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Donnerstag, 22. Juni 2017
Growing Family
durhamfamily, 14:08h
I realize that I promised more consistent blog posts, and that absolutely has not happened. But, honestly, if anyone was surprised by my lack of follow-through, that’s on them. I’m what I call a pie-in-the-sky optimist—or “delusional”—which means that I’ll advertise the Best Case Scenario no matter how lousy the odds, because I’m happier living inside the lie. I’m lying to myself so convincingly that I’ll truly believe it when I tell someone, “Don’t worry, I’ll make it on time,” when I’m already five minutes late. In short: Don’t invite me anywhere.
I’m very proud to announce that I’m a father now. My son's name is Max, and he’s a sweaty little ball of hiccups. Well, it was actually my sweat because it’s 90 degrees in this top-floor apartment with no air-conditioning, but now that sweat is all over him, so I think an argument could be made that Max is now the owner of said sweat. And of hiccups. Max is a champion hiccuper. (I’ve just added “hiccuper” to my Microsoft Word dictionary, and I’d suggest anyone reading this do the same.)
The big news this week is that Max’s grandma is visiting for the first time! She arrived late on Tuesday, and they make an adorable pair. If I can snag a photo, I’ll stick it in here. Grandma is so happy to meet Max that she hasn’t complained once about the heat. Grandma came bearing gifts of diapers and milk bags, which Max’s parents can’t wait to play with.
And yesterday Max received a box from Louisville, KY! As well as two letters from the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Less than one month old and already Max receives more mail than I do. The kid doesn’t even have a birth certificate yet. I’m afraid all of this popularity will go straight to his head.
The problem with babies—especially first babies, I’m assuming—is that: (1) They are indefensibly time-consuming, considering that they don’t move or talk or even be awake very well, because (2) They are positively fascinating. Why? Newborns barely do more than nothing. And what little they do should have no chance at competing with, say, Emmy Award Winning television. But, no. Turn that TV off because I’m watching Max stretch with his little chin in the air. I guess what I’m saying is: Of course I’ve not kept up with the blog. I’ve kept up with essentially nothing since Max was born. Except showering. I’ve started showering now that Grandma’s in town. It seemed like the least I could do.
Next week I’ll be in Munich for a few days, which will be a blast, and so maybe I’ll come back and post about that.
I’m very proud to announce that I’m a father now. My son's name is Max, and he’s a sweaty little ball of hiccups. Well, it was actually my sweat because it’s 90 degrees in this top-floor apartment with no air-conditioning, but now that sweat is all over him, so I think an argument could be made that Max is now the owner of said sweat. And of hiccups. Max is a champion hiccuper. (I’ve just added “hiccuper” to my Microsoft Word dictionary, and I’d suggest anyone reading this do the same.)
The big news this week is that Max’s grandma is visiting for the first time! She arrived late on Tuesday, and they make an adorable pair. If I can snag a photo, I’ll stick it in here. Grandma is so happy to meet Max that she hasn’t complained once about the heat. Grandma came bearing gifts of diapers and milk bags, which Max’s parents can’t wait to play with.
And yesterday Max received a box from Louisville, KY! As well as two letters from the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd. Less than one month old and already Max receives more mail than I do. The kid doesn’t even have a birth certificate yet. I’m afraid all of this popularity will go straight to his head.
The problem with babies—especially first babies, I’m assuming—is that: (1) They are indefensibly time-consuming, considering that they don’t move or talk or even be awake very well, because (2) They are positively fascinating. Why? Newborns barely do more than nothing. And what little they do should have no chance at competing with, say, Emmy Award Winning television. But, no. Turn that TV off because I’m watching Max stretch with his little chin in the air. I guess what I’m saying is: Of course I’ve not kept up with the blog. I’ve kept up with essentially nothing since Max was born. Except showering. I’ve started showering now that Grandma’s in town. It seemed like the least I could do.
Next week I’ll be in Munich for a few days, which will be a blast, and so maybe I’ll come back and post about that.
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Mittwoch, 17. Mai 2017
Questionnaire
durhamfamily, 23:29h
Last week, work asked us to sum up our German experience. Since this Monday also marked 70% complete for me and Elizabeth, because I need to write blogs more often, and because there's no baby yet, I decided to share my answers with you guys here. No pictures this time. Sorry!
What is your home Bosch location?:
I come from FleP (KY).
Which location did you move to?:
I’m on assignment in Sgm-Z (Germany).
Length of assignment:
Originally 2 years and 8 months, though it has just been extended a little bit to 2 years and 11 months.
How long have you been in your new location?:
I moved with Elizabeth on May 1, 2015. We just celebrated our 2 year anniversary.
