Testament Blues

Old World View

wanderlamb — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:39:59 GMT

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.

Writer's Block: Tea for two

wanderlamb — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:54:03 GMT

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).

Writer's Block: The Royal Wedding

wanderlamb — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:14:34 GMT

A leather bound copy of the complete works of Thomas Wyatt , the court poet of Henry VIII.

On A Lighter Note

wanderlamb — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:08:58 GMT

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.

Two Things That Are Not Related.

wanderlamb — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:03:03 GMT

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.

Ten

wanderlamb — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:17:40 GMT

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.

Medea/Media

wanderlamb — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:09:01 GMT

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.

Ha!

wanderlamb — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:52:20 GMT

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.

Hits The Fan

wanderlamb — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 22:36:22 GMT

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.....

wanderlamb — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 16:29:36 GMT

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.

Yule or Bust

wanderlamb — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:34:03 GMT

Wishing you and your a very, very Merry Christmas and a joyous, exciting New Year! Travel safe or, if you're staying in, stay warm and enjoy the holiday you deserve. Cherish your loved ones, pray for those absent, be kind to those around you......or, if you're with relatives and one more moment will drive you insane, go easy on the egg nog/ wine/liquor/ whatever that is alcoholic...

Love and Hope,
R.

Monday

wanderlamb — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:33:01 GMT

First snow of the season has been falling for 24 hours now or something to that effect. Its supposed to snow all week which, by Friday, will turn the city into an ice cold, glacier beauty of a Christmas card...though less can be said for the slush, mud, and insane drivers,but still, I'm pleased.

Also, I had what I SERIOUSLY hope is my last visit to the FP as today was a success. I went in, took a number (oddly enough 217...same number as the bus route I take), number came up one minute later, presented bank documents, passport, statement, and then, all set to go. Considering I was in and out in less then 15 minutes, I was beyond pleased. I felt like doing a 'I Came Out of The FP in Less Then 15 Minutes' dance because, folks, you can stay in there forever.

Classes went well though I went through my last one bra-less as the wire was poking through and leaving welts and scratches and raw marks. Thank goodness my last student is a women. I don't think she noticed. Thank you black turtleneck.

Weekend was win, but more on that later. Photocopies call!

Ship This

wanderlamb — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 13:22:11 GMT

You may recall a recent, and thankfully, thwarted terrorist plot to blow up several planes (in-flight) via a series of small, but lethal bombs/explosives. Said weapons were, apparently, no bigger then toner cartridges and in fact, were in several.

Now, thanks to those scheming little SOBs, there is ( according to rumour) going to be serious restrictions on international packaging. Anything a pound and under is fine, but anything over would be shipped by boat. BOAT!

This means everything I ship over a pound and save letters and postcards will take FOREVER!

Great timing. Just perfect.

Ah well, the price we pay for security, right?

Could be worse though. Anyway, will be sending small parcels as so much of my holiday budget is spent on postage.

On Tomorrow

wanderlamb — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 22:57:32 GMT

Its almost midnight here and if I'm right, that would be dinner time for those of you on the EC. So, I just wanted to wish you all a very, very Happy Thanksgiving and wish you well. If you're travelling, be safe and don't wee on your TSA guy. Seriously. Also, try not to go at your Super-Duper-Conservative, Obama-Bashing Uncle Joe or Aunt Jane with the carving knife, 'kay. Just saying...

Anyway,I know we've all been going through a odd, rough, rocky, maddening, delightful, crazy, insane, heart-bursting year, but still, we all have things we're grateful for. I miss you guys back in the States and, hope I can spend the Holidays there soon enough.

Blessings and warmth to you and all your households.... especially your beloved fur children.

Interpret Much?

wanderlamb — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:32:50 GMT

I've never considered myself a particularly 'delicate' person and have willingly gone on with my day in full stride no matter what. By 'no matter what' I mean illness, emotional distress, or, lets be frank, a little too much Good Will via my buddy vino bile. But today...

I taught this morning and, while I could explain the in and outs of Unit Four: Past and Present Trends: Define, Describe, Compare, and Contrast, I felt like I was going to faint the entire time. Now, dizzy, queasy, shaky, still faint, and clammy, I have canceled my last two classes and arranged for reschedules and make up sessions.

Not good. I can't cancel like that, not more then three times.

I feel jittery and anxious and a bit gaspy. I've not felt like this in a while or, never before with these symptoms together. Yes, I have a lot on my plate ritght now both professionally, artistically, and personally, but I have always Managed.

I have to go to Malastrana today. Perhaps that will cheer me up, it always does. The heart of Old Praha, Malastrana is colorful First Republic buildings, cobbled streets, cafes, archways, winding side streets, funky and tacky shops, and my favorite bookstore, Shakespearand Sons. Also, I'll be seeing Alena so yes, that'll do me good. And this hot lemon tea.

