Day 22: Reflections

"There are three principal means of acquiring knowledge... observation of nature, reflection, and experimentation. Observation collects facts; reflection combines them; experimentation verifies the result of that combination" - Denis Diderot

Project 365: #22

Perfect Spring Day in Hannover. The most beautiful reflections - both literally and figuratively. The flowers blossoming, and the trees just starting to green. Blue skies and sunshine. Nature is truly amazing, how it cycles, and each year, without fail, after a dreary winter springs to life, bringing hope and encouragement to all, knowing that good always follows bad, and that we should count our blessings in even the small things. 

Spring is always a hopeful time, reflecting on the past, and making promises to change things for the better in the future. It is the second chance at 'new year's resolutions', but with less cheer and more sincerity. The observation of nature ultimately leads to wisdom, if we learn from the experiments of our mistakes.  It would be nice to be able to pass on all this acquired knowledge to our children.

My reflections of the past two years: I have left my comfort zone, and embraced life in Europe (more or less). I have done my grocery shopping by bicycle, I have enjoyed the Oktoberfest and Weinachstmarkt, I embraced the Soccer World Cup, I have yoga-ed, and have sweated in the sauna! I love Sunday morning baked treats, and currywurst in winter. I love the crunch of fresh snow underfoot. I have appreciated my upbringing and my parents, and the values they taught me. I have appreciated the beauty in nature. I have realised the true difference between wants and needs. I have learnt that my self worth comes from within, and my independence does not have to be compromised just because I do not have a car or a job, and that it is okay to support my family in other ways. Without this opportunity we would be none the wiser, but now that we know, I would not choose another path as I would not have grown.

May these observations, reflections, experiments, and ultimately knowledge help us to make better choices in the future!

Day 21: Beautiful Venice memories

'It's so easy for me to get caught up in the feeling of a city like Venice, where everything is just beautiful colour and gorgeous buildings that are so peaceful. You can roam around and get lost in the labyrinth" -Nanette Lepore

Project 365: #21

I have had a busy day, with not much time for anything. I did have an awesome lunch date with friends, in between working, working, working. Lunch with friends made me reflect on the privilege of being here, which I need to do, as most of the time I did NOT think it was a privilege! My friends are from Indonesia and the Czech Republic, brought together by our children needing a common language for school. It's amazing to get together and glimpse into the lives of others and understand their different cultures and perspectives. It certainly opens the mind, and also makes me realise my blessings and opportunities. It also somehow slightly eases the guilt of being a South African expat, as all countries have their issues, and we are all just wanting the best for our families. 

While we have been here we have also had the chance to travel, and tick off some of the bucket list. One of my favourites was Venice, although the weather was terrible. It was still one of the most beautiful and architecturally amazing places I have been, you can just feel the history everywhere! The photos don't do it justice - but are a glimpse into memories!

Day 20: Trying to work

"In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this" - Terry Pratchett

Project 365: #20

Nothing can be truer than this...my morning:

"Maybe if we work together and you sit on the laptop she will pay attention..."

"Okay, looks like I am alone in this...but I will not budge..."

 "..she is asking me (not very nicely) to please move...I will NOT move! I DEMAND attention!"
 

The cats are very comical and entertaining...did I add demanding? But, they are great company, and make the house a little less empty when no one is around. Work...what's that?

Day 19: Winds of change

"I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination" - Jimmy Dean

Project 365: #19

Slowly, more and more things are heralding new beginnings, with all the organisation that entails. There is more and more finalisation, and more and more anxiety about all the "what ifs"... the count down is now on, with the first of many (of that, I am sure!) meetings at school to organise as much as possible to keep the IB going. It didn't help that it is a dreary day, adding to the dreary feelings!

 
On the upside, school and the teachers are absolutely awesome, and prepared to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Has a 'Mr Chips" feel...quite the opposite to how I felt on arriving here! What an awesome experience at the International School, exposed to so many global opinions and cultures. I am truly grateful for all this has entailed, the good and the bad. We are certainly all learning how to adjust our sails as the winds blow in new directions!

