8 month check-up

Happy Birthday to me. Well maybe it's not exactly the day marking my birth. Nor is it a one year mark of anything. Although no part of birthday translates to "one year" as "anniversary" does. But I guess the day of your birth only happens once a year. Actually it only happens once in your life so technically your birthday could also imply the day of the week you were born on, therefore allowing for a birthday every week. Interesting. Well I, for one, actually prefer to celebrate my half birthday. It is such a great day. Today, however is my 8 month German birthday. In other words: Germany has survived me for 8 months. Whew. Now. I have hit a few landmarks. Some of these have been shared on previous occasions, but I just thought I would check in and give a little updatey-poo. You can stop reading at any time. This will probably get long. 

First off, I've had this stuck in my head lately:

"Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important--and what is most important almost always involves the people around us." (Thomas S. Monson)

Second, countries tend to be known for different things. I've now been to Austria, Switzerland, France, and Ireland (which I know isn't a huge list, but it's a sampler tray). They are known for their beauty, and I shan't deny that they have it. But can we just hold the phone for a second.

 

Why isn't Germany included in this list? I, for one, think this is an injustice. Maybe beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe beauty can be found anywhere by those who seek it. Maybe you disagree with me. But a picture's worth a thousand words and I just gave you 5 not even getting into the architecture of the cities or the huge variety of landscapes. You can think what you will.

Moving on. I thought this would be the opportune moment to de-bunk a couple myths:

Germans--Very few are actually tall, blonde, AND blue-eyed. And I have yet to meet one named Rolph or Helga.

The German Language-- This does not involve spitting. I don't think I have ever been showered upon (except perhaps with love) by someone speaking German.

The Autobahn--Not that scary. It is not a racetrack between cities where everyone drives 300 miles per hour (although they occasionally push close to 300 kilometers per hour).

Ok. Who survived all the way to this very climactic ending? Conclusion: Basically Germany is pretty cool and stuff.

I'm not sayin'; I'm just sayin'.