First off, Happy Halloween!  Although it certainly feels like that time of year, there is not a whole lot of evidence that its Halloween over here.  And we’re not helping things by going to see Thomas Quasthoff in concert tonight at the Philharmonie, which is kind of  like the opposite of trick or treating.   In either case, how about some updates on my 32 Things list?

19. Take a photography course. I have browsed through the multitudes of classes at the Volkshochschule and have it narrowed down to a couple of options to start in the New Year.

22. Visit my newest nephew once he makes his arrival in the world. Thanks to a sale on Lufthansa, I just got a good deal on a ticket to Seattle for March.  Although it isn’t a direct flight (I don’t think that exists between Hamburg and Seattle), I only have to connect through Frankfurt and then straight to Seattle — which is almost as good as direct.

27. Cook a homemade meal at least once every other week. Well, I’ve managed a couple of meals this week, so that’s progress!

29. Drastically update my hairstyle. I’m pretty flexible when it comes to my hair.  Wherever I happen to be, I find myself a stylist whom I can trust, and then let them do what they do best.  I don’t really do drama.  I’ve never cried or screamed or freaked out about my hair.  I like edgy and interesting, so I’m pretty open to the whims of my stylist.  And last night was one of those appointments and I love it!

32. Check out the local music scene. Last month or so, we saw Selig (who got their start in Hamburg) play.  Without mein Schatz, I would have no idea who they are, but the concert hall was packed with people about my age — who probably have been big fans since high school or college — rocking out.  American music has really permeated German culture, so those German bands who stick with it seem to have a pretty devoted fan base.  And they’re not half bad either!