SteelCaps2Uggs

Heritage Issues

“I have heritage issues” – that is how I describe my really weird relationship to my mother tongue German. I like words (obviously). I like word wit, metaphors and how the world itself is constructed through them. In that regard, I have always loved the possibilities the German language offers. When I moved overseas, though,Continue reading “Heritage Issues”

My Grade 8 (and 80) Classmate

My most loved grade 8 classmate, I’ve long called you that and have always promised to, one day, tell you the story of that designation, since really, we haven’t shared any classes growing up. Well, today is that day gorgeous girl. I love you, and I want you to know that. Somewhere between Steelcaps andContinue reading “My Grade 8 (and 80) Classmate”

Of Going to the Plaza

I am lonely. I am single and my family lives overseas. All my classes and activities have been cancelled and the few that are running leave no space and time to socialize before or after. My office is on the other side of the border, so I have not been there in over 3 weeks.Continue reading “Of Going to the Plaza”

Sensei

Beloved Sensei, “None of this matters”, I said, gesturing around the house, “however, I will remember you for as long as I live, and that is what matters. That is why you matter.” I want you to remember these words, I want you to believe these words, and most of all I want you toContinue reading “Sensei”

Love Letters

Write a love letter to yourself. I read that on a list of selfcare suggestions and it resonated. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to do this. So I decided to write one, actually made a note on my “What I want to write” list, thinking to jot down some ideas,Continue reading “Love Letters”

About Crying in the Dark

I remember hearing the phrase “you’re built too close to water, lass” quite often when I was a little girl. “Quit crying about it already” was also in the mix and probably a lot of other subtle hints to the fact that big girls don’t cry and that I better toughen up. Well, I did.Continue reading “About Crying in the Dark”

The nicest compliment I ever got – or the celebration of joy

It is no requirement but the occasional confirmation of one’s heading in life is just really nice, warm and fuzzy. Unintentional compliments are amongst my favourite of confirmations. Just the other day, my colleague gave me one, and it was the nicest I have ever received. That colleague never met Steel Caps, he was introducedContinue reading “The nicest compliment I ever got – or the celebration of joy”

Of Air Conditioners and Blankets

For years, almost a decade, really, my biggest pet peeve was air conditioner settings in common environments, ranging from buses, trains, and supermarkets to offices. I am always cold. Temperatures below 24 degrees make me uncomfortable, anything below 22 downright frozen. Most people seem to run on a different scale to mine though, and afterContinue reading “Of Air Conditioners and Blankets”

The Significance of Boots

I was a woman once, who marched into a sacred place in steel capped boots in summer. I am a woman now, who walks into an office in Ugg boots on cold days. When the suggestion was made I should write about the transition between those two states, those two different women, really, should putContinue reading “The Significance of Boots”