This photo was taken in November of last year. As its one of many, I wanted to post this as a 'test' as I've had problems posting pics in the past. Any suggestions as these pics are already on my laptop and would be downloaded from a file. So, if you cannot see the above, let me know and you if can, enjoy.
- Current Music:BBC Radio 4 Live
- Current Location:Home
Now this is a good one......
So.
Frederica Potter from 'Babel Tower' and 'A Whistling Woman' by A.S.Byatt. Or, if she's busy, Hercule Poirot. If I was with the former, we would stroll though Swinging Sixties and Early Seventies London going for coffee and talking about literature, art, current affairs, and anything else we could imagine. If it was the latter, it would be solving mysteries while looking fabulous, being witty as hell, and catching the Bad Guy ( or Gal).
So.
Frederica Potter from 'Babel Tower' and 'A Whistling Woman' by A.S.Byatt. Or, if she's busy, Hercule Poirot. If I was with the former, we would stroll though Swinging Sixties and Early Seventies London going for coffee and talking about literature, art, current affairs, and anything else we could imagine. If it was the latter, it would be solving mysteries while looking fabulous, being witty as hell, and catching the Bad Guy ( or Gal).
If you could spend a day with any fictional character, who would it be and what would the two of you do?
- Current Mood:
calm
If you were invited to the Royal Wedding, what gift would get the bride and groom?
A leather bound copy of the complete works of Thomas Wyatt , the court poet of Henry VIII.
As Valentines Day fell on a Monday, how romantic, Jim and I had a lovely homemade meal with wine and honey cake to celebrate. Dinner was chicken in a white wine sauce flavored with onion, red and green chilis, mushroom, and a generous helping of paprika. The chicken was served on a bed of seasoned long grain rice and washed down with a nice, mild Chardonnay. Desert was light and sweet and an excellent way to finish such a savory meal.
After dinner, we listened to The Best of Roxy Music as well as the best of The Rolling Stones, just talked, cuddled, and, made the walls blush.
It was perfect.
After dinner, we listened to The Best of Roxy Music as well as the best of The Rolling Stones, just talked, cuddled, and, made the walls blush.
It was perfect.
One: Going to Vienna on Thursday. Have canceled all my classes today as you need a full day ( A FULL DAY) to get all your paperwork together and, as you need to sit around and wait half the time, you need to have time to do so. I've lost, in total, a weeks worth of work. This is SO going to show on my Feb. invoice and, dent an already modest income. I would ask for more classes, but I feel as if I'm 'falling out of favor' w/ my school. I've had to turn down several sub offers as I was already teaching at the time or, due to this, was unable to make the class. Sigh. We shall see......
Two: They can say what they want about the 'horrible evils' of socialized medicine and 'the tyranny' of social programs, but when over 50% of the population cannot get the care/treatments they need, you know we have issues. Sure, its not perfect, but the health care here has been a boon to so many expats, self-included, be it x-rays, getting crutches, birth control, gyno check-ups, dental work ( some of the best in Europe. Natch), and other emergency treatments.
Example, I was having some chest pains and coughing up a storm. One day, after uncovering my mouth, blood. Blood. A rich colored blob of it. Now, if I needed emergency care/ TB testing that would save my life the cost would be minor, nil almost. To save my life. To save other lives.
Oh, am fine. Better. Have meds and am well.
But seriously folks, the US is supposed to be Number F-ing One Yeah! and we can't even take care of the basic health needs of our citizens. It pisses me off. Just. No. You know what's evil, people dying and going without care because they can't afford all or most of their meds. You know what is really tyrannical, rich conservatives bemoaning a National Health care system because OMG we might have to pay taxes for all those freeloaders who don't share our work ethic and Daddies money!
Shit folks.
Okay, need to get moving, stop ranting and pull paperwork together.
