moving on...

Hello to those of you who still may be visiting here.  

Just wanted to announce my newest venture:

It's my new blog where I will be posting all about interior design and where I am also offering my eDesign services.

Please go have a look and let me know what you think ;)

Looking forward to connecting with you there.

Ciao, Ciao!

Holly

here I am!

The weather in Germany has been quite disappointing these last few weeks.  A random nice day here and there, but it definitely doesn't feel like summer.  My mood has also matched this weather, or maybe it is the weather that has been dictating my mood...

It's Sunday today, and as usual, the church bells are chiming full force.  I love that about Germany.  Constant church bells ... a sound not so prominent from my life in Montreal but one that has become very familiar while in this country.  And it's not just Sunday.  It's everyday.  Sunday, they go all out though ;)  It's funny that even though I am not religious, I appreciate this sound so much.  It sort of makes me feel guilty a bit ;)  But I don't dwell on that too much and just enjoy the sound for what it is - chiming bells.

I have been so absent from my blog and I am not sure how to explain it.  I think with the end of my final school project just a few days away, I am overwhelmed by what it means.  On one hand, I am happy to be finished, on the other hand, I get nervous about how I will develop my career from this point.  My German is not that great - enough to communicate and be understood, but not yet at a point where I feel people could take me seriously.  Instead, they might think I am charming or dumb-sounding and either one of those is not exactly what I'm going for from a professional standpoint.  But because of the Internet and the fact that English is a global language (although many more people actually speak Spanish...)  I feel that the opportunities will be there.  I just have to find them.  And that is what the next few months of my life will entail.  It's going to be hard work and I am mentally preparing myself for that.  Maybe that is why I have no brain energy left to do other things.

Also, since leaving Berlin and arriving in Frankfurt, I've been living with this real sense of temporary-ness.  We are here only because Paul is studying and from here, we could go anywhere depending on where his job takes us.  It's hard to build a real life when you know that it will all change soon.  But I shouldn't complain because whether you are changing cities every couple of months or not, life is always changing anyways - for everyone.  Everything sort of IS temporary.  That's what life is.  So I'm trying to appreciate things the way they are now, because this IS life.  If I don't pay attention, it will pass me by.

Speaking of time passing by - I don't know how this happened, but I am turning 30 soon.

That's all I'm gonna say about that.

Next, I'd like to address my lack of 7 Sachen posts.  Sadly, I cannot do them anymore.  Sundays are quite routine for me.  They involve doing a whole lot of nothing, which I think is not that interesting to post about, but very enjoyable for me ;).  Yet, I am still inspired by the lovely Frau Liebe, I think I will end up choosing another day of the week and instead of 7 things, I may post about 5 ... we'll see.

Besides working and finishing up my school project, I've been spending some time creating outfit moodboards over at Polyvore.  If you like fashion and daydreaming about clothes, you should definitely visit.  It must be the weather here that is making me dream of stylish outfits for autumn already.

Autumn 2011 - grey, purple, tan by hollyvhh featuring knit hats

Autumn 2011 - brown, blue, mustard by hollyvhh featuring heel booties

Autumn 2011 - green, grey, pink by hollyvhh featuring cotton blouses

I have also been helping an acquaintance with the living room of her new apartment, which I will posts about separately when the time comes...but for now, here is what the concept looks like:

Before I sign off to return to my day of laziness (I'm contemplating staying in my pajamas all day!) , I would like to share some travel videos with you made by Rick Mereki called MOVE, EAT, LEARN.

About MOVE, EAT, LEARN: " ... 3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films...  = a trip of a lifetime." via Vimeo. 

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.



I hope you liked them as much as I did!

...oh nice!  The sun just came out =)

Have a lovely Sunday and I'll see you here next time.

xoxo

Holly

a recent trip to Berlin and some other stuff...

I've been so inactive these last few weeks ... hope you haven't forgotten about me.  I don't know what's the matter with me, but I am avoiding my computer like the plague.  Every time I flip it open, I rush through the necessary tasks so that I can shut it as soon as possible.  Maybe I've been spending too much time with it ... maybe my final project is consuming all my brain power so that I can't focus or take in any more info in a day... I don't know.  But c'est la vie.  I'm sure this phase will pass.  So in case you are wondering where I am, now you'll know - I'm hiding ;)

Recently, my friend from Montreal was able to stop through Berlin between work trips and asked me if I'd come meet her.  Of course, I did and it was a fabulous time.  It was very special to be in Berlin (the city I miss so much) with a very good, long time friend.  The combo was almost too much for my heart to bear.

