like footprints in canadian snow

number 48

2011-11-05T09:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, I haven't updated this in forever. Oops!

OK, let us some things up.

1. We moved to Richmond, and I love this place. So bright, so much light. Good connections to the skytrain..!
2. I got a job, I love it, I adore my colleagues and it was worth waiting for this opportunity.
3. Relationship-wise I am still very happy and content with all of our decisions.

It's been a good year so far, and yes, I still miss "home" a lot. I miss my friends, I miss my country with all it's little perks.

But I have started considering trying to gain citizenship. I thought it was close to impossible to receive dual citizenship but if possible I will do so. It's very pleasant news to me and I am very happy about that. Especially on the long run.

I feel the weather this year has been incredibly kind so far, so thanks to the weather gods. I also think that this winter won't be as depressing with a bright workplace and apartment. I can even see the pacific from my office. Didn't have to get my rain boots and it's November!

For some reason I woke up super early this morning and can't seem to get tired again. Bet there's a nap coming up soon, though.

Will try to keep up with this a little better. More than just 2 entries a year, ha.

number 47

2011-01-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

It's 2011! Can you believe it?

I am excited for the new year. But let me recap the last year:

-I got my visa
-quit my job
-packed up my life
-moved to Canada
-built an even stronger relationship with my husband
-met wonderful people who welcomed me with open arms and lots of love
-found out who are my true friends
-got used to living in Canada
-am now ready truly ready for this country.

2010 has been very exciting, and of course, very tough, too. I'd be lying when I'd claim that I was never sad, homesick. I cried lots, but I also laughed lots. I am incredibly blessed with the people who are in my life, and that things went so smoothly. It was a big step but I regret nothing, if anything I am proud to have taken this step. =)

So, what about 2011? We'll move into a new apartment, I'll get a job, and hopefully eventually we'll get a dog.

Life is good. Be kind!

number 46

2010-12-09T15:07:00.001-08:00

Ladies and Gents,

Wednesday night I went to my very first hockey game! Check out the photos in my album on the right -->>

I also have a short video, which is terribly shot BUT anyway!

Canucks //dec.2010 from Tabea S. on Vimeo.

Imagine me being sitting up there, excited beyond belief- after a straining game the Canucks won. Hurray!

number 45

2010-12-01T16:50:00.000-08:00

This post could be titled: The curious case of T's iPod, but, alas, it's not the title.
The post is about it though, so let me tell you my story.
Maybe one week before I left for Germany in October, my iPod started to act strange. It would discharge in a matter of 3 hours, and I started to panic. It would never stay charged for the flight! I took the risk, and in Germany it simply behaved. Did it just miss my old country so much? Did it just like airplanes? Did it like German electricity more?!

Back here, it would start to discharge again. I started to think that there must be something in my apartment- some sort of battery-draining, evil energy source! Yes! Of course! Makes perfect sense!

Of course it doesn't, and lo and behold! It works perfectly fine since Sunday.

The reason I haven't figured out. It has nothing to do with an update (which happened already sometime last week), or the fact that I am in a network here (which I was in my mom's house, too)!

I like to think that it went through some sort of passive-aggressive teenager phase. Or midlife-crisis. You know. iPods have feelings, too!

number 44

2010-11-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's almost December, I can't believe this year passed so fast. In a way, I can't wait for 2011, I'm ready to start working, and I am excited for my first winter in Canada.

Yes, I get homesick when I think about the Holidays. I don't get to bake with my mom, to come up with meals for Christmas, to unwrap old pieces of decoration that are older than I am. I am missing out on Feuerzangenbowle, on picking a tree with my sister.

But it'll be great to develop traditions with W. To buy my own decor, try out new recipes.

This year will be good. Different, but good.

**

No more snow, it got warmer again. Which would be nice, without the rain.

Now it's time to play housewife again-- any volunteers? I can make a great Tassimo coffee!

number 43

2010-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

Not that much has happened since my last post. Check out my Flickr on the right for various photos- most taken with the new Canon, I am in love.

