Slowly making some progress on my 31 Things To Do Before I Turn 32:

4. Read a novel in German.

Back in October, I bought Russendisko by Wladimir Kaminir, a Russian who moved to Berlin in 1990 and wrote this hilarious memoir about being a foreigner in Germany (also available in English as Russian Disco). I figured, what better way to delve into the German language than through the words of another Ausländer.  And now, I am actually reading it.  Unfortunately, it has taken second fiddle to my new English-language book, the Omnivore’s Dilemma, but believe me, the reading will continue!

20. Figure out how to get American prescriptions filled in Germany.

Done.  So easy.  The pharmacist said, “Well, normally we’re not supposed to, but since our nations are friends…”‘  Um, okay, whatever works for you dude.

31. Feel hopeful about the future of the U.S.

Yep, and I still cry when I watch this.  Thank you, fellow Americans.