Just like last month we are meeting in the dark. The sun has sunk behind the tree line, the stars are twinkling outside and we both settle into our comfy chair, a steaming pot of tea beside us and opening up our screen for a zoom call. Life is too hectic and we had to postpone our coffee date multiple times. There was just no time slot for either of us and so we are opting for a video call. Better this than not meeting. And we are all well versed in this meeting culture that it is just as legible.
If you and I had coffee…
…I complain a little just how busy the weeks have been lately. To be honest since the beginning of the year it seems like. While in previous years January through March have been slow months for me – remember last year I was unemployed – it’s the opposite this time around. I am happy it is not like last year but I am exhausted. Every week was full. Every weekend busy. With fun stuf too but there was not much time to get my bearings. I ask if you are experiencing similar things.
If you and I had coffee…
…I report that we have been done with car shopping – a main reason the weekends were full. We have decided on the new leasing car and it will be a graphit gray Seat Ateca. We are happy with our choice. The day after we ordered it though the husband had a car accident mere 5 minuses from home. Luckily he is fine and it’s “just” fender bender. Of course not his fault but a truck came out of his lane when turning right and of course the whole side of our car is a mess. Of course we had already fixed all scratches and dents in January in order to return the car in May. So know we (read the husband) has a lot of paperwork and insurance stuff to do before we have to returned. And just today he received a ticket for causing an accident when HE left the lane. Wonderful now he has to argue with the police why he suddenly is the offender. It is just stressful. Sigh. But we are getting a new car and we are excited. Let’s hope people will not rack it as soon as we pick it up.
If you and I had coffee…
…I share that last weekend we went to my uncles 70th birthday and it was so great to see many of my family. Cousins I haven’t seen way before Covid. It was nice. We met as a family for cake and after that had a little alpaca outing. We learned about the animals, were able to feed them and pet them. Later at night friends of the birthday boy joined us for dinner. Which was so so good. My gift was taking photos of the whole gathering so I wasn’t always right in the conversation. It was ok. I didnt feel like taking photos at the beginning but than remembered how I love it and was eager to get good shots. And I think I did capture some love photos. I can’t share so you just have to believe me. Overall it was a nice weekend away.
If you and I had coffee…
…I tell you that at the above mentioned weekend I learned that my parents will not be around for Easter. Which is a bit of an unusual thing. We always celebrate together in the country home. Now we have to figure out what to do. I called my sister asking if she would like to come over but the will celebrate with her boyfriends family since they are always at our house on Easter Sunday. So I guess we might meet up for brunch on Easter Monday (which is a holiday in Germany). But I need to figure out what to do with the other days. I am a little lost since I am never in Berlin during the holiday. What are you doing for Easter. Give me some ideas.
If you and I had coffee…
…I inform you, that I have to leave already. I have a busy day coming up tomorrow. my second day of self defense course and then at night at 6pm the church service we are giving as our little group. we have prepared that evening for the past 4 or 5 months and I am so so exhausted. While it was fun it did stress me out a lot in the past weeks. I am just glad it is over and I will not be volunteering to do any other one. But I have a new appreciation for any pastor doing this week in and week out. I know it will be good but I am so out of my comfort zone that it is draining a lot of energy. And so I need to take care of myself and try to get a good nights sleep.
I will share photo of the river though. I passed that spot earlier when coming home from my self defense class.
As last month I promise a more timely coffee date next time. Lets hope things in April slow down a bit.
How is life going for you lately? Anyone else especially exhausted this year? Did you ever do a self defense class? Do you love Easter? Anyone practiced in preparing church services?
13 comments
A video call is perfect, Tobia! I’m sorry you’ve been so busy, but glad that you’re making the effort to take care of yourself. I hope you’ll love your new car! I’m so glad that your husband was OK after the accident. That’s so stressful.
I have never taken a self defense class. It’s a great idea!
I have never prepared a church service. I think it would be stressful for me!
I enjoy Easter. As with most holidays, there’s lots of special food and candy. Chocolate eggs are fun!
I’ve learnt the hard way what it does to me if I don’t slow down or take a break but it’s not always easy to really do.
Yes, very glad the husband is ok.
The self defense class is challenging physical but maybe more so emotionally.
Wow, Tobia! Your life sounds so busy and full!
Bummer about your parents not being around for Easter. I hope you find a fun and meaningful way to celebrate!
It’s a bit much right now but next weekend is only date day and we decided to stay home and maybe do a walk in the woods.
Easter will be fun one way or another I just didn’t expect it.
A busy life indeed! Thanks for this coffee date!
Life lately… I stopped birth control pills that I was taking for hot flashes at night, but they made me SO tired I got scared. So I stopped. I’d rather exercise and change my diet. No more BC for me. At least not this kind.
Easter… we are not religious at ALL. But we will have an Easter egg hunt- you put chocolates in plastic eggs, then scatter them in the yard. Kids then look for them, like a scavenger hunt. It’s fun!
I am no help for Easter plans. We go to my in-laws on Easter Sunday and the kids to an Easter egg hunt and it is great fun. I will be super sad when they age out of the egg hunt!
Your life sounds very full and very busy, Tobia! I hope you are able to take some time to rest soon. <3
I don't even know what I'm doing Easter Sunday! Usually we do brunch at a restaurant, but we haven't made plans for that yet. Hmm… got to think on this!
Yes, next weekend there is nothing in the calendar. I even canceled attending my moms book release. It’s ok I think. And the following weekend my friend canceled the plans. So I am living for these two weekends for now.
Easter is a four day affair here I. Germany so I need to come up with something to do.
I was the pastor at our campus church for six months to fill in a maternity leave spot and did an assistant pastor role for another year and yes, it can be exhausting. We had Messy Church once a month which involved organising activities, giving the message and also organising food so a major production and very draining.
You weekend with family sounds so lovely. Maybe it will be good to take it fairly easy over Easter and recharge? G and I will go to Good Friday service but then on Saturday we fly out to the UK.
Oh goodness, what a mess with the car! I am sure your husband is not thrilled with having to figure all of that out. I’m glad he’s OK though, that’s a relief. Crazy that the ticket says it is HIS fault.
I hope you enjoy your Easter, even if it is different than what you usually have. Maybe a quiet Easter just the two of you would be restful after this busy first quarter of the year. Go to church, then have a nice tea with scones and sandwiches and fruit or something like that.
We usually go to my in-laws’ house for Easter brunch, but my MIL is not feeling great lately, so I’m not sure what our plans will end up being. I’m OK with laying low, actually.
Yes, we will do a slow laid back Easter. I may go to church multiple times. I hope we can take a longer walk outside and the weather will be springlike. Monday (a holiday in Germany) my sister and her boyfriend are coming over. Right now we are thinking about renting a boat. We’ll see.
Yes, car stuff – so unnecessary. I am just hoping nothing else is going to happen now.
I cannot believe it’s April – this year has been so busy (and crazy! ) so far for me too and I’d like it to slow down a bit. I am hoping the same for you.
I am excited you were able to pick a new car and also sorry that you had such bad luck with accidents before giving back your old one. I hope it get’s all sorted out.
I know this years I strange. I’ve heard it from so many people that it’s just busy bordering on hectic. How strange.
But your year is not only busy but also shitty. I am so sorry.
I am hoping for some relaxing Easter break.