The trip to Germany was too long and too short at the same time. It was definitely a good idea to go on this trip, for various reasons. I still miss everyone terribly.

**

Friday night the snow reached Vancouver- I felt as giddy as a child on Christmas morning.
I feel very lucky to live in a city like this and still have such unbelievably clean air.

I want to walk the seawall again, even though last time was a real challenge... maybe a shorter walk next time ;) Sadly, W. has to work today. I know I could get myself to down there but I think a walk alone would be just that.. lonely.

xxx

number 42

2010-09-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

It was good to have time to get used to everything. The transition wasn't as easy as I thought and I think I can be honest to say that I was a little depressed at times.

This Friday I'll fly to Germany for two weeks. Catch up with friends and family, regain some energy and then start here fresh. I'll apply for jobs to be more independent, and to meet more people. So far I avoided the German meetup group- I think I've become a little anti-social. It's fall now, fall always makes me feel happy.

I bought a beautiful new camera that takes gorgeous photos- the gadget for my Flickr account is added on the right. Should you add me on Flickr- I usually don't comment on photos, but take a look at them. So don't take it personal.

I'm sad I can't be in Edmonton for Thanksgiving-- we meant to visit so often, but something was always in the way. :/

Maybe someone will take photos for us! Please?

number 41

2010-07-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Again, it's been a while since I last posted, and yes, I am aware that there is not too much to say. I start to find my way around, I don't always sit at home, which is good I guess. Yesterday I was Downtown- no idea what exactly I was so afraid of.
So yea, I try to enjoy my first Canadian summer. In fall, at latest, I'll try to find a job, and take whatever I can get.

Maybe a trip to Germany? I miss home, and can't believe I've been here for over 3 months already. Can you?

Heimweh, I'm terribly homesick.
But, and that is the good part, I am comparing less. Products, habits, systems. Far less. Yes, I still see and point out the differences, but I am not getting all worked up about it and going to the grocery store is much more pleasant, too.

Life is good :)
I regret nothing.

number 40

2010-05-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry for neglecting this blog. There is not so much to write about, really. I'm just getting used to the new country (it's hard to explain, really), and often I just update my German blog, but with lots of photos usually, so feel free to check it out despite the funny language :) It's in my link list.

In other news: SIN card arrived about 2 weeks ago, no PR card yet....
Bank stuff is all figured out, visa card arrived, application for public health care has been sent.

:)

Oh! W. and I sponsor a girl from Mongolia through World Vision. I encourage everyone to look into something similar. Come to think how lucky we are, I think it's important to give something to those who need it.

number 39

2010-04-18T08:42:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday morning and my beloved husband is at work. :(

And Germany seems to be asleep even though it's the late afternoon.

This is my second weekend in BC and it's a pretty good feeling. I am getting things done around the house (one thing at a time) and I even found a German TV program yesterday (on Onni, it was pretty strange though).

Just finished the letters to my insurance and banks in G... took me a while ;)

I am wondering if I really need the credential agency. I mean, I have no university diploma from which they have to figure out if I really am a doctor ;) We will see.

I also dread looking into the driving instructions book that Walter got me.. to be honest, I am terrified to drive.

If everything fails, I'll take a 2 week class in G. (intensive class for women) and then come back here to finish the business.... hey, just thinking about the options!

number 38

2010-04-12T07:36:00.001-07:00

I'm officially a permanent resident now. Landed on Friday, now it's Monday morning and I'm still not quite here yet.
I have letters to read, and presents to open, but I can't just yet. My sister gave me her scarf with her perfume on it, whenever I open the envelope I start to cry, heh. I'm glad my husband is so understanding of that.

Today we'll actually get some things done:
- Apply for my SIN card
- get private insurance until public health care kicks in (which I have yet to apply to as well, I'm distracting myself by looking for the application form as I type this, heh!)
- get new phones
- get copies of my landing documents for banks and insurances back home
- open an account for me!
- mayyyybe go to IKEA (if only for the Köttbullar!)

I think that's enough for one day, hm?
:)

number 37

2010-04-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's Monday, my flight is on Friday, and I have yet to bring up the suitcases for packing...

