It's Just Another Day
So things are more or less on even keel. Unfortunately, my laptop crashed last night and will only start in safe mode. Normally I would spend several hours and tantrums fixing it myself but I just don't have the time right now so I have something that has finally become my on personal flashing VCR clock. I just don't feel like fixing it and will end up paying someone. Besides, my system restore disks are still packed up in airfreight.
I met a German friend for dinner last night and we spent the first 20-30 minutes entirely speaking German. It went fine except I just can't go into much depth on anything yet. Still, it was good to get the one-on-one practice before we went back to English. He also brought the Bosch navigation system I bought through Germany last year and I got to try it out alongside the rental car system I already have. The Bosch unit works better but it only speaks German. Not too bad for me but English would have been nice (and €150 more).
Just got the car insurance quote and it's ok. Roughly comparable to the U.S. plus the 20% cost of living increase.
I've learned a few more breakfast words so I can buy something besides a pretzel with butter.
Hopefully I can get my computer back soon - it's turning out to be a pretty good refuge from all the foreign-ness over here.