For the Birds

Project 2012 - Learn the Violin

2012-01-01T05:37:00.007-06:00

My challenge for January will be to learn the violin (start to anyway). In June, I will begin taking my ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) tests for music theory, piano, violin and possibly clarinet. I am pretty comfortable on the piano and clarinet, but I have only held a violin a handful of times in my life.

So, according to the ABRSM violin syllabus, I will need to know the following:

Scales

D major

A major

E natural minor

G major

Arpeggios

D major

A major

E minor

G major

3 Songs

The piano and clarinet songs for grade 1 are very simple and were each learned in a day. Assuming I spend the first chunk of time getting comfortable with the scales and arpeggios, I am not at all worried about learning the songs.

My plan as of now:

Today (1 January) - Restring the violin and break in new rosin

1-4 January - G major scale and arpeggio

5-7 January - D major scale and arpeggio

8-11 January - A major scale and arpeggio

12-14 January - E natural minor scale and E minor arpeggio

15-16 January - Song 1

17-18 January - Song 2

19-20 January - Song 3 (and Life in the UK test!)

21-26 January - Business trip - no practice :(

27-29 January - Practice, practice, practice!

30-31 January - Business trip - no practice :(

30 Books in 30 Days - The End (for now!)

2012-01-01T05:33:00.004-06:00

Due to circumstances in my life this month (work, travels, Life in the UK test), I will be postponing the 30 Books in 30 Days bit of Project 2012. I will start all over again in a couple of months.

In January, I'll be learning the violin instead!

30 Books in 30 Days - Book 6

2012-01-01T05:11:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I read Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith.

I have already read the first two The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books. I like them because I can very easily read them in a couple of hours. I think that things are getting a bit dull at this point in the series, but I have read them all quite recently. I really dislike two things about the book. Firstly, one of the main characters states that all pretty women (she calls them 'girls') are vacuous, and it is put in such a way that assumes all readers will agree. Secondly, I don't like the portrayal of depression. As someone with loads of experience with chronic depression, I hate that so many authors seem to get their knowledge of the disorder from books rather than people who actually have it.

Would I reread it? No. I wouldn't get anything out of reading it again.

Would I recommend it? I would recommend the series for anyone looking for very quick, simple reading.

____________________

This book: 246

Project total: 1203

30 Books in 30 Days - Book 5

2011-12-27T06:26:00.002-06:00

Today I read Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk.

Any time Robin and I discuss the very few cases where a movie is better than the book, he mentions Fight Club. After reading it, I absolutely agree. It's so fragmented that it becomes nonsensical, and it's annoyingly repetitive. Of course, as I've seen the movie and already know the surprise ending, that probably did ruin it for me.

Would I reread it? No.

Would I recommend it? No.

__________________________
This book: 208
Project total: 957

30 Books in 30 Days - Book 4

2011-12-26T04:34:00.005-06:00

Today I read The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Somehow, I've managed to miss reading this book or seeing the movie before now. I was very upset by the first part of the book, which is the point. Walker is fantastic at writing in character, which in my opinion is matched only by Mark Twain in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Would I reread it? No.

Would I recommend it? Yes.

________________

This book: 245 pages

Project total: 749 pages

30 Books in 30 Days - Book 3

2011-12-25T08:47:00.006-06:00

Today I read ella minnow pea by Mark Dunn (recommended by Louise).

When I was first told about the book, it sounded like a brilliant idea! Basically, the use of certain letters is forbidden as they fall off a sign in the town centre, and citizens must learn to communicate without them. However, I think the idea is much more interesting than the book actually is, and I imagine it was much more fun to write than it is to read.

Would I reread it? No way.

Would I recommend it? Only to those who appreciate wordplay. For the average reader, probably not.

__________________________

This book: 203 pages

Project total: 504 pages

30 Books in 30 Days - Book 2

2011-12-24T14:54:00.007-06:00

Today I read Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer (recommended by Bartek).

It is a fantastic collection of non-fiction stories (all branching from the main story) about the kind of adventurer I most sympathise with. The main character very much reminds me of me, though I imagine that's the case with most people who read it. It is glorious in the same way Dead Poets Society is with all its Thoreau-inspired marrow-sucking.

Would I reread it? No. The most quotable, memorable bits are the quotations from other works.

Would I recommend it? Most definitely.

____________________________________

This book: 202 pages

Project total: 301 pages

30 Books in 30 Days - Book 1

2011-12-23T14:58:00.008-06:00

So, I'm actually starting January's project early. This is because I have to take the Life in the UK test at the end of January as I am applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK, and would like a little time to prepare for that.

I am starting today, and will have to complete my last book by 23:59 on 21 Jan, 2012. The only rule I have set for myself is that I will not read two things by the same author. I am reading things that have been recommended, look good, or are unread things around the house.

The first book was The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. (I had initially planned to start with Into the Wild but it's a longer book and I had too many other things to do. So that one is tomorrow!)

I haven't read enough Hemingway to compare this to his other works, but the book was very simply written and quite sweet. A very nice story about an old man and a fish (not the sea), though I think it would have been better condensed to half the current length.

Would I reread it? No. It wasn't spectacular.

Would I recommend it? No. While it is sweet, it's also dull and long-winded.

_____________________________________

This book: 99 pages

Project total: 99 pages

30 Books in 30 Days - The List

2011-12-23T14:50:00.006-06:00

I will update this list as I go.

1 - The Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway

2 - Into the Wild - Jon Krakauer

3 - ella minnow pea - Mark Dunn

4 - The Color Purple - Alice Walker
5 - Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk

6 - Morality for Beautiful Girls - Alexander McCall Smith

Project 2012

2011-12-23T14:48:00.002-06:00

In 2012, I will attempt 12 month-long projects that I hope will improve me in some way - mentally, physically, creatively, etc.

I don't know everything that I will do yet, but my ideas so far:

Read 30 books in 30 days
Learn all the more popular ceilidh dances
Take a 30-day vow of silence (this one will be the most difficult because of work)
Write a book
Paint a picture a day
Knit a blanket
Write a string quartet
Train to run 5k
Vegan for a month

That's all I've come up with so far! First up is 30 Books in 30 Days!

Fasting for Hunger - The End

2011-07-29T12:38:00.003-05:00

(Sorry I haven't updated in a few days. I had a business trip to London and no access to a computer.)

I have ended the fast prematurely. I was beginning to feel hungry to the point of not being able to concentrate on anything else, and as I work and go to school full-time, I decided not to continue. In the end, I went 17 days without eating a single thing and raised £205! Not a bad run, but I definitely will not be doing that again!

