We have native English speakers at my company. (Literally, I sit across the hall.)
Only.. they refuse to check the phrasing on the signs before they post them. So, you wind up with signs that make no sense, unless you read them in German, or try to make an educated guess. In this case, I suppose they want the door securely closed when you go onto the terrace.
I’m starting to take pictures, and I am considering going through and correcting them… I wonder if they’d notice.
One of the things about Germany is that it’s rather difficult to find an actual swear to God bone that isn’t made from parts of a Pig or a chicken. It’s also difficult to find good sized treats for my big dog. Hopefully that’s now begun to change – because in my neighborhood – in the last year, there is a new rottweiler puppy (she’s 8 months old), two golden retrievers, and 3 new huskies. (This doesn’t include the couple of labs or german shepards I’ve seen out in our communal “empty lot” walking area who have been here since I have. ) So, where am I going with this? Well, for about 3 years, I’ve been completely unable to find a bone that was worthy of giving my dog. However, on the 30th of January (call it a late christmas gift), I went to the local pet store to get dog food and low and behold, they had cow “shin” bones in a basket for 4 Euro each.
I promptly bought one and wrapped it up in two bags. When I got home and unpacked the dog’s goodies – he promptly “recognized” the bone and I hadn’t even Un-wrapped it yet. It was quite amusing – I could barely get it unwrapped and he was already sitting on the floor, crying and holding his paws (alternatively) for shakes (here, take it – I don’t care – I know thats for me – Please please please let me have the bone….) and was so happy. After “torturing” him for a Christmas photo of him in antlers:
Obviously, he promptly wrapped both paws around it and could not be torn away from it for ~4 hours. We’re talking NOTHING would take him away. Not an offer of going outside for a walk, dinner, scratches … Nope, it was all “BONE!!!”
I guess it’s true. Happiness is a dog with a bone.
On Wednesday, I was told that I got the go-ahead to take a business trip to London for Meetings on Friday (2 days later). I was very cool with that and quite excited – mostly for the fact that I might have the opportunity to unthaw from BRR-lin’s freezing temperatures (17 days with no sun and counting). Special thanks to Niall who was able to take the dog for a couple days, and on less than 2 days notice. The trip was literally a “jet set” type trip – taxi -> airport -> Taxi -> Office and reverse. Other than being up since 4am and not getting home until midnight (bed around 2am), the trip was, I think quite successful. Essentially, I had alot of input into the “coming features” and hopefully brought up a ton of things that weren’t thought of to make sure we were covered.
Otherwise? The office in London sits on the Thames, and our conference room faced the river (above) and a bridge near Richmond going over it. It was above freezing with a bit of rain. Everyone else thought it was cold (It was ~43 F) but me? Coming from 12 F Berlin – well, it was quite Balmy. I immediately stripped down to the t-shirt turtleneck and enjoyed the warmth and the sun for the morning…. When lunch came, I took a few snapshots of the River and the office (game room chairs below), and wished I could have stayed longer.
When I left, I had an interesting discussion with the taxi driver on the way back to the airport who had asked about the day. Essentially I mentioned it was too short of a trip, but I suppose “Life is what you make of it” which turned into a discussion of how you can accomplish almost anything if you just have the drive and determination and know where to look to make opportunites happen. He dropped me off at the airport – and when I opened the door to go inside the terminal — this is the sign that greeted me. Karma telling me something? I don’t know – but I just thought it was cool how fate / karma really reinforced the conversation.
