Oral improvements

On a un problème Françoise! I am here to learn German and I do go to 'intensive' classes where I learn a lot. But the classes focus mostly on grammar and exercises and as they finish end of March I would like to focus on oral expression after that, as I need to improve my speaking German. But where and how to do that is the question... Any ideas are welcome.

A Girls' Weekend

I went to Paris last weekend. Although I did not see much of Paris, I had a fabulous time. It was a Girls' Weekend with Nat and Mat, with everything it implies: big laughs, lots of wine, Mat's mom's world renown duck, luxurious brunches, loads of greens, cocktails, shopping, and oh so many new stories to remember with a smile. A big wonderful puff of oxygen!

Anti-Valentine's?

Not me. Not anymore. After refusing to celebrate it for so many years, criticizing it, calling it cheesy, and organizing anti-Valentine’s get-togethers with my single girlfriends, I’m actually through with my anti-Valentine’s phase.

Don’t get me wrong, I am still against its commercial and corny side; I don’t think we should wish and buy Valentine presents to all our friends and family members like they do in the United Sates. But I do think it’s a good occasion to be tastefully romantic and celebrate your love relationship when you have one. And I also think some people need the hint to show some romance to their partner, as many couples lack romance, even if everything seems perfect from the outside. Besides, correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t know any woman who does not appreciate a romantic surprise/gesture from her lover. On a controversial note, as I know many will disagree (especially male readers), I sincerely think that we women are generally better at having daily romantic details for our lover. So why should we be against Valentine's Day, the once-a-year certain occasion to be shown some romance in return?

A car week

I have never seen M so nervous. He just keeps acting very strange, not communicating and closing himself to any help. Until yesterday, when he finally accepted my helping him, which meant working together on an automobile launch until bedtime. Don't misunderstand me: I know absolutely nothing about the car industry, and was therefore just seating next to him and listening. The problem is that he now wants me to sit next to him every evening of this week, as if he couldn't do it alone. Did I mention that he will then present this exercise at his interview on Friday? Sorry, but no more details about it for now. You should be tired of reading about our various job applications around Europe anyway by now!

Headhunted

Remember how just last week, I told you that I don't even think about restarting to work for now? Let me actually be more specific on that one: I will continue with my German classes until the end, meaning March 23rd. After that, I might be open for suggestions.

Well anyway, I guess life might have other plans for me; at least it's sort of winking at me: I got an email yesterday from a headhunter requesting a conference call with me asap. Of course I will listen to what he has to say. You never know, don't cha? Keep you posted =)

PS: Gotta say it feels pretty good being headhunted

Happy New Year!!!!!

I'm back! At last! Finally connected to the world! But first things first, Happy New Year & may all your wishes and most secret desires become reality in 2006!

Secondly, please forgive me for my very long silence, but we have had some problems with our German Internet provider and just finally got our connection working.

As for my new life here in Germany, I don't really know where to start... I go to class and don't miss working. I have changed language schools after two weeks and now only study three days per week and find myself enjoying my new found free time in doing a million new things, or simply nothing at all. I actually enjoy walking up the stairs to our fourth floor flat. I wake up at dawn and am in bed by 11pm. I don't even consider the idea of going out during the week. I walk everywhere and enjoy it in spite of the awful cold. I wear sneakers and jeans every day and M tells me I look like a twenty year old. I don't read as much but watch lots of German television. I love our new home. I ponder the project of starting to paint again. I don't think about my future professional career, yet. I feel very relaxed and happy. Coming here was definitely the right decision.

Goodbye

I'm finally done. Done packing it all that is. Tomorrow the storage company will pick it all up, and it will then be time for me to say goodbye to my wonderful appartement and to Madrid. They both sheltered me through the last two and half years, since I first arrived starting a brand new phase of my life. Remembering who I was then makes me realise how many/much things/I have changed. For the better I think. I do leave with plenty of good memories, with old and new friends, wiser and happy, and definitely looking forward to what's expecting me next.

Next post will probably be written from Germany, so till then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!