Even though the fast has ended, donations are obviously still welcome. You can help those in East Africa by visiting my JustGiving page. If you are uncomfortable supporting me because I am fasting, please give directly to the DEC (or any of the organisations which come under it).

Thanks again to everyone who did contribute!

Fasting for Hunger - Day 15

2011-07-25T12:10:00.008-05:00

I am now halfway through! It makes me want to do this...

That being said, I have been fine all day but am now so hungry!!!! No, seriously, like 15-days-since-I've-eaten-anything-at-all hungry. I'll just have to buck up and deal with it. I've made it this far, and am doing it for a good cause.

Please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. If you are uncomfortable supporting me because I am fasting, please give directly to the DEC (or any of the organisations which come under it).

Fasting for Hunger - Day 14

2011-07-24T14:15:00.004-05:00

It's strange to think that it has now been two weeks since I've eaten anything and that tomorrow will be the halfway point! I am still feeling alright - hydrated and rested. I hope I feel like this for at least the next couple of days as I have loads to do at work, a huge assignment for school, and a business trip to London in the first half of this week. But on to my usual microplanning...

I have officially begun working on a food blog! While obsessing over food these last two weeks has been a nice push, I have thought about doing this for a while. Feeding a family isn't cheap, especially when one or more of you is vegetarian. When I first stopped eating meat, nearly every meal consisted of Quorn. While I honestly think I wouldn't have been able to make it through those first couple of months without it, Quorn can be expensive when you use it in every meal. Quorn also encouraged me to consider meat substitutes a necessity, which they aren't.

So, a little about the blog:

All of the recipes will be vegetarian.
I will include vegan substitutions whenever possible, but I refuse to do so for things like cheese (vegan cheese is absolute shite).
None of them will contain store-bought meat substitutes. This is not to say that meat substitutes won't happen! They will just all be homemade.
Every recipe will fall under one of three groups - Under £5, Under £3, Under £1. This is the cost of the entire meal, not per head.
Price breakdowns and nutritional information will be included in every recipe.
The recipes will feed a family of four (excluding things like cheese and bread, which is made in bulk).
I will encourage things to be made at home where possible, so all recipes containing bread, tortillas, cheese, pasta, etc will not include store-bought varieties. Of course, people can substitute if they like, but these will not be included in the costs I give.

I could go on and on! I'm very excited about it! I can't wait to start cooking again so I can take lovely pictures for the recipes I have started to put up already. Once there's enough information to share, I'll mention the link here (and on Facebook, Google+, Twitter).

In the meantime, please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. If you are uncomfortable supporting me because I am fasting, please give directly to the DEC (or any of the organisations which come under it).

Fasting for Hunger - Day 13

2011-07-23T16:35:00.002-05:00

I felt much better today. I danced around in hyper fits, played a lot with our cat, finished planning how I'll reintroduce food after the fast, and thought a lot about what I want to accomplish in the next few years of my life.

I don't really have much else to say just now!

Please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. If you are uncomfortable supporting me because I am fasting, please give directly to the DEC (or any of the organisations which come under it).

Fasting for Hunger - Day 12

2011-07-22T15:43:00.004-05:00

Today was a good day for donations! Thanks to those who shared, tweeted/retweeted, and donated!

Today has been full of symptoms! Today's side effects:

Hiccups - I've had them at least half a dozen times today. I absolutely love getting the hiccups! I like to open my mouth so the hiccups echo and sound much worse than they really are.
Lightheadedness - It seems I let myself get too dehydrated again. I've had about two and a half litres of water today, and I'll try to drink even more tomorrow.
Fatigue - I stayed home from work today because I was just too tired to leave the house. People usually sleep much less when fasting, but I am finding that eight hours just isn't enough for me during this fast! I'll sleep as much as my body wants this weekend, and may allow for more sleep next week. When fasting, having tired days and not-so-tired days is an unpredictable business.
Obsessing over food - I want to make it very clear that I am not at all hungry. I do, however, really miss eating! I have grown so tired of the taste of water and tea and I just want to taste things! I allowed myself a cheat today and had a little bit of squash in my water (I normally can't stand squash, but it was a very welcome change!)

While lounging about today, I watched loads of videos and read loads of blogs by people who are fasting. It gets really tough to watch/read because they are mostly doing it for reasons I just can't sympathise with. I have mentioned that I have experience with shorter fasts, but I just wanted to clarify that I do not fast for religious/spiritual reasons, weight loss, or because I think my body/chakras/energy needs to be detoxified. Fasting becomes like a deep meditation for me, an inner-stillness (I mean that in the most non-Newagey way possible.)

I am now going to climb into bed and make Robin read Terry Pratchett to me (he does the best Granny Weatherwax voice!) I will sleep as long as I can stand!

Please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. If you are uncomfortable supporting me because I am fasting, please give directly to the DEC (or any of the organisations which come under it).

Fasting for Hunger - Day 11

2011-07-21T14:30:00.003-05:00

11 days have now passed. I felt very tired today, but that was only because I didn't sleep well at all last night. I think I may just let myself sleep in tomorrow!

Last week, we were notified that our entire department is being made redundant at the start of the new year. After thinking about it for a few days, I'm actually fine with it. I have been thinking about moving to an environmental or social charity, so this allows me to do that without feeling bad for leaving. My present company was also nice enough to give us 6 months' notice, which is really more than I would have expected. So, if anyone knows of a decent job going in the public or charity sector...!

I find that the BBC is slightly less guilty of publishing non-stories when compared to other news sources. However, this morning I came across the most ridiculously offensive non-story I have ever seen on BBC News. It basically contains a list of Americanisms that are creeping into British culture that annoy people.

Now, for those of you who don't know, I am one of the most anti-American Americans you will ever meet. There is a reason that I ran away from the US just as soon as I got the chance. Americans can be unreasonably slow to accept change, incredibly judgemental, and are more than a bit unrealistic in thinking that their way is the right way. HOWEVER, as an American (even one with zero nationalist pride) I was fucking appalled at some of things mentioned in this article! Since my daughter started school here, she has been picked on for her American accent/vocabulary. Before seeing this article, I thought it was just an especially mean bunch of kids, but I now see where they get that attitude.

There are plenty of things to dislike about the US, but picking on the way we speak is beyond lame. Shame on you BBC, for putting such immature shite on your site (especially since some of those -isms are British in origin anyway!)

*rant over*

I am now going to go to bed terribly early and sleep as late as I possibly can. In my dreams, you show your support for my fasting to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page, and then we eat Nutella sandwiches on boats made of tractor tires. Sounds like a pretty awesome dream, doesn't it?