From a personal perspective can you provide some of the benefits of this expat experience?:
Of course I’ve learned about different cultures—unexpected ways that Germany is similar to the US (local stereotypes about Swabians are not unlike the stereotypes about Kentuckians) and unexpected ways Germany is different (total economic shutdowns on Sundays). Also, being an expat has challenged me in a number of ways (language, distance from familiarity, etc.) that I might’ve never risked without the safety net of Bosch underneath me.
Same question from a professional perspective?:
“Best practices” is the biggest benefit for me. Because I deal with every international location now, I’ve been able utilize our resources across the globe and combine for a much better end result.
What have you learned through this experience that you value the most?:
I have learned… that it’s okay to not be good at everything (language will probably never be my expertise). And to ask for help. I’ve needed so much help these past two years. When I return to FleP and we receive new expats, I will be much more aware of the help that they need.
How long did it take you and your family to adjust/settle in? Or are you still adjusting?:
My wife and I spent at least 5 months settling. After 6 weeks in a temporary apartment, we moved into our permanent home with only a refrigerator, pull-out couch, and a television. It was another 3+ months, and a lot of headache, before we finally got a kitchen. Washing dishes in the bathtub got old fast. Socially, we’ve adjusted in waves. We’ve acquired and lost (due to their relocation) several friends in Germany, each loss transporting us back to our awkward/loner phase. But now I feel confident that our friendship base is strong enough and large enough to no longer be an issue.
If you had to make the decision to do it again, would you? Why?:
I think I would. Germany is an amazing country, even without being able to speak the language. And I feel like this experience has changed me in millions of microscopic ways. We’ll find out next year if I have difficulty readjusting to Kentucky as a result.
Would you recommend the experience to other Bosch associates? Why?:
Short term? Absolutely. Being around completely different people with different beliefs and customs causes you to take a step back from your own beliefs and see them more objectively. It requires you to be open to ideas, to rely upon others, and to step out of your safety bubble.
What is your home Bosch location?:
I come from FleP (KY).
Which location did you move to?:
I’m on assignment in Sgm-Z (Germany).
Length of assignment:
Originally 2 years and 8 months, though it has just been extended a little bit to 2 years and 11 months.
How long have you been in your new location?:
I moved with Elizabeth on May 1, 2015. We just celebrated our 2 year anniversary.
From a personal perspective can you provide some of the benefits of this expat experience?:
Of course I’ve learned about different cultures—unexpected ways that Germany is similar to the US (local stereotypes about Swabians are not unlike the stereotypes about Kentuckians) and unexpected ways Germany is different (total economic shutdowns on Sundays). Also, being an expat has challenged me in a number of ways (language, distance from familiarity, etc.) that I might’ve never risked without the safety net of Bosch underneath me.
Same question from a professional perspective?:
“Best practices” is the biggest benefit for me. Because I deal with every international location now, I’ve been able utilize our resources across the globe and combine for a much better end result.
What have you learned through this experience that you value the most?:
I have learned… that it’s okay to not be good at everything (language will probably never be my expertise). And to ask for help. I’ve needed so much help these past two years. When I return to FleP and we receive new expats, I will be much more aware of the help that they need.
How long did it take you and your family to adjust/settle in? Or are you still adjusting?:
My wife and I spent at least 5 months settling. After 6 weeks in a temporary apartment, we moved into our permanent home with only a refrigerator, pull-out couch, and a television. It was another 3+ months, and a lot of headache, before we finally got a kitchen. Washing dishes in the bathtub got old fast. Socially, we’ve adjusted in waves. We’ve acquired and lost (due to their relocation) several friends in Germany, each loss transporting us back to our awkward/loner phase. But now I feel confident that our friendship base is strong enough and large enough to no longer be an issue.
If you had to make the decision to do it again, would you? Why?:
I think I would. Germany is an amazing country, even without being able to speak the language. And I feel like this experience has changed me in millions of microscopic ways. We’ll find out next year if I have difficulty readjusting to Kentucky as a result.
Would you recommend the experience to other Bosch associates? Why?:
Short term? Absolutely. Being around completely different people with different beliefs and customs causes you to take a step back from your own beliefs and see them more objectively. It requires you to be open to ideas, to rely upon others, and to step out of your safety bubble.
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Sonntag, 30. April 2017
11 Months To Go
durhamfamily, 22:42h
In my last post, I mentioned I was expecting an American coworker (Tyler) to visit on business. Well, that wasn’t entirely correct. Honestly, I'd say that it was more incorrect than it was correct. That one coworker became two, which became four, which then became five.
