Germany. Connor and I will be going to music class tomorrow evening and my goal is to finally unpack some of my clothing and hang them up in one of the armiors. I also have to go back to my Drs. office to get the results of my thyroid blood test. I can't remember if I talked about my experience last week but let's just say it was pretty low tech. I was somewhat scared. The Dr. I saw didn't speak much English but we muddled through it. I see the English speaking Dr. Wednesday so it will be interesting to see how they interpret my lab results.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Funday at JFK & Berlin Marathon
FUNDAY at JFK School
We attended our first FUNDAY at Logan's school. It was indeed fun. The weather was great. Funday is quite the production. It's basically a fundraiser for the school and all it's clubs, sports, etc. It's such a big deal they only do it every other year. They had tons of food, games and music. We got to school around 1:30 and stayed until it was over at 4. I've got some cute pics and will post soon. They had a raffle too but ran out of tickets so we couldn't participate. Too bad they had some really great prizes. Anyway, once we got home we were wiped out. Chris, Connor and I napped until 8:30. Lucky Logan got to play some video games and watch a movie while we were out. Later we ordered food from our favorite cheap Italian restaurant Dal Falco's and then just chilled out at home until we all hit the sack around 11. It was a nice day.
BERLIN MARATHON
Today is the Berlin Marathon. We saw a little of it yesterday. I guess they have a biking race, a rollerblade race (we saw this yesterday) and a running race. This morning is the running race. Chris, Logan and Connor are out right now watching. The races go through the center of Berlin. Starting at the Reichstag/Tiergarden and winding through Berlin ending back at the Reichstag. Check out the web site I linked to above. Logan and I are off to church soon and then we'll connect up with Chris and Connor at the Marathon later. We also have our friends Christian and Yorunt coming up to visit. It's cold here but the sun is out and for Berlin that is a big deal. More later.
LEAVE A COMMENT
Now anyone can leave a comment here on the blog if you wish. I needed to change the settings. I also changed the settings on Logan's blog http://commanderrex.blogspot.com. He only has two entries so far but now if you wish to leave him a comment you can.
We attended our first FUNDAY at Logan's school. It was indeed fun. The weather was great. Funday is quite the production. It's basically a fundraiser for the school and all it's clubs, sports, etc. It's such a big deal they only do it every other year. They had tons of food, games and music. We got to school around 1:30 and stayed until it was over at 4. I've got some cute pics and will post soon. They had a raffle too but ran out of tickets so we couldn't participate. Too bad they had some really great prizes. Anyway, once we got home we were wiped out. Chris, Connor and I napped until 8:30. Lucky Logan got to play some video games and watch a movie while we were out. Later we ordered food from our favorite cheap Italian restaurant Dal Falco's and then just chilled out at home until we all hit the sack around 11. It was a nice day.
BERLIN MARATHON
Today is the Berlin Marathon. We saw a little of it yesterday. I guess they have a biking race, a rollerblade race (we saw this yesterday) and a running race. This morning is the running race. Chris, Logan and Connor are out right now watching. The races go through the center of Berlin. Starting at the Reichstag/Tiergarden and winding through Berlin ending back at the Reichstag. Check out the web site I linked to above. Logan and I are off to church soon and then we'll connect up with Chris and Connor at the Marathon later. We also have our friends Christian and Yorunt coming up to visit. It's cold here but the sun is out and for Berlin that is a big deal. More later.
LEAVE A COMMENT
Now anyone can leave a comment here on the blog if you wish. I needed to change the settings. I also changed the settings on Logan's blog http://commanderrex.blogspot.com. He only has two entries so far but now if you wish to leave him a comment you can.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Loud and Proud
I'm finding that Germans (when not watching soccer or drinking heavily) tend to be rather quiet people. Somewhat reserved you might say (with the exception of the above) or at least the people that live here in Friednau are quiet.
Chris calls us the loud family. Logan is really loud and well Connor is a baby and he is just well a baby. Babies yell a lot. Anyway, I tend to be loud too. I grew up in a family that yelled from one room to the next. We didn't get up and go into the other room to talk to the person we wanted to speak to we just yelled. So we were loud and lazy :-) Okay I'm exaggerating a bit but you get what I'm saying. You and your family might do the same thing. Not sure if the same is true for Chris but Chris and I tend to yell from room to room too. I guess my bad habits rubbed off. When you live in a house it's easy to yell from room to room. In an apartment it's not recommended.
Thus we are I'm sure noted here in our building as the loud Americans. WHATEVER, I say. My mother sent me some SHOUT stain remover and I received it today (thanks MOM). I've been doing Logan and Connor's laundry all day (kids generate a lot of dirty clothes) and I finally got the stains out of one of Connor's shirts. If you've read one of my earlier posts I talk about my laundry problems. Anyway, I yelled really LOUD and I'm darn PROUD of it!!! I don't care what the neighbors think. I got some freakin' stains out of my kids clothes damn it (PG-13 rated on the damn it words)!!!!
Chris calls us the loud family. Logan is really loud and well Connor is a baby and he is just well a baby. Babies yell a lot. Anyway, I tend to be loud too. I grew up in a family that yelled from one room to the next. We didn't get up and go into the other room to talk to the person we wanted to speak to we just yelled. So we were loud and lazy :-) Okay I'm exaggerating a bit but you get what I'm saying. You and your family might do the same thing. Not sure if the same is true for Chris but Chris and I tend to yell from room to room too. I guess my bad habits rubbed off. When you live in a house it's easy to yell from room to room. In an apartment it's not recommended.