Fasting for Hunger - Day 10

2011-07-21T01:55:00.003-05:00

It has been 10 days. I am now one-third of the way through the fast, and I only have two symptoms worth mentioning - lightheadedness and unusual sensitivity to other people's emotions. Other than that, I'm absolutely fine.

Yesterday, the UN declared a famine in parts of Somalia. For this to happen, at least 30% of children must be acutely malnourished, and 4 in 10,000 children must be dying every day. While aid is indeed arriving, it is not nearly enough.

Please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. I imagine the lack of donations so far has been not wanting to encourage fasting, which I completely understand. If this is the case, please give directly to the DEC (or any of the organisations which come under it).

Fasting for Hunger - Day 9

2011-07-19T15:21:00.003-05:00

It has now been 9 days since I've eaten, and I'm not at all hungry. Of course, I am still thinking about food constantly, but it's much more about missing the taste/texture/smell of it.

I really don't have much else to say today! I'll leave you with something that never fails to cheer me up! (Please, please, please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. That would also make me very happy!)

Fasting for Hunger - Day 8

2011-07-18T16:13:00.003-05:00

Today was extremely difficult. I've been really hungry, moody and lightheaded. I've had about 3 litres of water and still feel thirsty. I'm frustrated at not having had any donations in 3 days and am starting to wonder if this is a wasted effort.

I need to remember that while I can always stop fasting eventually, the whole reason that I am doing this is that there are so many people who don't have that option.

Please support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page.

Fasting for Hunger - Day 7

2011-07-17T11:51:00.002-05:00

It has now been one week since I've eaten a single bit of food! The only side effect today - I've been very antsy! I've tried everything I can think of to pass the time, but nothing seems to be able to hold my attention for more than a few minutes.

I'm still having very vivid dreams. Last night, I escaped from pirates and had to build myself a new boat out of old tractor tires. The climax of that dream was interrupted when I switched to dreaming about eating a warm Nutella sandwich. Now, that may not sound very exciting to you, but having not eaten anything in so long, it was way more exciting than the pirate dream!

Speaking of yummy things:

As I plan to make much more of my own food after this fast, I've started looking for healthy and cheap vegetarian recipes. If you have any recipes to share, please do so!
Just to build on my previous talk of cheese, I have decided to start making that as well!
I'm contemplating a make-as-much-of-your-own-food-as-possible blog. Contemplating.

The total raised so far is still £80, but you can make that better by visiting my JustGiving page, yes? I may joke about pirates and Nutella sandwiches, but let's not forget the reason I'm doing this - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14174893

Fasting for Hunger - Day 6

2011-07-16T12:12:00.004-05:00

Day 6 is nearly over. I don't think I drank enough water yesterday, so I've been slightly light-headed and irritable today. I'm making sure to drink much more now.

I've also started to have very vivid dreams. Last night they involved aliens ripping through space from another dimension, unaware that doing so resulted in the deaths of millions of people. It sounds funny now, but it definitely wasn't in the dream! They reminded me of Species 8472 from Star Trek (what Robin and I call Space Spiders).

By the way, I have decided not to continue doing video updates for the rest of the fast - mostly because it's time consuming and because they aren't really useful. No one was watching them anyway, so I don't think anyone will mind!

Total raised so far: £80. I have now completed 17% of the fast, but I've only raised 8% of my goal. This makes me very sad (*sad face*). I'm not really sure what else to do as I have already reached the highest level of spamminess that that I'm willing to go to. To those with any online fundraising experience, advice would be much appreciated!

That being said, please support me in my efforts to raise money for the 10 million people affected by the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page.

Fasting for Hunger - Day 5

2011-07-15T15:38:00.003-05:00

That's day five! Total raised so far: £80.

I haven't felt much like making a video these past couple of days as I was notified yesterday that our department was being made redundant at the start of the new year. It's far enough off that I am not worried at all about finding another job, but I'm still a bit shocked as it really did come out of nowhere. Anyway, that distraction is my excuse for not having made a video. I'll make one tomorrow though!

I can't seem to stop obsessing about food, which shouldn't come as a surprise. I've made two decisions regarding post-fast eating habits:

I have decided that I will not be giving up yummy cheese (yay for me, boo for cheese).
I will make all of my own breads. This isn't saying much because I already make my own bread about 10% of the time, and I make all of my own tortillas (which I do eat loads of).

Only 25 days (and/or £920) to go! Please support my efforts to raise money for towards the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page.

Fasting for Hunger - Day 4

2011-07-14T13:58:00.002-05:00

I've now been fasting for four days. I took the afternoon off work and sat in the park to take advantage of the sunshine that is supposed to disappear for a while. Total raised so far: £60. Please watch the video below and sponsor me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page.

Fasting for Hunger - Day 3

2011-07-13T14:48:00.003-05:00

Well, it has now been three days since I've last eaten. I feel fine and am drinking loads of water and tea. My tummy is rumbling a lot and everything smells so good, but I'm actually not hungry at all. Total raised so far: £50. Where I should be to reach the £1000 goal: £100.

I have started to think about what my diet will be like after I stop fasting. There is a whole refeeding process you need to follow after fasting to prevent your body from going into shock. So, this is a good time to rethink any terribly unhealthy habits I have.

Currently, I am an environmental vegetarian, though as I have no moral problem with eating meat, I still do so on very special occasions. I have toyed with the idea of becoming vegan for quite some time, but I think this would be quite difficult for me because cheese is one of my absolute favourite things in the whole wide world. Perhaps I can become vegan 6 days of the week, giving myself a day of eating nothing but cheese? Or I could go the opposite extreme!

We'll see! I have 27 days to think about it!

If you haven't already done so, please visit my JustGiving page to support me in my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis.

Fasting for Hunger - Day 2

2011-07-12T12:00:00.004-05:00

I really don't have much to say today! Just a reminder as to why I am doing this:

Please, please, please support my efforts to raise money for the East Africa crisis by visiting my JustGiving page. Every little bit helps.

Fasting for Hunger - Day 1

2011-07-11T12:26:00.011-05:00

Well, the first day is nearly over. I've managed to upload videos for yesterday and today on YouTube and will try to continue making them as often as I can throughout the fast.

I've tried to stay as busy as possible as the first day of fasting is by far the most difficult. As a result, I've managed to actually catch up with school work and might just manage to get ahead. I've had the typical symptoms of the first day of fasting - tummy rumbling and a slight headache due to low blood sugar (this always disappears for me after the first day).

The first day brought £40 of donations (including my own), which puts me 0.67% ahead of

On another note, I finally got an invite to Google+ (w00t! Thanks, Jen!) I haven't had a chance to play with it yet, but I will damnit!