Dreamed that Tori Amos, dressed in highland plaid and flowing white was lying on my bedroom floor humming and singing. Head detached bloodlessly from her body, she smiled and said 'You'll have to do much better then that.'

There were also zombies in there somewhere. Thank you internet downloads from AMC.

Cue alarm. Typical.

Bits n' Bobs

wanderlamb — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:19:42 GMT

Feel about 90% more human as I was able to forgo my 7 am IND class, yes, I said 7 am, as said student was ill. So, instead of shambling into the Ministry of Social Services for a 90 minute session, I could sleep till 8:30. This is a Really Good Thing.

Celebrated Feeling More Human with a Starbucks breakfast run of a toasted sesame seed bagel with cream cheese, a new issue of The Prague Post, and a tall Peppermint mocha latte.

However, will be teaching from 12:30 pm to 6:30. All IND classes mind you and the last is in the luxurious Andel city center apartment of Larrisa, a charming Ukrainian woman. I am in love with her Turkey carpets and always feel a little homesick while at her dining room table.

Jim is away on business this weekend and will be back Sunday night. Am cooking him a welcome back mini-feast but also seriously relishing the Alone Time as I've not spent a weekend in my own bed in eons.

Also, in the final stages of my Visa. Will be transferring International style 120,000 Kc ( that is One Hundred and Twenty Thousand) into my bank account here as per financial requirements/obligations for those non-E.U citizens applying for a said Visa. Will also be renewing my Evil and Totally Socialist, Un-American National Health Insurance.

After, the cash will be transfered back into Jim's account. I know, it sounds shifty, but not even may savings and wages would provide me with this injection of cash. I'm only now recovering fiscally from the hemmorrhage that was my Mandatory Time in Florida.

Classes are going well, nothing new there. Full course load though but, this is a good thing.

Am now focused on getting a chapbook of poems together for the new year. I met a publisher Sunday night, but would need to consult a new local writers before jumping into anything or, joining anyone.

Flat hunting here is a perverse game of Goldilocks And The Three Bears. Seriously. Will explain later.

Recent events; museums and more museums, poetry readings, birthday dinner parties, the arrival of fall, Saturday farmers markets, berchak, going to shows at clubs, parties, drinks with friends, lesson planning, reading, radio plays.

Huh, almost 11:30. My 12:30 at Holbeitan awaits!

BTW

wanderlamb — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:19:34 GMT

Also, I auditioned for a Microsoft ad today. It was a short but fun and, the prospect of making a months income in two days was all the incentive I needed.

I don't know if I was cast, probably not. But, the important thing is that I auditioned in the first place. I looked and felt good. I did my thing and went to teach for three more hours.

Wait

wanderlamb — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:05:06 GMT

So, I know I 'owe' this massive days/weeks type update, but I've been up since stupid o' clock in the am/ 'omg where is the sun?! ' early...erm,so in a bit, okay.

Anyway, I don't know how much of what I'm feeling has to do with turning 28 or marking my three-year anniversary of Moving Overseas, but I feel like something is going to change. Soon. Very soon. I can't put my finger on it, its this...feeling, this sensation like something, anything, is going to happen and life, in whatever way, will change. My life that is but, perhaps others.

I'm planning on moving out of my flat at the end of December instead of November ( Visa related) and, will be job hunting in the late spring. But, that is rather obvious change no, this is something else. Like one day, everything came into focus. Something fell into place without me knowing. I feel it like I feel the cold or when I'm tired.

Perhaps it All Part of Getting Older. Perhaps. I know it sounds silly really, but I don't think I'm alone in feeling this way. Jim thinks it may have something to do with Us and sure, why not. Our whole relationship was a bit of a boat rocker anyway. More then that though, its not just that.

I didn't even feel this way when I came to Praha. That was clear as well, tangible.

If I find out what it is, I'll post it. A bit fancy multi-font and color post.

Anyone else feel this way before? What was the end?

Today

wanderlamb — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 06:57:24 GMT

Wishing a very, very Happy Birthday to the beautiful sihaya09 . If anyone deserves a good weekend, time away, and lots of TLC, it would be her. So, ejoy the seaside and, extra ear scratches for the Fur Kids.

Best to you and yours.

Result

wanderlamb — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:51:23 GMT

I now have my Zivno AKA My Really Important Missing Document for my Visa Application Which, Since I have This All-Mighty Doc, Cannot be Taken Back!!!

All I have to do now is DHL it to Vienna. Whew!

Have just had Skype date w/ Mums and now, coffee then clothing swap @ Mala Strana.

Make Love Not Heated, Angry Debate

wanderlamb — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:14:08 GMT

Can a relationship end over arguments concerning the Cordoba House ( AKA the NYC Community/ Prayer Center) ? Yes, I almost think it did.

