Katharina Turns 45: The Woman Who Gives Everyone a Leg Up

Dear Katharina, today you turn 45, and while school is still in session here in North Rhine-Westphalia, you get to celebrate with your favorite people on a well-earned vacation, and I hope you're letting the sun shine on your face with something cold and refreshing in your hand.

When I think of you, I see you jogging through the woods, jumping into a lake, getting hugged by chubby little hands in a big, flowy, colorful dress. I see you holding down the fort and running the logistics, hunting for fresh stories, opening up new angles, and always, always looking out for people: the ones above you, the ones below you, and the ones right beside you.

45 years of Katharina!

You show up. You're there for your kids, your parents, your husband and your siblings, your friends, your team, and the people who follow this site. And no matter who's dealing with croup attacks or torn joint capsules or allergy flare-ups this week, you always, and I mean always, have an ear for the people around you. You ask how they're doing. You're actually interested. You let other people have their moment in the spotlight.

You give so many people a leg up. You pull people out of holes, you smooth the path, you cheer people on. And you don't stand still yourself, either. You get projects done without a ton of drama around them, you keep learning without making a big announcement about it, you jump into the deep end and get used to swimming in new waters. Because you want to. And because you can.

For your new year, I wish you people who back you the way you back everyone else. I wish you kids who never get sick. I wish you experiences you'll never forget. I wish us a source of income that finally, finally gushes again 😉. I wish you room to breathe, to work out, to laugh until your stomach hurts. I wish you quiet when you need it and action when you want the adrenaline to kick in again.

I'm keeping every finger crossed for the project you're going to surprise us with this fall, I'm wishing you power for the plan you're cooking up on the side with your friend, and most of all I'm wishing you lightness and air and good moods for everything else that's going on around it all!  

45 years of Katharina, and may there be so many more exciting ones to come. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND HIP, HIP, HOORAY FOR YOU! I couldn't imagine a better blog partner and work wife.

Your Lisa