"Momentum Writing"

I'm experimenting with fiction writing again. I have started a trial of the "momentum writing" method in order to establish a regular writing habit. I will post my (short) products here. For the next month, I will post 3-4 sentences of fiction each day. I will gradually increase the amount over time.

October 24

The heavy air stank sharply of sweat and watery pilseners as ten thousand dudes raved on the dance floor. All heads bobbed with the beat, and arms writhed rhythmically. The techno music blared short and squeaky Swedish rhymes. My torso throbbed along with the bass as I approached the scowling bartender. His tip jar was empty, save for a fistful of pennies.

German food - a brief description

As I wait for my Fischstäbchen (fish sticks) that are heating ever so gradually in the microwave oven, I am thinking about the food of Germany. Most Americans are familiar with the stereotype of sausages and beer - and trust me, the Germans do not disappoint on that front. But meat and beverage alone do not provide full nutrition. What are the Germans eating these days? How are their culinary choices similar/different from American choices?

Germans seem to like breakfast. A typical German breakfast is somewhat of a cross between the American deli lunch and American continental breakfast. When staying in a German hotel, Americans are likely to feel at home with the Müsli and other cereals, soft-boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea. Additionally, Germans usually serve cold cut meats (usually pork) and cheese alongside a selection of crusty breads. Sweet toppings are also available (butter, jams, marmalade, and of course NUTELLA). The breads may be in slices, but more often than not you will find Brötchen (small bread) at breakfast. I am fond of these little rolls - you can grab a couple at any bakery when you're on the go, or you can buy assorted bags at the grocery for under a euro. They tend to taste better when they've been baked to crisp perfection - warm and chewy is the way to go.

Lunch is often the hot meal (or main meal) of the day, with cold cuts, bread, and fruit at dinner. Since I usually eat on my own, I don't have as strong of an impression of these meals, but I can reflect upon some of the offerings at the grocery store! I have seen plenty of pork and chicken - beef to a lesser extent. The produce and frozen foods seem similar to American offerings. I do miss Mexican cuisine, but the amazing candy/chocolate and beverage aisles make up for it. The selection of gummy candies - both Haribo and other brands - is large. Additionally, the sheer variety of chocolate is wonderful, not to mention the quality. Even the cheapest 35-cent candy bar is practically guaranteed to have a smooth, creamy, rich flavor. All sorts of bars have different nuts and fruits in them, and marzipan (which I love) is not hard to find.

Abundance and Transition: Dollar -> Euro

I seek to experience abundance in my life. Rather than holding on to anxious thoughts about money shortages and living costs, I am focusing on value and exchanging with people in my community and world.

Abundance in my life requires thoughtful attention to different cultures of wealth. As an American who is banking and shopping regularly in Germany, I am now very aware of two major cultural differences. First, Germans use cash more frequently than Americans do. Second, German cash includes more coinage than American cash.

What is debit card use like in Germany? While many larger vendors accept the EC-Card, I'm not sure how frequently Germans use them. During my regular shopping trips at Edeka, a small grocery downtown, I have only seen *one* customer use an EC-Card. Unfortunately, my observations are far from scientific. I only go shopping at certain times of day, and Edeka shoppers might be an unrepresentative sample of Germans. So accept my claims at your own discretion. :)

I don't think credit cards are part of everyday shopping in Germany. While I see that retailers have a 9-key PIN pad for EC-Cards, I have not seen a card swiping machine that has a screen for signing. Whereas I have paid with my VISA for less than $10 of merchandise at Wal-Mart, I would never do that at Ihr Platz!

So what's the significance of paying in cash more often in Germany? Exhibit A: photo. SO. MANY. COINS.

Euro denominations in coins are as follows: 1 ,2, 5, 10, 20, and 50-cents, as well as the intriguing 1 and 2-Euro coins. When I make an Auszahlung (withdrawal) at the ATM, I can receive paper bills in denominations of 5, 10, 20 or 50 Euros. Yes, 100 Euro notes exist, but I have not seen any in a long time...

When an American like me pays in cash often (e.g. a 10 or 20-Euro note), I receive a lot of coins in change. I usually stuff these coins into my pocket along with the Kassenbon (receipt) as I hurry away from the Kasse (cash register). After all, I'm usually just one of many customers in a long line at Edeka, and I have to bag my own groceries. In my haste, I forget about spending these coins, and so they end up in a large pile on my desk or floor as pictured!

After much deliberation, I have finally removed my American dollars and coins from my wallet. Yes, I've been schlepping about $15 USD with me everywhere. You may ask - why? What motivated this impractical behavior? Most likely, keeping my American money was comforting. Psychologically, I was telling myself: "I need my American money. Dollars feel more real, comfortable, and valuable to me." Now that these dollars are stored in my desk, I can say I am a (more) fully integrated member of European society. I work and receive my stipend here in Euros, so I shall also think and spend in terms of Euros. I am living within the European economy, so I have little reason to spend lots of time calculating exchange rates.

I'm intensely curious about how you are thinking and feeling about money during this (alleged) economic crisis. Along these lines, the financial maps of many of my friends are shifting in large and exciting ways. Such is life for the recent college graduate :) So, how are you experiencing abundance right now? What can we learn from each other about financial fitness?

Shoe love in Europe

It's already October?!?!

The current date and my feelings about Osnabrück let me know that I am ready to write more about my Fulbright experiences thus far. I love sharing amusing tidbits about the pupils on Facebook, but for some more in-depth observations, check out my blog here!

When I first arrived in Osnabrück, my roommate Kerstin asked me, "Do you think Germans look different than Americans?" Thinking that she meant physical features, I answered a quick no. She responded, "I think they do." Since she spent a year at Trinity College in Chicago, her response is based on experience, not just stereotype. So what did she mean? She meant in terms of dress.

Being from Iowa - and having just graduated from a small college where everything from Renaissance dresses to Snoopy pajamas are fair game - I suppose I don't pay much attention to fashion. For me, one ogles fashion on Project Runway J When Kerstin asked me that question about appearance, I was still feeling overwhelmed by the language and practical routines like grocery shopping, sending mail, etc. I hardly paid attention to clothing. Now that I've settled in, I can heartily agree with her observation.

German women appear to be very fond of scarves, pea coats, stockings, and especially knee-high boots. Never before in my life have I seen so many different kinds of boots! Every color and material you can imagine, and paired with just about every kind of outfit - everything from a denim miniskirt on a 16-year old to a formal black dress for the office. Of course there are also flats and tennis shoes (predominately Converses), but the click-clack of boots are audible all over the cobblestone paths of the pedestrian zone.

For this gal, the boots-filled store windows are both a dream and a nightmare. I love to gaze at the offerings that differ so much from what I buy at Famous Footwear. I usually have to be content with gazing, however, as I am on a scholarship stipend that doesn't cover shopping extravaganzas J

To partake in the local color and give my Payless black heels a rest, I did have to buy a pair of brown leather ankle boots. I love the pointy toes that look a little menacing, but mostly just fashionably feminine.