HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATALIE!!!!

30 years ago, Natalie was born and since then people have been blessed with her smiling face.

I Love You, Natalie!!!!

Study Abroad in Germany Day 1

On Saturday May 19, my flight left from Atlanta to Frankfurt, Germany. The flight was full and the one bonus was there was free movies/tv/games/music for entertainment while we were stuck in the plane for about 10 hours. I was able to watch some of my favorite comedies for a couple hours than try to sleep while listening to some music. I really appreciated the earphones that Natalie bought me a couple weeks ago. I could barely hear the typical crying baby and engine roars while keeping the volume down. Also, I was served dinner and breakfast which were not as bad as I thought they would be.

Once I got to Frankfurt Airport, I was surprised to see many similar things to what I saw in America. There are the typical food joints and a variety of shopping and the currency exchange trying to gouge those in need to exchanging currency. I got lost trying to find the meeting point for those flying in to the airport. But luckily for me, I had 2 1/2 hours to kill before the pickup time. I intended to use this time to grab a bite to eat but because of the food given to me on the plane all I really wanted was a drink. I found the place to wait, sat down and began to read some of the readings for the week. I was so tired that I don't think I recollect much of what I read. however the subject is not new to me. The pros and cons of free trade zones like the EU and NAFTA. 

Once Wiebke, the program manager, found us all and led us to the bus, I got on and sat in between all of the Aussies. This led to many others thinking that we were chumming it up in the back of the bus. However, they all went to the same University in Perth Australia.

Once everybody was loaded, we headed to Vallendar, just under 2 hour drive. Here it is my first experience on the autobahn and surprise construction and rain. there were some cars definitely driving faster than the bus but come on its a bus. I did notice as we were driving that there are many similar cars. But Germany has a plethora of compact and subcompact vehicles.

We got into Vallendar and the streets are narrow. This bus driver had to weave through parked cars to get to GH (Guest House) Schumann. I grabbed what I thought was all of my stuff and went to my room. Little did I know that I forgot my computer bag on the bus. I quickly got in touch with the person who checked me in and she made sure that my bag was safe and they held it til our next meeting on the campus. 

At first sight the apartment is quaint and it looked as if they shorted me on a full length blanket. I was wrong it was folded. After unpacking I said I was going to sit down and rest then take a shower. Well sitting down led to a 2 hour nap and me almost missing my next meeting.

The meeting was the typical overview of the course and then getting to know our group members games. Our team lost the game but had fun doing it. We then went on a tour of key spots in Vallendar and the campus. 

After that we took a picture and went to get some food in the vaulted room. It reminded me of an old cellar. Once we finished the festivities, everyone went back to their places.  I skyped with Natalie and did some homework and research.

So far everything is going quite well. Lets see what tomorrow brings us as we travel to Vallendar.

Finally...the video footage of Natalie's 5k

So, when I (Jared) bought my video camera, I wasn't aware that I wouldn't be able to rip video off the camera for months because firewire isn't standard on my new computer. At any rate, with the help of my friend Chris (I have to give credit where it is due), the video is now viewable for the general public.

Before you watch the video, I have to preface with a little blurb. I am extremely proud of the dedication Natalie showed in preparing for the race. Through several trials with ankle sprains and cramping she finished the race and, as she stated, had to slow down so Rose and her would finish the race together (You see why I am proud of her).

I did my best to match her dedication by videotaping said runner prior to crossing the finish line. In the midst of holding my camera, like the sweet and quiet girl she is, Natalie slipped by me (hence the slow motion for her otherwise you wouldn't see her go by). Because of this, I stood with my camera for 30 minutes near the finish line waiting patiently for Natalie to finish, scared that her bad luck had came on race day.

This is an edit of the 30+ minutes video of the finish line.

Internet Connection

Please note that Natalie and I are not neglecting this blog. The internet connection that we are used to having is neglecting us. We will post as soon as the internet connection shows a little love.

Woo-hoo

Today marks a momentous day. I have passed the examinations that make me a registered representative. Therefore, I get to take a break from NASD exams until E*Trade tells me that I have to take another test.