Fasting for Hunger

2011-07-10T03:57:00.008-05:00

Lately, I have started to feel like I'm not doing my share in the world. Like so many other people, I complain about bad situations without doing much to make them better. I volunteer, though I can't as much as I'd like because I both work and go to school full-time. I'm a big supporter of political activism, but recently, this has just been in theory as I am in the process of immigrating and can't risk getting arrested and deported. I'm not in a financial situation to give much, but there's no reason why I can't fundraise.

So, I have decided to fast for 30 days (11 July-9 August) in order to raise money for the Disasters Emergency Committee. Please sponsor me on my JustGiving page.

Why Disasters Emergency Committee?
I knew that I definitely wanted to contribute to the East Africa Crisis Appeal as there is obviously a very immediate need there, but I wasn't sure which charity to support. All of the major charities involved are all a part of the DEC, so it made my decision much easier.

Why fast?
Fasting is something that is extreme enough that I know I can do. Having fasted in the past (though not nearly as long as this), I know what to expect.

The rules:

The most important one to clarify now - if I feel that I need to stop the fast for health reasons, I will.

I will not eat ANYTHING for either 30 days or until £1000 has been raised. This includes liquid things that some might not consider food, such as soup broth and yoghurt.

I will post to my blog and Twitter each day to let everyone know the funny things my body is doing.

Wish me luck!

Update (the ultra short version)

2010-11-01T16:41:00.003-05:00

So much has happened since my last update that there is no way I can fit it all in. So, here's a super condensed version:

Robin and I got married.
Star and I got visas.
Star started high school.
I got an awesome job.
I'm back in school now, but had to start all over since I couldn't transfer any of my credits.
I'm doing my own version of NaNoWriMo (with music instead of words).
I've started making my own bread.
I cut my hair short.

Now, let's pretend I never left!

Yet Another Update

2010-02-26T13:58:00.005-06:00

Wow. It's been a while!

Mid-January, our visas were approved. We were back in Edinburgh by the end of the month, with Robin back at work and Star back at school.

I've done some Russian dialogue videos. They are part of the Princeton Russian Course I've been studying, and it's been great fun playing the male characters! http://www.youtube.com/user/writerachelwrite#p/c/0DE7D005FB95CEAC

Robin and I will be married four weeks from today (yay!)

I started walking 10 miles a day. However, I was forced to take a break when I sprained my ankle.

After a ten-year hiatus, I've started back to school. I am attending Open University for Modern Language Studies, focusing on French and German. It's been an interesting experience because university in the UK is vastly different from university in the US. The main difference is that there are no core requirements in the UK – you only study subject matter that relates to your degree. As a result, all of the core credits I had in the US (history, psychology, science, philosophy, math, etc) don't count towards my degree here. And although I think the UK method gives you a deeper knowledge of your field, I think I prefer the US system.

Star has finally created a site for her comics. http://www.komickake.com

I've decided that I really don't like Twitter. And I mean I really don't like it. I'm toying with idea of deleting my account, but haven't decided yet. We shall see.

2009-12-29T17:42:00.003-06:00

I keep meaning to update my blog, but things have been so busy that I end up putting it off. So, once again, a list -

Still no news from the embassy. If we haven't heard anything by the end of January, we're going to make our way to Ukraine. (Star and I can only stay in the Schengen region for 90 days out of 180, and we'd like to leave a little time just in case we get a call while we are in Kiev.)

I've stopped studying everything except Russian. Since over 50% of the population in Kiev speak only Russian at home, I figured this was probably a good time to study!

Star has finished her latest comic. Will work on scanning it soon.

Star has also been fascinated with cooking recently. We bought her a cookbook for Christmas, and she has cooked at least one meal a day since then.

Robin is working on a new play. His last play, Broken Holmes, is preparing for its upcoming run at the Leicester Comedy Festival.

I've discovered that my favorite snow is that just beneath a tree. It's the crunchiest.

The yarn here is the cheapest I've ever seen, it's cold and I have lots of spare time. So, I'm knitting a cowl neck scarf.

I have been eating paprikas like apples. Yum.

That's about all I can think of for now. Must sleep.

Пока!

Quick Visa Update

2009-12-08T15:40:00.003-06:00

We were denied visas. It seems that poor folk like us don't love each other as much as those with fat bank accounts and cushy jobs. At this very moment, Robin is on a bus, heading for Warsaw. He is making the same trip Star and I made exactly two weeks ago. We are going to appeal the refusals and hope that they are overturned.

I'll post updates when I get them!

Warsaw IV

2009-12-06T10:01:00.005-06:00

The British Embassy contacted me Friday to let me know that a decision has been made, and that we can now come pick up our passports. Tomorrow at 15:00, we will know what's going to happen. What we've done the last few days -

Warsaw Uprising Museum - There is a pillar down the center of the building with fake bullet holes you put your ear against to hear sounds from the uprising.

Nike Monument

Pawiak Prison

Star drawing in the sand on the beach in Praga.

From the beach in Praga.

Band statues in Praga. On the drum is a list of songs and a number to text. One to five minutes after texting, your song plays.

Star being Star.

Praga skyline.

I don't care for Amy Winehouse, but I thought this was a very good sculpture. It was in the Koneser Vodka Factory that has since been transformed into an art complex.

Star played chess with no opponent.

This symbol is everywhere in Warsaw. It was painted on walls during the uprising and stands for Polska Walczaca (Fighting Poland).

Warsaw III

2009-12-01T09:22:00.006-06:00

Everything is filed with the embassy. Now, we wait. After our second appointment in two days, we went to the park nearby. We saw the Chopin monument and fed things.

Warsaw II

2009-11-29T08:33:00.014-06:00

We went to the Warsaw Zoo today. We ate gofry z bita smietana z czekolada (waffle with whipped cream and chocolate) and saw more red squirrels than we could count.

Tomorrow is our appointment with the British embassy here in Warsaw, so keep your fingers crossed!*

*Metaphorically, of course.

Warsaw I

2009-11-27T09:10:00.004-06:00

On the bus in Dover

The Channel Tunnel - I thought that this was a tunnel that you drove through. Obviously, I was wrong.

Star eating peanuts on the bus outside of Berlin. (These peanuts have lasted us four days so far!)

Star eating spiral potatoes in Warsaw Old Town.

This old man was handing out bird seed to anyone who would have it.

Star feeding a pigeon.

Star feeding two pigeons.

The pigeons took a break from being fed to circle around the square.

The church that houses Chopin's heart in one of its pillars was closed for renovations. We had planned to take a picture of Star next to said pillar, but had to settle for her pouting outside instead.