Two: They can say what they want about the 'horrible evils' of socialized medicine and 'the tyranny' of social programs, but when over 50% of the population cannot get the care/treatments they need, you know we have issues. Sure, its not perfect, but the health care here has been a boon to so many expats, self-included, be it x-rays, getting crutches, birth control, gyno check-ups, dental work ( some of the best in Europe. Natch), and other emergency treatments.
Example, I was having some chest pains and coughing up a storm. One day, after uncovering my mouth, blood. Blood. A rich colored blob of it. Now, if I needed emergency care/ TB testing that would save my life the cost would be minor, nil almost. To save my life. To save other lives.
Oh, am fine. Better. Have meds and am well.
But seriously folks, the US is supposed to be Number F-ing One Yeah! and we can't even take care of the basic health needs of our citizens. It pisses me off. Just. No. You know what's evil, people dying and going without care because they can't afford all or most of their meds. You know what is really tyrannical, rich conservatives bemoaning a National Health care system because OMG we might have to pay taxes for all those freeloaders who don't share our work ethic and Daddies money!
Shit folks.
Okay, need to get moving, stop ranting and pull paperwork together.
- Current Mood:
anxious
1. I need to go back to Wein, Austria because a) there is no record of my Visa interview and b) my Ceska Posta Notary wasn't enough. Cross post from FB.
2. We're having really really mild weather over here, but mild in my book means 30 F and up. Wore white puffy vest instead of a coat....this might have been a mistake.
3. I actually had a great day out in Wein, but this time, I'm just going to the Czech Embassy and then back on the train.
4. Having your core group of Bestie Gal Pals in other countries made me realize how many people I've lost touch with. This is partly my fault and partly Jim's. I will expand on the latter later. What I do know is that one of best and closest friends here is Sarah W. ( see BGP)and, while I am close with her and glad their friendship hasn't been ruined by ours, I don't think he could handle my having a male version of this. This bothers me as I have lost touch with boy friends as in Friends Who Are Boys and I Have No Romantic Interest In. I fear one day I will say this via shouting and yelling and in the worst way possible.
5. I've begun writing again as I have no internet, not yet, at the flat and, I have read all my books several times over. I need to buy a month-to-month internet deal and then, more books.
6. The first Alchemy of the month was this past Sunday and rather mild. I didn't read and should have as one of the readers was dire. I don't like saying that about anyone, but it was....you had to be there. Fortunately, Ken, Alistair, Holly, and Scott were fantastic as always. I need to hang out with Holly way more then I do which is almost never.
7. I need a haircut. Badly. Last one was in Florida.....about 9 months ago. Its down to the middle of my back, but to be fair, it looks good. I may color it instead. Thinking blackish-browns or chestnut-reds or burgundy with not too much purple as that wouldn't be fit for teaching in CSOB.
8. I've not been toa gallery here in Praha since, no, wait, I was at the Modigliani exhibit two weeks ago. It was a well curated collection of his letters, drawings, paintings, and personal photographs. I enjoyed what was there, though little, and loved the touching sepia of A World Gone By and Times Never to Be Seen Again.
It seems though that one of the many requirements of being A Famous Much-Loved and Much-Copied Modern Artist is to be an emotional trainwreck for women, to have an inflated sense of self, die young, make somone commit suicide, wear excessive amounts of corderoy, and pretend to be a penniless Bohemian when your actually from a really loaded family. Actually, I know a few people who could fit the bill if their not careful....
9. Despite minor setbacks, am actually doing okay with my NY Resolutions....save the Drink Less Coffee thing.
10. NEED to find new job. I'm still not making enough to afford Praha 1 and 2 rents despite 28 teaching hours a week. But, no job movement till the Visa gets sorted! And yes, I am watching my money. I can't recall the last time I clothes shopped and travel is....well, its not. Just not.
2. We're having really really mild weather over here, but mild in my book means 30 F and up. Wore white puffy vest instead of a coat....this might have been a mistake.
3. I actually had a great day out in Wein, but this time, I'm just going to the Czech Embassy and then back on the train.
