Resolutions

I have never been one for News Year's Resolutions, I usually have one- to start flossing everyday. This year it lasted a bit longer than most. Lately, I've been reconsidering the whole resolution thing. Why wait for New Years? I am advocating seasonal resolutions. If each season, I resolve to floss everyday, there is a much higher chance for me to begin flossing my teeth on a seemingly regular basis. So this autumn, I resolve to floss my teeth, we'll see how long it lasts.

Jetzt Geht Los!

For you unfortunate souls that do not speak German, that means "Here we go!" Classes have finally started. Here's a brief rundown of what I'm taking (with their corresponding English titles):

Jüdische Theologie im Spiegel des jüdischen Gottesdienstes - Jewish Theology as Seen Through the Mirror of the Jewish Worship Service

Mütterlichkeit- Motherliness (about constructions of motherhood in literature)

Mordsfrauen- Death's Women (about women as murderers in literature/film)

Frühhöfische Epik und Spielmannsepik- Early Courtly and Minstrel Epic

Bilder der Apokalypse in Mittelalter- Images of the Apocalypse in the Middle Ages

I have visited all the courses so far, with the exclusion of the exciting Middle High German class which does not start for two more weeks. I think my favorites will be the theology course and the middle high class, which has not yet started- but I guess we'll see. The theology building is in a beautiful location- behind Hackisher Markt, next to the Spree and close to the Berliner Dom. There is a little green spot next to the Spree and it is very picturesque.


It was a very charmed first class to go to. Now, because I need a grade for any classes I take, or Berkeley thinks I just played in Berlin, I have to go up to every professor after class and introduce myself and say hey- want to give me a grade? It is a bit nerve racking, but I seem to be doing fine. The classes meet about half as often as classes at Berkeley (2 hours once a week), so that will take some adjusting, but so far I am just excited to be in classes again.

Outside of school, it is very much fall. Leaves are falling everywhere and it smells like autumn- that slightly molting scent that fills your lungs as you walk down the street. A few days have been sunny, but for the most part we are looking at clouds and more clouds. I am not too cold yet, but I have taken to using my heater! It works pretty well, and when I have laundry drying in my room it dries much faster. That and my warmth seem to outweigh the dryness my mouth experiences each morning from the lack of moisture.

Fall IS Here

It is officially Autumn. Or so I think. This weekend, the temperature dropped about 15 degrees and the sun began to seriously win its game of hide and seek with the clouds gathered over Berlin. Bummer man. Last week was glorious and sunny- but as I scan the forecast for next week, I see that the sun is not coming out to play anytime soon.

To augment the cooler weather, I went to buy some more tights. It was there that I decided, Germany is the country for me. I went to a large department store and found thousands of tights- in hundreds of styles and colors- enough to keep my legs warm during the coming cold and keep me in style! Up to the next floor- hats and scarves galore. The item which sealed the deal, however, were the gloves. Of all colors, materials, and lengths. I was tempted to buy at least three pair right then and there. I did, however, restrain myself. I'd like any gloves to coordinate with the yet-to-be purchased winter coat. In keeping with the cooler mood, I did manage to find, on my neighborhood ramblings, a produce stand with rather delicious clementines. I am not sure what their providence is, but they are delicious none the less.


The weather does not seem to be curtailing the normal German activities, except sadly the tables and benches are beginning to leave side walk cafes. I spent Saturday morning at Treptower park and then moved to my favorite cafe in Kreuzberg when the weather grew too cold. There were a few brave souls outdoors, but inside was far fuller than I had seen it before. And to think, it is only September! Good thing my local coffee place has coffee for 1€.

I went to the evening mass at my local church tonight, it was not heated. I doubt it will be heated as the weather grows colder- but I guess I'll have to wait to see.