I had accidentally given Star the wrong thing to say if someone starts to speak to her in Polish. When a woman started a conversation with her, Star was actually saying, "Yes, Polish." Oops!

Today:

2009-10-20T17:24:00.002-05:00

I started to regret cutting my bangs for my Halloween costume.
We came in second at pub quiz.
We got lost looking for an art club for Star.
I found new books at the library.
I ate hummus - and lots of it.
Robin told me my hair smells like old book (yay!)
Star realized she isn't too old for mommy hugs.
We played stand-on-the-lines-in-the-road-or-else-you'll-fall-in-the-lava on our way home.

2009-09-10T13:12:00.003-05:00

We've started planning a trip we'll be taking late next year (since I can't work for a while, I have to micro-plan something!) We're planning on Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria - Hungary and Bulgaria are still tied for cabin possibilities, so this should help us decide.

Also, we've got a kitten. Her name is Ninja Kitty Go!

2009-09-04T05:03:00.003-05:00

This weekend, I intend to install Ubuntu, so I'm sorting out everything on my computer today. In doing so, I found this old picture of something Star once wrote -

Update in Less Than 30 Words

2009-09-03T12:04:00.002-05:00

Robin's play did well!

Star played at some parks.

She was excited and silly on her first day at school

And we finally got to relax a bit.

List of Updates

2009-07-28T10:15:00.005-05:00

We've discovered that there may be a problem with getting US visas sorted out for Robin. That means that there is a possibility that we will end up staying in Edinburgh after all - we are planning to go talk to someone at the American consulate next week and will know then (hopefully.)

Also next week, we'll be moving into our new flat, just in time for Robin's play (Broken Holmes.) We won't have internet, but we should be able to find free wifi at some point.

Star seems to have taken a break from drawing comics. Instead, she's been working on scripts, cartoons and a novel, and drawing lots of dragons.

I've finally started submitting poetry to publications.

To make myself start composing, I'm writing one piece a day (for this week anyway) and posting it. They are really short and aren't great compositions, but I need to get myself writing again.

We're Getting Married! (And Other Updates)

2009-07-08T07:36:00.004-05:00

Robin and I can now officially announce that we are getting married. The tentative plans, assuming visas and everything work out the way we hope - January 23rd on the Marin side of Golden Gate Bridge, followed by a bicycle procession over the bridge to wherever our flat may be (yes, this means we plan to move back to San Francisco.)

Other Updates

Robin is working on the last-minute details of Broken Holmes.

We made a trip to Herefordshire, where I met some more of Robin's family. Pictures from that:

From left to right: Ian, Stephen, Sandi, Paul, Sally, Twiz, Evan

Star demonstrating her ballerina-like grace

Star debating on whether she wanted to play croquet or not

How Star passed the time...

On the long drive back to Callander

Sally and Star on a tour of nearby lochs

Another loch

Magi - A wonderful man with a beautiful singing voice.

Also, we recently found out that Debbie, one of the hosts we stayed with in France, has passed away. Debbie was a remarkable woman, and our thoughts are with her husband, Pete.

If Only Life Had a Soundtrack!

2009-06-19T08:19:00.001-05:00

If only life had a soundtrack!

Everyone would dance in their living rooms and under bridges and in rainy fields and on empty moonlit cobblestone streets (if the trumpet had anything to say about it.) Pollen carried on spring breezes would be turned into string quartets that were so lovely no one would care about runny noses or itchy eyes. Lady would kindly remind one that they don't have it so bad after all. Bob would wail until you learned to think, and Lily Pons would sweetly tickle your cochlear cilia until it was impossible to be angry.

I imagine people would progressively start to sing anything they had to say. If someone were to cut in front of you while in line, they couldn't possibly want to argue if you said/sang something like this:

(to the tune of Sing from Sesame Street)

Hey, 'scuse me sir,
your place is
behind her. *pointing to the last person in line*
You cut in front of me!
I was here first, you see.
So, would you mind
if I took back
my rightful place in line?
I'm sorry, but you will have to wait
your turn like everyone else.
I don't
mean to whine.

La, la, la, la, la...

Then the other fellow would apologise and boogie to the end of the line, with his frozen veggies doubling as a maraca.

Hip Hip Hooray!

2009-06-19T05:13:00.003-05:00

After years of waiting and months of bureaucratic nonsense, I am finally officially a divorcee.

I Have a Big Fucking Forehead!

2009-06-17T08:49:00.006-05:00

I do. I've always known it. I've sported bangs most of my life just to cover it up. Recently, I've come to hate having bangs (they always part the wrong way or stand straight up when it's windy.) I just didn't see it as an option to grow them out. I've had many conversations with Robin that go something like this -

Rachel: I hate having bangs. I wish I could grow them out.
Robin: Why don't you grow them out then?
Rachel: I have a big fucking forehead!
Robin: Your forehead is beautiful. *Something about loving me with or without them*
Rachel: I wish I could grow them out.

Slowly, I've come to realise that he's (obviously) right. In fact, despite of what people say about big foreheads being unattractive and that those with Christina Ricci Disease should grow bangs, I've always found something very elegant about the prominent foreheads that were fashionable during the Elizabethan era.

So, I'm growing them out.

Waterfalls, Lochs and Birds with Afros

2009-06-12T12:34:00.003-05:00

La Petite Cascade de Mortain

Star on the train back to Paris

This is the one for our album cover

Star and Notre Dame

Star on the Paris Metro

The only way I could get Robin to laugh for this was to poke him in the side so hard that he was upset with me afterwards *sad face*

This is Afro Bird. 'Nough said.

Killin, Scotland

Loch Tay

River Dochart

Back in Edinburgh

2009-06-11T06:49:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update to family and friends who I've neglected to contact recently - we are now back in Scotland. There was a last-minute change in plans, so we'll be working in a bike shop - and staying in the loft above it - in Edinburgh for the next few weeks. The weather here is much nicer, and it's a bit of a relief to be able to talk to people without having to think in French (it's strange how exhausting that can be.)

Since I'll have a lot of free time while waiting for customers, I can up my daily time spent on language studies to three hours a day. Also, must get a clarinet mute at some point.

VeloRail and a Walk

2009-05-24T17:02:00.006-05:00

Robin and Star on the VeloRail

Robin smoking his pipe on the VeloRail

Green stuffs on a walk

Star proving that she is conversational in Duck

Star NEVER takes this jacket off.

Tzigane waiting for her ball

Star pretending to be a cow

More green stuffs

Pick Chore Zezz

2009-05-17T00:40:00.007-05:00

House of the mean French woman in Valady, France.

Valady, France

Robin in my favorite room in the house of the mean French woman in Valady, France.

