I need advice on owning a German Shepherd?

Please read all of this. I have been considering getting a German Shepherd puppy for a long time, and have been doing lots of research on the breed and proper training and care. I've researched things on the breed, but now I want some genuine advice from people who actually own a German shepherd, what its like to raise them, things I should and shouldn't do, things they seem to like, anything that will help.