4. Having your core group of Bestie Gal Pals in other countries made me realize how many people I've lost touch with. This is partly my fault and partly Jim's. I will expand on the latter later. What I do know is that one of best and closest friends here is Sarah W. ( see BGP)and, while I am close with her and glad their friendship hasn't been ruined by ours, I don't think he could handle my having a male version of this. This bothers me as I have lost touch with boy friends as in Friends Who Are Boys and I Have No Romantic Interest In. I fear one day I will say this via shouting and yelling and in the worst way possible.
5. I've begun writing again as I have no internet, not yet, at the flat and, I have read all my books several times over. I need to buy a month-to-month internet deal and then, more books.
6. The first Alchemy of the month was this past Sunday and rather mild. I didn't read and should have as one of the readers was dire. I don't like saying that about anyone, but it was....you had to be there. Fortunately, Ken, Alistair, Holly, and Scott were fantastic as always. I need to hang out with Holly way more then I do which is almost never.
7. I need a haircut. Badly. Last one was in Florida.....about 9 months ago. Its down to the middle of my back, but to be fair, it looks good. I may color it instead. Thinking blackish-browns or chestnut-reds or burgundy with not too much purple as that wouldn't be fit for teaching in CSOB.
8. I've not been toa gallery here in Praha since, no, wait, I was at the Modigliani exhibit two weeks ago. It was a well curated collection of his letters, drawings, paintings, and personal photographs. I enjoyed what was there, though little, and loved the touching sepia of A World Gone By and Times Never to Be Seen Again.
It seems though that one of the many requirements of being A Famous Much-Loved and Much-Copied Modern Artist is to be an emotional trainwreck for women, to have an inflated sense of self, die young, make somone commit suicide, wear excessive amounts of corderoy, and pretend to be a penniless Bohemian when your actually from a really loaded family. Actually, I know a few people who could fit the bill if their not careful....
9. Despite minor setbacks, am actually doing okay with my NY Resolutions....save the Drink Less Coffee thing.
10. NEED to find new job. I'm still not making enough to afford Praha 1 and 2 rents despite 28 teaching hours a week. But, no job movement till the Visa gets sorted! And yes, I am watching my money. I can't recall the last time I clothes shopped and travel is....well, its not. Just not.
- Current Location:Staff Room
- Current Mood:
busy
I normally avoid politics on LJ as I already talk about it enough in real life and, after a few glasses of bila vino I start tossing around derogatory phrases to describe Tea Party members and uber-conservatives that, really, do no justice to thoughts, opinions, and ideas. Nothing good or constructive can come from calling Palin 'The Alaskan Barbarian Fiend' or 'The Red-Suited Whore o Babylon' and M. Bachman 'That Silly Revisionist Cow' or 'That Tea Party Lunatic Patsy.'
However, since I've relocated and, if you forgive the presumption, I've realized how US media is so wanting. This is not to say there are no good outlets, but I find it, nevertheless......disconcerting how much is left out. How much is Not Good, Not Good At All and, how much is washed, glossed, and covered over in the name of being PC. How the truth is a thorn that sticks in my side because it is undeniable, real. Uncomfortable. True. Horrid.
I think of all of you on LJ, articulate, intelligent, clever, sharp, witty, funny, spot-on, and think how thousand would be shouted down in the name of 'Real America' or 'The Hard-Working Gen-u-wine Amery-can People' or 'True Patriots of the You-Ess-of-Aye.'
I think of this and grow angry and sick.
So, this is why I don't comment. I am outside the fish bowel and I am silent. I have also had wine and feel ever so volatile and tipsy. But, that does not mean I haven't thought about the above, what I have said.
I went to Austria this week. Will write about that later. I had a great day though.....
Also, is my paramours Birthday is this week. A heart condition numbers his day and, according to the MDs, his time is up. But, he is still here....I am most thankful.
Later.