Same room, same Robin.

You know.

There was nowhere to sit on the train to Vire, so Star decided to sit on the luggage racks.

We got lost on our walk back from Sourdeval one day. We walked for 9 hours and passed this cow 3 times.

Star in Vire.

On a walk.

Mont Saint-Michel

Star on Mont Saint-Michel.

This is what happens when you ask Star to pose for you.

Mont Saint-Michel

View of Mont Saint-Michel from our campsite.

Waiting for the tide to race in.

Playing shuffleboard on a picnic table.

Night lights at Mont Saint-Michel.

Update

2009-05-16T16:33:00.004-05:00

Since my last post -

The three of us moved to a small town outside of Rodez. We stayed with a mean old French woman and had our first negative HelpX experience. We left after just a week.

We then moved to a cattle farm in Normandy. It turns out that Robin does not have the "gift" of moving 200 beef cattle. We also decided here that we will not own cows ourselves. We made dandelion honey, which was delicious, but it crystalised within days.

A week later, we moved to our next host in Normandy. The hosts there were great, and they went out of their way to teach us new things. Here:

-we learned to gut fish - much easier than I thought it would be
-Robin killed a guinea fowl, defeathered a chicken and skinned a rabbit
-we learned to chop and stack wood (the French are very particular about their wood piles)
-we learned to tell the difference between a chicken egg and a duck egg
-we learned which fruit trees self-pollinate
-we tried lots of new foods (escargot is much better than I would have thought, but I couldn't get over the fact that I was eating snails)

We then moved to Lower Normandy. We'll be here until 6 June, go to Paris for a few days, and then head back to Edinburgh.

To family members who are using my blog as the primary source of keeping track of us as we travel, sorry for not posting in a while. We're happy and safe. Robin is busy planning his play. Star's hair is short again. France is beautiful, but I now have absolutely no desire to live here (that leaves us with Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland as possibilities for a cabin.)

I'm really tired.

Just wanted to write an update.

Pictures soon.

Indeed.

Ouch.

2009-04-09T04:34:00.004-05:00

I've managed to really mess up my back. Look, I'll show you -

Drunken Pictionary, Robin and a Midwest Accent

2009-03-28T16:43:00.005-05:00

Tonight, we played Pictionary after finishing a 5 litre bottle of wine.

Robin is about 200 km from Tours. Last night, the police tried to frame him with murdering someone with a butter knife, and he's out of spare tubes.

I have a tendency to talk in the accents of those around me (I think it's a desire to make others feel more comfortable.) I find myself speaking with a subtle Midwest accent in order to avoid picking up the English accents of those in the house - I think my English accent is as bad as every other American's.

Tonight

2009-03-25T17:33:00.004-05:00

I played Up Shit Creek Without a Paddle (a card game I had never heard of.)

Robin called to tell me that he should be able to catch the ferry to Dieppe tomorrow night. Weather permitting, he should be here by the end of next week. (Yay!)

I had a delicious prawn curry.

I've decided that I can no longer call myself a writer - a little inconvenient since my main email address is write.rachel.write@gmail.com.

Three Things

2009-03-22T12:53:00.002-05:00

1) I merged the I Make Things blog with this one.

2) I spent last night drinking nettle beer and cider in a yurt.

3) I've bought a clarinet.

My First Week and Cabin(?) Plans

2009-03-20T11:03:00.004-05:00

My first week doing Help Exchange has come to an end. It's been an amazing experience, and I am so incredibly happy that we decided to do it. Some of the things I've done this week:

- Learned a lot about gardening and have started the plans for the garden we will use to feed ourselves
- Mortared a wall
- Plastered a wall
- Built a stone wall
- Had stinging nettle ravioli
- Learned to play the accordion
- Worked on Robin's birthday present (which I can't tell you about until he sees it!)

Also, I have decided that we will use rammed earth for our cabin, which means that I no longer feel comfortable calling it a cabin (cottage? bungalow?)

My Blister

2009-03-16T13:13:00.001-05:00

This morning, I looked out my window to see a tiny village in a lush valley of the Pyrenees mountains. I quickly dressed and went downstairs for my first day of work.*

Breakfast was coffee and cereal (plain cereal - flakes, no sugar.) Star and I were each given our jobs for the day. Since she is too young for the harder work, she was to trim hedges, pull weeds and clean out the chicken coop. The first part of my day was spent scraping the excess mortar from stone walls (they are in the process of repointing here.) After lime in the eyes and a decent amount of skin scraped from my hands, we broke for coffee. The second half of the day consisted of mixing a new mortar and then beginning the repointing of the next wall. At 14:00, the work day was done. Lunch was soup, bread, fresh goat cheese and a beer.

After Star's schoolwork, we were left with the rest of the day to do whatever we wanted. We were still tired from our overnight train ride from Paris, so we didn't go hiking like we had planned. Instead, we sat and talked, played with the dogs and tried to get the neighbor's donkey to come to the fence. I washed the mortar from my hair and sat outside, drinking tea and marveling over my new blister.

This blister is marvelously huge! A small sample of the work to come, but it really excited me. It's a reminder of what I'm doing here, sitting on the side of a mountain in the south of France, drinking tea and looking forward to another day of work.

* I've signed on to work on farms, and the like, to learn skills we will need to build and maintain our cabin.

What I've Learned About France So Far

2009-03-16T01:50:00.004-05:00

1.) Parisians are the worst drivers I have ever seen in my life.

2.) Contrary to what I've been told by people who have visited in the past, most people in France (that includes Parisians) do not speak a significant amount of English. Star and I got lost walking through Paris, and ended up getting directions from someone via body language. As a result, our French has improved a great deal in just a few days.

3.) The food really is better here! And prices at the grocer's are cheaper than any American grocery store I've seen.

