Life, Work & a Scoop of Spaghetti ice-cream

There’s something wonderfully real about conversations that jump from workplace stress to ice cream shaped like spaghetti—and that’s exactly what happens when Babette in Germany chats with her facilitator, Janita, in South Africa. Their exchange feels less like a lesson and more like a glimpse into everyday life, where small wins, tired mornings, and sweet treats all mix together.

Babette begins on a “little Friday,” that curious in-between day where you’re technically working… but mentally already halfway into the weekend. After a week of holiday-mode mornings—complete with late wake-ups (her daughter slept until 10!)—the return to routine hits hard. “It was very difficult to wake up on Monday morning,” she admits. Between school runs and early office hours, the fatigue is real. And like many of us, Monday greets her not with calm, but with a flood of emails and responsibilities.

But beneath the tiredness, there’s a turning point in Babette’s work life. A long-standing challenge—a difficult colleague—is finally being resolved. “I must hang in there till end of May,” she explains, before revealing the good news: a new colleague will join her team in June. The relief is so overwhelming that Babette found herself in tears during a meeting. “I was crying… happiness,” she says. It’s a moment that speaks volumes about the emotional weight of workplace dynamics—and the hope that comes with change.

The new setup sounds promising: shared office space, better communication, and teamwork across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. For Babette, this isn’t just a staffing update—it’s the possibility of calmer Mondays and fewer stressful moments staring at an overflowing inbox. “I work better when I’m relaxed,” she reflects honestly. “Then I don’t make so much mistakes.” It’s a simple truth, but one many professionals can relate to.

Of course, work isn’t all stress. Babette finds joy in small things: a good call with a customer, music playing in the office, and the satisfying feeling of finishing her tasks by 2:00 PM. There’s also her famous office snack stash—gummy bears, cookies, and dreams of upgrading to a bigger fridge stocked with iced coffee and chocolate. Her colleague even contributes money toward the snack fund, proving that sometimes workplace culture is built on sugar and shared smiles.

Outside the office, life is just as full. Babette spends time knitting, swimming, and navigating the chaos of family schedules. Exercise attempts—like dancing or Zumba—bring their own challenges, including sore knees and aching backs. Still, there’s a sense of humor about it all. Between suggestions of squats, magnesium, and maybe even a hula hoop comeback, it’s clear that staying active is a work in progress.

And then comes the highlight: a family cycling trip on Easter Sunday that ends with a visit to a café serving one of Germany’s most playful desserts—spaghetti ice cream. Yes, ice cream that looks like pasta. “You put it in a press… and then you get spaghetti,” Babette explains. Topped with fruity sauces that resemble tomato sauce, it’s as much a visual delight as a tasty one. The café doesn’t stop there—there are ice cream versions of fries, burgers, even lasagna. “It looks like the dish, but it’s a dessert,” she laughs.

Preferences matter, of course. Babette is firm on one thing: “I hate vanilla ice cream.” Instead, she leans toward mango, yogurt, and fruity flavors—proof that even in whimsical desserts, personal taste reigns supreme.

As their conversation winds down, plans are made, holidays are noted, and another week edges closer. It’s a simple exchange, but one filled with honesty, humor, and connection across continents. From workplace transformations to creative desserts, Babette’s story is a reminder that life is rarely perfectly balanced—but it’s often sweet in unexpected ways.