In the last ten months, I have broken my personal record by having moved four times--twice internationally, twice within Auckland. So since I'm starting to consider myself quite an expert, I thought I'd share a few moving tips/lessons learnt.
Moving Tip #1: Always have friends
When I was moving from Anderson to Singapore, Ginny and JM got together with Brittney and Chase (who themselves were getting ready to move) and organised a yard sale. Two weekends in a row, we sat and got baked in the sun and drenched in the rain while playing Words With Friends while waiting for people to give us a few coins to help us get rid of our stuff. Elizabeth and John would come and hang out and the boys would take off to get us China House for our lunch break. Even with that, most of my nerdy seminary books still had to find themselves a home in Ed and Heidi's garage.
When I moved from Singapore to Auckland, my luggage allowance was reduced. We packed up part of my stuff into a box ready to be shipped once we got clearance from my visa process. Then we found out Auntie Enid was going to be back in Singapore so Mum had her help carry some of my stuff back in before finally sending the rest of the stuff in the box.
When I moved from Kathrin and Stefan's to Sara's, I inherited a bunch of stuff from the Beisleys so that I could finally set up my home/office space. Shane and Marilyn were also moving that weekend, so a crew got together to help us all move. Kathrin and Stefan did a desk swop with me when we realised the stuff wasn't all going to fit in the new place. Jonny showed up with equipment to help put the bunk-bed together, and Chris, Josh and Katherine figured out how to put the pieces together while Steve glued the headboards that were falling apart together.
When I moved in to the Snuggery (Chad and Diane's sleepout where Steve used to live) yesterday, Kathrin and Stefan showed up to pull apart the bunk-bed and the desk. Thanks to Stefan's genius brains of figuring out not just how to make things work but in the most efficient way, Kathrin's ability to organise things, Chad and Diane's big van and big heart to let me move in with such short notice, the move was relatively painless.
They say it takes a village to raise a kid. I'm glad I'm the kid with a great village.
Moving Tip #2: Nothing is really yours
I should probably add to that, "but take care of it anyway"
The first time Stefan and Kathrin did the desk swop with me, I remembered being blown away that they didn't even have a second thought about, "but this is ours," or "this is for loan". There was just this sentiment of nothing really permanently belongs to anyone anyway, but we just trust that we'll take care of each other. Or the realisation only upon starting to pack that most of my food storage containers have made themselves at home at the Pethers' for a while. It was this feeling of, it all stays in the family anyway, just a matter of which building it goes to.
Moving Tip #3: Big, bulky stuff don't move well
I remember when I first moved to Anderson that many years ago, Mum went and got frames so I could take pictures with me when I moved. But those were days before checking in baggage on international flights became so darn expensive. Oh, and those were also the dark ages before Facebook and social media really took off. Photo frames don't move well because of their bulk. And neither do diplomas. I'll admit there are days when I'm slightly envious of friends who have established and less mobile office spaces where they can hang up their framed accolades on the wall while mine stay in their black folders. It's not so much the desire to show off my accolades as much as wanting the stability where I don't have to have this constant mindset of, "Well, how am I going to pack that into two suitcases the next time I move?"
Moving Tip #4: The process is usually more than just physical
When Chad and Diane showed up yesterday, one of the first things Diane said was, "how are you feeling?" (I know I haven't blogged about that side of things in a while, but I'll get to it later.) Until that moment, I had been feeling the frustration building up. But in the process of making lists, organising how to make the move as painless as possible and how to get it all done in time for me to have head space to think about the last Bible Clubs for this term and pack before Thursday, the frustration just sat like an ugly monster beside my ear whispering nasty things like, "you can't do this."
Sara's house had been a great place for the last four months. I think we were both bummed that it didn't work out for me to stay longer. I will miss the backyard, and Saturday mornings of cleaning house while watching the little league games, and of course, the glorious view of the Waitakeres in the distance.
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Facebook. Show all posts
05 June 2012
28 February 2012
I Have the Best Friends in the World
First of all, let me address this just to get it out of the way. In no other century in history has it been possible for me to be ripping open a package and reading the taunts from Michael Smith from across the Pacific Ocean and the reactions of the other fine folks who added to my box of randomness.