Thus we are I'm sure noted here in our building as the loud Americans. WHATEVER, I say. My mother sent me some SHOUT stain remover and I received it today (thanks MOM). I've been doing Logan and Connor's laundry all day (kids generate a lot of dirty clothes) and I finally got the stains out of one of Connor's shirts. If you've read one of my earlier posts I talk about my laundry problems. Anyway, I yelled really LOUD and I'm darn PROUD of it!!! I don't care what the neighbors think. I got some freakin' stains out of my kids clothes damn it (PG-13 rated on the damn it words)!!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Week in Review
Not sure how much review I can do as I'm on Connor watch this evening so here it goes....
JOBS
None.
GERMAN STUDIES
Trying to connect with the folks at the Goethe Institute. I plan to take a night course three times a week so I have to call the admissions office for the evening classes but everytime I call I get a busy signal. This is typical here in Germany. Seems to me that the German telecom only hands out one line to everybody and that is that. I've emailed too but no response. I may have to just go down to the office to register. Not really convient with Connor but I guess I can try it. Worse case I have to leave and try another time.
SICK KIDS
So Connor recovered from his fever. First time for him. He threw up once which I documented in an early which isn't bad for him. Connor is a puker. We lucked out with Logan so I guess we were due. I was a puker when I was little. Ask my mother, okay don't but it's true. BLAH!!! Okay anyway we did call his doctor but of course couldn't get through so both Chris and I emailed. She got back to us a few hours later. For some reason our phone wasn't working right and she couldn't get me on my cell so she emailed us then we emailed back and then finally later in the evening of the next day I actually got her on the phone. By then Connor's fever had broken and he was getting better. No need to go in thank goodness. We don't have a car so we would have had to take the bus or the train to get to the clinic. I hope Connor (and Logan) never get sick again. It was an experience let me tell you.
Now Logan has been pretty healthy since we got here. Just allergies mostly but he broke out in a weird rash all over his body. Not sure if it is food or something else. Anyway as long as he is taken his allergy meds he doesn't have the rash so the doc said we should probably come in and have blood drawn. Oh crap. Logan hates shots and now he has to have blood drawn. I think we'll have to knock him out for that one.
LAUNDRY
This is the bain (did I spell that correctly??) of my exsistance at the moment. I'll start off by saying that Chris IS OF NO HELP. He can't read any of the German on the bloody machine. This is part of the problem. There are so many choices and don't know what to choose and bablefish isn't of any help either. It's driving me crazy. It shouldn't be this hard. I'm going to have to get one of our German friends to come over and show me how to do laundry here. Everything we own (unless it's black) has some sort of berry stain on it. Connor likes to spread it around. What the heck am I going to do??? Feel like crying now. boo hoo boo hoo
MAIL
I can't seem to get my butt in gear to send any. I will though trust me I will.
FOOD
Logan continues to cause us grief but today Chris had Logan try some chicken noodle soup he had made and Logan loved it. Oh MY GOODNESS. He also tried raspberry jam on toast and liked it too. Is Logan turning over a new leaf??? I won't hold my breath :-) Connor on the other had is a good eater as is Chris who eats (it seems anyway) a pint of ice cream every night. He must be stressed out :-) I on the other hand have been eating nasty nasty food like Coke and coffee (mostly milch kaffees) and chocolate and other bad foods. I'm craving a Coke right now. Good thing we aren't buying it. I'll just continue to suck down my wasser mit gas (bubbly water).
CARE PACKAGES
Thanks to all that have sent us care packages from the USA. We are so happy to receive them. I just received A&D Ointment, TP, lotion and books from my cousins Karen and Jim. Thanks so much. My mother is keeping Logan and Connor feed with Kraft Mac & Cheese, Gerber fruit puffs, M&Ms (they taste nasty here) & Tootise rolls. Chris' parents, Sandy & Pete have sent us our forwarded mail and meds for the kids. Of course there is more and we thank everyone so much. It is hard to find replacements for all the products we used in the US. I still can't find a replacement for A&D ointment so if you are so inclined feel free to send us some. Baby Connor needs it for his bum :-)
SMOKING
They still do it here. YUCK!!
DOGS
They still poop everywhere. Seems worse now that the leaves are falling. It's dangerous out there.
SITE SEEING
Had a nice time on my walking tour of Berlin. Plan to do much more. Found out that the Grimm Brothers have their graves near our house as well as Marlene Dietrich. We will go on a grave tour soon. I plan to go to the Pergamon Museum this week to see the Babylon exhibit. Will report on that later in the week.
JFK SCHOOL
We think we've finally got Logan on the right track at school. We found out now two weeks ago that he was missing homework and was sort of lost on what he was to bring home for homework, etc. The school isn't the best on communication and the teachers don't seem to be working together but it's still early and Chris says we need to give them a chance. So I'm waiting to see how it all works out before his first conference in October.
MUSIC TOGETHER
Connor and I went to our first class past week. The next day he got the fever so he wasn't too into it but hopefully this week will be different. No kids his age so I'm hoping to get him into another session. Also the train/bus ride out to the class takes an hour. Not loving the commute. The other class is closer. Hopefully we can switch. Keep fingers crossed.
