secret agent tax man

Hello all! Brenda reporting today, as I'm being a wonderfully supportive wife. Chad has his first of three tests to become an enrolled agent tomorrow, so he's doing some cramming. I like to think of him as training to become some sort of spy agent, but it actually has to do with taxes and as I've been helping him study, I've realized it's most certainly not as exciting as being a spy agent. But he's learning lots of interesting rules about estate taxes and adjusted basis and other words that don't have a lot of meaning to me! In any case, it's pretty cool that he can take an American test here in Berlin, and I bet he'll do great! No pressure sweetie. :-)

We've been leading a pretty simple life this past week. Other than Chad studying and me rehearsing, we have gotten back on the wagon and are jogging regularly, which means we get a lot of park time, and that's always lovely. Of course we grumble jealously when we jog past the cafe in the park and see people relaxing with their beer and pretzels, but the satisfaction of being active helps us get over it.

Monday was a holiday in Germany (Pfingsten, otherwise known as Pentecost) and we decided to take advantage of the long holiday and go back to Frankfurt for a couple nights. Other than wanting to sleep in our own bed and check our mail, we thought it would be nice to support some good friends who had their premiere performance of the opera Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss. Chad and I both agreed that it was one of the best things we have seen at Oper Frankfurt. After the first performance of a premiere, there's always a party, and Chad and I really enjoyed getting to see many good friends in the company. Since we've been away from Frankfurt so much this season, we really cherish getting to see our friends when we can!

Me with two of the wonderful performers at Oper Frankfurt. They're both from Ireland and we are all good friends even if we don't get to see enough of each other. The woman in the middle and I have even played sisters onstage together! 

Chad and I will probably stick around Berlin until I'm finished with performances at the end of June, but we may take a day trip here and there if we find the time! Other than that, we're going to keep enjoying this lively and interesting city! I know Chad will be much more relaxed once his test is behind him. Have a great week!