theinbetweenismine

just a girl living the expat life

Archives for June 2019

Monthly Favorites | June

filed under: monthly favorites

At the end of each month, I share things that have made me happy, new discoveries, or recommendations that I find worthwhile. Enjoy.

1. I broke one of our white ramekins (which are so handy for dipping sauces, butter, etc.) and we were only left with one, so I picked  up these textured ramekins from World Market* a couple of weeks ago. I think they’re so pretty (and might I add, affordable!).

2. I rekindled my love for crocheting this month. For a while there, all I wanted to do is knit and not have anything to do with my crochet hook, but now I am back to doing both. 

3. I was pretty happy with the soy milk I was getting at TJ’s, but to be honest, the Silk Unsweet Soy Milk* is even better (if you’re looking for a creamy real milk substitute!).

4. Have you heard of Plant Snap*? You snap a picture of a plant, the app will identify it for you and tell you more about its characteristics. This app came in so handy when I was trying to figure out what kind of plants were growing in our backyard (and how to care for them). 

5. This is my second pair of Blowfish Malibu Bungalow Sandals*(I also got them in tan) and I just love the style and comfortability.

6. I bought one pouch of this Vega Essentials Chocolate Shake* on a whim because I wanted to see how I like it. I am usually not a huge fan of pre-packaged protein shakes, but I was hoping that this one would taste like chocolate milk (and it kinda does!). I probably will buy this again.

7. In an effort to use all the makeup I have (which honestly is not that much, but still), I found the Revlon Colorstay Foundation* (in nude) that bought a while back and then didn’t like that much. I tried it again (and applied it with a sponge) and what can I say? Now, I love it all of a sudden. Maybe because it’s summer and this is a lighter foundation and all I need right now.

What was one of your favorite things this month?

* #notanad, This is not a sponsored post. I have not been compensated by the brand or anyone else for linking the websites.

 

NKOTB – Mixtape Tour

filed under: fun!, music, nostalgia

Oh yeah, NKOTB came through my town again a few weeks ago and you can bet your patootie that I had tickets. Well, actually not just me, but J came with me this time. Voluntarily, I might add. At his own request. You see, he has been to NKOTB concerts with me before and contrary to popular belief, he was not the only guy there.

I’ve seen NKOTB a few times in previous years (recaps in here, here, and here). This time around, NKOTB’s Mixtape tour featured not just NKOTB, but a few other artists from their early years (mid- to late-80’s), Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, Salt-n-Pepa, and Naughty by Nature. 

Untitled

Of course, I was most excited to see NKOTB perform again, but it was fun having a few other performers do sets in between. Reminded me of my festival days where I saw so many awesome bands play on the  same day!

I thought the stage light show was on point with all the light displays that reminded of old tapes, equalizers, and the like. And of course, their performance thrives on some old dancing routines, interactions and participation with and of the audience, and some good old clapping and arm waving.

Untitled

I really love how they always interact wit their fans and how the reiterate and acknowledge every single time that they’re only able to continue their careers  – and yes, still perform as a  ‘boyband’ 30+ years later – because people still continue to show up for them. Us blockheads, we’re the real deal.

UntitledUntitledUntitled
Untitled
UntitledUntitled

Debbie Gibson and Joe (in duet)

To be honest, I didn’t know much about Debbie Gibson and so her songs were unfamiliar to me. Still looking amazing for 49 though.

Untitled

Salt’n’Pepa

Who doesn’t remember their  songs “Let’s talk about sex“, “Push it“, and “Whatta man“?

Untitled
Untitled

Tiffany

The only song of hers I remember is “I think we’re alone now“, but I thought she had a great voice and is still a great performer.

UntitledUntitledNKOTB  played some new songs, some oldies-but-goodies and it was one hell of a party. I said it before, I think they have become better entertainers with age. Is their music the greatest? No, I never claimed it is. It’s pop stuff and everybody knows it, but people love earworm-material.  And the sound level in the arena confirmed this.

And after the show, Joe posted this on his IG stories…UntitledYes. Yes it was :) 

Recipe | Creamy gnocchi with spinach and goat cheese

filed under: food, recipe

This post could have been titled: “A little goat cheese goes a long  way”. I mean, doesn’t goat cheese make everything better? I’d like to think so!

We’ve been trying to come up with more vegetarian options for our weekly meal plan, but we often beat our heads against a stone wall J’s worry that he might still be hungry after a vegetarian dinner.

