Expectations vs. Reality

Sorry I have been MIA the past few weeks. It has been crazy hectic between family coming to visit and school and work. So here is a quick life update.

I cut about 12 inches of hair off. My mom and Ian came for a week and we saw everything one could see and ate everything one could eat in Vienna. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day probably ten times. And Oliver’s family came for Easter weekend. So we are having a great time!

In all this “spare time” I have had, it got me thinking about the expectations versus reality thing that’s on social media. Literally my life for the past few months has been a game of expectations versus reality.

Expectation: Come to Vienna and tackle the world and be super happy with everything and everyone.

Reality: I honestly did not like Vienna the first few months. It was cold, it was grey, I didn’t know anyone, and well it was just CRAZY new. But as I have made friends, discovered favorite areas of the city, and found things to keep me busy, this crazy city is starting to feel more like home.

Expectation: German would be easy to learn because I already know French! German is an angry sounding language.

Reality: HA! French only has two genders but German has three and four grammar cases which means words change depending on the situation. And German actually sounds beautiful. I mean it’s not Italian or French, but it holds its own.

Expectation: Life will continue the way it always has but with Oliver at my side.

Reality: Life in general has been AWESOME with Oliver. However, life has not been easy breezy lemon squeezy. There have been days where I haven’t left the apartment once. I have also had some of the busiest days of my life here. It has been one heck of a roller coaster.

I could go on and on but moral of the story, there are so many expectations we have going into places and situations and we can never anticipate what will actually happen. The only thing we can anticipate is how we will react when things go awry. While I have not perfected this concept by any means, this whole Austrian experience has helped me learn it more in depth. Our attitude affects everything, even how we percieve the happiness or success of others. Sometimes it can be so hard seeing those around us have wonderful exciting lives. But their reality could be just as hard if not harder than yours. All we can do is make the most of our lives and surroundings. Alright, I'll get off my soap box.

This week marks six months Oliver and I have been married and six months since our move to Vienna. Who knows where we will be next (I’m pushing for America ;) ) but for now Vienna, Austria is our home.