A New Journey: JoCoop Takes on Deutschland!

March 25, 2012, I said "See you later" to my family and friends embarking on a new chapter in my life as I moved clear across the world to Stuttgart, Germany.  Ever since my first international experience, when I traveled to England touring with the Renaissance H.S. Symphony Orchestra, I knew that world travel was something that I wanted to do.  I didn't quite know how it was going to happen or through what vehicle and I've definitely bumped my head a number of times trying to make it happen.  But in the end, hard-work, discipline, obedience, and as my dear friend Ted says "hiding and honing" paid-off.  I'm here now, and life as I've known it will never be the same.

I can honestly say that you are never prepared for such move, no matter how much research you do, people you talk to, or things you try to put in place in advance.  I am completing my second week in my new home, but it doesn't feel like home yet.  First, I'm living in a hotel until I can move into my apartment mid-May.  Yes, hotel life is nice, you don't have to clean after yourself, cook, vacuum (which is my all-time most hated chore), etc... but after about a week you long for the time when you can just do those things yourself.  But, it's only temporary, and there is an end, so in the meantime I have been taking the time to shop for all the things I need for my new place.  To put it plainly, I need everything from the bed to the dust pan -- that alone keeps me pretty busy.

I was fortunate to move over here, by pure chance and a favor, with my good friend Rabea.  Rabea and I started working a Detroit Diesel around the same time 4 years ago in 2008.  She's originally from Germany, and has returned.  It has been a great relief with her being here, as we are definitely able to lean on each other during this time of transition.

Last weekend she (Rabea) and I ventured to Hoffmeister and IKEA trying to do some furniture shopping.  Let me tell you, I definitely give it up to all those people who build and remodel a house.  Let's just say after the first floor my head was ready to explode, and we had FOUR more to tackle in Hoffmeister alone.  We hadn't even made it to IKEA yet.

Now IKEA: I may be the last person on earth who had never stepped foot into an IKEA.  Let's just say, I don't plan on spending much time in there.  That store is HUGE.  And even more, it is chaotic, ALL OF THE TIME!  But it was good to go, because I got to actually see some of the items I was interested in online.  Some panned out, others didn't.  But I went to my temporary home, open my laptop, and proceeded to add to my shopping cart the things I will be purchasing and having delivered (I have no plans on stepping foot into that store many more times...LOL!)

Monday, was my first "official" day on my new job.  The work part, I've never been concerned about.  I work with some great people, who I have had the chance to meet and get to know prior to this whole transition.  They make things easier and have been very helpful.  Through them I have found living room furniture, a washing machine, great places to eat and go, tips on places to find different things.  But first, things first, I had to do 2 things: (1) complete my VISA application, (2) get a new ID badge.  Both required photographs.  I will digress for a moment, when I got my passport renewed I had to take a new picture, so I took the least expensive route and went to CVS and had my photo taken.  Needless to say, I am not the least bit happy with my passport photo.  I had to take photos here for my work VISA and my work ID badge.  I made sure, that I did not disappoint myself this time.

Needless to say, I was happy with both outcomes.

There is probably much more I can talk about, but I will do those under separate postings.  This is simply an introduction into me, getting settled into my new life and to stay close to all those who have and continue to support me back home.

Until next time,

Keep Living

XOXOXOXOX