life Archives - Helene in Between

2018 Digital Christmas Card & Link Up Announcement

I never did get to sending around a Christmas card while we lived abroad. Let's get real. In the past 7 years of my marriage I think I sent out one and it was the year we got married. But my lame excuse is my blog. And whether you're a friend, family member, or casual reader, this letter is to you. Dear Everyone, Merry last Christmas and Happy New Year from Germany. Next year I move ... Read the Post

Why We’re Moving Back to America

Every time I tell someone I'm moving back to America from Germany I feel myself having to quickly explain and defend my decision. Most people seem surprised, as if my plan to move abroad has faltered. As if I've failed my life in Germany and am moving home defeated. But this can't be farther from the truth. I want to move back home. In fact, it's all part of the plan. Of course, I'm a ball of ... Read the Post

My Ultimate Life Bucket List – 100 Ideas for Travel and Goals

Sitting on a bar stool at a beach bar, twirling around, I incessantly bothered my Mom for the umpteenth time about when I could have a new stroller for my doll. Everyone else was playing with their dolls as if they were real kids. Here I was, forced to hold my plastic baby in my arms. She handed me a paper napkin, "I have an idea." She instructed me to write down my hopes and dreams. Everything ... Read the Post

How I’m Traveling the World Without Quitting My Job

Last week the German Foreigner's Office gave us approval to live in Germany another year. This process isn't easy, but definitely worth it. I've been abroad for nearly two years now and away from my house for three. I didn't do this by going into debt or quitting my job. Instead, I forged a different path. Maybe it was a bit harder in the beginning, but it ensured a more stable path in the long ... Read the Post

Why I’m Proud to Be An American

My grandfather always had a twinkle in his eye. I've adopted his standard saying: "It's All Good." Growing up, we went to Thanksgiving at 818 Erie St. in Shreveport —my grandparents' Gran and Pop's house. They hosted the main event for decades. Gran scurried around in the kitchen, melting a stick of butter, adding a dash of this or that to steaming pots on the stove, always with a bit of flour on ... Read the Post

You Can Sleep When You’re Dead

Remember that time I fell skiing and tore my ACL, let it heal for approximately three weeks, then traveled to more countries than most people do in a year during a one-month span? I have extreme FOMO, y’all. There’s just so much to do and see in this world, I can’t help it. In the last month, I’ve been to Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, The Netherlands, back to Germany, England, ... Read the Post