WEEK AHEAD
We expect our boxes that we shipped on the slow boat in July will be coming this week and we are very excited. It is cold here and we don't really have jackets or warm clothing. I packed more toys and books for the kids as well as some games. They'll be happy to see it. We didn't bring much with us so the kids are really bored with what they have here. It will be good to put these things away so a few months from now those toys will be new again.
Chris will be working hard on looking for a job. We've got our desks up so it's nice to be able to sit at a desk and blog or do whatever on the computer. Logan has a desk too and it makes doing homework easier. Connor likes it too and does his homework on the desk. More like get into trouble but he's trying.
I've got more pics to post and will do some in the coming week. Make sure to check my flickr account for more pics closer to the end of the week. http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettyblackcat.
I found this web site for american expats. Check it out http://www.amiexpat.com/. It's been somewhat helpful. It's interesting to read for sure.
JOBS
None.
GERMAN STUDIES
Trying to connect with the folks at the Goethe Institute. I plan to take a night course three times a week so I have to call the admissions office for the evening classes but everytime I call I get a busy signal. This is typical here in Germany. Seems to me that the German telecom only hands out one line to everybody and that is that. I've emailed too but no response. I may have to just go down to the office to register. Not really convient with Connor but I guess I can try it. Worse case I have to leave and try another time.
SICK KIDS
So Connor recovered from his fever. First time for him. He threw up once which I documented in an early which isn't bad for him. Connor is a puker. We lucked out with Logan so I guess we were due. I was a puker when I was little. Ask my mother, okay don't but it's true. BLAH!!! Okay anyway we did call his doctor but of course couldn't get through so both Chris and I emailed. She got back to us a few hours later. For some reason our phone wasn't working right and she couldn't get me on my cell so she emailed us then we emailed back and then finally later in the evening of the next day I actually got her on the phone. By then Connor's fever had broken and he was getting better. No need to go in thank goodness. We don't have a car so we would have had to take the bus or the train to get to the clinic. I hope Connor (and Logan) never get sick again. It was an experience let me tell you.
Now Logan has been pretty healthy since we got here. Just allergies mostly but he broke out in a weird rash all over his body. Not sure if it is food or something else. Anyway as long as he is taken his allergy meds he doesn't have the rash so the doc said we should probably come in and have blood drawn. Oh crap. Logan hates shots and now he has to have blood drawn. I think we'll have to knock him out for that one.
LAUNDRY
This is the bain (did I spell that correctly??) of my exsistance at the moment. I'll start off by saying that Chris IS OF NO HELP. He can't read any of the German on the bloody machine. This is part of the problem. There are so many choices and don't know what to choose and bablefish isn't of any help either. It's driving me crazy. It shouldn't be this hard. I'm going to have to get one of our German friends to come over and show me how to do laundry here. Everything we own (unless it's black) has some sort of berry stain on it. Connor likes to spread it around. What the heck am I going to do??? Feel like crying now. boo hoo boo hoo
I can't seem to get my butt in gear to send any. I will though trust me I will.
FOOD
Logan continues to cause us grief but today Chris had Logan try some chicken noodle soup he had made and Logan loved it. Oh MY GOODNESS. He also tried raspberry jam on toast and liked it too. Is Logan turning over a new leaf??? I won't hold my breath :-) Connor on the other had is a good eater as is Chris who eats (it seems anyway) a pint of ice cream every night. He must be stressed out :-) I on the other hand have been eating nasty nasty food like Coke and coffee (mostly milch kaffees) and chocolate and other bad foods. I'm craving a Coke right now. Good thing we aren't buying it. I'll just continue to suck down my wasser mit gas (bubbly water).
CARE PACKAGES
Thanks to all that have sent us care packages from the USA. We are so happy to receive them. I just received A&D Ointment, TP, lotion and books from my cousins Karen and Jim. Thanks so much. My mother is keeping Logan and Connor feed with Kraft Mac & Cheese, Gerber fruit puffs, M&Ms (they taste nasty here) & Tootise rolls. Chris' parents, Sandy & Pete have sent us our forwarded mail and meds for the kids. Of course there is more and we thank everyone so much. It is hard to find replacements for all the products we used in the US. I still can't find a replacement for A&D ointment so if you are so inclined feel free to send us some. Baby Connor needs it for his bum :-)
SMOKING
They still do it here. YUCK!!
DOGS
They still poop everywhere. Seems worse now that the leaves are falling. It's dangerous out there.
SITE SEEING
Had a nice time on my walking tour of Berlin. Plan to do much more. Found out that the Grimm Brothers have their graves near our house as well as Marlene Dietrich. We will go on a grave tour soon. I plan to go to the Pergamon Museum this week to see the Babylon exhibit. Will report on that later in the week.
JFK SCHOOL
We think we've finally got Logan on the right track at school. We found out now two weeks ago that he was missing homework and was sort of lost on what he was to bring home for homework, etc. The school isn't the best on communication and the teachers don't seem to be working together but it's still early and Chris says we need to give them a chance. So I'm waiting to see how it all works out before his first conference in October.
MUSIC TOGETHER
Connor and I went to our first class past week. The next day he got the fever so he wasn't too into it but hopefully this week will be different. No kids his age so I'm hoping to get him into another session. Also the train/bus ride out to the class takes an hour. Not loving the commute. The other class is closer. Hopefully we can switch. Keep fingers crossed.