Elizabeth got the brunt of it because she’s too nice for her own good. Specifically: when an American visits, she becomes Wonder Woman. Take last Friday as an example. At 10 AM, Elizabeth met up with Sherri—Pam’s mother—because Sherri was alone in Hotel Fortuna for the day. “Who’s Pam?” you might ask. “Who’s Pam?” I asked Elizabeth. “Works for Bosch,” she said.
Anyway, what had begun for Elizabeth as lunch, then turned into an extensive city tour, then shopping, then ice cream with both Sherri and Pam. Eight hours passed, and Elizabeth was still chugging along, so I intercepted her in Marktplatz and dragged her, along with Tyler and another Florence coworker (Josh), to the Little Schnitzel House (where Elizabeth and I consumed more meat than we had during all of 2017 combined). Schnitzel’ed out but still thirsty, our group moved on to a cave bar (I’ve discovered that “cave” is a very popular form of bar in Europe), and then moved once again to M7 (another bar, but less cave-like). It was here that we happened to bump into Pam & Sherri. In that horribly overcrowded bar, they had somehow acquired a table for themselves, so our group of four plopped ourselves on top Pam & Sherri’s laps. Drinks followed drinks, and more drinks. It was midnight before Elizabeth and I finally bailed. Good thing, too. Word is, they closed the bar (3 AM).
Before I forget, we did indeed buy a plant, even though not even I thought we really would. After one day in our custody, I can proudly say that the plant has yet to die.
Saturday… was totally botched. I, as the penny tour guide, was trusted with Tyler’s entertainment, and I had suggested the Stuttgart Frühlingsfest (mini-Oktoberfest). Tyler & Josh shot me down, for good reason: the cost was minimum 50 euros, the entire day would be lost to drinking, rain was extremely likely. In retrospect, though, I should've persisted. Of course Stuttgart was a hard sell—hopping on a train and frivolously spending their limited cash. But if I gave them just a little push, they would’ve had a blast. They were relying on me to convince them to go, and I failed them.
As a consolation, I tried to take my two guys to the local Flea Market, but the noon closing time made it a no-go. Another fail.
Elizabeth had far greater success with Pam & Sherri. We helped them print/scan docs, showed them the Flea Market, grocery, and clothing store, and helped them carry everything from their souvenir spree. I also bought trinkets for Tyler & Josh so they wouldn’t feel too left out.
I first met Bill on Sunday (also from Florence), when I brought Tyler & Josh their trinkets. He had just arrived, and all three of them would be attending the same training the following week. No trinkets for Bill—but what can you do. Now five of us counting Elizabeth and me, together we caught a bus to Heubach for dinner at Altes Sudhaus, for fine German cuisine and camaraderie. By the way, I also phoned in a table reservation, which is a first for me. So, big day.
Thursday was Elizabeth’s final baby class. There weren’t any caps and gowns, as far as I know. But Elizabeth brought cookies, so that’s something. I guess we’re officially ready to be parents now. Hahahahaha… ahhhh.
Puppies, Cats, & Cake! (Tiervermittlung.biz) That happened today. Sarah and Julia picked us up as usual, because they’re super (Germans say "super", and now I only say "super" apparently) amazing. We were so excited that we walked two rounds. First came the minis: Pillar, Kobra, and Chappy. Sorry. “Chapi.”
Kobra was the same hairless girly we walked last month. All three dogs were adorable and lousy walking buddies. Which was fine because Chapi didn’t mind being carried. He’d give me kisses for my troubles. In any case, it turned out they were actually excellent walkers, at least compared to our second round. Mister and Rocky, specifically, only wanted to sit and cuddle with Elizabeth and Julia.
As you might’ve guessed, Elizabeth cuddled for so long that we missed our cake. All of the cake plates were empty when we walked into the cat rescue, and we were forced to settle for sad little muffins. Still good, but now I need more dessert. Which I can’t get because today is Sunday and tomorrow is a holiday, meaning nothing will be open until Tuesday. Woe! Just… woe.
After muffins, I bought a German book and a CD from their shop. To call it a “Secondhand shop” would be too generous. It’s a shed filled with donated, used stuff. The shed is so filled, in fact, that you cannot see a majority of items because they are lost in stacked boxes 3 or 4 deep. Prices are made up on the spot, too, but it’s generally only 1 euro.
I don’t know what I’ll do with my free day tomorrow. Probably finish reading “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” assuming I don’t read through it tonight. Halfway in, the atmosphere is incredibly similar to “Coraline.” I wonder if it’ll become a movie (IMDB.com says it’s in development). Maybe we'll see Alena again to celebrate her new job starting on Tuesday!
Tell me about your day. I’m all ears.
