It's amazing how the seemingly mundane occurrences of life can be so meaningful or poignant. I was organizing my shelves of dry food today, and unfortunately the bulgar jar's lid was too lose, and it it spilled all over my floor, on my shelves, into my backpack, and in my shopping bag. I was very calm and collected, taking steps methodically to salvage some of the bulgar and moving into large piles to eventually vacuum away.
After completing this, I realized a few things: 1. I never do things halfway; if I'm going to spill something, it's going to be a gigantic spillage. 2. A year ago, I probably would not have been able to be as calm and collected as I was today. This time last year was a stressful time due to school, graduate courses, recital preparation, and college applications. I probably would be sitting on my floor with the bulgar right now eating ice cream because I "deserved" it. (I definitely do deserve ice cream because of the hard work I've been putting in this month, but that's besides the point.) 3. Scheiße happens, and I have to be okay with that. i.e. yesterday within the first three minutes of playing Fußball, I was smacked in the face due to an impressive punt. (I'm okay, no damages done, but as one of my friends says, I live a dramatic life.) Another instance is that I wanted to post twice weekly on this blog and have not done so. Maybe people are waiting with baited breath for each of my posts, but I also know that most people understand it's hard to dedicate your time to something when you have so many other things going on.
Anyway, moving on from an over-analysis of simply spilling some bulgar, here are some things going on in my life:
This weekend was the 30th anniversary of Mauerfall or the fall of the wall. It was an absolutely incredible time to be in Berlin because there was even more history surrounding us. There were seven exhibits, each of which were important locations where events leading up to the fall and after occurred. A dear friend I had met at research orientation came to Berlin for the weekend, and we walked all over Berlin on a mission to see and read about all the history we could consume.
Going to the Brandenburger Tor is always a must when showing friends around, but this time was even more special. Behind it, there was an installation for the celebration of Mauerfall. People had written things from what they thankful for with Mauerfall, what they hoped for in the future, or simple uplifting messages.
Something I'm really looking forward to are the Christmas markets. Right now there are a few markets around the major points of the city which are winter markets, so they have some of the hallmark signs of markets such as these cookies with messages.
My mom was very jealous of our gigantic pretzel we got to share. There will be many more to come! :)
Lastly, in the research area (because yes I am still working contrary to all of the fun things I post): I am presenting at my first German colloquium a week from Friday! Thankfully, I'm allowed to do so in English, but I am a little nervous. It's still very early in my research, but this is a great way for me to practice presenting, solidify ideas I have for research, and get to know the field and people.
I'm really looking forward to it and am excited for the adventures to come!
As always thanks for the read, and have a lovely day.
Komentarze