I, Muehlenhaus. U, Riedermaus.

I'm feeling real badly about not being in Hungary at my host-brother Krisztian's wedding this month. In fact, so bad that it is kind of tearing me apart emotionally. My Hungarian family drove to Germany to be at Birgit's and my wedding, and I couldn't even manage to get over there via plane for his?!

I know it would have been near impossible for me to make it. I'm broke this summer, particularly because of unforeseen expenses such as needing to take a tree down and fix our garage. Also because I don't have a $3500 research grant to travel to Hungary this summer like I did last year. Even if I could afford it, I'm teaching this summer. I would have to leave Friday morning, get to Budapest on Saturday morning, travel to Gyongyos that day, and fly home the next day. Of course, the problem is, that is exactly what the Hungarian family did when they came to Germany. They drove two days straight, partied that night like rockstars, and drove two days straight back home. Unbelievable!

So I feel like shit. But since it is definitely too late to get there, now all I can do is figure out what kick ass gift to send in my place. This, of course, presents numerous problems too. For one, Hungary is now developed and there is nothing I can send from here that they don't have there. Secondly, I don't really know what Krisztian and Nora have received already. Finally, I don't really know what can make up for my rudeness in not showing up in person. So all of these thoughts are coalescing into a quagmire of guilt. I resolve to figure this gift situation out today! Come hell or high water. Or heat waves. Essentially, come hell or the current weather in Hungary.