WEEK AHEAD
We expect our boxes that we shipped on the slow boat in July will be coming this week and we are very excited. It is cold here and we don't really have jackets or warm clothing. I packed more toys and books for the kids as well as some games. They'll be happy to see it. We didn't bring much with us so the kids are really bored with what they have here. It will be good to put these things away so a few months from now those toys will be new again.
Chris will be working hard on looking for a job. We've got our desks up so it's nice to be able to sit at a desk and blog or do whatever on the computer. Logan has a desk too and it makes doing homework easier. Connor likes it too and does his homework on the desk. More like get into trouble but he's trying.
I've got more pics to post and will do some in the coming week. Make sure to check my flickr account for more pics closer to the end of the week. http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettyblackcat.
I found this web site for american expats. Check it out http://www.amiexpat.com/. It's been somewhat helpful. It's interesting to read for sure.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sick Kids
There is nothing worst than a sick child and I have one. BLAH!!!
Connor was not eating or sleeping well on Tuesday and then yesterday he took a dive. He threw up all over his new clothes including the cute little wool jacket I got him. UG! Of course he did this on a walk and we were far from home. I raced back as fast as I could as the vomit was everywhere. I had thought about just changing him but there was too much and it was all over the stroller too. Once I got back I cleaned him up and all the clothes but he continued to get worse. We continued to give him lots of water and some meds. Last night wasn't too bad and today he seems better.
My poor little baby. This is the first time he's had a fever. Little kids just don't understand what's going on. They just know they feel terrible and the only thing they can do is cry. As a parent you sort of feel helpless especially since you've done all you can do. Time is the only thing that can help.
If you pray say a little prayer that Connor recovers quickly. If you don't, send good vides his way.
Connor was not eating or sleeping well on Tuesday and then yesterday he took a dive. He threw up all over his new clothes including the cute little wool jacket I got him. UG! Of course he did this on a walk and we were far from home. I raced back as fast as I could as the vomit was everywhere. I had thought about just changing him but there was too much and it was all over the stroller too. Once I got back I cleaned him up and all the clothes but he continued to get worse. We continued to give him lots of water and some meds. Last night wasn't too bad and today he seems better.
My poor little baby. This is the first time he's had a fever. Little kids just don't understand what's going on. They just know they feel terrible and the only thing they can do is cry. As a parent you sort of feel helpless especially since you've done all you can do. Time is the only thing that can help.
If you pray say a little prayer that Connor recovers quickly. If you don't, send good vides his way.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Cold Day
It was a cold day in Berlin today. Connor got to wear the new coat I bought him yesterday. It was a good thing :-)
We all stayed home today except Logan went to school. He is in basketball so he stays at school until 3 p.m. He said it was fun. He's doing homework right now. He brought home the school portrait form. Pics will be taken next week. I'll be sure to post them.
Connor and I went to Music Together class today. It was a long ride there due to rush hour and a really long ride back. It was COLD too. Also most of the kids are older than he is so he doesn't really have anyone to play with in the class. I think I might ask the teacher if there is an opening in the Wilmersdorf class. It is also closer to us. Keep fingers crossed that there are more kids his age in this other class and that they have an opening.
Tomorrow Logan goes on an all day field trip. We just found out from him this afternoon. JFK isn't really good about letting us parents know what is going on. Something we need to discuss with his teacher at conferences. It's very frustrating. Linwood A+, Logan's school in MN was great about the communication (with exception of the merger with Monroe School).
Another cold and gray day I think for tomorrow but Connor and I will venture out somewhere. Probably to the store and to the market.
We all stayed home today except Logan went to school. He is in basketball so he stays at school until 3 p.m. He said it was fun. He's doing homework right now. He brought home the school portrait form. Pics will be taken next week. I'll be sure to post them.
Connor and I went to Music Together class today. It was a long ride there due to rush hour and a really long ride back. It was COLD too. Also most of the kids are older than he is so he doesn't really have anyone to play with in the class. I think I might ask the teacher if there is an opening in the Wilmersdorf class. It is also closer to us. Keep fingers crossed that there are more kids his age in this other class and that they have an opening.
Tomorrow Logan goes on an all day field trip. We just found out from him this afternoon. JFK isn't really good about letting us parents know what is going on. Something we need to discuss with his teacher at conferences. It's very frustrating. Linwood A+, Logan's school in MN was great about the communication (with exception of the merger with Monroe School).
Another cold and gray day I think for tomorrow but Connor and I will venture out somewhere. Probably to the store and to the market.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Discover Berlin
Today I went on a tour of Berlin. It was great. I had such a nice time and met some nice folks. I went on the Original Berlin Walks tour in English. The tour guide Johanna was very good. She gave us a lot of history and background on Berlin/Germany. We went to many historical sites. There is so much to see here. We went by Hilter's bunker (it's a parking lot now) and even though it's a parking lot it's weird to be standing in the space. We also went to the plaza where the Nazi burned over 22,000 books. Chris and I have walked by this plaza many times before and I go to church nearby so it was again crazy to think that this happened here.
Next week I plan to go to one of the museums. I'll most likely drop Logan off at school and then head into town to the Pergamon. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon_Museum and here is another site http://www.smb.spk-berlin.de/smb/standorte/index.php?lang=en&p=2&objID=27&n=1&r=4. There is an exhibit called Babylon Myth and Truth. It is at the Pergamon until October so I'm excited to see it as well.