And so, I leave you with some pictures of Berlin:

See you soon ... hopefully,

xoxo

Holly

A trip to Berlin and some other stuff...

First of all...  

SPRING IS HERE !

I've been so busy these days.  Thursday, we got back from a visit to Berlin.  Pauli had some random days off from school so we took the opportunity to make a little trip.  It was lovely.  I miss the city so much, but still it was nice to come home to our little apartment.  Below are a few pics from our time there.

I now officially have till the end of April to finish my last three assignments of my interior design diploma.  I feel a lot of pressure but I am determined to finish them so that I can visit my sister in May with a clear conscience.  I will probably not be leaving my apartment much till then.  When I get back I have three months to do my final project and then I'm done!

I am really looking forward to visiting my sister.  She lives in the Cayman Islands (lucky duck!) and I can't wait to see what her life there is like.  It will be my first visit since she moved there and I am excited about the sun, the heat and the ocean but most of all spending time with her.  I can't wait!  But before I go, I have to buy a bunch of Cayman appropriate clothing (I have nothing suitable for this type of weather).

Besides that, a new friend (which I will post about separately) has inspired me to put some effort into my apartment.  I have been unwilling and uninspired to do so since this apartment is temporary (we will be leaving it in about a year or so).  But my friend made some good arguments for putting some effort (and a small amount of money) into it.  First of all, it would be good practice for me to learn how to design on a (non existant) budget.  Second, I could treat it as my first project - so really nothing can be lost from this, only experience and practice can be gained.  She is right.  So stay tuned for some before and after pics as the project progresses.

So, what's new on your end?


Here are those pics from my Berlin trip, as promised above:

 

See you later this week,

xoxo

Holly

Update.

Hello there.

I've been pretty non committed to my blog these days because there has been lots going on.  Now, it's time to share these happenings with you.

As you may know, my husband is back from his first phase of flight training in Florida.  He did really well and I'm so proud of him.  He had a couple of free days before starting ground school again  and we spent that time doing absolutely nothing besides enjoying each others company, taking afternoon naps, watching our favourite tv series, drinking latte macchiatos and having long chats.  It was great. But soon enough, the routine began.  I'm happy about that too because I enjoy our routine.

My routine has changed slightly in the last couple of weeks because I got a new job!  Finally.  And it's the most perfect job I could ask for at this time.  I am studying interior design and I've been looking to do something related to my studies.  But it's hard to, especially as a foreigner.  I was thinking of just volunteering my time at a firm, which would be great experience but what about paying the bills?  Then, one of my favourite design sites that I read almost everyday announced they needed bloggers for their website.  I applied and they hired me!  So now I blog about things I love everyday.  I couldn't be more satisfied.

The site is called Trendir.  Click here, here and here to read some of my posts.  I usually write in the Interiors section of the website - so you know where to look if you're interested :)

After writing my posts, I try to get some exercise and then work on my school projects until Pauli gets home.  After dinner, it's more school work and searching the internet for more things to write about tomorrow.  I should be making more time for progressing some new hobbies of mine (sewing and knitting) and reading my book - but these will have to wait until I'm done the last five assignments of my diploma.  And these last five are BIG assignments.  I need to finish them by end of April if I want to have three solid months to complete my final project.  I imagine I may become a hermit in these next months.  But I'm determined to finish them on time.

Now, the last thing I wanted to tell you about is that I've decided to stop doing "ins-i-love" on a weekly basis.  I feel too guilty when I don't post anything and I don't believe inspiration should be forced.  So instead I added a "Collection Page".  See it on top there...a new tab.  I will post things I love and that inspire me as they arise so keep looking there if you are interested in knowing what they are.

That's all folks!
Have a happy weekend.

xoxo
Holly

end = begin

It's been a while...

Today was my last day at a job I really disliked.  I think I have been feeling sour because of it.  This is probably why you haven't heard from in a while.  How did this happen, you wonder?

