fußball

So my "mannschaft" got absolutely "mannhandled" today. We took part in the University's "Uni-Cup", basically a massive round robin indoor soccer tournament with about 50 teams. You play at least one day of games, and with success you can play on till the championship.
We lost all 4 today. Cumulative score of about 14-0.
But it's ok- we had a good time, which is what matters, right? It's just frustrating. All these Germans grow up learning how to kick a soccer ball before they can walk. And I'm over there in America, learning how to eat apple pies and throw a baseball. Don't get me wrong- they're very admirable, and generally applicable, skills. But not here. In Germany, you've got be really good at being on time, not breaking plans (I've found that to be a major issue), playing soccer, and aggresively cutting of cars in the street while biking. I'm pretty good at punctuality, thanks to my mom, and the biking also feels inherent. I don't know about improving at soccer. I think I'm going to ask Lukas to bring my football when he comes in December.
I am very excited for him to come. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. I just miss having a brother around. Good luck Lukas on Monday!
I hope everyone is warm, and happy. It's so dark here. The sun is gone around 3:30.
Word of the day: macabre. (grausig)

Depot!

I discovered today the closest equivalent I think I'll find to one of the greatest meals one can enjoy in Chicago- a Depot run. It's called a Winzersteak, with onions, and is served on a bread roll. Sadly, I've only found it at the christmas market, which is only around for another 4 weeks. I guess I'll enjoy it while I can!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Weihnachten!

Today all the Christmas markets in Heidelberg opened up in full swing. All the bratwurst, glühwein, trinkets, and cheer you could ask for. The lights are all up, the Tannenbäume decorate the squares, and it's getting darker, colder, and a bit snowy! Harry Connick, Jr. has taken a more commanding position in my iTunes playlist, and the Advent candles are looking ready to burn.
I got a care package from my mom today: two tubberware full of cookies, two burts bees lip balms, and a wonderful Christmas decoration for my room. So wonderful... I made coffee today and ate probably 8 cookies... I miss homecooking. But I'm traveling to my relatives in Köln for Christmas, and they (almost) beat my mom at baking, so I'm pretty excited.

Enjoy the people you're with this Thanksgiving, and during Christmas. Because once all the stuff is taken away, the ipods and mittens and long underwear, you have the memory of being with people you love, and who love you. Of staying up, sipping wine, and laughing. Because only people who love you can give you a meaningful hug, can help you when you're down, and can bring you higher when you're flying. I'm thankful for those people in my life.

Listen to: "Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming" by Sufjan Stevens.

missing lemon

The past couple weeks I've been going through some serious Heimweh (homesickness).
I am pretty sure it's just due to passing events- my family got a dog, Halloween, the election- are three things I've missed that I'd loved to have been in Chicago for. But now the feeling is sticking around, while the events have passed. It seems that I'm trying to escape the overwhelming stress of having to present 4 referats in 3 weeks by cuddling inside thoughts of my mom's chocolate cake, and lately, of hitting the streets with lemon. Here's part of my therapy- photos of lemon and me. I need more, but alas, that won't happen until August!

"change gonna come, oh yes it will"

I stayed up till 5 am watching the Election returns. Long night!

Sometime during this marathon election, Michelle Obama committed a "gaffe" by saying that, for the first time in her adult life, she was truly proud of her country.

For the first time in my adult life, I'm proud of my country. Well done, USA.

But let's close this book real fast, and get to work making the world a better place to live in. Let's help people get healthcare, keep people in their homes, move towards alternative energy, and become a symbol of peace and freedom in the world.

From the German press:
"[Barack Obama] wird die Welt nicht führen können, zum mächtigsten Moderator jedoch kann er werden und zum wichtigsten Anwalt der Freiheit. Er muss es auch, denn die neuen Mächte in Asien haben mehr Macht als Ideen. Die Welt braucht Amerika. Freiheit- seit Dienstag hat das Wort keinen metallischen Klang mehr. Willkommen daheim, Amerika!" -Bernd Ulrich, Die Zeit.

We can do it. Congratulations Mr Obama. You'll do Chicago proud.