I can't wait to discover more cool places here in Berlin. Maybe next time I'll remember the camera :-)
Next week I plan to go to one of the museums. I'll most likely drop Logan off at school and then head into town to the Pergamon. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon_Museum and here is another site http://www.smb.spk-berlin.de/smb/standorte/index.php?lang=en&p=2&objID=27&n=1&r=4. There is an exhibit called Babylon Myth and Truth. It is at the Pergamon until October so I'm excited to see it as well.
I can't wait to discover more cool places here in Berlin. Maybe next time I'll remember the camera :-)
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Jennifer Hays the Tourist
I'm going on a walking tour of Berlin tomorrow morning with the folks at Original Berlin Walks. If you want to see what kind of walks they conduct go to http://www.berlinwalks.com. I'm going to take the Discover Berlin walk. It should be fun. I'll report on it later.
Chris and I started talking about how we should take some time to be tourists in Berlin while we are living here. When Chris lived here in the early 90s he didn't take the time to "really" see the city and before he knew it he was back home in the US. We have a great opportunity and need to take full advantage of what this city has to offer.
Next time you have free time go on a tour of your city or do something you've never done before. You'd be surprised at what you're missing and it's just around the corner.
Chris and I started talking about how we should take some time to be tourists in Berlin while we are living here. When Chris lived here in the early 90s he didn't take the time to "really" see the city and before he knew it he was back home in the US. We have a great opportunity and need to take full advantage of what this city has to offer.
Next time you have free time go on a tour of your city or do something you've never done before. You'd be surprised at what you're missing and it's just around the corner.
Uh-Oh!
The time has come for Logan, Chris and I to "watch" what we say around Connor. He's beginning to repeat some words. The other day Connor dropped his bottle on the floor and I said "Uh oh" and he repeated it promptly. He then pushed the bottle off the table and onto the floor, looked at me and said "Uh oh". I smiled back and repeated it. After that moment he started tossing his toys around saying "Uh oh" and looking to me for confirmation. I stopped to think about how often I say Uh oh and I realize I do say it but more often I say crap or other more colorful medifores. Chris and I were much more careful about what we said around Logan so I think now is the time to start with Connor. I just didn't realize how quickly it all comes.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Shots
We had our first experience at the doctor's yesterday. Connor needed to go in for his One year check up. He got one shot (MMR with Chixpox) but needs two more. We go back in early October. Connor only cried a little when he got his shot. Not like his big brother or dad who hate needles. Mom has no problems either :-)
Sprechen
I think I spelled that correctly??
I've decided to sign up for German language lesson at the Goethe Institute. I know I said before that they were expensive but I compared the instruction time, materials, location, reputation, etc. and really there isn't a big difference. I'm calling tomorrow to sign up. Hopefully they have space for me in their late October class.
YEAH!! It feels good to make a decision about this.
I've decided to sign up for German language lesson at the Goethe Institute. I know I said before that they were expensive but I compared the instruction time, materials, location, reputation, etc. and really there isn't a big difference. I'm calling tomorrow to sign up. Hopefully they have space for me in their late October class.
YEAH!! It feels good to make a decision about this.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Logan and Friends
Here are a few pics of Logan and his friends.
Darth Vadar
Clone Trooper
JuJu Olson at Linwood A+ School
Darius (DD) at Monore/Linwood A+ School
Adam at Monore/Linwood A+ School
Rosy & Violet Haas on moving truck at 952 Linwood
Rosy Hass at 952 Linwood Avenue
JuJu Olson and Logan Macgowan at Sans-Souci Palace in Potsdam, Germany
Connor Gets a Package
Connor received a package from Grandma Sandy and Grandpa Pete Macgowan for his birthday.
This is over a month ago sorry. I'm just getting around to posting pics and video now.
Connor and Logan
The pic of Logan he shot himself on his last day of summer school at Linwood A+ (at the Monore campus).
Happy Birthday
Today is my birthday!!!
Only thing planned so far is a date with the movie theater later this evening.
My lovely husband made eggs and toast for me and Logan sang me a nice song this morning. Connor has a cold but he slept better last night so that is gift enough :-) Maybe he'll do a repeat performance.
My cousin Barb is having a birthday on September 6th too so Happy Birthday Barb!!! Hope you had a great day!!!
More later.
Okay I'm back. I went to see the movie "Wanted". It was actually pretty good. I like James McAvoy. I would recommend seeing it in the theaters but for sure rent it when it comes out. I also liked the new Batman movie. It was really good. I went to see it about a couple of weeks ago and then Chris went a few days later. We don't have any babysitters here so we have to tag team with the kids.
Before I left for the movie theater we had chocolate cake (pics coming soon) and ordered dinner from one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Dal Falco's. It doesn't hurt that it's pretty cheap too.
I got home about 10:30 p.m. By that time I was starting to feel the effects of the cold I had caught from Connor but all in all I had a nice day. Chris had given the kids baths and put them to bed for me. What a great gift!!!!!
Thanks to my family and friends that sent me well wishes via email and to my friend Monica Bayer for sending me a card in the mail. Love you guys!!!
Only thing planned so far is a date with the movie theater later this evening.
My lovely husband made eggs and toast for me and Logan sang me a nice song this morning. Connor has a cold but he slept better last night so that is gift enough :-) Maybe he'll do a repeat performance.