Can you tell that it's hard to let go?

number 36

2010-03-18T02:18:00.000-07:00

For some reason I have no one on my reading list so I have to go to every single blog to see if they updated. Silly me, of course.

Went to another shopping spree-- not even sure why because I am really not a shopper.. I actually hate it with a passion. Always gets me in a lousy mood. But I figured it'd be nice to have a few new things in my wardrobe (after all, there's only one (!!) H&M store in Vancouver..). And I have yet to figure out what stores there can provide me with casual/basic/business wear... I see myself already ordering stuff online.

I am far more relaxed about landing now. Talked about it with W. and apparently the forms aren't as complicated as I thought. Transferred money for the first time today.. just to see how long it takes and how much it costs.

Still didn't organize a party or anything, might just skip on that... we'll see.

number 35

2010-03-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

The flowers I got for our first anniversary (Feb. 25th)

More photos, as always, in my other blog.

Today was my first day off work. Officially, I am taking all my vacation and some of my overtime. Work officially ends by the end of March.
Yesterday was a little sad. Giving my keys back, cleaning up my desk.. but hey. I can't wallow in that.

I think of April, of W., of new beginnings. I will enjoy my last month in Germany, but most of all, I'll look forward to start my life in Vancouver with my husband.

number 34

2010-02-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

Valentine's flowers:

That is all <3

_______________________

In other news, I didn't make up my mind yet... going-away-party, big or small? I'm not the sort of person who likes too much attention, after all...

Laters :)

number 33

2010-02-04T22:08:00.001-08:00

Oh, I'm terrible. Of all the pages I updated, I forgot to update this: I got my VISA!!! I already wrote a letter of cancellation. Will work only Feb, take all my overtime in March, leave Germany in April. Can you tell this is a big big shock? We didn't expect any of this so early.. crazy!

So! Lots of stuff to figure out and prepare. TGIF, I have so much to do this weekend.

Must hurry to get dressed now. Because it's Friday morning and I am running late.

number 32

2010-01-23T05:11:00.001-08:00

So! I got my passport request last week! This is definitely exciting. Things are moving much faster than expected.
From what I understood, no decision is made yet, but that should only take a month or so. Go Berlin!

I posted my question on a forum, because I really don't get why they request the passport before making a decision?

My medical was last mid July, so in theory I have enough time to sort everything out =)
And no, I don't want to stay here until July. I'm just saying with getting my visa early I have enough time to go on vacation, fly back and forth and get everything done without having to worry about time.

Either way, it's Saturday, my passport is at the Berlin embassy and all we can do now is chill and wait. Because hey, why shouldn't we be lucky? *knocks on wood*

I will upload some pics from Christmas (possibly) this afternoon, I'll inform you =)

EDIT: The trip to Vienna (another incentive, like Prague and Barcelona) is in the beginning of May. Would be a little sad if I couldn't go.
But fuck all that, because you know what? I'd give everything to be with W. in this very second.

number 31

2010-01-23T05:10:00.001-08:00

work work work (LJ cross-post)

So,
I am still mad and upset about that dick of a customer I had last. This post will be a rant about customers in general, though. Be warned.

What upsets me the most is impatience. Yes, they bring their money to my bank but not because they love me but because they get interest. So yea, it's simply a deal between two parties that makes them rather happy.

If you don't have the patience to wait, you can use the internet, and telephone banking, too. Hell, you can even send a letter or a fax.
All in all, you have 5 options to choose from. Do what's best and be merry.

The customer last week had a rather.. passive-aggressive streak. For at least 15 minutes he kept stomping his foot. After attacking my boss and insulting him, he just kept going. See, I get you're upset, but see above. Use the fucking coupon we sent you via mail, and shut up.

In his opinion, bankers should be "submissive" and "crawl on their knees" in front of him. Because no one likes us and we can be happy to get his money. Oh, really? I think we both benefit from it. And your 3 grand? Put them up your ass.

