Rule Number 586: The only thing constant in one’s life is change. If only I could explain just how true this is! Since being in Germany I have found that nothing is what I expected it would be, and furthermore, as soon as you think you have things figured out, you find out that you actually don’t.
Case in Point: Blue signs with a big white “P” mean you can park in that particular spot. Fallacy. I got a parking ticket there. Reality? As an American who doesn’t speak German, your best bet is to park in an overpriced parking garage.
Of course, parking seems somewhat menial in comparison to other, bigger things, but you get the point.
Anyway, between housing issues and financial worries, things here are still somewhat stressful, and ever-changing. Of course if you ask my family (really, go ahead and ask them) if my stressors are legitimate stressors, or if it’s “Tawni Stress” as my sister so lovingly refers to it, they would tell you that it’s all “Tawni Stress” and really not a big deal. Yet somehow I always find a way to worry myself to the point of illness… literally. If nursing school taught me anything it’s that my immune system isn’t as resilient as I would like to think it is. Flashback to finals last semester… conjunctivits + rhinovirus + strep throat = complete and utter misery. Sidenote: Thankfully my finals still went really well.
Soooo… right now I am just hoping that things will be settled before Christmas. My poor brain is so tired of worrying and I’m just hoping for a nice relaxing Christmas season.
Apart from everything not so good that’s been going on, I have a lot to be grateful for (very apt, considering it is Thanksgiving month). So here is my Thanksgiving Thankfulness List:
First is the opportunity to be in Germany, the traveling opportunities here are endless. This past weekend I was able to visit Luxembourg and go see General Patton’s gravesite. At this cemetery there are 5,076 servicemen (and one woman) buried there. To look out on all the headstones and realize that these people made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation, and on behalf of us, was absolutely amazing! It makes me so proud to be part of something bigger than myself, even though I can by no means compare what I am doing with what these servicemen did. I am truly grateful for their sacrifices.
Second, I am grateful for my family. Now I don’t often get mushy and sentimental, it’s just not how I roll, but I think they should know how much I appreciate them. They have always supported me in everything that I do, and I can’t thank them enough. They’ve helped me through multiple breakdowns and reminded me that, as my mom often says, “it is what it is,” and “this too shall pass.” And I know she’s right; time seems to help with most problems. So anyway, I will certainly miss my fam-bam this holiday season, but it only makes me even more appreciative of Skype!
And although the list could go on forever, I should probably wrap it up before you all get bored of reading. So finally, I am thankful for my little gatos. For my Fishbone who I miss more than words can say, and for Simba, my bipolar kitty. They have taught me what it means to really love someone. Now I know this sounds weird, because aren’t we born into families that we innately love? My answer to this is yes. But that’s just it, it’s an innate love. I don’t think we really realize how capable we are of loving when we grow up just expecting to love our family and be loved in return. So when we first got our Simba, to be honest, I was a bit scared of her, I mean she did attack my face in my sleep on more than one occasion. But I quickly found that the thought of life without here was a terribly sad one. And then we somewhat inherited/adopted Fishbone, and my fear of being able to love two cats as much as I loved one was abolished. These two cats have been one of the best things that has ever happened to me and everyday I am thankful for them. And yes, I will likely be the crazy cat lady when I get older; I’ve already accepted it, so pass judgment as you please.
So in light of this Thanksgiving season, I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and bid you adieu for now!