My cousin Barb is having a birthday on September 6th too so Happy Birthday Barb!!! Hope you had a great day!!!
More later.
Okay I'm back. I went to see the movie "Wanted". It was actually pretty good. I like James McAvoy. I would recommend seeing it in the theaters but for sure rent it when it comes out. I also liked the new Batman movie. It was really good. I went to see it about a couple of weeks ago and then Chris went a few days later. We don't have any babysitters here so we have to tag team with the kids.
Before I left for the movie theater we had chocolate cake (pics coming soon) and ordered dinner from one of our favorite Italian restaurants, Dal Falco's. It doesn't hurt that it's pretty cheap too.
I got home about 10:30 p.m. By that time I was starting to feel the effects of the cold I had caught from Connor but all in all I had a nice day. Chris had given the kids baths and put them to bed for me. What a great gift!!!!!
Thanks to my family and friends that sent me well wishes via email and to my friend Monica Bayer for sending me a card in the mail. Love you guys!!!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Bad Day
What started out as a pretty good day ended disasterously. Okay it wasn't that bad but for Logan it wasn't great.
Math Quiz
Let's just say Logan didn't do well and he's pretty bummed out about it. Chris and I are helping him figure out what went wrong. More practicing is in order on the weekends.
Sassy Pants
On the way home from school Logan got pretty sassy with Chris and me about various things and I finally said to him okay that is it no computer/TV time today (he only gets 2 hours Fri/Sat -- maybe Thur/Sun if school is going well and no homework or reading -- this is the recommendation of our doc in the US -- two hours a day on the weekends of screen time -- Logan was there and got the message). Logan didn't like that at all and pouted all the way home. Once home we had a couple of long talks with him explain why parents do what they do to kids, etc. He seemed okay after that and accepted his fate for the evening.
Dinner but no Dancing
Chris and I have a ton of potatoes here and we decided to cook some up with a little Turkey. We had fed the kids earlier and we were all sitting in our new living/family room eating and talking. Logan left the room and came back with a huge pillow and as he entered the room he knocked over my juice. The glass broke and the juice flew everywhere. Logan was upset and stormed out of the room. He said this was the worst day ever. Poor kid.
Sleeping Finally
Now both kids are sleeping and I'm headed that way too. I'm just exhausted at being a parent at the moment. At least (knock on wood) there were no poopy butts involved :-)
Math Quiz
Let's just say Logan didn't do well and he's pretty bummed out about it. Chris and I are helping him figure out what went wrong. More practicing is in order on the weekends.
Sassy Pants
On the way home from school Logan got pretty sassy with Chris and me about various things and I finally said to him okay that is it no computer/TV time today (he only gets 2 hours Fri/Sat -- maybe Thur/Sun if school is going well and no homework or reading -- this is the recommendation of our doc in the US -- two hours a day on the weekends of screen time -- Logan was there and got the message). Logan didn't like that at all and pouted all the way home. Once home we had a couple of long talks with him explain why parents do what they do to kids, etc. He seemed okay after that and accepted his fate for the evening.
Dinner but no Dancing
Chris and I have a ton of potatoes here and we decided to cook some up with a little Turkey. We had fed the kids earlier and we were all sitting in our new living/family room eating and talking. Logan left the room and came back with a huge pillow and as he entered the room he knocked over my juice. The glass broke and the juice flew everywhere. Logan was upset and stormed out of the room. He said this was the worst day ever. Poor kid.
Sleeping Finally
Now both kids are sleeping and I'm headed that way too. I'm just exhausted at being a parent at the moment. At least (knock on wood) there were no poopy butts involved :-)
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Connor and Jennifer have stuff to do
Music Together
Connor and I are registered for Music Together class. We are very excited. Well I'm very excited. Connor will like it :-)
We attend Music Together class in St. Paul with our friends Barb and Anna. We had lots of fun and are so happy we can continue Music Together here in Berlin.
We'll be heading to Kreuzberg on Sept. 16th. Class is for 10 weeks. We are sad that Barb and Anna can't be with us but we are hoping to make new friends here in Berlin.
Hi Barb and Anna!!!! Barb I still have a little something for Anna. I'm such a slacker and will try try try hard to get it in the mail to you guys soon.
For those reading this and who have children under the age of 5 I would highly recommend Music Together. Here is the web address in the US http://www.musictogetherclasses.com/. Go and have fun.
If you want to see where we are going for class put in Niedstr. 19, 12159 Berlin into Google Maps http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl. This is our address here in Berlin. The location of the music class is here Urbanstr. 137, 10967 Berlin. You can figure out how to make Google Maps work :-) The Berlin Music Together web site is here http://www.musictogether-with-antje.de/index.htm if you want to read about what we are doing. Our class is at 5:15 on Tuesdays.
Again it should be loads of fun.
German Lessons for Jennifer
I found a school I think I'll try for a month or so to learn the German language. It's called the New School or in German Die Neue Schule. Here is the web site http://www.neueschule.de/e/welcome.htm. Chris and I have seen lots of ads all over Berlin and I called on Friday and talked to a teacher there and it sounds good. It's somewhat cheaper than some of the others I've looked at and is located pretty close to us. One of the other schools I was interested in http://www.goethe.de/enindex.htm is a little over budget for us but is well known and pretty prestigious according to Chris. Maybe once my lovely husband gets a job I can attend a class there :-) I looked at their online courses but I think I would rather go to class and meet people. I wish I could do both but the lack of funds prohibits it :-( I'll be starting class in October so toward the end of the fall look for some German posts.
