So I didn't write anything before I left. There are many complex reasons for for this, but mostly it's because I didn't want to.
Growing up I never was able to go over seas or "do" Europe on my summer breaks. So this last year around the world, and especially this last 6 months in Austria, has been without precedent. This will be a short summation of Europe through Brett's eyes.
Firstly, I have always been a big fan of stereotypes. Anyone who knows me knows that. I find they are a shortcut to the truth. Being an American, I have collected many preconceptions about Europe and its inhabitants throughout my life - many of them thanks to The Simpsons. I am proud to report that everything you have read on the internet and seen on TV about Europe is true.
The most pronounced feature of Europe by far is the smell. While we like to joke about smelly Europeans and how they don't shower, etc., I can honestly report that I have never had a stereotype confirmed in such an aggressive way. Hot summer days on unconditioned subway cars make for some highly offensive commutes.
The second thing is the size. Everything in Europe is small. I had about 6 inches of wiggle room in our little shower. So I could hardly move without bumping the faucet handle and turning the water off, turning it to scald, or turning it so freeze. Whereas in America the shower is a good place to relax, get warm and give yourself a good scrub-down, in Europe it is a constant battle against your own body mass. I suppose this reality might be a factor in the previous observation.
Lastly - the styles. Europeans loves wearing scarves. They wear scarves as long as humanly possible before they sweat to death. And mullets. The mullets in Europe are like a thing of the future. The really stylish kids all have mullets. In fact, the regular mullet is just a starting point. Anyone who considers themselves totally sweet has at least the basic mullet. But it's how you improve on the basic model that really proves your worth. To be taken seriously one must have some tight jeans with all kinds of pockets and zippers on them, and a mullet with some serious razzle dazzle.
That's all I feel I can say about that right now. So on to my feelings about fatherhood.
I am not actually sure I've come to terms with the fact that Lindsey is pregnant. I know there is something kicking around in her belly, because I've felt it. And I know that it is growing, because I can see it. But that's about all the reality that has hit me so far. As for being a father - who even knows how to prepare for a thing like that. I guess I'll not leave out sharp objects as much and try to watch my cursing as best I can. But I just know that the whole gush of fatherhood's realities are going to hit me as soon as I actually see the thing for the first time. Until then, I really don't even know what to say about it.
Also, we really don't know what to name him... so suggestions are welcome.
It's good to be back in AZ.
