FEBRUARY RECAP

February Recap:
A Month That Flew By

You know what was weird reflecting on February? I felt like—wow, this month passed by so fast. Was it really four weeks? It felt like a blink, yet it was filled with beautiful moments that made it so special.

A Quick and Meaningful Trip to Hamburg

February started with a wonderful trip to Hamburg, back to my roots. I lived in Hamburg for more than a year back in 2017, and even after all this time, I still felt completely comfortable and at home in my old neighborhood.

I had lived in Uhlenhorst, a stunning quarter right by the Alster, filled with gorgeous old buildings and villas. It’s one of those places that combines tranquility with proximity to the city's buzz. Just a 40-minute walk along the Alster, and you find yourself right in the heart of Hamburg. Mühlenkamp, a lively street nearby, is filled with charming boutiques, cozy cafés, and fantastic restaurants, making it an ideal place to stroll and soak in the city’s atmosphere.

Walking past my old apartment, my former doctor’s office, and the local grocery stores I used to frequent brought back so many memories. It was a quick 24-hour trip, originally planned for an appointment my boyfriend had, but it turned into something much more meaningful. Stepping back into familiar places, experiencing the city from a different yet known perspective, was just what I needed.

A Special Birthday Celebration

February also brought a special celebration—my dad’s birthday! We had the best time at our favorite Greek restaurant, laughing endlessly and enjoying each other’s company. It was such a heartwarming moment, one of those times where time just flies because you're having so much fun.

Falling in Love with Yellowstone and the state of montana

A huge part of my February was also dedicated to binge-watching Yellowstone. We wrapped it up last week, and I already miss it as part of our evening routine. The most beautiful aspect of the show, to me, was the breathtaking nature and landscape scenes. Even though the cowboy lifestyle seems tough, being surrounded by such raw beauty, working with animals, and living in sync with nature is something to be deeply grateful for. The western lifestyle inspired me in unexpected ways—I even noticed it influencing some of my outfit choices. What resonated with me the most was the way the characters started their mornings with a cup of coffee, watching the sunrise, and ended their days surrounded by family and friends, watching the sunset. That simplicity, that deep appreciation for the little moments, is something I truly relate to and cherish.

A Different Kind of Valentine’s Day

I also spent Valentine’s Day in a special way—just not in the typical way most people do. My boyfriend had to work, so I spent it with my dog, my sister, her boyfriend, and their unborn child. We made smashed burgers and just enjoyed a fun time together. It was such a special moment, reminding me that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about your partner—it’s about love in general. It’s about appreciating the people in your life, cherishing time together, and celebrating love in all its forms. And most importantly, love isn’t something that should be confined to just one day of the year—it’s something we should remind ourselves of every day, even though it’s sometimes hard to achieve. So this Valentine’s, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Work, Construction, and the Power of Longer Days

Other than that, the month was packed with work duties and construction matters. When it comes to work, I felt so much more energized than in January. Our new project, which started on January 1st, was going pretty well, and a sense of ease filled the office. This year, I truly felt the difference in longer days, which gave me a huge boost of motivation and energy. Sitting in the office at 4 pm when the sun has already set is tough, but with sunset happening after 6 pm, I didn’t feel an urgent need to rush home. Instead, I found myself looking at the clock in surprise, realizing how much time had passed.

February also blessed us with beautiful weather—so many sunny days, giving off early spring vibes that were so appreciated. Unfortunately, we had a little window delay on our construction site, so there hasn't been much progress lately, but we are expecting them to arrive this week, which is exciting!

Looking Ahead to March

I am beyond thrilled for spring and especially March! My birthday is coming up at the end of the month, and I’ve planned something special for my loved ones. I'm also looking forward to (hopefully) a lot of sunny weather, progress with organizing my basement—an important task before our hopeful early summer move. I want this transition to be as stress-free as possible.

And with February behind us, I’m now one month closer to meeting my niece, which fills me with so much gratitude. The thought of holding her in my arms soon is just overwhelming in the best way possible. I’m hoping for the best and can’t wait for that precious moment.

Waves of love, always.
Ines