This week has been a no-nonsense kind of week. And, in normal life, no-nonsense is nothing to report. However, as we are coming out of what we perceive as "culture-shock", a non-nonsense kind of week is a wonderful thing!

I've said this to a friend before, but let me reiterate it again to make a point. When we first arrived in our new home, every single event was like receiving electrical shock treatment. After awhile, the shocks were fewer as normal events became more routine. Now, as a new normal has set in, there are few electrical shocks to report. Every now and then something will cause a minor jolt, but nothing that isn't too difficult to maneuver around.

For example, getting a driver's license has proven to be a chore. You have to first go to an officially appointed doctor and receive a preliminary check-up, proving you are fit enough to drive. After receiving the check-up, you take your official paper to the driver's license burro to get your Austrian license. Sounds painless, right? Well, we didn't pass the initial exam. Chris has poor eyesight and wears glasses. He didn't pass the eye exam. I take regular medication for anxiety. I didn't pass because I do. So, we now have to go to a Head Honcho guy and bring stuff from the doctor's about Chris' eyes and prove why I have to take medication. If this doesn't suffice with the Head Honcho, Chris has to go to an optometrist and I have to go to a shrink! And remember, this is all to obtain a driver's license. It's a good thing we travel mostly by public transportation! This may be our only option in the near future!! :)

This week Chris and I finish our first step of Language school. As of next Monday we will be taking the next level. As much as we say we don't like it and whine about how difficult it is, we are learning lots! We embarrass ourselves often, using our broken German. We mix up words in German and English making our own private language. And, we laugh at new terms for body parts ... like Po for buttocks ... because my maiden name is Poe. But, we are very grateful we work for such a great organization that allows us the opportunity to go to full-time language school. One day we will amaze and dazzle you with our mastery of the German language, for now, Danke will have to do!