Connor and I are registered for Music Together class. We are very excited. Well I'm very excited. Connor will like it :-)
We attend Music Together class in St. Paul with our friends Barb and Anna. We had lots of fun and are so happy we can continue Music Together here in Berlin.
We'll be heading to Kreuzberg on Sept. 16th. Class is for 10 weeks. We are sad that Barb and Anna can't be with us but we are hoping to make new friends here in Berlin.
Hi Barb and Anna!!!! Barb I still have a little something for Anna. I'm such a slacker and will try try try hard to get it in the mail to you guys soon.
For those reading this and who have children under the age of 5 I would highly recommend Music Together. Here is the web address in the US http://www.musictogetherclasses.com/. Go and have fun.
If you want to see where we are going for class put in Niedstr. 19, 12159 Berlin into Google Maps http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tab=wl. This is our address here in Berlin. The location of the music class is here Urbanstr. 137, 10967 Berlin. You can figure out how to make Google Maps work :-) The Berlin Music Together web site is here http://www.musictogether-with-antje.de/index.htm if you want to read about what we are doing. Our class is at 5:15 on Tuesdays.
Again it should be loads of fun.
German Lessons for Jennifer
I found a school I think I'll try for a month or so to learn the German language. It's called the New School or in German Die Neue Schule. Here is the web site http://www.neueschule.de/e/welcome.htm. Chris and I have seen lots of ads all over Berlin and I called on Friday and talked to a teacher there and it sounds good. It's somewhat cheaper than some of the others I've looked at and is located pretty close to us. One of the other schools I was interested in http://www.goethe.de/enindex.htm is a little over budget for us but is well known and pretty prestigious according to Chris. Maybe once my lovely husband gets a job I can attend a class there :-) I looked at their online courses but I think I would rather go to class and meet people. I wish I could do both but the lack of funds prohibits it :-( I'll be starting class in October so toward the end of the fall look for some German posts.
We have a TABLE!!! We have a TABLE!!
Yes you read that right. We have a table and four chairs.
Life is just getting better and better!!!!
Life is just getting better and better!!!!
Neighbors
We have an eccentric group of folks living in this building.
One of our neighbors (in her 90s I'm sure) told us that the Nazi's have her bank account number. EEK!!! On nice days she likes to walk around naked on her balcony :-)
Oooo la la
One of our neighbors (in her 90s I'm sure) told us that the Nazi's have her bank account number. EEK!!! On nice days she likes to walk around naked on her balcony :-)
Oooo la la
Keys
Oh did I tell you we've only had one set of keys??
It's driving me CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have a key for the front door and a key for our apt. We still need a key for the door that goes into the courtyard. Someone in this building keeps locking this door. Someone in this building is afraid someone outside of the building will steal our garbage.
It's driving me CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have a key for the front door and a key for our apt. We still need a key for the door that goes into the courtyard. Someone in this building keeps locking this door. Someone in this building is afraid someone outside of the building will steal our garbage.
Apartment Woes (did I spell that right?)
So where did I leave off?? There are so many things that went wrong from the day we arrived in Berlin I can't keep them all straight. It's sad but we managed to get this far.
What's left?
We actually got three hanging cabinets hung a couple of days ago by the apt. management. It is nice to have more room in the kitchen. We will not be getting a new sink, oven/stove or additional free standing cabinet (more room to cut those veggies for Connor and Logan :-) until October. I don't understand why it takes so long but the management took forever to order. We actually sent specs to the management back in early June. Of course they decided to put in their own kitchen instead of letting us pick something out. We found out that they plan to kick us out at the end of our lease so they can try to rent this apt. out for more money. They'll never get it. I've talked to a couple of folks here and they think we are paying too much for our place already. Besides the rest of the building is a disaster. I've got lots of pics I'll post so you folks can see what I mean.
There is no storage at all in the bathroom so Chris and I purchased some cabinets for the wall, under and over the sink. We received them late last week so we hope to get them up soon.
We don't have curtins and I'm not sure if we'll get any. The windows are sort of odd here. No screens (they have bugs here believe me) and they open into the house. If we are truly getting kicked out next July I would hate to purchase something that wouldn't work in another apt.
We don't have any rugs and need to get some before winter.
There are a ton of kitchen and bathroom gagets we need. Over time we'll accumulate. We have a few plates, bowls, utensils, etc.
Hot Chocolate
Logan got himself a "hot chocolate" maker (really an espresso machine) so we've been having lots of hot chocolate lately. I'm sure once the cold weather really sets in we'll be treating ourselves every morning and night. This of course is a luxury item but poor Logan was feeling left out of everything so we thought we'd make him happy :-) It worked.
Hair Dryer Excitement
I purchased a really cool hair dryer. I don't recall ever seeing these types in the US but I've had the same hair dryer (in the US) since I was like 12. I won it at a raffle. It works great so I've never had to replace. Anyway, this new dryer is cool. It looks like a curling iron with a brush on it. It really works great and my hair finally looks ok. I've decided to grow my hair back out as it was a big mistake to cut it back in May. I was looking for a new do and didn't get it. Boo hoo The least of my worries right??
What's left?