However, since I've relocated and, if you forgive the presumption, I've realized how US media is so wanting. This is not to say there are no good outlets, but I find it, nevertheless......disconcerting how much is left out. How much is Not Good, Not Good At All and, how much is washed, glossed, and covered over in the name of being PC. How the truth is a thorn that sticks in my side because it is undeniable, real. Uncomfortable. True. Horrid.
I think of all of you on LJ, articulate, intelligent, clever, sharp, witty, funny, spot-on, and think how thousand would be shouted down in the name of 'Real America' or 'The Hard-Working Gen-u-wine Amery-can People' or 'True Patriots of the You-Ess-of-Aye.'
I think of this and grow angry and sick.
So, this is why I don't comment. I am outside the fish bowel and I am silent. I have also had wine and feel ever so volatile and tipsy. But, that does not mean I haven't thought about the above, what I have said.
I went to Austria this week. Will write about that later. I had a great day though.....
Also, is my paramours Birthday is this week. A heart condition numbers his day and, according to the MDs, his time is up. But, he is still here....I am most thankful.
Later.
- Current Mood:
angry
I've been granted a reapplication appointment in Vienna! Like all Visa appointments, its very early in the morning and, will require yet another day trip and time off work, but, the fact that I was given said appointment is a really, really good thing.
God, you would think all I ever go through is Visa biz by the look of these entries. Shame as so many other things, both good, bad, and otherwise have been going on. That being said, once I get the internet going in my flat, I'll be able to share all the non-Visa news. However, for now, I need to make lunch as am very hungry, go to O2 to sort pesky internet and TRY not to get ripped off, and plan some lessons in the coming days. I have no other classes today so, yes, another bonus.
Toodles.
God, you would think all I ever go through is Visa biz by the look of these entries. Shame as so many other things, both good, bad, and otherwise have been going on. That being said, once I get the internet going in my flat, I'll be able to share all the non-Visa news. However, for now, I need to make lunch as am very hungry, go to O2 to sort pesky internet and TRY not to get ripped off, and plan some lessons in the coming days. I have no other classes today so, yes, another bonus.
Toodles.
- Current Mood: pleased
I have been denied my Visa on the decision of the FP. I posted something like this on Fb and while my first entry of 2011 was going to be a chipper recount of my Christmas break, this pretty much put a big, massive, wet, all-encompassing damper on whatever plans I had for the early part of the year.
Why? Something in my paperwork. So, despite having a business licence, a full time job, money in the bank, a place to stay with my name as lease-holder, and no criminal record here or in the US, I have been....turned down.
Options.
Get a 90 day tourist visa thus making me legal and, giving me a window to reapply in Vienna.
Or
Go right to Vienna for appeal/ reapplication
Or.
Go work for Oxford Crown Moscow for three months then return for reapplication.
Or
Wake up and find self turned into a Kafka nightmare vermin a la Gregor Samsa ( to echo this Kafka worthy nightmare of red tape) and devour everyone at FP HQ. I like options, but as it defied the laws of nature, not realistic.
I can't even apply for the partnership Visa as Jim is still legally married ( though separated since 2005) and erm, no way in heck would they grant me a Green card with that corker. OMG will get into that whole thing later but relax, I'm no home wrecker...
Needless to say, this is beyond stressful and SO NOT what I need right now.
God, I need to go to bed.....
Why? Something in my paperwork. So, despite having a business licence, a full time job, money in the bank, a place to stay with my name as lease-holder, and no criminal record here or in the US, I have been....turned down.
Options.
Get a 90 day tourist visa thus making me legal and, giving me a window to reapply in Vienna.
Or
Go right to Vienna for appeal/ reapplication
Or.
Go work for Oxford Crown Moscow for three months then return for reapplication.
Or
Wake up and find self turned into a Kafka nightmare vermin a la Gregor Samsa ( to echo this Kafka worthy nightmare of red tape) and devour everyone at FP HQ. I like options, but as it defied the laws of nature, not realistic.