4.) The south of France is my favorite so far. I mean, this is what is out of my bedroom window for the next few weeks -

Third Stop - Paris/Seugy/Chantilly

2009-03-15T04:52:00.010-05:00

Star outside the Louvre

Star (after realising that the Mona Lisa is not as exciting as she thought it would be)

Venus de Milo

Star reenacting the trash compacter scene from Star Wars

Star climbing on stuffs

Star wants to move to Paris for these trampolines alone

How Star really feels about the Eiffel Tower

Star dancing in Paris

Château de Chantilly

Star in Château de Chantilly

Chandelier of Château de Chantilly

Chapel of Château de Chantilly

Library of Château de Chantilly

Gardens of Château de Chantilly
Château de Chantilly
Seugy

Second Stop - Dallas/Ft Worth

2009-03-10T23:37:00.007-05:00

Train to Dallas
My new red shoes

My mother in the plastic tunnel

Zsander (my nephew)

Zsander

Star

Star and Zsander

Star and Christian (another nephew)

Star, Zsander and Sean (my brother)

Sean in the plastic tunnel

Sam (my bestest friend in Dallas)

Christian

Me and Star

Star

My mother and Star

First Stop - San Antonio

2009-03-07T22:11:00.009-06:00

Granny's (my great grandmother) house

Granny's backyard

Star and Granny (her great-great grandmother)

Star on the trampoline

Star on the trampoline

Star on the trampoline

Star at Target

(From left to right) Samantha, Linda, Jessica, Star

An injured squirrel my cousin found

Star with the injured squirrel

Me with the injured squirrel

Star waiting for the bus

Star wearing Josh's glasses while bowling

Star and Bella

Star and I just before leaving San Antonio

Star and I on the train to Dallas

The Next Few Weeks

2009-02-23T13:43:00.006-06:00

27 February - Last day of work

28 February - Move out of apartment

3 March - Fly to San Antonio, Texas

7 March - Train to Dallas, Texas

11 March - Fly to Paris

15 March - Train to Toulouse, bus to Saint Girons, ride to Galey

Bye-bye, America!

2009-02-06T12:59:00.003-06:00

March 3rd, I'll be on my way.

(So excited!)

Road Trip

2009-01-16T14:42:00.007-06:00

Star (Redwood National Park, California)

Redwood National Park, California

Elk (Redwood National Park, California)

Star and Paul and Babe (Somewhere in Northern California/Oregon)

Oregon

River in Oregon

Oregon

Near Crater Lake (Oregon)

Robin (Crater Lake, Oregon)

Star (Crater Lake, Oregon)

Scrabble Cufflinks

2008-12-26T10:19:00.000-06:00

I made these as a Christmas gift for Robin. I couldn't find a place that sold cufflink posts to work with on my own, so I bought a pair of hideously sparkly ones and super-glued the Scrabble tiles to the faces.

CUFFLINKS BEFORE

CUFFLINKS AFTER

Pidge Scarf

2008-11-19T15:14:00.001-06:00

(This scarf is thicker than I'd like. Here is the pattern, but I am going to attempt to make another, casting on 22 stitches instead of 30.)

5mm US 8 needles
I'm using white and brownish-purplish (ha) medium weight acrylic yarn. I dislike acrylic yarn because it is so stiff, but it was all I had when I started.

Cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1: *K 2, P 2. Repeat from * to last 2 stitches. K 2.
Row 2: Knit

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until desired length is achieved.

Bind off.

Remember to add button holes! I am leaving this out, since the directions vary based on the buttons being used.

Red-Squared

2008-11-19T14:58:00.000-06:00

I am making this scarf for Robin.

It's red.

It has squares.

(5mm US 8 needles.)

Cast on 35 stitches
Rows 1-10: St st(starting with K)
Row 11: *K 5, P 5. Repeat twice from *. K 5
Row 12: *P 5, K 5. Repeat twice from *. P 5
Row 13: *K 5, P 5. Repeat twice from *. K 5
Row 14: *P 5, K 5. Repeat twice from *. P 5
Row 15: *K 5, P 5. Repeat twice from *. K 5
Row 16: *P 5, K 5. Repeat twice from *. P 5

Repeat rows 1-16 until you reach your desired length.

Repeat rows 1-10 once more.

Bind off.

(I'll add a picture when I've finished.)

Artichoke Dip

2008-11-19T14:22:00.000-06:00

This is an incredible easy recipe that is fun to experiment with, but I must admit that I prefer it as is.

2 cans (14 oz) of artichoke hearts (packed in water)
1 can (8 oz) of diced green chilis
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups Parmesan cheese*

Mix everything together and bake in a bread pan at 350 for half an hour.

* You can really use any kind of cheese you like, though the softer cheeses don't seem to turn out as well. In my opinion, Parmesan works best for this dip.

A word of advice to save you from making the same mistake I once did - this dip consists of relatively subtle flavors. It is VERY easy to overpower it with even minimal spices (especially salt.)

(I'll take a picture the next time I make it!)

2008-11-17T18:22:00.000-06:00

I really dislike the American health care system (well, lack thereof.)

That is all.

2008-11-05T13:19:00.004-06:00

While I am unbelievably happy about Obama’s victory last night, I can’t help but be disappointed in some of the local propositions.

Proposition 7
Proposition 7 is an initiative statute regarding renewable energy.
Result: NO – My Vote: YES

I am really surprised that Propositions 7, 10 and H all failed to pass. In a place full of hybrid cars and recycling, all propositions promoting clean energy were rejected. I would blame it on the abundance of “blank check” commercials (with tiny disclaimers at the bottom stating that PG&E graciously paid for them), but that didn’t seem to change the outcome of Proposition 8.

Proposition 8
Proposition 8 is an initiative constitutional amendment that, if passed, would eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry.
Result: YES – My Vote: NO

There are two reasons I voted against this:

1) It’s none of my fucking business who you decide to marry.

2) I see love, in any form, as a beautiful thing. Even though marriage (in the traditional sense) is a bit silly and old-fashioned, I do appreciate any two people loving each other to the extent of feeling it necessary to proclaim said love to the world. That’s what marriage is about (to me), not a religious bond, not any sort of promise or a misguided feeling of ownership.

I am ecstatic that we have elected a black man to be our next president. That being said, I truly do not understand why selective discrimination is acceptable.

Proposition B
This measure requires the city to take about $30 million out of the budget each year and use the cash to build affordable housing over the next 15 years.
Result: NO – My Vote: YES

Of course! We have one of the worst homeless populations in the country, but I suppose fixing the problem won’t give voters anything to talk about over their chai lattes from Starbucks. (Note: While this proposition failed to pass, Proposition D was approved by a landslide. Hmm…help house the homeless? No. Decorate a pier? Sure!)

Book List - Part I - (Books I’m supposed to love, but don’t)

2008-09-30T11:31:00.006-05:00

(in response to Robin's post)

“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville

This was the beginning of my read-all-the-classic-literature-I-can phase that came about in my teenage years. It only happened to be the first out of convenience. Why this book is considered a classic is beyond me!

“Story of O” by Pauline Réage (Anne Desclos)

I’ve heard some of the most absurd positive feedback regarding this book. It’s NOT innovative, and it’s NOT the first of its kind. Take away the severe objectification of women, and all you have left is smut. If that’s really all you’re looking for, the Marquis de Sade did a much better job of it (and preceded it by well over a century.)

