My kind of thinking.

Sometimes, people tend to forget the most basic things. So dear reader of this blog, let me remind you of something I believe we should all keep in mind – to treat everybody with respect and always be kind.

The spontaneous kindness of the average American is something I really miss over here. Nobody offers me a seat on the bus. Nobody lets me step forward in the line to the cashier. Nobody randomly compliments my poncho. Nobody offers to help me with my bags on the plane. Nobody holds the door for me. Nobody is spontaneously kind.

Well, of course, that's pushing it a bit, but you get the picture. Gothenburg is colder than DC – not only Fahrenheit wise.

Source: docs.google.com via Katie on Pinterest

The happy place – the dance floor.

I was never anxious about leaving Sweden. I was never nervous to go overseas and live there for a year. I'm an explorer and I love to be away from home. What I do not like, however, is leaving lovely people and places behind. Dear reader, you must be well aware of this fact and know that I miss DC a lot. A lot!

But what becomes of today when we keep walking around in yesterday? It's not fair to ourselves and it's not fair to what's in front of us now. So I'm trying my best to discover what's good about today. And yesterday, I believe I did.

I was having dinner with some lovely girls and I realized that I've actually missed all that. I've missed the red jackets, the nail polish, all the glitter and the dancing shoes. What's good about Gothenburg is definitely the dance group Patriciabaletten. Getting up on stage or just dance the night away at Larm.

Yesterday, I was in my dance bubble and I was just so happy. Not too bad. This Post DC Depression might pass, after all.

Roomie Reunion.

This weekend, I had two visitors on my couch. My beloved former roomie and forever dear Iron Ass stopped by with a friend of hers and before they left, she made sure to inform me that she's been here. I found this note and another virtual one and it made the old Grandma heart smile.

It was wonderful seeing you again, B2. Come back soon!

Don't forget the Glasögon Night, Iron!

The Fever that never ends.

Did you know, that suffering from the Potomac Fever is much more severe when you're far away from the source of the illness? Yes. Take it from someone who knows. Also, know that catching the disease from the beginning was still so – oh-my-God-yes – worth it, so don't be afraid. Go to the river. Fall in love. And know that you will never fall out.

Learning to love again.

More nostalgia on the way! I know, you think it's getting old. Like "Come on girl, get over it." But a farewell is a long process for an emotional girl. And in a fragile time of change, you gotta let her do it her way.

The absolute best way for me to get over and move forward is to run to the gym. So, Sunday night I bought a monthly pass for my Gothenburg gym and attended my first yoga class in almost a year. I knew I was exactly where I belong when the instructor told the group that the theme of the class would be "Love."

I struggled a little bit with my breathing and my focus, but I tried not to be so hard on myself. After all, the theme of the class was "Love." Instead of focusing on the bad, I gave myself credit for being stronger than I thought I would be. It was an excellent class for my body, mind and soul. I actually felt so much love, my eyes filled up with tears before saying "namaste."

To your head – For lovely thoughts. To your lips – For lovely words. To your heart – For love itself.

I love yoga and yoga makes me love life. Again and again and again – and again. I miss my NOVA gym, but my Gothenburg one is just as good. Love is all around. You just gotta let it in.

Yea, definitely gotta work on that handstand if it's gonna make the Olympics.

My dearest friend. I wonder how many times I pulled myself up here. A gazillion?

DC highlights. How do I pick five?!

On today's to-do-list is drafting a little diary over five extraordinary (or ordinary) events from my time in DC. It's an assignment for a student magazine, with the aim to inspire others to study abroad (DO IT!), or something like that.

But how do you pick only five things from an absolutely awesome year in DC? What should I write about?

That Nats game that got delayed due to a thunderstorm?

How IHOP is open all day and night?

About covering the event where the Chief Justice of the US was present?

Or about covering the American Diabetes Association's fundraiser walk to stop diabetes?

Hearing Mr President Obama speak and Stevie Wonder sing for the MLK Memorial Opening?

That amazing Thanksgiving in Snickersville?

Really? Did I? Over there?

Sometimes, I'm having a hard time understanding that I actually lived there. I lived there. Those were my streets. That's where I did all those daily things. I ate. I slept. I ran. I worked. I studied. I laughed. I cried (very, very rarely!). I wrote. I photographed. I sang. I danced.

I loved. I lived.

In Washington, DC. Wow. That thought makes me feel like such a lucky girl. The capital of the US has so much fun to offer. Haven't been there yet? It's time to book your ticket. You might not want to live there, but I assure you that you definitely want to see it.

Yep. That was me. Living in DC.

Kiwi and DayQuil for PDD?

A few days ago, I was telling my mom how I haven't been sick lately. The day after, I had a sore throat and a terrible headache that lasted for more than 48 hours. Grrrreat! And my mom said: "Maybe you're allergic to Sweden?" That is most certainly a qualified guess.

The last time I was really bad was in December, just before going home to Sweden for Christmas. Then, I got excellent care with a personal delivery of kiwis and DayQuil. The American touch made me better and I was back on my feet shortly after a night of fever and pain.

This cold seems to be of a different kind and tricky to get rid of. It might be because it comes in combination with the severe condition of Post DC Depression. Yes, yes and yes. It's hard not to hold on to the beauty of DC. I miss the American touch of life and I feel a bit lost here in my own country.

However, I know it's just a minor cold. The right medicine can be found here too and when that's all sorted out I'm sure I'll be fit as a fiddle again!

Where to raise the flag?

Today, I'll get my old apartment back. The one that I packed down almost a year ago. The bizarre feeling of that is just too much to even try to think about. Something else to consider is what to do with the American flag.

The questions are many. The answers are few. Will it match the rest of my interior? Is it really my style? Do I have a wall big enough for it? Would my neighbors approve of it hanging outside of my window? Should I use it as a blanket? Maybe let it cover my bed?

I don't know. But I will bring the flag to my home, because it's a part of my heart now. In one and two and three senses.