Gnocchi are great, because they’re dense and filling (and might I add, delicious) and can be a great base for a meatless dinner. We add a bunch of vegetables (we threw in some zucchini that needed to be used up, mushrooms and spinach) and the goat cheese and some spices tie the whole meal together.

I adapted this dinner from this recipe. We omitted the cream, added a splash of (soy) milk instead and then used some onions, garlic and spices to round up the taste. I also did not cook the gnocchi, but pan-fried them along with the vegetables. I can imagine that this dish would also be really good with cauliflower gnocchi instead of potato gnocchi, in case you want to throw in one extra vegetable.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
  • small onion (chopped)
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms
  • 2 cups of zucchini (cubed) – optional
  • 17.6 oz potato gnocchi
  • 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning
  • 3 tbsps (soy) milk
  • 10 oz of fresh spinach
  • 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion and sauté for 5 minutes. 

Add the zucchini and mushrooms and cook through. Add the gnocchi and pan fry until browned.  Season with Italian seasoning, add 3 tbsps of soy milk to skillet and cook for about 1 minute.

Add the spinach and let wilt. Then stir in goat cheese and use salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy gnocchi with spinach and goat cheese

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 2 cups zucchini cubed
  • 17.6 oz potato gnocchi
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 tbsps (soy) milk
  • 10 oz fresh spinach
  • 4 oz crumbled goat cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat the butter in a pan over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion and sauté for 5 minutes. 
    Add the zucchini and mushrooms and cook through. Add the gnocchi and pan fry until browned.  Season with Italian seasoning, add 3 tbsps of soy milk to skillet and cook for about 1 minute.
    Add the spinach and let wilt. Then stir in goat cheese and use salt and pepper to taste.

Super-easy, super-quick. Highly recommend. 

Currently | June

filed under: currently

TRYING | to get back to this blogging thing. It’s not that I don’t have anything to write about, it’s just that my time management is poor right now. Mainly because I’ve been…

WANTING | to do all the things (which is nothing new really). My friend Susi asked why I hadn’t been blogging and it was mainly due to some stress at work (I often draft blog posts on my lunch breaks and that didn’t happen) and because I’ve been wanting to do all the other things in my free time (crochet/knit, read, run, walk, sleep, sit in the backyard, etc). Just me?

READING | is still going incredibly slow due to the point above. There are just not enough hours in the day.

WEARING | my new Birkenstocks (I got a new pair of my beloved Birkenstock Gizeh sandals while I was in Germany, because they’re like 50% cheaper there than they’re here. Can you believe that?)

EATING | homemade tuna salad baguette.

DRINKING | iced tea.

HANGING OUT | with my friend Caryn and her husband in Napa for the day (recap to come), which was such a treat.

CRAVING | ice-cream. I’ve been good and didn’t buy any on my grocery shopping trips the last few weeks, but I am afraid this will have to change pretty soon. Summer is almost here.

FEELING | a little sluggish with my running lately, but trying to keep my half marathon training on track.

LOVING| the delta breeze.

ENJOYING | coffee in bed, because why the hell not.

LOOKING FORWARD TO | our first BBQ this season. I don’t know why we haven’t gotten out the grill already, but we’re planning to use it this weekend.

What’s going on with you currently?

June Link Love

filed under: link love

Around the Interwebs

Alabama’s Abortion Ban: What’s Happening, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do.

You want to make abortion ‘unthinkable’? Here’s where to start.

Gratitude rewires your brain to be happier.

How to deal with a jerk without being a jerk. Oh man, useful advice.

9 best features of iOS 13.

How to Be Happy? A nearly 90-year-old has some advice.

Did you know the story about Perfect Bars (my all-time favorite protein bar)?

Wow, look at these time-lapse images.

I am still undecided about who to support in 2020, but I know what I do want: I want to live in Elizabeth Warren’s America.

Allow me to convince you to take a lunch break today.

Around the blogosphere

Yes, yes, and yes. 5 ways a positive perspective changes everything.

How to Be There For a Friend Who Is Going Through an Incurable Medical Condition.

This Is A Rant About My Rights. I am  with you, Audrey.

Condo Container Gardening, from a beginner gardener.

Craftiness/DIY

Free Crochet Pattern: the webwork cardigan. So cute!

