Guten Tag Sweet Friends!

It’s sunny and almost warm here in Cologne. I say almost because the high today is supposed to be only 68 degrees and that is at like 5-6 PM. But, I’m not complaining. It’s finally sunny after days of clouds and rain and wind and cold. So I’m happy!

I know that the sun, or lack thereof, greatly affects my moods. I learned this in Hawaii; but since we had way more sun than rain there, moving here has increased this awareness exponentially. When it’s rainy and cloudy and cold for days, I am lazy, slightly depressed and find little joy in things. And that is just stupid. I have MUCH to be happy about and yet I let the weather control how I feel.

I believe the Universe puts obstacles in our path to teach us a lesson and help us grow. I think this is part of what I’m supposed to learn while I’m here – to be happy every day, to feel joy every day, to know how blessed I am every day, despite the lack of sun. I watch the Kolners outside, and I guess they are just used to the cold and rain because everyone is outside despite the weather. They have no problem getting out and enjoying the day even if it is cloudy and cold. To them, 68 degrees is like, WOOHOO, summer is here and we are partying! I know the party boat will be FULL tonight when it passes by my window.

So, today, I’m partying like a Kolner, like it’s 80 degrees and I’m on the beach in Waikiki, or like my friend Brian David in Memphis says – party like it’s 1999. I’m putting on my daisy dukes and hitting the streets. Sue and I are meeting some other FedEx ladies at a Mexican restaurant for lunch. I’m sure the margaritas will be flowing and they will be partying as well. Hopefully we can score a table outside and soak up some rays while we are eating.

By Thursday, the high is supposed to be 80 degrees, so I’m planning a visit to Claudius Thermas across the river. It’s a day spa, pool/beach, thermal spring on the other side of the river. You pay a day fee and then you can enjoy the facilities all day. I wanna lay by the pool all day and enjoy the sunshine while I can. I may be learning to find joy on the rainy days, but I’m sure gonna enjoy the sunny ones while I can!!!

Enjoy your day today friends, whether it be sunny or cloudy, hot or cold. Find joy in everything you do!!