Back on the mainland and back to the daily grind in the good 'ol US of A. I think Steph and I are both happy to be back though... Sometimes home still remains home no matter how much you like another place.
Quick thoughts:
-> Read the Dalai Lama's new book "Der Weg zum Glueck: Sinn im Leben finden" or in English "How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life" (the German version was actually translated from the English version anyway). I happen to be reading it in German, as I picked it up at the bookstore in Hamburg Airport before leaving to come home. For anyone - regardless of whether you are Christian, Buddhist, Hindi, Jewish, Muslim or whatever - it is really inspiring. I am not finished with it, but within the first 1/4 of the book, I have found many items and words of wisdom that relate to life regardless of your religion or background. I find his thoughts straight-forward and meaningful. I must admit a fascination with the Dalai Lama and have been reading his books for a few years now. I will try to put a better "book report" on my site when I finally finish, though.
-> I love my Toshiba e740, but just found out it was recalled... this sucks. I hate getting used to a device only to have to lose it for a given amount of time.
-> Word for the day: demüttigen (check out www.travelang.com or bablefish.altavista.com if you want a translation). The best thing Steffi and I could come up with was, demoralizing, as a translation, but that isn't totally correct either.
-> I do love Europe, but I'm also scared that the US is becoming or trying to become like "old country." I don't want to be like the Europeans (in some respects yes, but economically and politically, no) and hope we continue to remain who we have been - and hopefully get rid of much of the barnacle-like waste that has invaded our judicial and executive system over the past 8 decades.
Good night and until next time. Guten nacht und auf wiedersehen.
Thanks for reading. Danke fuer's lesen.
Oh, one other thing that relates to my statement on the Dalai Lama's new book: Before you get mad about something or someone, please make sure you actually understand and know what you are mad about. I made an ass of myself this evening in this regard - even after reading bits of wisdom regarding controlling your anger and knowing "die Begrundung des Leidens" (the cause of your suffering) - and regret it. It wasn't worth it. Luckily, I think I only really harmed myself, but it certainly didn't have a good impact on my significant other. We live and learn...