July printable calendars (free!)

For my runner friends

How running improves your mental health. (Preaching to the choir!)

The important “little things” in training.

Deliciousness

Who doesn’t like some homemade chicken nuggets?

This looks so good! Spinach Ricotta Pasta with Lemon Butter Chicken.

Trying these this week: Creamy goat cheese mushroom gnocchis.

 

Share a good link with me in the comments!

My trip home

filed under: Expat stories, family, food, Germany, reminiscence, travel

I can’t believe it’s been four almost five weeks since I returned from my long-anticipated visit back home with my family. Time just won’t slow down and it’s been hard to get back into my blogging game (as you can tell).

I had an absolutely wonderful time and soaked up every minute. I can also say that I was able to almost check everything of my Germany Bucket List.

Like,

… spending time with my niece and nephew (and the rest of the family)

Untitled

You know what was really, really nice about this trip? That I really enjoyed being at home at my parents’ house and that I was part of everyone’s daily routine. Since my sister and BIL were working and the kids were in school, we didn’t do a whole lot of “adventuring” or “vacation stuff”, but it was nice to pretend that I was always part of their daily routines for a while.

I took my niece to her riding lesson and we had a movie night at my sister’s house and various afternoons and dinners where we just hung out together.

… spending time with my best friend

Untitled

I didn’t get to spend as much time with my friend as I had hoped to. Shortly after I arrived, she left for an almost two-week stay at a pain clinic (for chronic headaches) where a spot had just opened up. Of course, she had to take it. I wish I could have spent more time with her and build her up a bit more, but I am glad we got to see each other at all. Every hour is precious.

… attending one of my best friends’ wedding

Untitled

I was stoked that I was able to attend one of my best friend’s wedding during my visit. We met many moons ago on the Internet, but have become really close over the years and to be able to be there for her (and her new husband) on their wedding day was such a treat (for me and for her!). (Separate recap to come.)

… my nephew’s first communion.

DSC09305-2

Last time I visited for my niece’s first communion, so of course I had to make sure that I am there for my nephew’s as well. So glad I could make this happen. (Separate recap to come.)

… eating all the food

My Mom went above and beyond to fulfill all my food cravings. Every day, I made a new request for lunch or dinner and she made it all.

Untitled

Mettbrötchen (rolls with freshly minced meat, salt, pepper and onions – OMG!) – pork roast with crackling with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes – Schnibbelskuchen (baked potato wedges with eggs on whole grain bread with sugar beet syrup)

Untitled

potato pancakes – green bean soup with sausages – herring in cream sauce with potatoes and bacon bits

Untitled

meatballs with kohlrabi and potatoes – waffles with strawberries and ice cream – bratwurst with red cabbage and potatoes

Not pictured: goulash and dumplings, pizza, and  ALL THE FRESH BREAD + ROLLS all day, every day. 

… walking with my Mom

Untitled

My Mom has been getting into a regular morning walk routine since I last visited and I did not only join her for one, but many walks (I think five!). It was so great to get out and walk with her, which also gave us the opportunity to talk and just spend time together. I ended up only running once, but the walks were far more important to me this time.

… going  for a run with my cousin (and maybe my sister?)

Unfortunately that didn’t happen and I blame two things: a) bad weather (it rained a lot while I was there!) and b) timing (my cousin and my sister had to work, so there wasn’t as much opportunity), but I still got out for a run around my hometown!

… working out with my Dad

Unfortunately, that also didn’t happen, because my Dad had issues with his shoulder and couldn’t go to the gym with me (and subsequently had surgery scheduled two weeks after I left).

… having  some quality time with my sister

Untitled

I got to spend two nights at my sister’s house and I wish I could do that more often. It’s just so nice to hang out, sleep in the same bed and then have breakfast together the next morning (including fancy out-of-the-shower-towel-turbans, ha!) – as if we do that every Saturday. I mean, at least it felt like that… even if in reality, it’s such a rare event.

… seeing an old friend from high school

Timing was difficult because she had to work and my weekends were already filled up with family stuff, but I did get to see my high school friend for a few hours one evening during the week and I am so glad we both were able to make the time to reconnect.

Untitled

… spending a day with a dear friend in Köln

Untitled

I did get to meet up with one of my longest, dearest friends  in Cologne again and we got to spend some time in our favorite city.  (Separate recap to come.)

