Showerthoughts – “Stick!”
Author: Indy-CA
Selfie
BLOG Status Update
Vil reworked plenty of BLOG Posts, but he is still at the beginning. For now, you can read parts of our story in this BLOG.
CORONA – And you still play the lottery?
With the Euro millions, the chance to hit the jackpot is around 190,000,000 to 1 and still millions of Germans play every week and hope to be the “lucky one”. I have never met a main lottery winner or know someone from “hearsay” and yet nobody doubts that the chance to win really exists. Shaking… Read more CORONA – And you still play the lottery?
The cheating cleaning lady in Osterburg
Two years ago, we had to experience the abyss of humanity and to this day we cannot understand how people can behave in such a horrible and anti-social manner. Each of us comes to a point in our life where everything does not go as planned. Maybe the loss of a job, an illness or… Read more The cheating cleaning lady in Osterburg
Coma Mouse
Yesterday was Indy’s Birthday. Vil just found one of her mates still in coma. We had a nice party…..
Snacks @ Marketplace Osterburg
The Living situation. A new place!
Tomorrow 09:00 we will move to a new place. Less rent, nicer landlord.
Plenty happened!
I should update this BLOG more often because so many things happened last days. We moved to a new place. A nice little flat, 4.th floor and a small balcony, Vil still not finished recovering, he is weak and the weight loss takes its toll. He is tired all day, no power and it was… Read more Plenty happened!
Goodbye 2019. You really sucked! Welcome 2020!
Actually 2019 started very promising(ly?). We found a new home in Osterburg (Sachsen-Anhalt/Germany), we could afford a nice flat, we had everything we needed. Vil’s Job was a total success, he liked his team, he fulfilled or exceeded all needed KPIs. He won pixes and was awarded several times for exceptional customer and colleague feedback.… Read more Goodbye 2019. You really sucked! Welcome 2020!
Cuddle Time
Self Grown Mini-Tomatoes
Flowers & Tomatoes
New Flat
Moving within Osterburg
I should update this BLOG more often because so many things happened last days. We moved to a new place. A nice little flat, 4.th floor and a small balcony, Vil still not finished recovering, he is weak and the weight loss takes its toll. He is tired all day, no power and it was… Read more Moving within Osterburg
Hektor
Merry Christmas 2019
2019 really sucked, it was a real rollercoaster and currently, we might lose our flat and all our belongings because we have no money to pay the rent or any other bills. Why this?, you might ask.
Friday the 13.th
It’s now two months and still no reply from the Netherlands and no money from the unemployment office. My landlady and her partner are literally bangging on my door and demanding money. She even enganged an attorney to accompany her. She wants to kick us out, even before Christmas, because of us she can’t but… Read more Friday the 13.th
Jobcenter
Vil went to the Jobcenter to apply for unemployment benefits. He spoke to his case manager and signed an application form. Unfortunately he needs to provide proof of employment from the Netherlands. A P103 Form to finish the registration. So he also needed to apply for welfare in a complete different office and wait for… Read more Jobcenter
How to be a top performer and still get fired!
“Yes, you are a top performer.Yes, you’ve got awarded in November for being a sales superstar.Yes, you’ve got awarded for outstanding customer feedback.Yes, you’ve got awarded for always helping your team and colleagues.Yes, you are a valued member of the team.Yes, there is no doubt you can do the job.Yes, your KPIs are looking great.… Read more How to be a top performer and still get fired!
Rehabilitation Centre Moelln
I need to attend a rehabilitation program. There I learned what and how to eat and how to gain weight without hurting myself. Three weeks of lessons, extra care, presentations, and additionally a mixture of swimming pool, massage, gymnastics or yoga, good food.
Have a nice day!
Well, well, well… The good news. The”re-wiring” worked. My digestive system seems to completely start up and slowly I can eat a little. Unfortunately, there is still the “occasional” nausea, but it gets better. I lost plenty of weight and I was never a big guy, more tall and skinny and now I am a… Read more Have a nice day!
