Oh! Oh!

I went to the doctor’s today. Now, I have been to the doctor in the US while I was away, and he was very good. But coming home to my own doctor was so much better. German doctors take their time and answer questions, AND WAIT to see if you have any more. They don’t brush you off with an authoritative tone when you have further worries, and there is no such thing as a 12 minute in and out rule.

I take it back.

I just talked to my brother in law about a ride home from the airport.  I’m excited to get back into my own home, despite the fact I will miss this old home of mine.  Anyway, it’s time to see just how much damaged our poor little car has after the freak hailstorm they had in Germany.  Fingers crossed please!

Well…

I’ve come to realize a few things.  First of all, trying to get any kind of writing done with the husband around is pointless.  Second, I don’t really want to go back to  Germany.  I know, what’s my freakin problem, huh?  Well, the problem is this: California is by far one of the best places on earth despite chronic fires, drought, and the threat of earthquakes.  There is a beach,  and mountains, and baseball exists here.  There is mouth watering Mexican food and shoes that come in colors other than black and brown.  Red, white and blue is a sign of nationalistic pride and not oppressive  occupation.  You can find everything and more thanks to rampant consumerism and the constant need for bigger, better, more.  They understand a drink needs plenty of ice here.  The weather is beautiful, and dammit, I have a tan!!

Germany is home now.  It is the place where all my stuff is.  It is equally beautiful in a quaint kind of way and the people are fabulous.  They have great bratwurst, bread and beer and understand that Italian food does not equal the Olive Garden.  I have terrific in-laws and a few good friends.  I can drive faster there.  Life is not as excessive, and therefor much more simple and relaxing.  So, what is my problem?

I guess it boils down to one simple fact:  You can take the girl out of America, but you can’t take the American out of the girl.  And by God, I am a rootin, tootin, flag waving dreamer at heart AND a true blue Californian.   People worldwide think I’m nuts and there’s not a damn thing I can or care to do about it.

So I need to find different activities in Germany.  There is no ocean, so rule that out.  There are no mountains by me.  I live in a very rural, flat bit of farmland.  Here are some options:

• start hunting
• start farming
• swimming  (problem: can’t exercise right now, doc’s orders)
• yoga  (again,  the no exercise rule)
• write write write!!
• more social interaction (problem: need to learn German)
• get a job (current pregnancy and the lack of German get in the way.  Maybe with the Brits?  The Americans?)
• find an art class
• start my 600 hours of German integration coursework required by the government (Ok, but we were looking for fun here)
• drag race circut
• join the circus
• golf

Or maybe I should just stop whining and get on  with it.  Life is actually pretty good and who wants all ice in a drink anyway when it’s snowing?