In hindsight it's all really silly to take that personally. But those were just the highlights. And I was raging. Inside I was so mad about being treated like shit, it was his whole performance there that ticked me off. And of course, I had to be polite. And I was. After he left, I wanted to get up but my thighs were trembling. Went upstairs with Manuel for a smoke then. And I hardly ever smoke these days.

See, I learned to be a patient, polite worker. Fuck that, my boss calls me Mother Therese because I am so nice and compassionate and he only knows me for a few months (and he doesn't even know that that is Jan's nickname for me, too).

So when I get into trouble for something I didn't even do (oh yea, because clearly I wasn't working (fast) enough, asshole..), I get extra mad. Why even bother? Why taking the time to do every sort of shit they want me to do? No wonder so many of the older colleagues turn into ice over the years. Because it's wearing you down, the constant nagging and complaining and yelling at you over nothingness. Because 99% of the time it's not that we make a mistake. It's because them not understanding it and getting mad at us for being stupid themselves.

Which leads me to my next point. If you're old enough to sign a contract, just fucking read it. Don't come to us complaining months later about how we ripped you off. READ. And then ASK when you have questions. It really is that simple.
But no, it's much easier to get upset about your own stupidity and find someone else to blame and yell at.

All they want is money. Fucking money. When they want a loan, they can't sign fast enough because they want to walk out with cash in their pockets.
When they want high interest, they don't listen when I explain the account/contract. What are you looking at? My boobs?

Money money money. Those who complain the most and those who have the least. Shut the hell up. When you are smart or lucky enough to earn much money, smarten up! And try to understand what's happening with it.
When you need a loan because you can't deal with your money, that's fine, but smarten up and understand the products you're getting.

Old enough to sign, but so irresponsible.

Seriously, we have like 15 products IN TOTAL in the whole bank, it's not hard to understand. You don't need to be smart or anything. You just need to READ and THINK for five minutes, and voila! You could almost do my job then!

Phone, fax, letter, internet, and branches. You choose. You deal with your decision.

number 30

2009-11-14T02:44:00.000-08:00

So, for everyone who cares:

"We received your application to sponsor T. S. on October 1, 2009.

We started processing your application on October 21, 2009.

We returned your application with a letter on November 4, 2009. You may re-apply or resubmit your application when the information requested is provided. Please consider delays in mail delivery before contacting us."

We got the whole application back only yesterday. Canadian mail is slow, eh?

Apparently they want an additional form with family information. Will have to talk with W. about it tomorrow. This paper wasn't in the original application kit, and either we didn't see that they wanted it, too, or they changed their forms... I'm just concerned about the medical, because all of this takes so long.

I understand that they want the complete application, and that it's a pain to have dozens of applications laying around with missing forms. From their POV, it's crystal clear. But from our POV?
We lost 1.5 months. And it'll take probably just that long again until they can send it to Berlin.

1/4 year, wasted for one sheet of paper. Le sigh.

Kind words are appreciated.

number 29

2009-10-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day :)

Hot lemon

Weekends are always too short.
Must try to not think too much about work, it's sickening.

Using my Samsung again: It's such a piece of shit. Will probably go back to my super old Motorola in a few days.

Will try out contacts again. Ho hum. Wish me good luck.

number 28

2009-10-14T03:59:00.001-07:00

I'm sick at home with a mean flu which gave me the time indulge in some crafting and knitting. Feverish work could be my best? I don't hope so! You be the judge, though.

___________

In other news, we're still waiting for a letter from Mississauga. I am most certainly impatient, guess Walter isn't much better. We're just stressed with the ongoing situation. Guess when you've been in this for ~2.5 years the joke's getting old.

number 27

2009-10-03T09:10:00.000-07:00

Our application reached Mississauga, at least according to the post office, can't wait to get the first letter from them. Hope they forward it to Berlin soon. I'm anxious and happy. :)

Went to the forest today, in case you added me on FB, you got my goodie already. Of course, I took photos. Fliegenpilze are hilarious, and there were so many, so I took a dozen photos.