Well, we moved to Frankfurt at the end of September, we settled in, my mom came to visit, we got married and all the while I was anxious about finding a job.  I had no clue what I would do here in this new city, but because there was so much commotion I knew that October and November were not going to be months where I would be working.  That was part of the plan already.  But like clock work, by December 1st, I had started a new job.  Initially I was very excited and super proud of myself.  I was going to be working at cafe at the airport.  Nothing crazy but I applied for the job and had an interview - all in German.  I was excited to be working in a busy place and get to really practice my German - with clients, but especially with co-workers.  Learning German is very important to me and I felt this was going to help me a lot.

I quit a week in!

In my first week, which consisted of 4 shifts, I realized certain things.  I realized that behind the scenes, the cafe was super old and in actual fact, nobody cared about it.  I mean, no was was going to invest any more money into it and hadn't for some time now.  It was a dying place.  The food quality was not as good as it looked, they didn't even have take away bags for clients - we were told to wrap stuff in tin foil if they want to take it away.  For me, professionalism and care were lacking.  I also learned that the company that ran this cafe also had some kind of agreement with the Mc Donalds in the terminal, and apparently we HAD to eat there.  We weren't allowed food from anywhere else.  I almost lost it.  I told a co-worker that I would not eat at McDonalds and that forcing us to is like physical abuse.  I told her I would bring my own lunch.  She warned me not to let anyone see it.  So obviously, my apprehension kept growing. The next thing I learned pushed me over the edge.  They make the schedule there a month in advance.  So December 1st, I had my schedule for the month.  During that first week, my schedule changed like three times.  Understandable, life is unpredictable - except that nobody called me to ask me if I could work those other days or even just to tell me!  Another co-worker told me this was a regular occurrence and that I should get used to it.  That was it.  No way!  I found that so disrespectful.  The next day I called and quit.  I told them I would finish my shifts for December.

So today I had my last shift.

I also realized I'd forgotten about a vow I made to myself when I left Canada.  It was that I would do my best not to have to work in another restaurant again.  I already have a nearly 10 year "career" in the service industry.  It really is the best job as a student.  You can make good cash in a short amount of time.  And since I love being a student - waitressing and bartending have always well supported that.  But at the end I was a bitter, bitter waitress.  I hated feeling like that.  Although, I have to give myself credit for always being professional with my clients even though I would go home and hate myself for it.  Oh, how many nights I would replay a scenario and think, "I should have said this ... or, I should have spilled the drink in his lap ... or, I should have just slapped her across the face!"  But no, smile and keep smiling and the customer is always right.  Ughh!  I hate it and I promised myself I would avoid the industry at all costs.  And there I was right back into it, whoring my emotions around once again.  I think I forgot about this promise because I was too curious to see how I would do in a German speaking environment.  Well, it wasn't so hard.  And once that became clear, the rest just came cascading down and it all fell apart.  I'm glad I got to do this little experiment, but at the same time I can't help but feel like I wasted some time.

I think this place was making me miserable.  I haven't been in the mood for much and I've been feeling overwhelmed for no reason.  But  tonight, I felt like I flew home from work.  Like suddenly I had wings and I was just soaring and carefree.  Man.  Hating your job is a very depressing.  I don't want to experience that again. Although, I have said that before.

So what now...?  I have a couple of ideas.  I'll let you know how the job situation is going in the new year.  But I can say one thing ... I'm going to be self employed.

'till later,
Holly

Holly in Frankfurt...

So guys ... obviously I didn't think very far into the future when I named my blog. As most of you know, Pauli and I have moved to Frankfurt. Actually, technically, we live in Kelsterbach, but Frankfurt is a hop away and it's a big city that most people can place in their minds. Easier to visualize.

I haven't posted anything here about our plans because we wanted to make sure all our family and friends knew what was going on before they read about it on a blog. So what's happened recently? Pauli got into pilot school! We moved to Frankfurt because that's where he is studying. And...we're getting married!...on November 1st! Yay! Many exciting things happening. Life feels good =)

Time for an update...

Hello Friends,

Before I say anything more: Happy Birthday Krystal! I miss you intensely and I love you deeply. Have a wonderful day!

Ok, so, I figure it's time for an update about what's been going on here in my life.

Lately, I've been feeling really good. I feel inspired and confident and most importantly at peace. Which is funny since the aspects of my life are nowhere close to the meeting goals I have set for myself, but maybe it's because I feel like the path towards them is getting clearer.

