Bragging Rights

(I'm pointing to my AWESOME grade I received)

Ich habe meine Prufung bestanden und habe ein Eins gekriegt!!!



I met with my German teacher and everyone from my course today at an ice cream parlor to receive my certificate stating that the German government officially recognizes I can speak german. That means...I passed my test with a '1' (which is equivalent to an 'A'). I had perfect scores in my writing and speaking tests and lost a few points in the grammatical section. I couldn't be prouder of the result. And after all the stress I gave myself over thinking I couldn't learn well.

What does this certificate actually mean? Well, I am still trying to figure that out. Should I decide to study or do any kind of Ausbildung (internship/training) then having this piece of paper makes that easier. As far as it helping me get another kind of job, I have yet to figure that out. But it does mean that the one goal I set out to do in my move, learn German, has been accomplished. At least I can communicate everyday without much struggle and I have now proved to myself that I can do it.  And that, dear ones, feels pretty awesome.

It is rather interesting, though, that the day I receive official documentation of "mission accomplished" so to speak is the day I say goodbye to Ryan.  He leaves tonight for Frankfurt then flies out early for Chicago.  Details are not something I want to go into, nor do I think it is necessarily fair.  But I will say that I am feeling sad to see him leave Germany.  Coming here was something we did together and, while this move was something I wanted to do for a long time, having him there as a support and companion made the final decision easier to make.  So Ryan, if you do read this, thank you for all you have been to me.  For loving me, cheering me on and laughing along the way.  I hope your life continues to be adventurous and daring, thank you for sharing part of it with me.