Another baffling piece of Germany

In fairness, I have been told that having a clothing store called “Banana Republic” come across as strange if one isn’t accustomed to it, but mister*lady ?

Why is it that Germans do this?

Do I have to understand this business of assigning “Bird of the Year” or better yet, “Board Game of the Year” or, God help us “Sommerhit of the Year”?  In the US we have State Birds, and in NM there is even a State Question, but we have somehow avoided the great curse of the annual appointment.

Two paths obviously diverged in a wood somewhere.

Permission granted, temporarily, again

Just back from a lovely chat with our friendly neighborhood Beamtin.

Here’s the 411. Yes, when I left America, people were saying that. I wasn’t saying that, but other people were.

• After we are married two years (something which occurs next month), my residence is no longer necessarily a function of my relationship with the UNGS
• . . .but it still is unless I want a big boot in the pants should I not land a new job pronto, as demonstrating adequate income is a requirement.
• Assuming we do what we promised to do when we got married, I will be eligible for permanent residency as of our anniversary next year.
• If we do not and I get a job, I can still get permanent residency, but not for a another million zillion (i.e. 3) years because you have to pay into the retirement fund for 5 years before you can apply
• Time as a student only counts 50% – hence the 5 year mark in August means nothing The brilliant and talented UNGS (unnamed German spouse for those new to the place) found that out on the web site I quoted before we took off, preventing embarrassment at the Ausländeramt.
• I was issued a permit for 1 year. Hopefully, next year’s trip will be the last one for a long time