I will begin my interior design course THIS month! That's the big news for me. I'm signed up, just waiting for my materials now. I'm so excited about this. I think I finally found what I want. Why this though, why interior design? I don't blame you for asking since so far my accomplishments and adventures have not exactly pointed in this direction. Well, it's a long question to answer, but I will try to make it brief. Last year, with the planning of move to Germany and my graduation coming up, I started re-evaluating what I wanted to do with my life...generally how I wanted it to feel and more specifically what I would like my days to consist of. After some soul searching I explored the idea of being an interior designer. That led to some research about the field and what the profession entailed and the education needed to get there. I liked what I saw. I liked having the opportunity to be creative everyday. I loved the aspect of project management and execution. I liked the idea of helping people professionally achieve their dreams of what they want their home, office or business to look and feel like. That's very important because home, work and play are vital aspects of life. I think this is what makes the job fulfilling. Last but not least, I like the fact that as a designer, you can work for a firm or choose to branch out on your own. You could do both and not have to change careers. Being my own boss is an attractive concept, one that I would like to achieve one day. Oh yes, and not being stuck in the 9 to 5. Not that it's bad, I just think it might not be for me. Oh and one more thing - the people you get to meet and the relationships that will be created is also another exciting part of it all. I realize your network grows no matter your job but in this case I'm looking forward to meeting clients and discussing their wants, their needs, the things they like and don't like and what inspires them. Also, the contractors and furniture suppliers and designers and on and on...yes, yes, yes....so cool. Can't wait to meet them all. So ya, that's pretty much it. Can't wait to start, the journey looks like it will be fun.

My job is going great. I don't know if I've mentioned what it is that I do here. Well, in case I haven't, I'm a nanny for a nice German family. I won't be giving any more details than that about my day to day at work because, well, I don't think my bosses would appreciate it. But I can say that it is fun and the children I take care of are super! I work everyday and have weekends off. Finally, can you believe that!? - WEEKENDS OFF!!

My German lessons are going really well too. I'm finishing up my course in two weeks and am doing these last two weeks intensively. So, 3 hours a day of German, five days a week. They don't call it "intense" for fun. It's serious stuff. But I like it. It's only my second day of intensiveness and I already feel a difference. Up to now I was only going twice a week. This is much better. So after I finish up my lessons I will look for a German speaking tandem partner who wants to practice their English...or French, I guess - whatever. That should also be an interesting little adventure...

All technical aspects about relocating to Germany are pretty much in order. Except for my driver's license. I just have to trade my Canadian one in for a German one. No big deal, but I just haven't go around to it yet. Oh ya, and I have to figure out how to do my taxes here and make sure my Canadian ones get done too.

I love, love, love, our apartment. The skeleton is in place and it feels good. Decoration, art and other details are to follow, but we are not in a rush. I'm still really, really enjoying the city - even in this snow and cold!! Yes, that's correct - cold and snow. This is the first winter in a long time (maybe ever!!) that Berliners can remember it being this cold and snowy here. Just our Canadian luck, eh? But still I shouldn't complain. By cold I mean -5 degrees (average worst case) and by snow I mean an annoying white blanket about 4-6cm thick that is persisting despite some warm days when it appears it will be gone the next day, just to get a couple more flurries that night and loose a couple of degrees of warmth. But still I'm in love with the city. I can't imagine what I will feel like when it's a bright sunny day in June and I'm biking around my neighbourhood!!!! Oh man - can't wait for that day either.

So thats good - work, school, home, weather - all necessary topics covered.

One last thing before I go do my Hausaufgabe (homework in German). Below is a picture I took today from the sBahn on my way to school that I would like to share. I think it was at the Savignyplatz station on the walls. There were some other interesting artworks actually hung up on these outdoor brick walls, and some nice graffiti of course. No sarcasm, there's a lot of graffiti in Berlin and a lot of it is nice. I would have taken some pictures of the others but there was no time as my train was on its way to the next station. But this one struck me first, and I was struggling to quickly pull out my Handy (cell phone in German) because I desperately wanted this photographed. It's for your enjoyment because it's just nice but really it's for my mom. Ma, if you are reading this, you know why this picture holds a link to you for me. Actually I'll probably send it to you later.

It says: Nature does not need us, we need nature.

Goodnight xoxo