Happy International Women’s Day! March 8 has always been a part of my life. If you have Russian roots or even spent part of your life in Russia, you’ll know that this day is a national holiday over there. I confess that disclosing said fact to people I meet in Hamburg after I moved still brings me immense pleasure, mostly because the majority had no idea. Wait, International Women’s Day is a state holiday in Russia? Yes, indeed!

So what happens on the day? Well, you’ll congratulate your mother, grandmother(s), aunt(s), sister(s), female friends, favorite female teacher(s), maybe buy some flowers and chocolate for them, though depending on your age and financial options, you might also do some DIY. Then men in your life will do some of the aforementioned, too. No worries, they also get a special mention.

March 8 isn’t the only day of the year I think about the women in my life and what they’ve given me, the woman I myself have become, am becoming. But it’s a nice occasion to share some quotes and gems (sources shall remain anonymous to protect the adorable and lovingly remembered).

The best way to preserve an item of clothing is to wear it.

I just keep tissues, band-aids and gum in every handbag.

The best package to arrive next weekend is you.

Trust, but check (Russian proverb.)

We have power!

Shoulders straight.

She is here! (about oneself when entering a room.)

“Constant vigilance!” Thank you, Professor Moody, my family are all fans.

“Just in cases.” Thank you, Spanglish.

When someone created stupidity, they created enough.

It’s not luck, it’s work.

Knock on wood! (Russians actually knock on wooden surfaces.)

Don’t worry.

The world at large doesn’t care.

Well, here’s what I have to say: HAHAHA.

And finally…

Of course I talk to myself. It’s nice to talk to an intelligent person.