- I’ve lived in four countries so far — in chronological order: Germany, the US, England, and Luxembourg.
- I speak three languages fluently: Swabian, German, and English. At home, we speak more English than German.
- At 16, I was an exchange student in Oregon. That’s where I fell madly in love with mathematics — thanks to the best teacher of my life. Before that I had zero affinity for it.
- I had to fight to be allowed into college-prep high school. My elementary school teacher said, “You’d have to start making an effort then.” He just couldn’t picture that happening for me.
- I really don’t like being stuck at a desk all day. Math worked beautifully with paper and pen — in the park. My professors agreed: a true mathematician needs nothing but chalk and a blackboard.
- I earned a PhD in aerospace engineering. So yes, I can officially call myself a rocket scientist. And yes, I made it. Not without effort — but rote memorization was never my style.
(Spoiler: I became a programmer afterward. So much for “not wanting to sit at a desk all day.” But hey, in programming, laziness is practically a virtue — you automate everything annoying.) - My passport says “Dr.” — at the suggestion of my parents. “You earned it.” If I’m ever needed on a plane, I’ll probably be more useful fixing the engine than reviving the passenger.
- I’m happiest with a backpack on my shoulders, wind in my face, and no plan for the day.
- My dream job in primary school? Horse. Not someone who works with horses — I wanted to be a horse. I even tried turning our dog into a pony. She let me put on a halter, but she drew the line at pulling a sled.
- I love all sports — except jogging.
- My favorites are road biking, paddle boarding, climbing, hiking, inline skating, and skiing.
- At 39, I bought a longboard to learn longboard dancing. Two months later, long covid hit.
But hey — there’s video evidence. - I’m passionate about foraging — mushrooms, berries, and all sorts of wild plants.
- I love baking. That’s where my second major from school comes through: chemistry.
- I adore my little, wild garden. The neighbors don’t quite agree — everyone has their own idea of what counts as lovable.
- Christmas cookies are non-negotiable. There’s no advent without Cinnamon stars.
- Swearing? Preferably in English. Maybe it’s from my time in London, biking through the city and wishing for a flamethrower at least once a day.
- I explored Beijing by bike, too — until I got stopped by the police on Tiananmen Square. Cycling there is forbidden.
- My longest hike was on the Via Francigena, from Piacenza to Rome. My boyfriend at the time told me the entire plot of The Wheel of Time along the way. All 10,000 pages of it.
- I read scientific papers for fun. On all kinds of topics.
- My favorite color is green — it’s the one the human eye can distinguish in the most subtle shades.
- As a teenager, I was significantly overweight. During university, I lost 30 kilos (65lbs/5 stones) — without dieting. My weight has been stable ever since.
- I’m studying nutritional science because I find it fascinating what food can do. And I would like to have a direct positive impact on someone else’s life.
- I eat everything and don’t follow any particular dietary style. For me, it’s about food being delicious, colorful, and varied. I love cooking with fresh spices and collect recipes from all over the world — because food culture is often the most beautiful entry point into a culture.
- I know eight programming languages.
- I’m currently learning French for the third time. Maybe this time I’ll make it past B1?
- I’m very logical. But I can also read your tarot cards. Of course I read a Celtic Cross for myself before embarking on this career change (It’s all going to be fine.)
- My favorite landscape is the mountains – hiking in summer, skiing in winter.
- I love board games.
- Jean-Luc Picard is my hero. And yes, I drink Earl Grey every day.
- My senior yearbook quote:
“In the beginning the universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and has been widely regarded as a bad move.”
Still makes me laugh. - I used to think all of humanity’s problems could be solved with technology. I’m not so sure anymore.
- I struggle with time tracking – a trauma going back to third grade, when I had to log what I’d done each day during self-directed work time. Panic at the end of every month. For years.
- I once spent a year pretending I knew how to knit. I still can’t.
- I love the smell of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene.
- As a kid, I climbed on everything (trees) and under everything (bulls). Now, as a mom, I finally understand the fear I put my mother through. (Sorry, Mom. But hey – I survived.)
- Reportedly, my first words were “Igo weg” (“hedgehog gone”) – yelled at a hedgehog fleeing through the hedge. Definitely worth commenting on.
- I once hitchhiked from Würzburg to Istanbul.
- I had an imaginary friend as a kid. We did all kinds of competitions (like long jumping) – her turn first, then mine. I always won.
- I frequently Google buttercream alternatives. It’s time to finally document them on the blog.
- I enjoy loading the dishwasher. It’s like 3D Tetris to me. And when it comes to games, I get competitive.
- Thanks for all the fish so far. Turns out it’s not the bacteria running everything — it’s the mice. I’m currently 42 years old. And as we all know that’s the answer to everything.
May this blog be my way of finding the right questions.
“This isn’t life in the fast lane. It’s life in oncoming traffic.”