The recovery process
It’s good to be home, but it’s not easy. I am exhausted, every task lasts longer and I am already happy when I am able to walk Indy to the second bench. I never imagined that it will be so hard to arrange life, doing the dishes or just get some bread. Except for one… Read more The recovery process
Back Home
Now I am back at home and wait for the rehabilitation treatment will start. I need to learn what I can eat, try to gain weight and an insulin pump needs to be adjusted to me. All these needs its time and I need to be patient. Feeling better. The loo works and I am… Read more Back Home
Needles
Sugar-Coaster
Now, I need to tackle my blood sugar levels. As my digestive system slowly restarts and I need to learn how to adjust my diet to the new situation. It’s a try and error operation. I do have a little guidance, but now I need to combine a diabetes diet with a low ballast one.… Read more Sugar-Coaster
June 2019 Gallery
I am a cyborg!
I carry a new and fancy RFC Blood Sugar Sensor. No more blood needed to measure my actual status. Now I am directly connected to my smartphone and with a push of a button, I am up to date. Now an app monitors my sugar level in real-time and warns me if my levels get… Read more I am a cyborg!
No more “Nose-Tube”
After ten days they removed the “nose-tube” and I got a little freedom back. Still connected to a “ZVK” (Zentraler Venen Katheter) in my neck. Sensors for my heart rate and …
As time goes by
I am still at the ICU and I realize that the recovery process will last longer than expected, but there is hope because the recovery process improves a little bit day by day. No more heavy pain medication needed, the sleep is ok and I had my first successful visit to the loo for days.… Read more As time goes by
Lab Results
Today my doctor received the lab results and she rushed into my room to tell me the good news. They checked some of the removed tissue because they suspected cancerous cells, but fortunately there weren’t. “It’s your second birthday today. Mark the date.” The doctor smiled at me, tapped my shoulder and rushed out of… Read more Lab Results
Complications
Unfortunately, my digestive system isn’t restarting fast enough. The adjustment to the rewiring of my digestive system was not a small task and a common side effect is a slow digestive system. Longer ICU Stay It was planned that I need to stay only for three days at the ICU, but a few days later my… Read more Complications
Colours Inside! :)
After the operation, there was pain and I asked the nurse: “Is there anything with colours inside to help me to be as comfortable as possible for the moment?” She smiled at me and replied. “I think I can help you with that. I will need to ask the doctor for a prescription, but that’s… Read more Colours Inside! 🙂
Today is the day! – “Whipple Procedure”
On Friday morning the nurse woke me up at 06:00, to have a shower and shave my belly. Dressing up in the blue theatre clothing. Now it starts to get very real. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to have any coffee and I am very nervous. To the theatre I was driven in my bed… Read more Today is the day! – “Whipple Procedure”
DRK Hospital Berlin Koepenick
I was picked up by a cab in the morning, to be driven to Berlin Koepenick DRK Hospital. A well-known specialist centre for such procedures. Tests and preparation The next days, they took blood, put me into different machines to look inside me. The pictures made with X-Rays, MRT and ultrasonic. The surgeon visited and… Read more DRK Hospital Berlin Koepenick
Whipple-Procedure – DRK Hospital Berlin Koepenick
My pancreas is full of stones and chronically infected. A Whipple-Procedure needs to be performed. They cut the infected piece out of my pancreas and rewire my digestive system. For this procedure, I needed to go to Berlin DRK Klinikum Köpenick and stay there for about three weeks. Tuesday, 4.th June, I was picked up by… Read more Whipple-Procedure – DRK Hospital Berlin Koepenick
Jobcenter again!
Today Vil went to the job-center and reported back. Just two minutes to show his face and that’s it. No news regarding any job offers, no possibility of any support, absolutely nothing.
Trip to Berlin
DRK Hospital Berlin Köpenick
It’s “Teatime”! – Hospital Seehausen
A dreadful day! Vil woke up and immediately felt that something is seriously wrong. He is used to regular nausea and pain in the morning and most of the time he can fix himself with some Primperan, MCP or something else, but today was different, something was seriously wrong. He went to his GP to… Read more It’s “Teatime”! – Hospital Seehausen
Back to Germany / Lübeck
“Back to Germany” sounds scary. After many years abroad, We don’t really know what to expect.