Yes, those are mushrooms, too:

number 26

2009-09-28T12:42:00.001-07:00

Enjoy :)

number 25

2009-09-27T03:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have been slow. Here are a couple more photos from my trip to Canada, enjoy :)

This photo is perfect.. until you see the dredger on the left.

The end. :)

number 24

2009-09-13T10:42:00.000-07:00

So there, ladies and gents, I am back in Germany, ah well. I do not feel like writing much, here are some photos..

number 23

2009-09-08T10:26:00.000-07:00

Back in Vancouver,
a few more days until I get to be sappy again. Aww.

What can I say? Great vacation so far. I get to stay with my husband, see family and friends and just relax. Exactly what we needed. Some photos when I get back home, perhaps. Rather some in my german blog (yesyes, I am a busy woman.)

number 22

2009-08-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

I took tons of photos, you can have the link if you want, I just don't want to post it here. Some of the photos: (Click to view full size, my layout is cutting off the right part)

number 21

2009-08-23T00:07:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome, everyone, to my Sunday routine. It's only 9 and I have to admit, I wasn't that awake in a long time. Guess a Saturday night really does wonders.

There's the biggest fair in town. I didn't go in the evenings because I am claustrophobic so the whole thing isn't a pleasant experience, but I might go today when it's not so crowded, just lots of families and kids running around, less drunk youngsters trying to pick fights.

Here's the official HP
Under media you can find a live webcam. They put it at a crappy spot, though.

This fair has been here for almost 200 years now, growing bigger and bigger every year, with almost no advertising at all- everyone just knows it's here the third weekend in August. It's not just the rollercoaster or ferris wheel, there's a wine tent with the wine from the region, a beer tent, a rag fair and lots of food and drinks, candy and cocktails. Families enjoy it, young and old.
All in all, it's the who is who of the town to gather, show off and party, because let's face it, everyone is going. You meet former teachers, colleagues, exes and kids from school. Some encounters are great, some are not so great, but in that case you can just pretend you didn't see each other.. because it's so crowded, ha!

When I go later I'll take photos, or try to. I see Andi already complaining about me stopping every two metres. I just hope it's not that hot today.

number 20

2009-08-08T23:59:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write about last week, try to explain work but it's just not that easy.

Here's the situation:
Big merge with another bank. They use a different computer system. We were supposed to get the colleagues from the other bank to join us, but that didn't happen. So now I sit there, will all the info stored in that other program, with no clue how to even access most of the info, or knowledge about the products, etc.. It's all a big mess, really, no idea what the big bosses planned there but I really feel like telling them what I think of it. I know how a merge is supposed to be, this is like that bad attempt of a 14y/o who tried something big to impress daddy and fails miserably.

Of course, there is missing Walter 24/7. Putting it into words sounds too cheesy.
But it's much worse than the stress at work.

I think I already detached myself from my life here, but I am yet so far away from my life there. Home is with Walter, but can I really get used to a new country that is so very different? Am not sure if this even comes across right.

number 19

2009-08-02T07:00:00.000-07:00

So,

I am stressing myself over:

1.) the visa:

- not having enough copies of the photo, it seems, but there is no saved copy at the photo store, so I hope they can scan it for me... and then reprint. fuck

- the copy of the medical exam, which I have to include in my application, was accidentally cut in two by my dad as he opened the letter...

2.) work:

- new program without knowing how to use it. No one from the other bank to train us, no time to train ourselves. And a bunch of impatient customers from both banks. I hate this merge so much.

I know I am stressing myself over everything way too much, I know I'm getting myself in a daze. Sigh.

number 18.5

2009-08-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

So yea, while running to catch the damn bus to work I sprained my ankle.
It's not too bad, mind you, I can still stand on it and it only hurts when I move and hurt the foot too much (so yea, when I walk basically, ugh!) but it'll pass, I hope.

The most annoying part is the following: Work. I know it's a stupid topic I am bringing up, but this is the situation:

I still have only the limited contract. Basically, they could tell me any day to go.

After the merge with another bank, we got the new programs, but weren't supposed to learn them, because new colleagues from the other bank should join us.

