just john

And rather langweilig. (http://translation2.paralink.com/) I decided to make use of the time to create an entry. Germany is dragging through it's "normal" Fall season. "Normal" they tell me, is much like today and the two previous. It is grey. It rains. It is cold but not yet freezing. My morning commute is in the dark and so is my drive home around 5:30 - 6:00. Normal weather now makes me hope that winter skiing will be good. With Switzerland 1.5 hours away, how can it be bad?

Language continues to be a challenge. Always the biggest one, I think. I do find myself having conversations with co-workers more often on non-work related subjects which is encouraging. Common consensus among expatriates who learned a second language later in life is that you will always feel like it is horrible. That's how I feel but I do have a hope towards functional. We did a telephone speaking exercise in language class the other day. The have a special machine for just such an exercise, two cordless phone linked through it's very own phone system. Phone numbers were 1 and 2 respectively. Our exercise was more office communications, ordering furniture. Something I, of course, do daily though I do have one friend who would benefit from the exercise. Completely unbeknownst to me the conversation was recorded for playback and analysis. Should be no surprise, as an American I have become accustomed to wire-tapping.

When dealing with new subject material in German, I sound not only completely drunk, but partially retarded as well. Slow, short sentences. Lots of confused-sounding noises. At least the grammar was mostly correct. It was simultaneously a complete surprise and a confirmation of my worst anxiety - I really am the retarded kid at work, at least when it comes to ordering office furniture.

All retardation aside, I'd say things have settled in once again. The Christmas markets are opening - more of an open-air fair and place to buy mulled wine. Christmas crap in general, but with a German flair, is being set out (no Thanksgiving holiday here). I am bracing myself for December-January bills. Every conceivable thing seems to come due for everyone at year's end; car insurance, car taxes, apartment insurance, and liability insurance (if someone breaks their leg in my home I am liable).

Oddly, I am paying for car insurance I have already used in the previous year, they really trust me to stick around, I guess.