Propofol – Vil & M.J. united
We got up very early and I was brought to a friend of us, while Vil went to the hospital. Vil checked in, got ‘prepared’, for the procedure and at 09:00 he was brought into the theatre and connected to all cables and tubes. Then the ‘Sleepy Guy’ arrived and started to send him to… Read more Propofol – Vil & M.J. united
Think positive & Life now!
More than 200 posts removed. We cleaned up! It’s time for a new start, a new perspective and a new approach. We deleted all posts on Facebook (forever), Twitter (not yet!) and we also archived more than 200 posts from the main blog. The posts are not completely deleted, but for the moment they are not… Read more Think positive & Life now!
OLVG Amsterdam
Kashmir Bar
Bo-Rent
Merlin
NPK Club
Bubbles
Viladecans
T-Systems
Vil applied for a call centre position with T-Systems. He was rejected, because he is too experienced. Hmmmm,… Really T-Systems? Ok, where are the jobs Vil is qualified for? There must be some in Barcelona or somewhere else in Spain. Please send us your contact info. Wouuuuuuuu!
Survival Tip – A good spot!
When you are living “on the road” it’s essential to find a secure night spot. We are lucky! We found commercial estate. Secure and safe at night and totally private at week ends. 12 kilometer to city centre and 10 km to the beach. Our spot offers: A place to pee and shit for me… Read more Survival Tip – A good spot!
Free WIFI! 7 down and 2 up
Last Chance. Back To Spain!
Breakfast @ IKEA
Vil had breakfast at IKEA. 2.95 Euro inclusive coffee with refill. Vil decided that we don’t stay in Germany and that we try to continue to search for our luck in Spain and leave for Barcelona soon, maybe today.
TSP for BWM
Today a Skype interview for a job as a TSP for BWM. First level call centre bitch job, but who cares. It would pay the rent and we don’t mind. At first we needed to charge the laptop without overloading Victor’s electrical system, then find a reliable spot with good WiFi connection. Vil don’t want… Read more TSP for BWM
Today’s statement! – No Ice, No Water, No Fucks!
“Hey Lady, I actually ran out of fucks I could give about you and there are actually way more important things I will worry about. Is that a proper English sentence? Bark, bark, ….. whatever!” Yesterday we tried to get our water and ice supply at a friends house. We visited our friend already a… Read more Today’s statement! – No Ice, No Water, No Fucks!
Nice Coffee Lady :)
We want to thank you this nice unknown lady. I sniffed at her when she approached Victor, like I always do. Then she talked to Vil about our journey then she donated 10 Euro and the next morning she came back again with fresh and hot coffee. Thank you very Bark!
2.nd Interview for T-Systems – [UPDATED]
Today Vil had his second interview for a position as 1.st level support agent. Same “issue” again, Vil is “too experienced” and they don’t understand why Vil wants this job. Vil responded: “Hey, you are T-Systems. I think the jobs I am qualified for are available within T-Systems, so I want to be there and… Read more 2.nd Interview for T-Systems – [UPDATED]
What’s wrong with Germany?
Well, it seem that to be friendly is a big issue for some people. They approach you and directly start shouting and complaining, without saying hello or something else. What is wrong with this people? For example we met one guy, who thinks that he owns the world. He is unfriendly, ignorant and a kind… Read more What’s wrong with Germany?
Waiting …
We are on standby! No money, no gas for Victor, little food for Vil and me. We are still at our spot near to the swimming pool. We have quite good WiFi and Vil is surfing the web all day searching for a job, writing applications and from time to time we have a movie.… Read more Waiting …
Lalü & Tafel
Waiting at the public pool.
? victor is good. ? sleeps. We are back in Germany, and it was no good welcome. We can’t stay at our friends place anymore, because the landlord is not happy to have me in the house and fears about his carpet. That’s obviously a made-up reason to get rid of me. Why you ask me?… Read more Waiting at the public pool.
Arrived
Ca. 1400km later we arrived with the last drip of gas.
Kruder & Dorfmeister – On the Road again! Spain / Germany
Final Tapas
Our time in Spain runs out and we need to leave and go back to Germany. In a few days we need to report back to the jobcentre and then we don’t know what to do. It’s a very sad Moment, but Vil finally found the Tapas he really likes.
