A New Milestone

Well it has taken 3.5 years and a new milestone for me to finally have a new post on my blog. Life and work and too many competitors for my time took over and next thing you know, you've turned 40 and haven't posted to your Blog in over 3 years!

I can't promise that I will blog regularly - but hopefully every few months at least. To start the new year off right, here are some photos from my 40th birthday bash on January 14, 2012 where Karaoke was the star attraction. Despite initial reluctance and reticence, everyone soon got into the act. Live, love and laugh as much as possible everyday of your life!

Independence Day Reflections

Wow, it has been four months since my last post. I do apologize. Where do the days go... Well, back by popular demand (...or not), the latest post from abroad. It has been a busy summer: weddings to attend (my sister's), vacations and travels for business and pleasure - London, Isle of Man, Istanbul. Later on we'll be heading to the German's second home - Mallorca, an island off the east coast of Spain. It's been a truly humbling and wonderful experience for me so far to get to explore new countries and regions, from Eastern Europe to Asia. We can sometimes take our blessings for granted - not everyone can get to travel and experience different cultures or regions first-hand; and I am truly grateful for the many opportunities to take vacation, when I know others relish the one vacation they can take in a year. I know it's not Thanksgiving yet - we're still trying to enjoy the summer, yes! - but perhaps because of being reflective on the anniversary of the American Independence, and knowing how so many places in the world are struggling for independence - from war, poverty, hunger - I just feel very thankful.

Our Spring and Summer Highlights Thus Far: My sister', Sacha's wedding in D.C., May 17, to fellow journalist Brian DeBose

Vacation in June to London and the Isle of Man in the U.K. Many of you might not have ever heard of the Isle of Man. I hadn't either, before I met my husband's long-time ski friends. What a beautiful, medieval land with a rich history (and some rich clients...can you say, offshore funds...?) We spent 3.5 wonderful days exploring the island's ports and glens (woodlands and parks), bays and ancient castles. It is a must-see for those who love hiking, horses and history.

see mre pictures here (you will have to sign in to Snapfish): http://www3.snapfish.de/share/p=55491215589652687/l=122520398/g=112266663/cobrandOid=1010/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

National Flag, 3 legs that always land on their feet Castle Rushen in Castletown

ruins from a 12th centuy chapel for sailors

Castle Rushen by night

15 Minutes of Fame

...No, not regarding my book (not yet). But still very special - Kai's and my "Love Story" was recently featured in the New York newspaper, Newsday. We were very excited about it and hope you enjoy the story! Newsday (New York)March 2, 2008 Sunday NASSAU AND SUFFOLK EDITION LOVE STORY: How e-mail saved the day SECTION: LI LIFE; Pg. G19 LENGTH: 420 words Magdale, nee Labbe, Henke, formerly of Huntington, describes how she met her husband, Kai, by chance one evening. I was having dinner with my friend Kelly at Merchant's restaurant in Manhattan in October 2002. As we wereleaving, Kelly recognized a man named Kai sitting at the bar with his friend Philipp. She had worked with Kai when she was at Arthur Andersen some years before, and they had played on thecompany volleyball team together. Kelly introduced us and mentioned that Kai was from Germany. I told him that I was a German major in collegeand had studied in Germany. He was truly pleasantly surprised when I proceeded to speak German with him. Kai and Philipp persuaded us to stay and party with them, as Philipp was moving back to Germany the next week. We stayed out until 4 a.m., going to various bars and dance clubs, and ended up at Florent diner in the meatpacking district. I didn't have much money left, so I ordered something inexpensive. Philipp ordered an expensive steak, and whenthe bill came he insisted we split the total by four. I was upset and asked to pay for only what I ordered, but he wouldn't budge. He felt it was fair since they had been buying our drinks. Kai gave me money for a cab. I had the feeling that Philipp wasn't so enthusiastic about me. As a result, I e-mailed Kai (and Philipp) the next dayto stress what a good time I had and hoped that we could get together again soon, hoping that Kai would pick up on my interest in him. Luckily, he did, and we had our first date the next week. It turned out I was right about Philipp. After we had been dating a while, Kai revealed that on the cab ride home, Philipp asked Kai if I had given him my business card. Kai said yes and displayed the card proudly. Philipp took the card and threw it out the cab window! Thank goodness I had e-mailed. Of course, we are all good friends now and can laugh about what happened. On Dec. 16, 2005, Kai and I were married in a civil ceremony at the New York City Marriage Bureau and celebrated with our families at a wonderful wedding brunch at the German consulate. Kai was offered a job in Munich, and we moved there in September 2006. We had our church ceremony in October 2007 in the beautiful small chapel that is part of the New Palace Schleissheim, near Munich. Kai is senior manager of the Transaction Integration department of Ernst & Young's Munich office. I am practicing corporate law and focusing on private equity transactions with the law firm of CMS Hasche Sigle in Stuttgart,Germany. Copyright 2008 Newsday Inc.