...and then *everything changed* (for the better!)

Hello everyone,

I am not sure how many of you are still active…it would be reasonable after all to think that I too have disappeared.

I am more of a happy spirit that shows up from time to time.

When I read my old blog posts here I cringe, somewhat in embarrassment in how willing I was to reveal just how awful things were for me but more so because there’s a level of sadness in them that I cannot even bear in reflection. I have taken some of those posts down, so unless you read them before, some of the painful intricacies of what I write will be lost.

I moved to Germany in 2013 and only three months after moving I was made redundant at my job…I gnawed through the bureaucratic tape and got another work visa. It was also in December of this year that I met Thorsten.

The job that was to follow, at a bilingual kindergarten, would prove to be absolute hell. I was and also saw others being what is called “mobbed”. Harassed, screamed at in meetings, talked about behind my back, documented without consent, and downright lied about. I suffered for 2.5 years because I had to---because I had to fulfill my visa commitment. Then in April I was so bullied during a meeting, I left in shock and went home and cried so hard my lips went numb. I promised myself somehow I was going to find a job that appreciated me, my qualifications and would never look back.

After several applications and interviews, in July 2016 I received a full offer to teach middle and high school social sciences at a bilingual high school. Oh how sweet it was when the powers that be tried to engage me in another ‘meeting’ and I told them not to waste their words anymore.

In short, since July 2016 I have been the happiest and yet busiest I have ever been!

I love my job teaching subjects like History, Politics, Geography and English. I adore my colleagues who are all intelligent, well adjusted, nice individuals and my students who are challenging but fun to work with.

My daily two hour commute took a small toll on my health as I began to suffer the effects of inflammation and arthritis in my feet. However, thank goodness I took charge and found an orthopedic specialist who fit me for shoe insoles and a brace. I feel as if I’ve gained completely new feet.

In October we said goodbye to my beautiful Beagle Mickey who died two days after his 16th birthday, I am so grateful that he had such a long life to share with us.

Since December 23rd I have had a new title and agenda: fiancé. Thorsten and I will be married October 2017 in Tennessee so as can be imagined my happiness vs busy-ness radar has been off the chart!

In preparation for our nuptials and as a measure to maintain/lose more weight, and control inflammation I adopted a completely wheat free diet December 31st 2016. It’s made a noticeable positive difference in my stamina, food choices and waistline. It’s by no means convenient or easy in a bread loving society like Germany but I highly recommend it.

Spark friends stay healthy and well. Please don’t mind if I haven’t a chance to check in until after I am married.

Blessings,
Samantha