… seeing a few other dear (family) friends (BONUS!)

I was able to squeeze in a couple more friends (I got to have coffee with an old pen friend that I hadn’t seen in 20 years and I also  was able to reconnect with a dear friend, who lives in Hamburg now) and we saw two family friends for a few hours and I am so glad we were able to make it happen.

Untitled

Untitled

… shopping for items to bring back to my US home.

Of course, I did shop for some stuff to bring back home (I believe, every expat does!) and even though my must-get list has gotten shorter, there is definitely a few things I always bring back. Wanna know what these things are? I might write a separate post about it, if you’re interested. (Or you can hop on Instagram and Facebook to see the “Germany hauls” some people post, although I am not bringing half of that stuff that other people are bringing back. Just sayin’.)

My time back home was packed full of awesome people, awesome food and I returned to the US with a really full heart.

5 things you can do to get over emotional jet lag

filed under: Germany, travel, USA


{Photo by Juliana Kozoski on Unsplash}

Before I dive into a slew of recaps about my trip home (which are already three weeks overdue, I am sorry!), I thought I’d share some thoughts on how I navigate the treacherous waters of emotional jet lag.

I don’t know if that is an official term, but I’ve been using it for a while because it so adequately describes the feeling when I return from a long anticipated visit with family and friends, only to return home knowing that I won’t see them again for quite some time.

Physical jet lag after an overseas trip is pretty common. We all know about time differences, struggling to stay awake, sleeping for 12 hours straight, waking up in the middle of the night to pee, yadda, yadda. I won’t talk about strategies to adjust to a new time zone here.

Instead, I want to focus on emotional jet lag, which for me feels like a “mini-depression”. I am putting this in quotation marks because I don’t want it to be confused with clinical depression, which is so much more serious and because I have no idea what that actually feels like (luckily), but in case of emotional jet lag, I use the word depression in the actual sense of the word, aka “being emotionally down” and overwhelmed.  I am lethargic, cranky, and just generally miserable (and justifiably so).

It’s also caused by that vacuum that you’re in when you travel large distance by plane, because it’s not like a road trip, where you can see the changing landscape and adapt slowly from one place to the next. No, it’s like one minute you get on the plane in Germany and – poof! – just like that you exit the plane and you’re back in the US.  It’s never easy to go from  60mph to literally ZERO in a matter of hours and I always find the transition from being there and “all of a sudden” being here again difficult. The sensation is bizarre and has, even if faded, not completely disappeared.

I am assuming that many people experience some sort of emotional jet lag when they travel internationally just because they just experienced new cultures, new foods, new people for a short, but intense period of time. So much to “process” and “digest”.

In my case, it is the abyss between being immersed in a place and culture that is so familiar to me (more familiar than anything really, but which has also become a little distant and foreign in a strange way ever since I moved away) and the everyday life that awaits me upon I return to my current home.

It feels like part of me is traveling back in time with some serious déjà vus thrown in, and then, all of a sudden, I am propelled forward again at lightning speed to the time and place where I live now.

The first few days back, I usually wonder: how did I end up here? Why do I live so far away from family and friends, or more accurately, what compelled me to make such a decision? And then I remember that, oh yeah, there was a guy and I kinda liked it here and it kinda just happened (gradually), without me really consciously making the decision that I want to live thousands of miles away from home. At the time, in my 20’s, it might have looked like bravery to some and it, for sure, felt like adventure to me, but you can’t really grasp what it actually means to move away unless you do it and live it for a while.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret it, but if you are also someone who moved (far) away from home, you’ll know and understand that your heart will forever be split between two worlds.

But I digress.

So, what do I do when I come back from a trip overseas and I feel so emotionally hung over that everything feels a little off and I don’t want to deal with anything or anyone?

Here are five things that usually help me get over the emotional jet lag.

1) I allow myself to wallow in my feelings. I personally don’t believe it’s a good thing to suppress any emotions, regardless of how icky they make you feel. I usually give myself some time and spent a couple of days scrolling through the photos on my phone and reliving every single moment of the previous few weeks. It’s like by intentionally exposing myself  to the memories, I somehow purge the pain out of my system or something. I talk to my family on the phone and tell them how much I miss them and what a great time it was and how shitty I currently feel (because honestly, I know they feel the same way and why not be honest about it? Saying goodbye stinks.) But at the same time, 

2) I try to get back into my routine. I mean, it’s probably something none of us can avoid anyway, as we have to go back to work and deal with the shenanigans of daily life, but it also helps me tremendously in finding my groove again. It puts me a bit on auto-pilot (which is just what I need), where I don’t have to think much or make decisions, but just go through the motions (while I sort out my  mental state).