Elizabeth got the brunt of it because she’s too nice for her own good. Specifically: when an American visits, she becomes Wonder Woman. Take last Friday as an example. At 10 AM, Elizabeth met up with Sherri—Pam’s mother—because Sherri was alone in Hotel Fortuna for the day. “Who’s Pam?” you might ask. “Who’s Pam?” I asked Elizabeth. “Works for Bosch,” she said.
Anyway, what had begun for Elizabeth as lunch, then turned into an extensive city tour, then shopping, then ice cream with both Sherri and Pam. Eight hours passed, and Elizabeth was still chugging along, so I intercepted her in Marktplatz and dragged her, along with Tyler and another Florence coworker (Josh), to the Little Schnitzel House (where Elizabeth and I consumed more meat than we had during all of 2017 combined). Schnitzel’ed out but still thirsty, our group moved on to a cave bar (I’ve discovered that “cave” is a very popular form of bar in Europe), and then moved once again to M7 (another bar, but less cave-like). It was here that we happened to bump into Pam & Sherri. In that horribly overcrowded bar, they had somehow acquired a table for themselves, so our group of four plopped ourselves on top Pam & Sherri’s laps. Drinks followed drinks, and more drinks. It was midnight before Elizabeth and I finally bailed. Good thing, too. Word is, they closed the bar (3 AM).
Before I forget, we did indeed buy a plant, even though not even I thought we really would. After one day in our custody, I can proudly say that the plant has yet to die.
Saturday… was totally botched. I, as the penny tour guide, was trusted with Tyler’s entertainment, and I had suggested the Stuttgart Frühlingsfest (mini-Oktoberfest). Tyler & Josh shot me down, for good reason: the cost was minimum 50 euros, the entire day would be lost to drinking, rain was extremely likely. In retrospect, though, I should've persisted. Of course Stuttgart was a hard sell—hopping on a train and frivolously spending their limited cash. But if I gave them just a little push, they would’ve had a blast. They were relying on me to convince them to go, and I failed them.
As a consolation, I tried to take my two guys to the local Flea Market, but the noon closing time made it a no-go. Another fail.
Elizabeth had far greater success with Pam & Sherri. We helped them print/scan docs, showed them the Flea Market, grocery, and clothing store, and helped them carry everything from their souvenir spree. I also bought trinkets for Tyler & Josh so they wouldn’t feel too left out.
I first met Bill on Sunday (also from Florence), when I brought Tyler & Josh their trinkets. He had just arrived, and all three of them would be attending the same training the following week. No trinkets for Bill—but what can you do. Now five of us counting Elizabeth and me, together we caught a bus to Heubach for dinner at Altes Sudhaus, for fine German cuisine and camaraderie. By the way, I also phoned in a table reservation, which is a first for me. So, big day.
Thursday was Elizabeth’s final baby class. There weren’t any caps and gowns, as far as I know. But Elizabeth brought cookies, so that’s something. I guess we’re officially ready to be parents now. Hahahahaha… ahhhh.
Puppies, Cats, & Cake! (Tiervermittlung.biz) That happened today. Sarah and Julia picked us up as usual, because they’re super (Germans say "super", and now I only say "super" apparently) amazing. We were so excited that we walked two rounds. First came the minis: Pillar, Kobra, and Chappy. Sorry. “Chapi.”
Kobra was the same hairless girly we walked last month. All three dogs were adorable and lousy walking buddies. Which was fine because Chapi didn’t mind being carried. He’d give me kisses for my troubles. In any case, it turned out they were actually excellent walkers, at least compared to our second round. Mister and Rocky, specifically, only wanted to sit and cuddle with Elizabeth and Julia.
As you might’ve guessed, Elizabeth cuddled for so long that we missed our cake. All of the cake plates were empty when we walked into the cat rescue, and we were forced to settle for sad little muffins. Still good, but now I need more dessert. Which I can’t get because today is Sunday and tomorrow is a holiday, meaning nothing will be open until Tuesday. Woe! Just… woe.
After muffins, I bought a German book and a CD from their shop. To call it a “Secondhand shop” would be too generous. It’s a shed filled with donated, used stuff. The shed is so filled, in fact, that you cannot see a majority of items because they are lost in stacked boxes 3 or 4 deep. Prices are made up on the spot, too, but it’s generally only 1 euro.
I don’t know what I’ll do with my free day tomorrow. Probably finish reading “The Ocean at the End of the Lane,” assuming I don’t read through it tonight. Halfway in, the atmosphere is incredibly similar to “Coraline.” I wonder if it’ll become a movie (IMDB.com says it’s in development). Maybe we'll see Alena again to celebrate her new job starting on Tuesday!
Tell me about your day. I’m all ears.
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