But now, due to "politics", they won't be working with us until some things are sorted out. Which basically means:
- I have my own customers
- New customers with a program I don't know
- and basically I can be certain to be laid off soon anyway.

My team, we are all so mad because it's so horrible done, the whole merge is just a joke. Next week will be hell, I cannot send them just away, can I?

All that combined with my sore foot, thank you. Guess who'll run like a madman from desk to desk, trying to save our asses. And all my boss has got to say: Oh, it'll sort out. No, it won't just sort out, it'll be a madhouse and we all know it.

number 18

2009-07-28T12:52:00.000-07:00

Late Rotenfels post. Took those photos two weekends ago :)

Von like footprints in canadian snow

Isn't that cute?

Von like footprints in canadian snow

In other, more important news:
-police check came back
-medical examination is done
-I'll finish my part of the visa this week!

:)

number 17

2009-07-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Now that is a nice Sunday breakfast to wake up to... especially when you can't eat because you've been sick for the whole weekend!

Kitty being cute

Back to bed and watching more Torchwood.

number 16

2009-07-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

So, I did shower, upload, and did not leave the house. Kept dinner down, though.
Contemplate finishing the Torchwood episode, even though the accent gives me a headache today.. Seriously, as a non-native speaker, watch True Blood and then Torchwood, your english really doesn't get better from that.

number 15

2009-06-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

I got my new ID card and passport today! My name has been changed at all the important places, so now I can get an appointment for the medical exam. Woot! Well, I am not really excited to go, but it's gotta be done!

So, how far are we now:

- Almost finished filling out the visa
- have to wait for the police report just to send it in again
- have to get the application photos taken
- get the medical exam done

That should be it! Oh my, oh my.

Work is suuuuuper busy, as always. Still no news about it yet. Contract at the bank, or temp agency again? Who knows, who knows. One or the other, either way.

(Apparently my boss said that he knows how much I work and that it's in no relation to what I earn. Also, he'll try all he can to keep me in my job. But, he told Marion, and he knows she'll tell me, so I think he said it on purpose...)

So damn tired on a Monday, no good. I suppose I need to buy caffeine pills again. Just to push myself a little.

number 14

2009-06-07T05:07:00.000-07:00

LJ-crosspost

Woohoo, weekend. Sadly, it's already Sunday, didn't get to do much yesterday because I incredibly lazy, and today I feel annoyed with everything and everyone. I am just cranky that Walter is in Van, and I am stuck here.

Worked on the scarf, though. Should attach photo...

...there you go:

It's not perfect by any means, but hey, at least I do something with my time.

___________

Have to check with all the copies I made, if they are all that I wanted to photocopy.. then finish with the picture folder. But all that after cake. Coffee and cake. Man, I need coffee today.

I did sleep in, I'd say, that is if you think 9a.m. is sleeping in, but it's better than 6a.m., amirite?

number 13

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Inspired by KT (and being the worlds biggest procrastinator) I decided to google myself with my new name. Turns out that some child was labeled obese by the WII fit, even though she was/is perfectly healthy. I then looked down and decided that the WII meant me. It's time for a sweet diet. Any healthy tips?

Looking through old photos and all the wedding photos was not a good idea. I mean, it was kind of funny and cute, but also made me sad. I don't like to post them here, since this is all public, but might put some photos up on FB. Either way, I am sitting here in my PJs at 3p.m., too lazy to shower or to go over to my dad's. Hey, it's a holiday, and my only day off! Don't tell me what to do.

I am pretty certain by now that I will stop working for that bank. Will try to not have bitter feelings and just accept that this is real life and just how it goes. Hopefully Randstad will give me another contract... (by coincidence, my contract ends at the end of June, same time the bank will reorganize itself and lay me off).

When Ranstad doesn't give me another contract, I will be in trouble with the job-center, but one thing after the other. I should go to Canada and babysit a certain cutie-- I like that idea far better than trying to get another job here.

