Friday, February 8, 2008

Dear Friends and Family....welcome to my blog from Rostock. I always thought I was on the cutting- edge of technology until I turned 30. Nowadays I realize what a dinosaur I am, compared with my nieces (whose prowess I've witnessed on facebook). So although I never thought I would use facebook, and I certainly never thought I'd be one of those annoying eglomaniac bloggers who think all the world is interested in the inner workings of their minds....here I am!

I intend to use this blog to share my life in Rostock with those whom I care about and are interested in such things. Yes, I realize I'm almost half-way through my time here, but for the next 5 and 1/2 months, you can get the latest updates of my wild and crazy life on my blog. (I know everyone is pointing at might picture and is yelling "she's such a dork!" at this point. It's ok, I can take it. Remember I typically teach 20-somethings who are super cool and think I'm the biggest nerd on the planet....)

So whazzup around here? I have a fun month planned....tomorrow I'm going on a 75 kilometer bicycle ride along the Baltic sea coast with two friends from work: Elke (from Munich) and Sutay (from Turkey). We're going to a hanseatic sea village called Wismar. And a week from today I'm going with some other friends from work to a big-deal concert called "AbbaMania" -- yes, it is an ABBA-impersonating band from Scandinavia that's apparently very popular. The director of my institute's daughter is one of the lead singers, and we are excited to go. Yes, I will be wearing bell-bottoms and the craziest shirt I can find in downtown Rostock. Finally, on Feb. 20th I go to New York City for 5 days for a conference (oh yeah, I've got to write the paper and presentation before then) and will be meeting my sweetheart in the big apple...Peter's coming down to see me and catch some Harlem jazz and some Broadway musicals.

In between the long hours at my desk crunching numbers and writing papers, and the bouts of homesickness I seem to continually feel, I'm slowly learning to speak German, drink Weiss bier, and relax. I think for the first year since I started graduate school I'm not having eyelid-twitches and insomnia. Ah yes, everyone should take a retreat to the dark, rainy northern coast of Germany in the winter....

Auf Wiedersehen,
M

6 comments:

MaddMedic said...

YEH !!
Hey little sister, welcome to the world of blogging, I've been blogging for a while now, but my since I am a member of the "right-wing" conspiracy group it probably would not interest you!!
Take care and I hope you have got a big brother over there to pull your butt out of trouble!!

Unknown said...

Hi, will be thinking about you this week-end & your long bicycle trip, is it like the 30 mile hike we did in Scotland? Worked at the book store last week, was great to see all the old customers. Herb's meds were increased & he's feeling better. We're suppose to have a cold & windy week-end. Watch for a package, I sent you some 'fluff' for your coffee table.
Love you, Mom

OPIchabod said...

You've certified yourself as a dork by identifying the distance of your journeys in kilometers!

Jacki said...

Hi Michelle, I just talked to your Mom and she told me about your blog. Sounds like you're doing some fun things in Rostock and that part of the world! You're really energetic to take such long bike rides but I bet the areas are beautiful. Enjoy your time there. Jacki

Judy said...

What a "world traveler" little Michelle has grown into! It's many years ago that we were watching you grow into such a fine young lady. Congratulations on all of your achievements Michelle and enjoy each and every experience! I'm sure you are lonesome for your sweety and I'm glad you'll be able to be with him in NY. What a fun place to "re-acquaint"! Continued success to you! I must tell you that Jeanne went on a bike ride this summer down Mt. Hood that dang near killed her, so I hope your's was less eventful! Jan

Anonymous said...

Sorry, my message went to you under the name "Dave". It was really from me, Jan!