3) I start working out again right away. Working out always, always lifts my mood and makes me feel better, no matter how shitty I feel. So obviously, it’s something I wanted to get back to right away. The other reason was that I had to catch up on my half marathon training ASAP, so that gave me an extra push to not delay getting back into my workout routine.  

4) I put plans on the calendar that I can look forward to. We had a couple of outings planned upon my return (seeing friends and going to a concert), which gave me something to focus on. I must admit, it also helps that summer is just around the corner here and we can get outside and enjoy the parks and the beer gardens. When I am homesick, I try to remind myself of the things I love about California and all the things I’d love to do this summer.

5) I talk and write about my trip. While part of the reminiscing process makes me sad (because the trip is over), writing about and recapping my trip also puts a smile on my face and I will tell everybody that will listen about the wonderful time I had. Because regardless of how hard it is to go somewhere and then having to leave again, I wouldn’t want to miss the experience for anything, least of all to avoid the subsequent heartache.

Everbody knows that all good things must end, but aren’t we fortunate to have experienced them?

HOW LUCKY I AM TO HAVE SOMETHING
THAT MAKES SAYING GOODBYE SO HARD.

                                               – A. A. MILNE 

Now, three weeks later, I still think a lot – pretty much daily – about my trip, but I also slowly feel like I have mentally arrived back here in the States and that’s a good thing.

Have you experienced emotional jet lag? How do you deal with it?

Happy Global Running Day!

filed under: fitness, running

 

If you been around for a while, you might have seen these posts come around in June, because today is Global Running Day. If you don’t know what it is, here’s the official description:

“Global Running Day is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving. It doesn’t matter how fast you run or how far you go—what’s important is that you take part, and how you do it is up to you. Run a lap around your block, take your dog for a long walk, or call your friends for a pick-up game in the park. The important thing is that you have fun being active—and you inspire others to join you.” 

This is a pretty good initiative, if you ask me, so I try to pledge some miles every year (and you know I love to talk about running every other day of the year as well).

Our local FleetFeet is hosting a Global Running Day event today, which I would love to attend, but I work late and won’t make it in time. Instead, I pledge to run some miles in honor of Global 

Running Day tomorrow and I joined the NYRR Virtual Race and you can still join, too. Here’s some more info.

Join thousands of people around the world in celebrating your shared love of running as part of Global Running Day! Run the free one-mile NYRR Virtual Global Running Day 1M Powered by Strava race anywhere, anytime between June 1 and June 9 to partake in the worldwide celebration of running that encourages everyone to get moving.

Capture and share photos from wherever you’re running and connect with people around the world that share your passion for the sport using the hashtags #NYRRVirtualRacing and #GlobalRunningDay. You can take the pledge to run as part of Global Running Day on June 5 at globalrunningday.org.

Finishers will be entered for an opportunity to win a round-trip flight on United Airlines to fly (and run!) anywhere in the world and hotel accommodations during their trip! Read the official rules. 

Proceeds support NYRR’s mission to help and inspire people through running, and benefit NYRR’s youth and community programs, so you can feel good about completing the race while doing some good as well.  

The first year I joined the Global Running Day celebrations, I joined a link up organized by Kristen at Jonesin’ for a Run and I just saw that she reposted the questions that she posted a few years ago, so I am joining her again today in sharing them again.

Why do you run?

Because most of the time, it puts a huge smile on my face. Do I love every mile of every run? No. But I never regret lacing up my shoes and getting out there.

How do you plan to celebrate Global Running Day?

Today is my rest day, so I will get back to running tomorrow, but I rode my bike to work today. Does that count?

 How many miles have you run so far this year? Do you have a mileage goal for the year?

I’ve run 232 miles (373 km) this year.  I don’t have a specific mileage goal other than I want to run more than last year (where I ran a total of 680 miles/1094 km).

What big events do you have on the race calendar so far this year?

I’ll be running the SF Half Marathon in July again (my 4th year!) and I am planning to do another local half later in the fall (although I haven’t signed up yet). I might throw in a couple of shorter distances, but I usually keep my race calendar light.