I think I should start to care so much about my job there and get a healthier attitude, no more staying in late, no more trying to think for everyone else, I will do my job and my job only. :)

EDIT: The end of June! My contracts ends in a month.

number 12

2009-05-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

There are so many things I want to write about but I am not sure how much I should or want to share.

My husband was here for about ten days: we went on a trip to the Netherlands, changed my family name and attended my dad's wedding.

I am of course very sad that he is on his way home now. I am mad at the world, and I try to hang on in there. I don't wish this on anyone. It's a crap situation to be in, and the only consolation is to know that he is the one, that we are lucky to have found each other.

number 11

2009-05-21T00:13:00.000-07:00

/crosspost:

I'll be losing my job to a GE Money Bank person by the way it looks. And I knew it! It was predictable a year ago. My only chance is going to a branch in Worms, twice the commute to work, and I make my money mainly through selling loans and other products. Commision. FML.

What can I say? It's either this or no job in July... Unless one of the GE's decides to quit.

I don't know what to think. I worked my ass off for them, and this is now they repay me. Even though my boss made sure to emphasize that instead of a headcount of 3 of them he'd rather keep me. How is that for a compliment?

This is business. I am not even really mad.

Edit: and it's my fucking birthday in 4 days. Great early gift, I suppose.

number 10

2009-05-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Barcelona! I think I packed all I need (and I really, really always forget something..)
But what can I say. I am overtired, and I really don't want to stay up and party too much.

Oh, wait, I should start from the beginning. My branch (bank) won this weekend in Barcelona. Explaining all the details would bore the hell out of you, all you need to know is that I'll board a plane to Spain, sleep in a first class hotel (single bedroom!) and I'll visit this: Sagrada Familia.

I will take as many photos as I can. This time (unlike Prague) we're all more familiar with each other, so I hope for more photos with my colleagues. I look really funky on snapshots, though.

Either way, I am rambling. Did I mention that I am overtired yet?
Will be back Sunday evening. :) Email me!

number 9

2009-05-09T09:53:00.001-07:00

So! I am officially, legally married in Germany! Hurrah! Now that makes me happy.
Mother's Day tomorrow, we made a cake and sis and I will take out our mom tomorrow.

Got my hair cut today, oh my! Longer in the front, shorter in the back.

Going out with my friends tonight, just for a few drinks, haven't seen them in a while so that'll be really nice. I'll try to take some photos.

number 8

2009-05-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Sunday night already.

Boss will be back tomorrow, as well as two GE kids. "I don't want you to worry about your job."
Like fuck I worry. Stop being conceited. You know how it goes. You better worry about your job.

Either way, Michael, my "boss" will be back, and I clearly feel uneasy about it. The pressure will be back. I hate this job so much.

More random crocheting..

normal crocheting, cluster stitch and bobble stitch:

Now I need a project.
I was looking at simple patterns, but it was a pain. I would like a simple scarf with a cluster stitch maybe, but the needle I have isn't made for tunesian.. (it's like this, you cannot take up many chains on the needle.)
Plus I have no yarn. What type of yarn would I need? I want to go any buy something tomorrow. There is a store that could help me I think. Something to look forward to!

number 7

2009-05-01T05:58:00.000-07:00

So, the translator takes a little longer than I hoped, but that is OK. Long weekend ahead (the 1st of May is a bank holiday here) so I am rather pleased with not doing anything.

I wanted to rant about work, hmm, so I should give it a go.

We bought another bank and it's all so unorganized and frustrating. We'll have two people from the other bank for the next two weeks, no clue what to do with them and why they'll be here, anyway. As far as we know, they try to axe most of them.

And no matter what we do, it's never enough, we never sell enough products. The pressure is ridiculous, and I do not want to give into it. Of course, I do everything to support them, but I refuse to sell loans. I don't want to. There will be the moment where I have to say it. Everyone there knows I am not so keen on doing it, so I either suck it up and do it anyway, or I say that I don't want to. Either way, I am fucked.

I don't think it would make much sense for me to try to find another job for the last year here. For my resume it would be better to stick with it.