Day 18: Rainy days

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky" - Rabindranath Tagore

Project 365: #18

I woke up today to the sound of rain. Rainy days are always good for catching up with everything that has been put off...especially on Sundays, when there are so many distractions around outside...and especially in Spring, when outside is calling all the time! The sound of rain was intermingled with happy bird chatter, and church bells. I will really miss this calling to worship on Sundays - although I am very pleased that I am not a direct neighbour....the bells can be VERY loud!

Sundays are always a day of reflection for me, I do like to look around and admire the beauty in the small things. I LOVE the smell of rain, and smells always bring back memories. Afterall, life is a series of intertwined events, with memories triggered by smells, sounds, sights. I love the rain too, it washes away all the dust, leaving everything green and refreshed.

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams" - Ashley Smith

Rain always makes me remember when our garden flooded in heavy rains when the girls were little. They were so excited that we had a huge big pond in the backyard! Out came their wellies and matching umbrellas. The sandpit was even transformed into a boat, much to their delight. 

My wish for the girls, is that they will always live life to the fullest, enjoying each moment, smelling the rain, feeling the wind and fighting for their dreams.

Day 17: Misty mornings

"I don't ask for the meaning of the song of a bird or the rising of the sun on a misty morning. There they are, and they are beautiful" - Pete Hamill

Project 365: #17

There is a shroud of mystery in the mist - I always wonder whether it is going to be a nice hot day or not. The mist in PE usually meant freezing seawater and nice hot sun, something nice to look forward to.

Mist is intriguing and calming at the same time. I am feeling a little like this at the moment. There seems so much to organise, that I am not sure where to start. It doesn't help that we are not all together at the moment, so trying to get things done over two time zones. What I do know though, that as the sun rises, the mist will probably lift! So, with faith and patience, we will get through all that has to be done in the next few months! I am SO looking forward to the bright sunny skies!

Day 16: Relative freedom

“Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” - Jim Morrison

Project 365: #16

Yay! After at least six months of anticipation, our new passports have arrived...with our visas! Freedom, well, relative freedom!

This has been a long process, with our passports due to expire at the end of this year, we made the the roadtrip to Berlin in October last year to renew them. The consulate did warn us that they could take up to six months to be processed.....well, that was certainly not an underestimate! In the meantime - life happened, and we suddenly needed our new passports for US visas! All sorts of other delays also happened, but due to the kind help of family and strangers, our passports arrived, a visa appointment organised, a trip to Frankfurt taken and voilà....here they are!

The sense of relief that it has all finally been organised was amazing, I had no idea. They certainly do bring a feeling of freedom - so we now have the luxury of choosing where we would like to live, instead of no choice at all. This relative freedom, does however makes the fear of the unknown a little more visible, and all the whatifs opened up by all the choice so much more scary! But hey, we have already survived a foreign land, and the idea of exploring somewhere new is so exciting. I am so grateful for the opportunity...long may that feeling last!

Day 15: Suburbia

"That's the trouble with the suburbs: it's not a city, so you're not anonymous, and it's not a small town, so that people really care about you, but everybody kind of knows each other's business, so you're very judged" - Anne-Marie Duff

Project 365: #15

So, this is just at the end of our driveway, a couple of houses down, in pretty-much true suburbia...even illustrating the functioning public transport system! This patch of grass is between the road and the pavement....so efficient here that the pavement has a line painted down the middle indicating the cycle track. Cycle track is on the left, pedestrians on the right....do NOT cross the white line!!! This piece of grass is actually public property, but the retired neighbour tends it carefully, so that it produces these bountiful blooms each spring. He was leaning over his garden fence when I asked whether I could take a photo...he was very proud of his garden and pleased that the blooms could bring joy to passersby. I proceeded to introduce myself, which was clearly not necessary, as he already knew all about me and my family, our history, where we were from, what we ate for lunch, etc...he also invited me in to see his begonias, which I politely suggested  "maybe next time"? Ausländers are quite an enigma...about suburbia!! Not sure where he gleaned all this information from, as we have not really shared very much information, some possibly lost in translation between my very bad German and English! On one hand, it is good to know that you do not go unnoticed, on the other it is a little creepy! PS. Do NOT EVER park on green grass anywhere in the city or suburbs, you will be ticketed!! Green zones are very much revered! After all, green is kinda uplifting...