Well, if its not spirited fights over The Fate of Western Civilization and Political Correctness Gone Mad, it'll be his jealous nature and, once-in-a-while bouts of Being A Huge Bastard. Then again, my moments of Unbound Liberal Optimism and Sound Denunciation of Uber-Conservative American Barbarism can send me into Moments of Raving Clarity and Contradictory Lunacy.

I also broke two of Jim's dishes this morning, but that was by accident. He now has one plate left. After the hug and kiss: " We needed new dishes anyway. Its an excuse to go to IKEA."

There are some things we'll never see eye to eye on and we've known that for a while, we shouldn't let that ruin what is, 90% of the time, a happy and functioning relationship.

Still, if this was 1710 instead of 2010, I would peg him as a potential Witch Burning. But, if it was 1710 we would not have Facebook or LJ.

Das Papels

wanderlamb — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 08:48:44 GMT

I have my reapplication stamp. This is a good thing, but, still need to sort of a few things like....

....getting the signatures my landlords/flat owners AGAIN because apparently the flat is also owned by another women I have never met and, didn't know about till now as I only deal with the Pachta family.

....sending in my Zivno because the Foreign Police have help it up. Why? I think it was because I kept my flat while I was gone. It confuses them...like so much else.

....Also, I don't have enough money in my bank account. You need 120,000 Kc at least. If they kept teachers out based on their bank balances, Praha would be bereft of teachers. Really. Its just sad....

Bonus, had a lovely day in Vienna and took a few mobile camera pics.

Dusk till Dawn

wanderlamb — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:13:52 GMT

As I mentioned in my last post Glossa cheerfully agreed to sponsor my Visa renewal coast and subsequent trip. While no school is perfect, I pretty much love my supervisors right now and, in the spirit of Internationl Relations, hope my appointment tomorrow doesn't turn out to be a total wash.

Proc?

Due to a technicality concerning my current residency and, my old Visa ( which expired late last year hence my three-month stay in the US), I was unable to get my Zivno. Now, I did manage to reapply and pay the fee, etc. But, because of this...technicality, there has been a delay on the aforementioned document. Now, I have all my other papers in place as per the embassy site, but, I hope the absence of that one form doesn't ruin my chances my getting a new Visa. My 90 days are up in two weeks and after that, I would need to file an extension.

I am so tired right now I just can't explain right now. Just. No.

My train to Vienna leaves just after midnight tonight, so in an hour and 20 minutes, and will have me in Austria by 6:10 am. No, you cannot apply within TCR because that would be too easy, no, you have to go outside the country to get said Visa to, erm, stay in.

However, I do love the idea of a midnight train ride and with dawn at about 3:30 am this time of year, it promises to be most picturesque. Also, I have never been to Vienna, a beautiful city by all who have been, and as my appointment will take only an hour, I'll have the rest of the day to just walk around, see the sights.....take photos with my camera. Jim won't be going with me, but to be honest, I think a bit of time away will do us some good. I mean really, I'll be back tomorrow night. Not even staying in a hostel. I shall pick up some postcards, enjoy viennese coffee and sachertorte, perhaps take a stroll though a museum. The weather is supposed to quite nice anyway....

Jim cooked a wonderful meal and has been wonderful through the hair-pulling and hand-wrining of today.

At least this week could never be accused of being dull.

Good News

wanderlamb — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:52:38 GMT

Glossa has agreed to help me fund my reapplication appointment in Vienna! I still need to confirm how much it is of there is a reapplication fee there. I wrote the embassy today and have yet to hear from them. But, this is still great news! I feel less stressed now...obviously.

Also, Jim and I have decided not to take the Moscow job. 'Moscow job' you say!? More details later. Must dash.

On the Big V.

wanderlamb — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 09:10:46 GMT

I have an August 17th visa re-application appointment in Vienna.

I need to be at the Czech Embassy in said city by 9 am even though the above is at 9:30. Am I nervous, yes, I am. Mind you, its not so much the paperwork issues, its the money issues. I'm counting my Crowns like no tomorrow and, unless the school sponsors me in some way, I cannot afford to go. I need that Visa and, since I successfully reapplied for by Zivno, I have the legal grounds to back it up and thus earn that almighty second stamp.

I don't want to leave Praha again. This is my home. Also, considering the frankly fantastic end-of-year teaching evaluation, via student survey and observation, I would think Glossa might be more, shall we say, willing to aid me. I think. At least I would like to think so.....

I don't care if I have to leave Praha at 2 am, apply, and come back. Vienna isn't that far really and, I can always return for a weekend trip with Jim. Speaking of Jim, he may not be able to come with me and, while I'm a Big Girl Who Can Do This M'kay, I would really, really like the support ( can you tell how much this is driving me mad!). Plus, he's been to Vienna so if we make in into a day trip, he could show me the sights, find a nice cafe to decompress.

I just want this to work out.
*flops*