I also believe that this bank I work for will go downhill in a few years. Because of all the pressure to sell loans, there are more than a few foul ones. Add high interest rates for savings, and the chaos is perfect. Now with many people losing their jobs they won't be able to pay back the loans.. you do the math. Of course, you can save your ass over a couple of years, but you just wait for my "I TOLD YOU SO!". Just saying. I really don't want to be the smartass here, but.. I really think the management is poor. It'll backfire, and thank God I won't be there to deal with it.

____________________________________

Here are my sorry attempts from last weekend: Crocheting and knitting. Enjoy the horrible outcome!
Sorry for the blurriness but I cannot be arsed to re-take those photos.

Crocheting whilst losing chains so I gave up:

Knitting in different styles:

More random knitting just to get used to it again:

number 6

2009-04-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Been meaning to write a long overdue entry in ages, mainly to rant about bureaucracy and difficulties, but then I always seem to be too tired to make sense. Let me try to explain the hassle we went through so far:

-get a marriage license
-get a marriage commissioner
-get married!!
-apply for the marriage certificate
-First Step towards legalization
-Once you get the marriage cert., it needs to be translated, but it can't be any translator, he must be recognized by the court.
-And then, then you bring the bloody thing to the vital statistics clerk! Who will, probably, check once again if it's real.
-Woohoo, officially married in Germany!

So, you want to change your name, too? After all the above, you get your partner plus the translator (unless none is needed because your partner is fluent) to go with you to the vital statistics office.

Tada, finally married and you changed your name!

And ... what now? You need a new ID/passport.
You need a police report.
You need a medical exam.

You need the damn nerve for all of this, ha!

number five

2009-04-12T05:20:00.000-07:00

Easter!

Happy Easter everyone!

Also, some photos of all the blooming flowers!

That's it :)

number four

2009-04-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Cross-post!

lookit there, it's summer!

Tonight:
BBQ at Susan's, what a lovely Easter weekend.

_________________

On a more serious note, I was reading into the visa stuff again, which made my head hurt. It's frustrating. Need to call the doctor's office who does the medical examinations, also need to get the police record thing rolling. I think I can write to them, though. Not sure how long it takes for them to send it to me, though.

Walter will also look over the application forms again, hopefully with the help of the lovely Janet, I am forever grateful so have so much support in this family.

number three

2009-04-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

So very upset and frustrated tonight.
Another adverse cash balance today (is that the right term?). Either way, I am almost certain it might be my mistake, but I can't figure why or when. It's just ten bucks but my boss is steaming. Internal audit will show up this year, anyway, he fear now sooner than later.
I calmed down by now and I really don't want to upset myself again. I am just so tired of it all and then this.. I don't even know.

What also upsets me is out security there. We have an automatic strongbox that shoots out the money when I give the order via computer. For that, I need to type in an account number. When I want more than 5,000€uro, there is a time lock, five minutes.

I have no chance to give out more money without the time lock. I can't avoid the time lock. Do you want to be the idiot who has to tell the robber that he has to prepare to wait for a while? Ugh.

I am just in a lousy mood. Don't want to think about tomorrow, about work. It's affecting my life in unhealthy ways.

number two

2009-03-23T11:04:00.000-07:00

The marriage certificates arrived last week! One is now on the way to several offices for legalization, will be sent back to Walter and then to me, so I can be officially married in Germany.

Next time Walter comes here, I can change my name, finally. Call me traditional, I like it that way.

My wisdom-teeth have been extracted last Friday, I thought I would die, but as you can tell I am still alive. Need to recover now, and relax as much as I can.. work won't get easier.

What else? I thought about using this mainly for Canada related posts, but considering that Canada is still (rather) far away, I will use this for random updates as well.

I bet you can't wait to hear me complain about the Visa-application! Ha!

Well, thank you for reading.

Random goodie:
A gentle kiss before we were a couple. Swoon!

number one

2009-03-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

This will my sister-blog to the infamous likefootprintsinthesnow-blog, which is in German. I will try both update in English and in German, but I like to keep things separate (I don't like to mix languages).

Enjoy!