Like a boss

Last week in small group we talked about reducing stress... And one of the 'stressful' things in my life right now is a trip I'm planning. 

Let me explain.... 

I am not from the US. I'm from Germany. I grew up in Germany in a lovely house in the middle of nowhere. (In the picture the house doesn't looks so 'lovely' coz it's over 110 years old and for the past 6 years nobody has lived in it. The new owners are in the middle of giving some much needed TLC)

About 6 years ago my Dad died and my Mum moved to her old house. And since I don't have warm and fuzzies toward my Mum's place (nor actually to my old house) I am now indeed 'homeless' when I go home. And that in a way adds stress.

So now I have to organise places to stay and people to see like it's a business trip. On top of that comes that I've lived in the States for quite a while and sometimes have a hard time figuring out what is American and what is German. 

One of the best examples is restaurants. Here in the States you see this:

             

 And everybody waits to be seated. Coz that's what you do! 

In Germany you're expected to find your own seat. And everyone does. It's NOT THAT HARD. But sometimes I forget which system works in which country.

So what's the deal? There's not much of a deal. It's just a fact. I know that for me to tell people about stuff from Germany here in the States means explaining it as well. And it ends up being a loooong story that no one wants to hear. 

(My friends for example have a very hard time understanding why a 'Bring Your Own Meet BBQ' is a really weird concept in the States.)

So you see, going 'home' for me is stressful. I have to organise places to stay, people to see, transport and a lot of other things. I have to mentally brace myself for the ridiculously bad customer service I will get and yet I will enjoy paying the price that is posted on the product - in the supermarket or in the restaurant, it won't matter! I can't wait for mettbroetchen (ground beef/pork on a buttered roll) and spaghetti ice cream (it only looks like spaghetti!). I will use the public transport and miss air conditioning, and I will bring my own meat to my friends BBQ (and it's gonna be sausage!) 

I'm gonna rock this trip like the boss I am! And thus I will finish this rather lengthy blog post about how small group helped me reduce stress by organising a trip like a boss