The only way to go is up...(hopefully)

How was my first day on the job?
If I never have another day like that, I will be happy.

So I thought I was doing awesome. B left for Berlin, D was headed to work, L was headed to school and J was ready for school with 20 minutes to spare. Go Rachel, right? Well, THEN I walked outside to check on J (He was playing with sidewalk chalk while I did the dishes) and I made a big, Huge, GIANT mistake. I left my key in the house. And my wallet. And my money. And everything. Doors here lock automatically and people don't see a need to hide keys in their garden or garage or anything. Crazy, I tell you!

So J and I were going to go to L's school to get his key, but we got lost (I also left my map inside). So we wandered around aimlessly for about an hour until I saw a neighbor outside. This neighbor spoke NO english. With my poor sign language and J's help we were able to convey our problem. She sent us to the neighbor on the other side. I buzzed their intercom and used my broken german to explain my situation. Then, I heard the most comforting words I have heard all day; "It's ok, I speak English."

I'm not going to lie, at this point I cried a little. I was freaking out because it was starting to get cold and it looked like rain and J was without a jacket. At first I planned to take him to breakfast and try to find his school so we could use their contact sheet so I could call B or D, but I didn't have my wallet. Then, I realized I was without my passport. I was picturing the worst of all outcomes all while trying, unsuccessfully I might add, to break into the house. To finally have someone that could understand and help me felt so relieving! The neighbor's father called B who called the maid who let us in the house. I was so grateful and glad to be back in the house. I will never leave the house without my keys..even if I have to double or triple check just to make sure I have them.

After I got in the house, I took J to kindergarten, and went to my german lessons. When I got home I did some laundry and made dinner. Potato soup..Delicious. Except the kids didn't eat any of it. Of course.

Well, as B told me when I finally spoke to her after my horrid morning, "Shit happens." <--That about sums up my first day. But today was better, and tomorrow will be better too.