Day 14: Under pressure

"The grass is not always greener on the other side"

Project 365: #14

Hooboy, do we know that the grass in not always greener on the other side of the fence. However, we did know that already when we made the decision to move from South Africa....often plagued by sleepless doubts in the middle of the night (which is when "pray, and let God worry" - also Martin Luther, is a good idea).

With the onset of spring, the grass also begins to grow, so after a blissful four month hiatus of no lawn-mowing it will have to start again...and soon...I am now under pressure as my adjoining neighbours mowed their lawn today - so mine will look really bad, really soon!!

As you can see - there are also weeds growing in this grass from the other side...with the relative freedom that we have here, the girls have grown up much faster than I would have liked. They have been exposed to a truly international experience, and can now form opinions with a much broader base than they would have previously had. Pros and cons, pros and cons. Today, however, there is devastating news from our city down South, impacting on entire communities, sparking fear of brutality and violence, followed by weeks of xenophobia...so every time we doubt our decision...I just need to look at the grass. It may be on the other side of the fence - but it is looking pretty green right now. I am grateful that we do indeed have this amazing opportunity to experience life on the other side, and feel relatively safe while doing so.

Day 13: More flowers

"Spring unlocks the flowers to paint the laughing soil" - Bishop Reginald Heber

Project 365: #13

Can't help myself when I look around for daily inspiration - am drawn to plants, flowers, nature! So, you will have to bare with me, or read someone else's blog! Everyday there is new life in the garden - today it's the tulips....and they are magnificent! I can almost hear the soil laughing, everything just seems so much happier with sunshine and colour. 

Day 12: Greenness equals happiness

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver" - Martin Luther

Project 365: #12

Sorry, can't help it...I love the refreshing GREEN of spring, from the sprouting carpet to the new leaves weighing down the branches!

Love, love, love the green, green green! You can even smell the warmth of summer creeping through the undergrowth! Sunlight = green = happiness!

Day 11: Cherry blossoms abound

"If you have never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom" - Audra Foreo

Project 365: #11

Technology is awesome! Spring across the Atlantic Ocean - Mike's visit to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Newark, what a spectacular show the blossoms put on! If I didn't know better, it could almost be Europe with the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. No matter, beautiful all the same, both blossoms and buildings. Maybe our new destination will not be such an adjustment after all...here's hoping!

Spring blossoms do just make everything better!

Day 10: Lakes and blue skies

“Take the broken pieces of your life, bake a master cake out of it. Don't stand still like a lake; keep flowing like a stream!”  - Israelmore Ayivor

Project 365: #10

I get bored so quickly with the same old, same old....even my regular running routes, so every now and again I have a change of scenery, but am always drawn to water. Think I miss having the Indian Ocean on our doorstep  (never take ANYTHING for granted!!) So, I circumnavigated the Altwarmbüchensee on my run:

Blue skies and beautiful reflections. The stillness is good just to gather your thoughts, learn from your experiences, and fix what is broken...but keep flowing like a river with and end in sight!

Day 9: New perspective

"It's not the same on film is it? I mean, you know it's real, but it's like looking through the lens gives you some sort of protection from what's on the other side" - Blair Witch Project

Project 365: #9

While on one of my neighbourhood walks, I decided to take a short-cut through the cemetry that borders the other side of the lake....that's right, the cemetry that borders the other side of the lake. AND, this is what our house looks like from a new perspective: like something out of the Blair Witch Project maybe (good analogy from my neighbour)

I do like the cemetery, it is quietly beautiful and serene, but otherworldly at the same time. It is important to visit occasionally as it is a good reminder of the finality of this life, and to make the most of each and every day. Well, anyway, the trees will soon be all leafed-up, and this perspective will disappear for a while in the euphoria and endlessness of summer.

Day 8: Faith of Martin Luther

"I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess"- Martin Luther

Project 365: #8

The old town of Hannover was built around the Marktkirche - a beautiful imposing church, with this statue of Martin Luther near the entrance. This majesty reminds me to read up on the philosophy of Martin Luther and his preachings - and to see God's creation and beauty in all things. It also reminds me that our path is not always our own, but planned before we were even born. Also that things never seem to go according to plan when we want to control everything, but things seem to work out when we give the control to God.