Facebook, I salute you.
In spite of the intensity of all the craziness of the last couple of months, today, I consider myself blessed beyond measure to have some of the best friends in the world.
No really, I do mean the world.
I'm thankful for the tweets from Yu Lin and Juan, nagging at me to take care of myself while I'm sick. More than ten years have passed since the beginnings of our friendship. Sure the course of these friendships haven't always been smooth. But today, I'm thankful I still have both of you gals in my life. And thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in Singapore.
I'm thankful for Pia who continues the poke war on Facebook. And for Jonas, who, though twelve time-zones away, still finds the time to harass me on Facebook chat once in a while to give me more German lessons. And Rhonda, who helps me celebrate the little things of living cross-culturally. It's been nearly two years since my Deutschland chapter. But today, I'm thankful for the little things that remind me of all the lessons I learnt from that chapter. And thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in Deutschland.
I'm thankful for my box of randomness from Emily, Jenny, Michael, Yoc, Jason, Wolfgang, Nate, Leslie and Josh. The little things that remind me of the times we laughed so hard about Glinda, beating up a TV or eating roadkill for Passover, rugby lessons and a last mad dash to Sno-Castle, or the Skype conversations to catch up. Seven years of major growing up made Anderson a difficult family to leave. But today, I'm thankful that sentimentality aside, I had people alongside who challenged me to open my mind to embrace new possibilities. And thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in the US of A.
I'm thankful for Josh, Chris and Steve, three crazy little brothers who not only make me laugh because of their ridiculousness but also let me know that they've got my (and each other's) back(s). Three guys who make a big mess in my kitchen but also clean up after themselves. I'm thankful for the Mama figures in PJ, Katherine and Helen who nag at me about going to the doctor and taking care of myself; for Auntie Enid who takes care of the Singaporean child in me; and for my big brothers and sisters, Kathrin and Stefan, and Chad and Diane. No buts. I'm thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in Aotearoa.
No really, when you have the best friends you could possibly have spread out across four different time zones in almost equal geographical distance between each, I think it's only fair to say I really do have the best friends in the world.
That's ok, you can be jealous.
As for me, I'm just thankful.
Facebook, I salute you.
In spite of the intensity of all the craziness of the last couple of months, today, I consider myself blessed beyond measure to have some of the best friends in the world.
No really, I do mean the world.
I'm thankful for the tweets from Yu Lin and Juan, nagging at me to take care of myself while I'm sick. More than ten years have passed since the beginnings of our friendship. Sure the course of these friendships haven't always been smooth. But today, I'm thankful I still have both of you gals in my life. And thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in Singapore.
I'm thankful for Pia who continues the poke war on Facebook. And for Jonas, who, though twelve time-zones away, still finds the time to harass me on Facebook chat once in a while to give me more German lessons. And Rhonda, who helps me celebrate the little things of living cross-culturally. It's been nearly two years since my Deutschland chapter. But today, I'm thankful for the little things that remind me of all the lessons I learnt from that chapter. And thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in Deutschland.
I'm thankful for my box of randomness from Emily, Jenny, Michael, Yoc, Jason, Wolfgang, Nate, Leslie and Josh. The little things that remind me of the times we laughed so hard about Glinda, beating up a TV or eating roadkill for Passover, rugby lessons and a last mad dash to Sno-Castle, or the Skype conversations to catch up. Seven years of major growing up made Anderson a difficult family to leave. But today, I'm thankful that sentimentality aside, I had people alongside who challenged me to open my mind to embrace new possibilities. And thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in the US of A.
I'm thankful for Josh, Chris and Steve, three crazy little brothers who not only make me laugh because of their ridiculousness but also let me know that they've got my (and each other's) back(s). Three guys who make a big mess in my kitchen but also clean up after themselves. I'm thankful for the Mama figures in PJ, Katherine and Helen who nag at me about going to the doctor and taking care of myself; for Auntie Enid who takes care of the Singaporean child in me; and for my big brothers and sisters, Kathrin and Stefan, and Chad and Diane. No buts. I'm thankful for the best friends I could possibly have in Aotearoa.