I can't even apply for the partnership Visa as Jim is still legally married ( though separated since 2005) and erm, no way in heck would they grant me a Green card with that corker. OMG will get into that whole thing later but relax, I'm no home wrecker...
Needless to say, this is beyond stressful and SO NOT what I need right now.
God, I need to go to bed.....
- Current Mood:
drained - Current Location:room
2011. The future is now...or so I thought. I would have expected more of this time as, when small, 2011 seems eons and eons away. But, now we all art here and whatnot. However....
I do wish all of you a very, very Happy, and safe, New Year. I hope you're with the ones you love, enjoy a bit of sparkle and bubble, and avoid the drunken/loud/insane crowds/louts/people that roam about this time of year. I wish all of you the best for the next 365 days and, improvements in everything possible.
As for resolutions, I'm as wary of them as people are wary about this past holiday. You know, the Grinch factor people save for Christmas I have for resolutions. However, this past few months have given me food for thought and, people are ernest about them so....
1. Write more. Fight the creative blahs and will ( I mean WILL) myself to go to this great new place in town for writers to, well, write. It'll get me out of the flat and away from distractions. I will also compile a chapbook for potential publishing. I have enough poems to do so and, will quite being so put off by The Boys Club that seems to infest the local Poetry Scene.
2. Get in shape. I'm softer in the midsection then I should be and, its becoming really quite obvious. Mum sent me a lovely, chic black skirt from Ralph Lauren and it may or may not fit. I need to join a gym or at least start with some at-home workouts.
3. Get back on The Pill. I'm tired of really, really painful periods that are, at best, erratic. I'm tired of my complexion going as wild as a teenagers, the moods....enough said.
4. Travel more.
5. Take and post more photos. In fact, post the photos I've taken and uploaded...so many.
6. Add more classes to my schdule and, find a full-time, non-teaching job. Need to earn more money.
7. Write more personal e-mails and personal letters.
So, seven, not a bad list. A 'lucky' number. Tonight, Vietnamese dinner at Hanoi, a local bistro. Will be with Jim and eight of my besties. Possible night out after and lots of sleep tomorrow. Work on Monday.
2010 was what it was...may 2011 be something more.
I do wish all of you a very, very Happy, and safe, New Year. I hope you're with the ones you love, enjoy a bit of sparkle and bubble, and avoid the drunken/loud/insane crowds/louts/people that roam about this time of year. I wish all of you the best for the next 365 days and, improvements in everything possible.
As for resolutions, I'm as wary of them as people are wary about this past holiday. You know, the Grinch factor people save for Christmas I have for resolutions. However, this past few months have given me food for thought and, people are ernest about them so....
1. Write more. Fight the creative blahs and will ( I mean WILL) myself to go to this great new place in town for writers to, well, write. It'll get me out of the flat and away from distractions. I will also compile a chapbook for potential publishing. I have enough poems to do so and, will quite being so put off by The Boys Club that seems to infest the local Poetry Scene.
2. Get in shape. I'm softer in the midsection then I should be and, its becoming really quite obvious. Mum sent me a lovely, chic black skirt from Ralph Lauren and it may or may not fit. I need to join a gym or at least start with some at-home workouts.
3. Get back on The Pill. I'm tired of really, really painful periods that are, at best, erratic. I'm tired of my complexion going as wild as a teenagers, the moods....enough said.
4. Travel more.
5. Take and post more photos. In fact, post the photos I've taken and uploaded...so many.
6. Add more classes to my schdule and, find a full-time, non-teaching job. Need to earn more money.
7. Write more personal e-mails and personal letters.
So, seven, not a bad list. A 'lucky' number. Tonight, Vietnamese dinner at Hanoi, a local bistro. Will be with Jim and eight of my besties. Possible night out after and lots of sleep tomorrow. Work on Monday.
2010 was what it was...may 2011 be something more.
- Current Mood: content
- Current Location:Jim's
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I wouldn't have any idea where to begin. They already have everything, and if they don't they could borrow it from the Queen ;)