Before I leave for a run I must have:

stretched, drank water, and had a small snack.

Do you track your runs? If so what do you use?

I track my runs using my Garmin Forerunner 235. I wear it every day and love that I can also record other activities (like bike rides and walks). It’s connected to a gazillion apps as well (I can never decide to go with just one) and I just love all the data. (I am a nerd.)

Who is your favorite running partner?

I generally run alone (probably about 95% of the time) with music or podcasts for entertainment, but of course I also love running with friends (most of my running friends live far away though). I’ll give a shoutout to my mom here, because while she isn’t a runner per se, she’s picked up walking as part of her regular exercise routine and it was so much fun to join her on some of her long walks recently.

What races have you run so far this year?

I haven’t run any races this year. I was going to run a local half marathon in April, but then I was traveling that weekend and couldn’t. 

If you have to give someone one piece of advice about running, what would it be?

Run easy. Not every run has to be hard. Let your body just move and enjoy it.

Describe your relationship with running in one word:  happy.

How are you celebrating Global Running Day?

Monthly Recap | May

filed under: my so-called life, recap

READ

Nothing. Big fat fail recently, when it comes to reading. I did start a new book in May, but I didn’t get very far at all. Other things were more important, I guess.

COOKED

I had a lot of amazing German food, mostly home-cooked by my Mom. I have, of course, tried to cook some of her recipes, but they never turn out as well as the  original. I think my versions are missing some ‘motherly’ love. ;)

WATCHED

“Der Vorname“(The first name)  (★★★★★)

I watched this (German) movie on the plane ride back from Germany. I was still in that headspace where I wanted to keep hearing German… I hadn’t heard of this movie, but it had one of my favorite German comedians in it and I am so glad I gave it a go. Worthwhile! (Check out the link, it’s in English.)

“Saving Mr. Banks”  (★★★★★)

This movie was so lovely. I always forget what a great actress Emma Thompson is. I also never knew the whole story behind Mary Poppins and what a fascinating story it is!

LISTENED TO

I listened to some music and the radio. That was pretty much it. No podcasts this month.

BOUGHT

I bought a couple of things while I was in Germany (as sweater, a new pair of Birkenstocks!) and of course brought back some food items to the US.
We also spent money on concert tickets and some flowers for our backyard.

RAN

I (only) 18  ran miles this month, which is quite low, but I took some long walks with my Mom while I was in Germany. I rode my bike to work a few times and then I also threw in a couple of cycling classes at the gym.

GOING-ONS

+ As you can see from the pictures, May was “people-heavy”, which means I  got to spend a lot of  time with wonderful people, including  my niece and nephew. I am  so proud of what great kids they are and that they always feel so comfortable around me, even if we can’t see each other that often. 

+ The first half of May, I was still in Germany soaking up all the time with family and friends that I could get. I had a really fantastic time (and I know, I still have to tell you more about it).

+ One of  my best friends got married. The wedding was technically at the end of April, but since I didn’t write an April recap, I am including it here… because it was one of the highlights of my trip to be able to be there for her.

+ We celebrated my nephew’s first communion and it was a lovely day full of great people, great food, good conversations, and some late night dancing.

+ I got to see a bunch of girlfriends that I hadn’t seen in years and it was just so precious and wonderful to reconnect. Once again it was proven to me that time and distance mean nothing and that with some people you can pick up right where you left off (even if that was years ago!).

+ I got to spend some time in my beloved Cologne. ’nuff said. Heart  =  happy.

+ All the German food. Do I need to say anymore?

+ We met up with Susi and her family at the zoo last week and I finally got to see my giraffe friends again. I miss running by them every weekend!

+ As mentioned above, we spent some money on flowers to get  our backyard summer-ready. We have a couple of window boxes and planters that were in need of some love. I am still hoping to also plant some (container) vegetables and I need to get on that  in June.

+ J and I celebrated our 13th (gasp!) wedding anniversary over Memorial Day weekend. I can’t believe it’s been that long since our beautiful wedding in Germany. Where did the time go?

+ We finished the month on a high note by going to the NKOTB Mixtape Tour. I mean, if they play practically down the street from my house, I HAVE TO go. Obviously. J agreed to go with me this time (and it didn’t take much convincing on my part, mind you!) and we had a blast (recap to come!).

Phew, my May was jam-packed! How was yours?