friday rambling

Yesterday was awesome. This week is the last of this semester, and so my new schedule starts next week (on weds, mon and tues are holidays!) Instead of having a schedule handed to me, Ulla, my supervisor, handed me a list of teachers that has requested me, and when their classes were, and asked me if I had time to make my own schedule. Do I ever?!!? So, I get to make my own schedule, which is sweet… In addition to that, yesterday, Philipp took the last part of his bar exam, and in German tradition, a bunch of his friends met him outside the building at 1 in the afternoon with beer, and we stood outside in the freezing cold for an hour or so, drinking and celebrating with him. I got to meet a bunch more of Julian and Philipp’s group of friends, and they’re all really fun and easygoing. Had some great conversations with pretty much all of them about everything imaginable, and go to practice much more of my real (not academic) German. We continued celebrating throughout the afternoon, switching venues several times, watching a rugby match and a handball match, and finally going to see Rac’s play for his theater class, which was… interesting. We ended the night at the Irish pub, which is always a great way to end things. Karen had joined us about midway through the festivities, and also seemed to be having a great time. After the play, and before Irish pub, I made a stop at döner king, and I had quite possibly the best döner of my life. I don’t think I shut up about it for at least 30 mins. Sorry Karen.
This weekend, we’re planning on doing a little touristing. Since we have Monday and Tuesday off as well, (YAY 5 DAY WEEKEND!) we’re gonna head up to northern Niedersachsen, and visit some of the cities we haven’t seen yet. I’m also planning on hitting up Hamburg again, because I love it. One of Karen and my friends from BC is coming up for the weekend, (she’s teaching at a boarding school in southern Germany) and she’s gonna come with and see all that lovely Niedersachsen has to offer!
I’m still undecided about what I want to do next year. I’ve gotten advice from all sides about whether to extend, stay here for school, go back to the states to find a job, or go back to the states for school. I’m going to re-apply for a second year here, just to keep my options open. Thankfully my school has expressed an interest in keeping me a second year! I’ve also taken Karen’s advice to start doing more research every day into my options, to better inform myself, and to stave off anxiety attacks at 3am about failing in life. So far, its worked wonders, and I’ve been sleeping soundly.
I’ve had a stupid sinus infection for the past week or so, and its finally starting to really get a deep hold on my brain, so today’s chores start with going to the pharmacy for some hardcore decongestants, and some sinus meds. Then I really really need to buy food, because I’m down to potatoes, onions, rice, and milk (and lots of each, thanks papa!) I also need to go buy a new inner tube for my bike, UGH! Apparently the one I got last week is defective or stupid, because it refuses to hold air when it dips below freezing. Which it does here. Regularly. Such a pain! At least I can get my back wheel off, unlike Karen! Makes changing out tires/inner tubes a little easier…
K, sorry, this has dragged on long enough, and I’m rambling. Have a great Friday, everyone!

-seany