No really, when you have the best friends you could possibly have spread out across four different time zones in almost equal geographical distance between each, I think it's only fair to say I really do have the best friends in the world.
That's ok, you can be jealous.
As for me, I'm just thankful.
17 June 2010
Call Me Mara
I had started writing this entry last Friday before the quick trip to Hannover, but it never got very much further than the title. So this one is WAY overdue, and I have much to write but I'll try to put it as succinctly as I can.
This past week, I feel like I've been invited into so many life stories. Let me tell you a few of these stories. But for privacy reasons, I've changed some of these names.
Ruth
I met Ruth one evening at Mr. Minsch, the cafe across the street from where we live. If you're ever in Kreuzberg, you need to have someone take you to Mr. Minsch. They have the best cakes we've ever tasted.
Anyway, so Ruth. She lives just below Aaron and her name had come up in several conversations previously, so of course I was intrigued. As she sat down and talked to us, there was something about the way she expressed herself that made me want to sit with her for hours. Then I realised what it was. Her quiet but intense passion for life.
I'm not sure I can find the right words to describe her, but here's my feeble attempt. If I had to explain what a hippie is, Ruth would be the personification of it. Or if there's someone who speaks Na'vi ("I see you" - yes Kelley, there's another Avatar reference for you), it would be Ruth. Ruth is someone who knew just about everyone by name. Oh, and not only by name, she could probably tell you a couple stories of their lives too. She's like a free bird, almost a drifter (she was passing by Mr. Minsch while on her bike and stopped to chat with us for about an hour). But at the same time, she's also so very grounded in reality and in touch with her community.
And then she talks about an experience she had some years back when she was really ill and described an encounter that was almost spiritual. I'm not quite sure where she lands where spirituality is concerned, but what really drew me to her was just her genuine desire to love those around her.
Tonight, she stopped by to give us some information about her dentist because my tooth has been really bothering me for about a week now. And she also shared her home remedy of simply sucking on a clove because it helps soothe the pain. I'm not sure if it was the clove or the Ibuprofin, but my tooth hasn't bothered me in awhile.
That, to me, is "one anothering."
Justin
The day after I met Ruth the first time, Rhonda and I went to another cafe at a different part of town. That's where we met Justin. I remembered seeing him with his girlfriend the last time we were at the cafe, and he was helping Amy and I explain some German grammar rules to Suzann.
That day, in really good English, Justin told us of how he learnt English when he met a guy from Scotland while he was in prison. At a young age, his parents gave him away and he ended up in the company of drug-dealers. One thing led to another and he found himself in Berlin where he lost a childhood friend in a shooting. That was when he decided to stay in Berlin.
He told us he was starting to try to figure out how to get cleaned up. He didn't like how the drugs have messed him up since a young age that now there are moments where he just can't think straight. The guy could probably have been a brilliant linguist if not for the drug use, but... Could anyone blame him?
The same time I was listening to his story, I was reminded of a similar story I had heard as a child - one that my pastor in Singapore told often: his own life story. Funny how stories connect people, huh? It was like I heard this voice in my head saying, "His story isn't over yet." I only wish I could stick around to see the rest of it unfold.
Gretchen
Now Gretchen was just a fun lady. Rhonda had left the cafe with one of the women we met there for a few minutes and I got to chat with Gretchen. She seemed to just be excited to be able to practise her English, so she told me some of the stories she knew about the regulars at the cafe.
In one corner, there was a lady who would from time to time play with her shoes, then put on one side of a rubber glove and wave her hands around as if she had nail polish on her fingers. Gretchen told me she heard that this lady had been really beautiful when she was young. But the time in a concentration camp during the Second World War really messed her up, so now she spends her days walking around the block several times, and stopping in at the cafe once in a while to take a shower.
After all we had talked about the history of Germany, hearing this story just made reality sink in a bit more. And I'm left with the question again of, now what?
Naomi
Aaron and I made a 24-hour trip to Hannover to spend some time with Sieg, Sanna and Amy Froese. I didn't physically meet Naomi there, but I encountered her story which reminded me of how all these stories all get woven together at some point.
