backwards

In the UK you can get a free STD test in a number of clinics. Anonymous, too. I expect that the offer is not being taken up as often as it should but at least it exists.

Here in Germany - even when you are prepared to pay - this seems unheard of. I am not sure whether this is just the case in Hinterwald Bavaria or elsewhere, too. Both my GP and my gynecologists were unable to deal with my request. Apparently, here you only test if you have a strong suspicion you might have caught something. What does that mean? In case you had unprotected sex with somebody who you KNOW has an STD already?

I am honestly shocked by this.

Let it rain

Things that make me happy: 
C buying me new windscreen wipers and exchanging them for me, too. 
Now I don't mind the rain quite as much anymore, given they don't make that horrible screeching noise anymore.

What also makes me happy:

FOOD

A romantic boat trip underground

As the forecast announced rain, we planned a trip to the salt mine for Sunday afternoon. Might not sound it, but it was really fun! Not so much fun to squeeze into the overall and I had a slight moment of: 'shall I have a panic attack about being in a confided space?' when the little train went through a long tiny tunnel but it was so worth it. Starting with going down two wooden helter-skelters - much steeper than they looked. And of the course the highlight of the boat trip on the underground salt lake, complete with classical music and a lasershow. Overwhelmed by happiness, I nearly cried. The good kind of crying. And such a contrast to raging Friday.

A moment to remember, when the anger is about to take over.

Full house

We had bought tickets weeks ago. I mean: you don't really expect an international icehockey game to take place in Rosenheim?! Well, I don't, so when I saw the first announcement, I of course marked the day in my diary when tickets went on sale. Good thing I did, as the stadium was fully booked (with 4750 people...). Atmosphere was great but I would have expected a bit more party time from the organizers. 

I still have no clue about the rules and missed the first goal the Swedes scored. We went down 3:0 when Germany asked for a Time Out 3 minutes before the end of the game. Their strategy: to take off the goalie and replace him with another player. Maybe how they should have started the game... As they at least managed to score a goal.

what's with the rage???

Just a few days after my glorious and clearly unrealistic resolution to stop the negativity, I had proper rage yesterday. You know the type that makes you want to cry. Man, I was SO angry and no matter how often I reminded myself that there are much more important things in life and that there is no point to any of this and that I have already resigned - nothing helped. I didn't cry in the end but this horrible feeling in my stomach remained (drinking coffee might have not helped either...).

I am pleased to say that by the time I went to bed, I was fine again. But I don't want this anymore. And I am determined to make lasting changes. The next two and half month will surely offer plenty of opportunity to practice. I know I can do this.

Next career move: formula 1 driver

Since moving back to Germany, I had planned on taking some refresher driving lessons. I got my car at the end of August and shortly after had my accident. And of course felt like a fool for NOT having had driving lessons immediately. Despite this, it took me only another seven months to schedule one. And yes, it's difficult to believe I am an organized person...

Anyhow, so, I had my lesson with Metin on Tuesday. And what can I say: I am a natural talent!

Hahaha, well, not quiet but he did say that he can't see any issue with my driving and that I just need practice and confidence and that I clearly overthink things. I was telling him how I avoid certain roads in town and he said that he avoids the same roads and that is not a sign of bad driving but clever thinking as it's a fact that certain roads are impossible to oversee. His only criticism was that I drive a bit too fast in town. Me???? That can only be down to the fact that his car has a much more powerful engine than mine...

On the upside: no need to spend more money on driving lessons.
On the downside: this hasn't really helped. I still feel reluctant to drive.

My ex-boss used to say that he admired that I identified areas for improvement and then set out to improve them (successfully). Let's see how many more months it will take to make sure I get some practice.

declaration of love

While I was out on my balcony last Sunday, painting my nails and listening to music, my neighbour came by for a chat. And to ask whether I could save the removal boxes I am storing in my basement. Well, I am keeping them for MY next move to be honest and have no plans of binning them....

Anyway, his actual news was that they are now seriously thinking about moving! Not immediately, but sometime next year. Still a few months to go, and who knows what will happen to their plans (and what my plans may be by then) but it would certainly be a bit sad. Seems that he agrees: the only thing that he'll miss here would be me - so he said.
Such a sweetheart :-)