Dead Laptop
[Update: “Who the fuck can like a post like this?” :)] Tonight all was fine, we watched a movie and fell asleep. This morning then the laptop did nothing anymore. A button press and no reaction. Vil opened and checked for any obvious signs of damage, but there was nothing. The laptop is DEAD! Shit,… Read more Dead Laptop
Jobsearch Update
Well, Vil is looking for jobs online every day and he applied for several jobs, but it seem that Vil has no real luck so far. Open: TSP SellByTel … Declined: Michael Page Citrix TomTom … No response: Plenty …
Interview mit Indy
Reporter: “Hello Indy, it is a pleasure to have you for an interview.” Indy: “It is my pleasure.” Reporter: “You are ‘on the road’. How do you feel?” Indy: “Well, I am quite relaxed. Driving in the car is nothing new for me, Vil and I we already drove a few times long distances, we… Read more Interview mit Indy
Jobsearch
Well, Vil is looking for jobs online every day and he applied for several jobs, but it seem that Vil has no real luck so far. Open: TSP SellByTel … Declined: Michael Page Citrix TomTom … No response: Plenty …
HartzIV – The license to rot! [German] & Google Translate!
GOOGLE TRANSLATE !!! 10 May 2016 – Request from Vil to the Jobcenter. Hello Ms Jobcenter, I have some job interviews behind me now and it looks like I’ll find a job here. Unfortunately, I’m running out of time now because you’re expecting me back. Now I have to decide what I will do. My… Read more HartzIV – The license to rot! [German] & Google Translate!
Job Interview @ 15:00
At 1500 our future life will be decided there. Does Vil get the job? Will he be technical pre-sales account manager? Will he earn more money then we need? Will we stop travelling? Can we buy a big camping car soon? All this and more will be decided in less than five hours. [UPDATE] Vil… Read more Job Interview @ 15:00
Really?! WFT!
It’s interview time. Unfortunately, the recruiter told shit and the salary is not as high as expected. Also, there is no relocation bonus. So be aware that recruiter has no interest to find the best job for you, they just want to sell as many jobs as possible, because they are paid by numbers and… Read more Really?! WFT!
Gallery May 2016
Today we visit Christian in Tarragona. Preparing food smells yummy.
Jobsearch – Navigation
Vil had an interview for a position as pre-sales account manager. First, his TomTom20 guided him to the wrong place. Same street name, but the wrong district. After entering the address manually all worked out. The interview itself was a catastrophe. At first, the team leader had no CV at hand, then she didn’t like Vil… Read more Jobsearch – Navigation
I am no Pitbull….
From today on we are not allowed to be together at our “office” in the Dragon Club anymore, because I am a dog and some other dogs or respectively their owners made troubles the last days. It’s always the same. Some fu***** ars***** misbehave and everyone else needs to live with the consequences. Seriously, when will… Read more I am no Pitbull….
What are these green things?
Today Vil gave me these funny green things to eat. They are called Olives and they taste like fish and I really like them.
Light?
Vil just received a call from a recruiter, and she is interested to present Vil’s cv for a position as a B2B presales engineer. Ok, just a small step, but maybe the start of a new journey.
COOKIES, Just wow!
Right now Vil had the best patisserie he ever had. El Raconet de l’Alicia, Rambla Vayreda 33, Gavá. The mini croissant is crispy, covered with a bit honey, the chocolatine is really soft and chocolaty, BUT the pig ear it the best. Really crunchy and an explosion of nutty flavors. A MUST TRY!
Gava Beach
Interview with Vil
Having some tapas we got the chance to ask Vil a few questions. Reporter: “Hello Vil, thank you for coming, it’s a pleasure having you with us!” Vil: “Thank you for inviting me. It is my pleasure.” Reporter: “Vil, tell us a bit about you and why you decided to ‘go on the road’ with… Read more Interview with Vil
Hola policia!
Today I met a really nice police officer. He told is where I am allowed to run abut without a leash. TV-Dabo! Thank you!
Isch der ISchOlador….!
1.5GB Data 6 Euro
Las Ramblas
Nice Breakfast
This morning we met a very nice couple from fu****g Rauenberg. They came over and asked us if we came from Germany. The be precise from Heidelberg. Yes, we are! “Hey, guys, when you read this don’t forget to contact us. We want to meet you when we come back to Germany .” Thanks for… Read more Nice Breakfast
More BLOGPOSTS to come!