I've never had a child of my own, so I can't say I understand what it's like to lose a child. But I have lost a very dear friend, and had the privilege of entering into her parents' journey of learning what it means to lose a child. I can't say I can or will be able to relate to Sieg and Sanna's loss of their daughter Naomi. But the night that I spent sleeping on Naomi's bed made me thankful that Sanna was willing to let me in to that part of their story even in a small way like that. And it made me think of Francisco and Martita, and of course, Keren.
And these stories all came full-circle when I stumbled upon a little duck display thing in the Froeses' bathroom that said "My name is Ruth." Funny how this all started with Ruth and ended with Naomi huh. For me, it was a reminder that these are the stories of life. And we could choose what to do with the stories we encounter. Will it be "Let my people be your people," or will it be "Call me Mara"?
On a slightly related note...
I've been following Abby's updates on Facebook about the happenings in Colombia, both what she's doing there and the political situation. And from time to time, I've found myself wondering if what I'm doing here matters because it seems to pale in comparison to that. But I've had to remind myself that we are both gifted differently. I'm not sure how I would be able to function emotionally if I was living in Bogota. But at the same time, I thrive on randomness and creativity - and stories. Not that one is better than the other, but I think that's why there's so many of us, so that each of us can be really good at a few small things.
World Cup Fever!
And so the World Cup Fever is in full swing now. How do I know this? Just look at the amount of trash-talking on your Facebook mini-feeds. Or...
... When Deutschland won their first game against Australia on Sunday, car horns were going off and there was random cheering and yelling on the streets of Berlin.
... German flags are hanging just about everywhere. And I'm pretty sure there isn't a national German holiday around the corner.
... Speaking of flags, there are a bunch of other flags being flown. The cafe downstairs has several Spanish flags, one Brazilian and... I don't remember the last one, but I think it might be Argentina.
... Hey, speaking of Argentina, we're flying one for Mely too!
... And also, I'm sunburnt from cheering on a very impressive Chilean team at an outdoor venue with some new friends from Chile and Mexico!
Viva la World Cup!
OH! And our team is now on Facebook (but we're just starting out, so bear with us). Find us (xzberlin) and "Like" us!
Hey you folks in warmer climates than Berlin or South Africa, stay cool.
Love you all.
This past week, I feel like I've been invited into so many life stories. Let me tell you a few of these stories. But for privacy reasons, I've changed some of these names.
Ruth
I met Ruth one evening at Mr. Minsch, the cafe across the street from where we live. If you're ever in Kreuzberg, you need to have someone take you to Mr. Minsch. They have the best cakes we've ever tasted.
Anyway, so Ruth. She lives just below Aaron and her name had come up in several conversations previously, so of course I was intrigued. As she sat down and talked to us, there was something about the way she expressed herself that made me want to sit with her for hours. Then I realised what it was. Her quiet but intense passion for life.
I'm not sure I can find the right words to describe her, but here's my feeble attempt. If I had to explain what a hippie is, Ruth would be the personification of it. Or if there's someone who speaks Na'vi ("I see you" - yes Kelley, there's another Avatar reference for you), it would be Ruth. Ruth is someone who knew just about everyone by name. Oh, and not only by name, she could probably tell you a couple stories of their lives too. She's like a free bird, almost a drifter (she was passing by Mr. Minsch while on her bike and stopped to chat with us for about an hour). But at the same time, she's also so very grounded in reality and in touch with her community.
And then she talks about an experience she had some years back when she was really ill and described an encounter that was almost spiritual. I'm not quite sure where she lands where spirituality is concerned, but what really drew me to her was just her genuine desire to love those around her.
Tonight, she stopped by to give us some information about her dentist because my tooth has been really bothering me for about a week now. And she also shared her home remedy of simply sucking on a clove because it helps soothe the pain. I'm not sure if it was the clove or the Ibuprofin, but my tooth hasn't bothered me in awhile.
That, to me, is "one anothering."
Justin
The day after I met Ruth the first time, Rhonda and I went to another cafe at a different part of town. That's where we met Justin. I remembered seeing him with his girlfriend the last time we were at the cafe, and he was helping Amy and I explain some German grammar rules to Suzann.