 

Day 7: Best time of the day

"I love early mornings when it feels like the rest of the world is still fast asleep and you're the only one who's awake and everything feels like it isn't really real and you kind of forget about all your problems because for now it's just you, the world and the sunrise" - blog.freepeople.com

Project 365: # 7
 

This does hold the promise of a new day, everything is so peaceful, the wind not yet stirring, the ducks still half asleep. The water was so still that the tiny moon sliver was reflecting on the lake. I am so grateful for each new day, and each new promise....especially when I witness this beautiful creation. I am pleased that this was the house we have lived in, and will be sad to say goodbye!

Day 6: Working again

"The perfect woman, you see is a working-woman; not an idler; not a fine lady; but one who uses her hands and her head and her heart for the good of others" - Thomas Hardy

Project 365: #6

So excited to have some work again AND it is from home - long may it last! Long may I be efficient, concise, accurate and all the necessary things to continue editing! At least I can convince myself that I am not being idle, and am in some way helping non-English speaking scientists on their way to publishing their work...and all those years of studying and varsity fees were not wasted (forever grateful to the Aged-P's for their support of endless student years)!

Without work, I am perfectly able to keep myself busy, but it is really not very good for the mind! I tend to go more crazy than normal, and also sink into a rather deep and slippery hole...difficult to get out of. I have been known to spend days watching endless episodes of different series, and being utterly disappointed when all the seasons were completed. That was also the initial excitement of having actual working technology in Germany....wifi actually works without boosters, and Netflix is readily available at the touch of a button. It also didn't help that we arrived in the middle of the worst winter in years where the snow and negative temperatures went on until May. This spiralled a little, into less and less activity, and more and more weight accumulation (almost 20 kgs!!).....things are slowly on the mend, thanks to running!

At least now I feel that I am contributing positively to the household income, even at a pittance! I do know that my worth is more than a monetary value, but I am not needed very much by the girls any more. There is no 'mom's taxi' as they are completely independent, taking themselves by tram to and from school, and to wherever they need to go, and their homework is way more advanced than I am capable of helping with! Thank goodness for Skype - so they can get necessary Math/Science help from Dad!!

Day 5: On the road again

"I run to burn off the crazy"

Project 365: #5

Yup, nothing can be truer than that! Quote borrowed from another crazy! Couldn't wait to put my running shoes on again, and see the new life in the trails. It is always so different, and although the routes are the same, there is always something new to appreciate! Blue skies today!!

I love running on my own, it gives me time to put my thoughts in order and gain some perspective. It is also my best conversation time with God! Every now and again I trip, just to wake me up and help me focus! How could I go out and not appreciate the beauty all around us? De-stressed...can start the day!

Day 4: Dash of yellow

"I glanced out of the winder at signs of spring. The sky was almost blue, the trees were almost budding, the sun almost bright" - Millard Kaufman

Project 365: #4

The stunning climbing rose flashing yellow out the window! More and more life about. I know that it is always there, just working in the background. The cycle never stops, even though we can't see it all the time. Life always goes on.

Day 3: Content in routine

"Home is the comfiest place to be" - Winnie the Pooh

Project 365: #3

Puhdies are very happy to be home after their stay at the Katzenhotel! They won't let me out of their sight! Luckily we are not planning any trips for a while now, so they don't need to panic! Although, the Katzenhotel is kitty heaven with suspended ladders and walkways, comfy couches and hidey-holes! How we came up with the word "puhdies" I have no idea, but it became cemented after seeing an original German band "Die Puhdies" being advertised! They are firm members of our family, and I would have gone completely mad without their entertaining and demanding company for the last couple of years!

Day 2: New promises

"The first blooms of spring always may my heart sing" - S Brown

Project 365: # 2 

Amazing to arrive home after being away for two weeks, still floating with jet lag, to witness the changing of the seasons with a splash of colour on a mostly brown landscape. I love the promises of new life that spring always brings without fail!

Day 1: Moving is now a reality

"To travel is to live" - Hans Christian Andersen

Project 365: #1

Travelling home from New Jersey after a ten hectic days of looking at areas, schools, houses...and of course, New York! The reality of the move has sunk in. It is certainly not as glamorous as I imagined, but then nothing ever is. But, we will find our niche and hopefully settle down! Learning to adapt to another whole new reality!