We actually got three hanging cabinets hung a couple of days ago by the apt. management. It is nice to have more room in the kitchen. We will not be getting a new sink, oven/stove or additional free standing cabinet (more room to cut those veggies for Connor and Logan :-) until October. I don't understand why it takes so long but the management took forever to order. We actually sent specs to the management back in early June. Of course they decided to put in their own kitchen instead of letting us pick something out. We found out that they plan to kick us out at the end of our lease so they can try to rent this apt. out for more money. They'll never get it. I've talked to a couple of folks here and they think we are paying too much for our place already. Besides the rest of the building is a disaster. I've got lots of pics I'll post so you folks can see what I mean.
There is no storage at all in the bathroom so Chris and I purchased some cabinets for the wall, under and over the sink. We received them late last week so we hope to get them up soon.
We don't have curtins and I'm not sure if we'll get any. The windows are sort of odd here. No screens (they have bugs here believe me) and they open into the house. If we are truly getting kicked out next July I would hate to purchase something that wouldn't work in another apt.
We don't have any rugs and need to get some before winter.
There are a ton of kitchen and bathroom gagets we need. Over time we'll accumulate. We have a few plates, bowls, utensils, etc.
Hot Chocolate
Logan got himself a "hot chocolate" maker (really an espresso machine) so we've been having lots of hot chocolate lately. I'm sure once the cold weather really sets in we'll be treating ourselves every morning and night. This of course is a luxury item but poor Logan was feeling left out of everything so we thought we'd make him happy :-) It worked.
Hair Dryer Excitement
I purchased a really cool hair dryer. I don't recall ever seeing these types in the US but I've had the same hair dryer (in the US) since I was like 12. I won it at a raffle. It works great so I've never had to replace. Anyway, this new dryer is cool. It looks like a curling iron with a brush on it. It really works great and my hair finally looks ok. I've decided to grow my hair back out as it was a big mistake to cut it back in May. I was looking for a new do and didn't get it. Boo hoo The least of my worries right??
First Day of School & Laundry Day
First Day of School
For most kids today was the first day of school. Logan started last week, August 25th. He had a great week. The week before he started at new kid orientation he met another boy named Owen from Oregon. Owen didn't speak any German either and loves all the same things he does; Star Wars, Legos, Playmobils, tag and generally being loud and crazy. Great for Logan (and Owen too). He had Monday off as it was a holiday in the US (Logan gets all US and German holidays off) but is back at it again today.
For most kids today was the first day of school. Logan started last week, August 25th. He had a great week. The week before he started at new kid orientation he met another boy named Owen from Oregon. Owen didn't speak any German either and loves all the same things he does; Star Wars, Legos, Playmobils, tag and generally being loud and crazy. Great for Logan (and Owen too). He had Monday off as it was a holiday in the US (Logan gets all US and German holidays off) but is back at it again today.
Logan and Owen
This is Logan's teacher Frau Pape. She's the one holding the sign.
This is Logan's teacher Frau Pape. She's the one holding the sign.
Logan's home room.
Logan, Owen and other classmates in home room.
Laundry
So if Connor will let me I'm going to do laundry. I've got lots to do so I'm sure it will take all day. Chris and I purchased a washer and dryer (along with other appliances; fridge, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, etc.) about three or four weeks ago and they only hold about 6 kg which isn't much. Normally I could do all that I have today in two loads but with what I have here it will be more like 5 or 6 loads. YIKES! Hey it's better than going to the wash center or using someone else's nasty washer/dryer.
Furniture
Chris is out looking for filing cabinets so we can put them under the table tops (really doors from the hardware store) we purchased last week. Everything we own for the most part is on the floor or in suitcases. We purchased armiors (no closets in the apt.) or schranks (what they call them here) so we could hang up our clothing but we don't have dressers yet. We hope to get those soon. It's really a bummer living out of a suitcase for so long. At least I was able to get the kids clothing out of their suitcases. That has made my life a little easier.
Here is one of the Schranks. This is the largest of the two and the oldest. It's like 150 years old. Also if you notice to the right I found a german version of the diaper genie!!! It doesn't work as well (still a bit smelly) but does the job the best it can :-)
Here is the 2nd schrank. It's in the bedroom that Logan and I share. Chris is sleeping with the baby at the moment. We hope Logan and Connor will share a room and a schrank in the near future :-) This schrank is about 120 or so years old.
Here is some detail of one of the schranks. This is the top right corner.
We hope we can ship these home with us. They would look great in our 100 year old home in MN.
Transit
Connor and I headed out for some groceries. We have to walk or take the transit here as we don't have a car. It's not a problem. The trains (above and below ground), buses and trams (light rail) are wonderful. For this outing we only needed to walk down the street to get some food. After we stopped by the park to play in the sand and take some rides down the slide.
Transit
Connor and I headed out for some groceries. We have to walk or take the transit here as we don't have a car. It's not a problem. The trains (above and below ground), buses and trams (light rail) are wonderful. For this outing we only needed to walk down the street to get some food. After we stopped by the park to play in the sand and take some rides down the slide.
Here is the map we use for the U & S - bahn rails. If you are interested check out http://www.u-bahn-berlin.de/ and http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/. Our station is on the U9. We have to take the U9 and then transfer to the S1 to get to Zehlendorf where the JFKS is located.
Okay, the day is wrapping up and it's time for Logan to come home from school.
More later.
More later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