I talked to Vil and mentioned that he needs to write more content on our blog. It’s not enough to write one short story a day. We need to feed our audience with more content to make them come back, follow and like us.
WARNING! Camping on the beach is dangerous!
Here a little warning to everyone planning to sleep in the car at the beach parking. !!! DON’T DO THIS, FIND ANOTHER PLACE FOR THE NIGHT!!!, like a highway gas station or a McDonalds parking. Seriously, it is very dangerous to sleep at the beach, because nearly every day someone get robbed there. When you… Read more WARNING! Camping on the beach is dangerous!
Wifi @ the beach
There is a comping place near to our parking spot at the beach. It’s the “Tres Estrellas Camping” in Gava Beach. Vil went to the reception and asked for WIFI and the girl gave him a voucher for an internet connection with 4 MBit WIFI and no limits. All of that for 2 Euro for… Read more Wifi @ the beach
Thank you M.!
This is a message to M., the guy with the nice German car: “You are right, I am impressed.”
GAVA Beach, Mass Blau and McDonald’s
When we drove to Spain we had no real idea where we want to stay and how we will manage our daily routine. Surely we need water, a toilet near, a safe place to sleep, a place to stay at night where we can sleep safe. The last days we drove a bit around and… Read more GAVA Beach, Mass Blau and McDonald’s
Dolf & KFC
Today KFC for Vil, there is free wifi as well. When he entered KFC he was a bit “amused” about the situation there. See yourself. Is there no one who cleans up? And Vil’s real name is for sure not Dolf. A big queue at the counter and only one cashier. Vil needed to wait 30… Read more Dolf & KFC
First Coffee In Barcelona
After 1436 km on the road we are in Barcelona. We arrived and actually we have no idea where to go to. Well, easy! Vil found a parking space and now he sit at http://vi-d-art.com/ and enjoys his first coffee in Barcelona. The coffee is good, the guy behind the counter speaks absolutely no English or… Read more First Coffee In Barcelona
Two Days Driving!
Not much to report. Vil drove around 1.200 km. No highways, only Rue National. Average speed maybe 70 km. Here are a few impressions.
Controle Police!
When you think that the customs control you only at the border, well, you are wrong. Victor was just “examined” by French customs, but not at the border itself, they stopped us 500 km inside France, near to Lyon. We only wanted to have a coffee at a gas station, but the planned “10 minute… Read more Controle Police!
On the road!
Yesterday we slept inside Victor for the first time. A final test if everything is working fine. The sound system is working pretty good and the sound is loud and clear. For the moment we use an old iPhone as screen and multimedia command center. NOICE! We had a little party and celebrated the final countdown.… Read more On the road!
First Night Outside! “Hucky’s Klause”
We are on our way. Naja, not really. We decided to have a last and final test and sleep outside tonight. First, the camping place is closed and then there is no McDonald anywhere. It’s a shitty rainy day. So we ended up in. “Hucky’s Klause”. And what a surprise. It’s a smoking pub. In… Read more First Night Outside! “Hucky’s Klause”
Departure from Frauenweiler
Getting ready! Vil cleaned Victor and removed years of dust, all liquids and filters changed, all passenger seats in the front and the back removed, the smashed rear door replaced and the back windows taped with black duck-tape to give us a little privacy. Just a few steps more and we are ready to go. Power… Read more Departure from Frauenweiler
Victor-“The VW-Polo Camper”
Wherever we go, we need something to live in because we won’t be able to afford a hotel or even Airbnb. We need a place for all our belonging, our camping equipment, storage, clothing and finally a place to sleep. A cheap solution was needed, so Vil bough Victor, a 1991 VW-Polo, for 150€, that’s around 200$,… Read more Victor-“The VW-Polo Camper”
We need to find our luck somewhere else!
Vil decided that a town with a high density of call centers would be thr best opportunity. Barcelona, Dublin or Amsterdam. He checked the jobs online. LinkedIn, Monster other Job boards, and the most positive feedback came from Barcelona. So it’s sure we will leave Germany and try to find our luck somewhere nice. We are not… Read more We need to find our luck somewhere else!