Always a rush....hurry up and wait...Newark: Amsterdam: Hannover: Frankfurt: Hannover....cars, planes, trains. Each destination a different flavour.

Travelling is as exhilarating as it is exhausting. It inspires you to want to find out more things, and visit more places. There are always so many people traveling at once, each with their own story. Hundreds of planes lined up, ready for new destinations. A new day, a new adventure
 

Next stop: Hannover, then Frankfurt overnight to organise visas...then home! VW tower, tell tale signs of Hannover. Unbelievable public transport...it is hard to imagine life without it, yet we all make a plan somehow!

When I thought about Project 365, I did wonder how I was going to document each day. Some days there is so much to see, others not so much. I suppose it all comes down to perspective. While waiting, you can always find beauty: roof of Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.

This is how the idea began...

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." Helen Keller

 This is pretty much how I am now viewing this new chapter in our lives. It is time to move from our comfort zones and extend ourselves, after all, how many people truly get to start again at this stage of their lives. So, we are giving up everything that we know, everything South African to learn everything German! While I am sad to be leaving behind all our special family and friends, the opportunities that await are so exciting. These goodbyes are so sad, more so for the girls as all they know is about to change. They do not understand all the reasons now for us wanting to take this opportunity, but hopefully in a few years time, they will understand. With our time for moving drawing closer and closer, there are more and more farewells - highlighting our reality. It makes butterflies in the tummy with all that has to be organised, and for all the changes that are about to take place...from weather and seasons, to new languages. Here's to change and new beginnings!

This post was from the idea of my original blog...1 December 2012. Life overwhelmed me to such an extent that I couldn't even think straight sometimes! As my mother used to say "getting old is not for sissies"...so is moving countries when you are over forty not for sissies!

In the last two and a half years, we have truly lived up to all the expectations that I imagined in 2012. We have tried to integrate as much as possible, which has truly taken us from our comfort zones. We have tried to learn a new language (I have discovered in the process that I am linguistically challenged!) and integrate into a new culture (even though I will forever be an "auslander"). This could not be more different from the life we grew up with! Everything here works and is efficient, from public transport to postage. One of the reasons is that you have to pay for everything (no such thing as a free ride), and police take petty crime seriously as they don't always have as many horrors to deal with on a daily basis. Life here is more organised, but more mundane. But because everything works so well, there are few challenges to overcome - so things become somewhat boring. Who would have thought that we would actually resort to being a single car family? Despite my assumption of more resources being used here than in Africa, there is more recycling awareness, including mandatory separate plastic, paper and bio collections. Of course, there is education surrounding this and a cost involved too.

We have learned about real seasons - like the ones I read in storybooks as a child! Spring is my favourite when everything comes to life again. It starts way before the first shoots begin to show...it begins with the singing of the birds at pre-dawn...then you know, spring is on its way. It only gets better day by day, eating away at the winter depression. It would be nice to have a little more sunlight though! But I suppose that has it's advantages too as there is less risk of skin cancer! Everything has a positive side! Summer is just summer - hot, fun and outdoors...you do have to be careful of cyclists here, else you are liable to being runover! Autumn is also beautiful with the changing colours....raking up leaves not so much fun...but hey, the positive is that you burn some extra calories in the process. Winter....is nice with fresh snow. Old snow is horrible and dirty, and too much snow is hard work....calories again! Fresh snow is magical. I am very grateful for central heating and the blessing of being able to keep warm when it is so cold.

We have also had the most wonderful garden - complete with a lake in the middle of suburbia! That will be difficult to top!

The comfort zones that we have left behind are too numerous to mention. But we could never go back to the people we were before the move. So, now, with the experience we have gained, we are preparing to move continents yet again - this time to North America, with all the challenges that face us there! This time, as least we know what to expect, not that that makes things easier. Sometimes it is better not to know!

That is how I came up with the idea of Project 365...where I have seen people document each day in a year. It is a nice way to look around and be grateful for different blessings, and a way to show our friends and family who are so far away little glimpses into our daily lives. So, I choose to live a life of "daring adventure, or nothing"!