Becoming myself again

[Mimi]

After some months of enormous stress last Wednesday I finally reached the day when exams at school were over and I was looking forward to an extra long "weekend" of 5 days.
Since Friday the wheather has been fantastic, it became warmer and sunnier from day to day and I so took each chance to take my bike for long rides.
I really enjoyed the sun on my skin, the warmth, the light and the fantastic colors of the fresh green all around me and made about 200 kilometres in three days.
Like every year I'm amazed like a child seeing it all for the very first time and it still is a wonder for me that trees flourish and leaves are growing again after a long winter.


http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w154/Mimi300867/Essigbaum2.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w154/Mimi300867/Himmelgeist1.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w154/Mimi300867/Kastanie1.jpg

http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w154/Mimi300867/Pappeln.jpg

Cycling is kind of a meditation for me, bringing me back to myself, even in times of major stress. Today I was thinking about my job, about Rachel's and my life as teachers. Once again I saw that after almost three years at school this job sucks. We've had no time to find new friends here, almost no time to hold the contact to the old ones we had left behind at Heidelberg. A very sad experience I would say.
I have to admit I have neglected friends and family because in the evening and at the weekends I've been much too tired to meet or call people. It's a shame.

So many times over the past two years the Message Board has made my day. Thanks for this, guys. Some of you have become real friends and I miss you as soon as I do not hear from you.

This morning I emailed some old friends and one of them, my old school friend Gabi, mailed me back that she had been so worried not to have heard from me since last Christmas. That really was kind of a wake up call for me.

I don't know how, but I want to and I will change something in my life. I'm not willing to sacrifice it all for the job.

Sorry for ranting.

Mimi

[Eva]

It sounds very healthy to me, Mimi. Take care!

Eva

[Oak Kitten]

Well, Mimi it sounds like you are already making a start at changing things for the better. Getting out in the fresh air and sunshine definitely helps. Wishing you all the best.

Oak

[Dee]

Beautiful springtime photos Mimi, and quite appropriate for the topic of rejuvenating your life. Thanks for sharing them here. :)

[Bat]

Old friends are important, Mimi...keep in touch, even if not often enough, something is better than nothing. I find it's easy to write a letter on aol and print it out to send snail mail...it goes fast and worth every minute when I get an answer. (this is to friends who are not online, there are a few).

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...so take some time for yourself every day or so, just to relieve the boredom or stress. Looking forward to meeting you! New friends are great, too!:D

[hoops]

mimi,
springtime is the time for new life, sounds like you are making the most of it...enjoy the process, enjoy the ride
peace
hoops

[Agnes]

Friends are important, Mimi, keeping in touch is a lifeline :) Don't deny yourself that!

Take care,
Agnes

[lucille]

Nice photos Mimi. Spring heralds new beginnings, so here's to a rebirth for you and Rachel (lifting a glass) and look forward to being one of your new friends after the Jannic II in August.

[Mimi]

I'm in a strange mood today. Reading your posts makes me teary - thinking of people who are looking forward to meet me - and I'm so looking for a way out of this school trap. It definetely was too much this year: Involved in the exams with four classes, two classes to manage on my own. That's what I call maximum penalty. Almost no time left to think of other things than school and no power left to hold the lifeline...

One thing is clear: I must change some things in the job to be able to change important things in my life.

Mimi

[Eva]

I'm in a strange mood today. Reading your posts makes me teary - thinking of people who are looking forward to meet me - and I'm so looking for a way out of this school trap. It definetely was too much this year: Involved in the exams with four classes, two classes to manage on my own. That's what I call maximum penalty. Almost no time left to think of other things than school and no power left to hold the lifeline...

One thing is clear: I must change some things in the job to be able to change important things in my life.

Mimi
That is for sure Mimi. This doesn't make you happy. That much is clear. I'll hope you'' find a solution. Call me if you need to talk. Call the Pirate Queen if you need to make someone ehm... 'disappear'.

Eva

[hoops]

mimi, sending out hugs to you
peace
hoops