That day, in really good English, Justin told us of how he learnt English when he met a guy from Scotland while he was in prison. At a young age, his parents gave him away and he ended up in the company of drug-dealers. One thing led to another and he found himself in Berlin where he lost a childhood friend in a shooting. That was when he decided to stay in Berlin.
He told us he was starting to try to figure out how to get cleaned up. He didn't like how the drugs have messed him up since a young age that now there are moments where he just can't think straight. The guy could probably have been a brilliant linguist if not for the drug use, but... Could anyone blame him?
The same time I was listening to his story, I was reminded of a similar story I had heard as a child - one that my pastor in Singapore told often: his own life story. Funny how stories connect people, huh? It was like I heard this voice in my head saying, "His story isn't over yet." I only wish I could stick around to see the rest of it unfold.
Gretchen
Now Gretchen was just a fun lady. Rhonda had left the cafe with one of the women we met there for a few minutes and I got to chat with Gretchen. She seemed to just be excited to be able to practise her English, so she told me some of the stories she knew about the regulars at the cafe.
In one corner, there was a lady who would from time to time play with her shoes, then put on one side of a rubber glove and wave her hands around as if she had nail polish on her fingers. Gretchen told me she heard that this lady had been really beautiful when she was young. But the time in a concentration camp during the Second World War really messed her up, so now she spends her days walking around the block several times, and stopping in at the cafe once in a while to take a shower.
After all we had talked about the history of Germany, hearing this story just made reality sink in a bit more. And I'm left with the question again of, now what?
Naomi
Aaron and I made a 24-hour trip to Hannover to spend some time with Sieg, Sanna and Amy Froese. I didn't physically meet Naomi there, but I encountered her story which reminded me of how all these stories all get woven together at some point.
I've never had a child of my own, so I can't say I understand what it's like to lose a child. But I have lost a very dear friend, and had the privilege of entering into her parents' journey of learning what it means to lose a child. I can't say I can or will be able to relate to Sieg and Sanna's loss of their daughter Naomi. But the night that I spent sleeping on Naomi's bed made me thankful that Sanna was willing to let me in to that part of their story even in a small way like that. And it made me think of Francisco and Martita, and of course, Keren.
And these stories all came full-circle when I stumbled upon a little duck display thing in the Froeses' bathroom that said "My name is Ruth." Funny how this all started with Ruth and ended with Naomi huh. For me, it was a reminder that these are the stories of life. And we could choose what to do with the stories we encounter. Will it be "Let my people be your people," or will it be "Call me Mara"?
On a slightly related note...
I've been following Abby's updates on Facebook about the happenings in Colombia, both what she's doing there and the political situation. And from time to time, I've found myself wondering if what I'm doing here matters because it seems to pale in comparison to that. But I've had to remind myself that we are both gifted differently. I'm not sure how I would be able to function emotionally if I was living in Bogota. But at the same time, I thrive on randomness and creativity - and stories. Not that one is better than the other, but I think that's why there's so many of us, so that each of us can be really good at a few small things.
World Cup Fever!
And so the World Cup Fever is in full swing now. How do I know this? Just look at the amount of trash-talking on your Facebook mini-feeds. Or...
... When Deutschland won their first game against Australia on Sunday, car horns were going off and there was random cheering and yelling on the streets of Berlin.
... German flags are hanging just about everywhere. And I'm pretty sure there isn't a national German holiday around the corner.
... Speaking of flags, there are a bunch of other flags being flown. The cafe downstairs has several Spanish flags, one Brazilian and... I don't remember the last one, but I think it might be Argentina.
... Hey, speaking of Argentina, we're flying one for Mely too!
... And also, I'm sunburnt from cheering on a very impressive Chilean team at an outdoor venue with some new friends from Chile and Mexico!
Viva la World Cup!
OH! And our team is now on Facebook (but we're just starting out, so bear with us). Find us (xzberlin) and "Like" us!
Hey you folks in warmer climates than Berlin or South Africa, stay cool.
Love you all.
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