When Realists Want to Write

Some people are really good at crafting blog posts. They are able to simplify complex situations, connect multiple stories and make you feel like you’ve just gotten in touch with a dead relative or the meaning of life by the end of the page. I … don’t know if I will be able to do this.

And honestly, I am not sure I want to.

Life is messy. And I am not sure a single blog post can convey the complexities of the things that happen to me, my feelings or my insecurities. And well, many times the “story” continues well past the end date of submission.

But having said this, I actually do want to write and from what I can see—posting in a blog is a great way to do it. I find myself often encouraged by the beautiful things my friends write and the wisdom and intentional nature of their choices.

So… full disclosure:

I tend to make up my own words.

I don’t always like happy stories.

I think we can learn from the messes we make (or encounter).

Here We Go Again

I have hesitated from writing anything on my blog, since my not so recent and obvious abandonment of it over the past summer. Too late to say sorry? As with many things, I began it excited to analyze and communicate the new things and thoughts, but quickly realized these things take time, commitment and work. Just ask my mom, how many times growing up, I begged them for something new from breading Angel Fish, oil painting or becoming a Volleyball rock star (ok some of these things will actually happen though) and then quickly lost interest. However, recently I have been thinking more about becoming more diligent about writing on my blog with stuff I am learning in class and life. I can’t promise to much but I will try to make time and have something interesting to say (… well I guess I can’t commit to the last point). So ready or not… here I come… again.

Hi Everyone!

I finally arived in Germany. The past few days have been some what of a whirlwind, but it's been fun and exciting. I'm realizing that it's harder for me to write in English, because i've been thinking more in German. I have forgotten a lot, but i'm trying to just fail fearlessly.

My first reaction to the city is a sort of mix between awe (that i seem to feel for most cities) and jelousness for those that do perminently live here. The awe i feel is reserved especially because Freiburg is a beautiful history-rich pretzel-eatting city with efficient public transportation, abundant cafes and huge daily farmers markets. I have also enjoyed getting to send time at the local biergardens... drinking great beer outside with laughter all around me.

Next time I'll include pictures and more stories (ie sorry this was so short, but the german keybord is a little different... and it's taking me some time to figure it out)

Servus!

Pre-trip Jitters

Hi Everyone,

This past week has been crazy. Just two days ago, my sister had a beautiful baby girl named Lillyana. She is doing wonderfully (both mother and daughter) which is just, well... wonderful. Later that day my family (Logan, Malachi, Mom, Dad) piled into a car and started the twenty hour journey through California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah to Colorado. The ceremony for my brothers wedding is going to be on Saturday night outside of Denver. The next day, I'll begin my month abroad, first traveling by air to Canada, then Frankfurt and then Zurich. I'll be spending three weeks in Freiburg, Germany and one week in Treviso, Italy and will be earning eight CRD credits in my major. I anticipate learning a lot about politics both in the European Union (EU) as well as locally in Freiburg. Freiburg is well known for being quite progressive in terms of implementing sustainable technology into everyday urban life. As I promised, I've started this blog so that people can stay informed on what I'm up to... If they want to. Just so you know, I'm turning off my phone while I'm over there, so feel free to check my facebook for links to my blog. Have a great summer, and see you when I get back in September.

Auf Wiedersehen!