~ vacation ~

Today I had my annual review and it went great. In many ways I can’t believe it’s only been a year since I started working at the hotel, so much has happened in that time and it feels like I have been a part of it forever. My boss said some really nice things and I truly appreciated the recognition and support, as well as the pay rise and bonus. The latter will certainly come in handy during my trip to Europe which starts this Saturday! I am spending three days in my hometown Cologne and four in London, where I will also meet up with my husband. Bit of a flying visit but that’s all I can do with the vacation time I have. The 9-hour jetlag will be tough but it will be totally worth it, I can’t wait to see my family and friends.

And speaking of family, I am having a spontaneous visitor this week, my “little” cousin from Germany who was vacationing in California and decided to come up and see me while she was on the west coast. I am so glad she did, we are having a lovely time! I am the oldest of all the cousins and at 23 she is one of the youngest, I have obviously known her since she was a baby and as you can see, she has grown into a lovely young woman. She is also a great cook and I can’t tell you how nice it was to be greeted by a delicious home cooked meal as well as a bright and warm apartment when I came home from work last night. That was such a treat! Tomorrow I am taking her to Vancouver which I am really looking forward to as I haven’t been up there in a while.

Her visit confirms to me once more that I made the right decision when I moved to this larger apartment, it is very comfortable here with another person, plenty of space for both of us, yet also room for privacy. This apartment is turning into such a healing place for me, I just love coming home here and I am looking forward to more visitors as well as starting to entertain here more often.

This journey of mine is only just beginning. There is a lot more work to be done, friendships to be mended or let go, issues yet to be addressed. There will likely be setbacks and just like those two days last weekend that were filled with tears and compassion, I want to make room for the hurdles and the stumbling blocks, too. However, right now I am too tired get into all of this. It is time for some sleep.

Good night, my lovely friends!