“The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger

It’s not that I disliked this book, I just don’t understand why this is the work Salinger is known for. “Franny and Zooey” is closer to what I’ve understood his true writing style to be, and is an all-around better story.

“The Trial” by Franz Kafka

Though I do love Kafka, I’m not very fond of Kafka novels/novellas. I think his best works are short and precise. I suggest reading “The Complete Stories of Franz Kafka” instead.

“Gravity’s Rainbow” by Thomas Pynchon

Horrible. Nothing else I can say!

“The Bible”

I’ve always known that it was not meant to be taken literally, but even figuratively, this is, at times, a detached and disgusting work.

“Walden” by Henry David Thoreau

I suppose I was initially interested in reading this book because of my own desire to build a cabin in some remote area and learn the art of self-sustenance. I just assumed it would be a recollection of little (or not-so-little) self-discoveries made during his stay. Even though there are some great parts (including one of my favorite quotes of all time), this is more of a logistical record of the goings on at Walden. I now know that he did also keep a personal journal during his stay, but have yet to find a copy.

“The Glass Bead Game” by Hermann Hesse

This was the first Hesse book I was able to get my hands on. It was a bit long-winded, but was, for the most part, a pleasant read. I have a not-so-secret hatred for writers who stretch things needlessly. Less than a year after reading it, I read Siddhartha, and realized I’d been cheated! Now, Hesse’s spiritual beliefs are evident in pretty much anything he’s written, and, to me, "The Glass Bead Game" and "Siddhartha" pretty much had the same message. The only difference? Glass Bead Game – 558 pages; Siddhartha – 152 pages

“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling

I am sure I will be stoned for adding these two books to the list, but I just had to do it. I honestly do not see what all the hubbub is about! Instead of putting these in a category with some of the best children’s authors (Lewis Carroll, Roald Dahl, C.S.Lewis) I would clump it with some of the unimpressive (R.L. Stine and Ann M. Martin.) I have been told that the series does eventually improve, but am in no rush to test this.

“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig

Redundant. Redundant. Redundant. Redundant. Redundant. (You get the picture.)

Fun With a Green Screen

2008-09-14T01:48:00.007-05:00

San Francisco - Update

2008-07-02T22:42:00.005-05:00

This is what we've been doing since we've been back in San Francisco...

New York in a Day

2008-03-31T12:13:00.005-05:00

Edinburgh

2008-03-18T10:19:00.003-05:00

Arthur's Seat - Edinburgh

2008-03-15T22:46:00.003-05:00

Playground in Edinburgh (For Star)

2008-03-15T22:36:00.005-05:00

Edinburgh Zoo

2008-03-15T22:07:00.002-05:00

Fishy Business

2008-01-14T00:49:00.000-06:00

Star's first complete claymation video.

San Francisco - Palace of Fine Arts/Exploratorium

2007-11-19T03:49:00.000-06:00

San Francisco - Ocean Beach

2007-10-01T04:13:00.000-05:00

Sleeping Isn’t Walking

2007-09-18T00:57:00.000-05:00

For the last few months, I have been renting a room in Bernal Heights. I got a great deal (by San Francisco standards anyhow.) For $600 a month, I get a virtually empty 4 bedroom house with hardwood floors, a washer and dryer in the basement and an upright downstairs. Of course, it was known to me that I would have to move out by October 1st, which is now quickly approaching.

Though I have been preparing for my move, taking great advantage of the two remaining weeks, everything changed on Saturday. While opening my bedroom door, three mice (no, for the five billionth time, they were NOT blind) scurried across the floor. Now, we have had mice in the downstairs portion of the house the entire time I have been there, which did not bother me TOO much. However, the thought of these dirty animals crawling across my face or into my shoes at night is unbearable.

My dearest friend, Ian, sent me an email which contained writing that Kafka did when he too experienced these unwanted pests. I greatly dread sleeping in my room for two more nights, jamming a towel under my door as I enter and leave the room. Kafka (Ian) have made this experience much less miserable.

Kafka: letter to Felix Weltsch, mid-November 1917

Dear Felix, the first great flaw of Zurau: a night of mice, a frightening experience. I am unscathed and my hair is no whiter than yesterday, but it was the most horrifying thing in the world. For some time now I've heard them here and there (my writing is continually interrupted, you'll soon see why), every now and then at night I've been hearing a soft nibbling, once I even got out of bed, trembling, to take a look, and then it stopped at once----but this time it was an uproar. What a dreadful, mute, and noisy race. At two I was awakened by a rustling near my bed and it didn't let up from then until morning. Up the coal box, down the coal box, crossing the room diagonally, running in circles, nibbling the woodwork, whistling softly when not moving, and all the while the sensation of silence, of the clandestine labor of an oppressed proletarian race to whom the night belongs.

After that first night, no matter to whom he was writing, Kafka spoke of mice. The subject lent itself to endless variations, all the more so when Kafka introduced, in self-defense, the presence of a cat, which raised further questions:

I can drive the mice away using the cat, but then how will I drive the cat away? Do you imagine you have nothing against mice? Naturally, you don't have anything against cannibals either, but if at night they crept out from under all the cupboards gnashing their teeth, you surely couldn't bear them any longer. Anyway, I'm now trying to harden myself, observing the field mice on my walks; they're not so bad, but my room isn't a field and sleeping isn't walking.

Hurts So Good

2007-04-26T00:59:00.000-05:00

The Schmidt Sting Pain Index or The Justin O. Schmidt Pain Index is a scale rating the relative pain caused by different Hymenopteran stings. It is mainly the work of Justin O. Schmidt, an entomologist for whom the index is named. Schmidt has published a number of papers on the subject and claims to have been stung by the majority of stinging Hymenoptera.

His original paper in 1984 was an attempt to systematise and compare the hemolytic properties of insect venoms. The index contained in the paper started from 0 for stings that are completely ineffective against humans, progressed through 2, a familiar pain such as a common bee or wasp sting, and finished at 4 for the most painful stings. In the conclusion, some descriptions of the most painful examples was given, eg: "Paraponera clavata stings induced immediate, excruciating pain and numbness to pencil-point pressure, as well as trembling in the form of a totally uncontrollable urge to shake the affected part."

Subsequently, Schmidt has refined his scale, culminating in a paper published in 1990 which classifies the stings of 78 species and 41 genera of Hymenoptera. Notably, Schmidt described some of the experiences in vivid and colorful detail:

1.0 Sweat bee: Light, ephemeral, almost fruity. A tiny spark has singed a single hair on your arm.
1.2 Fire ant: Sharp, sudden, mildly alarming. Like walking across a shag carpet & reaching for the light switch.
1.8 Bullhorn acacia ant: A rare, piercing, elevated sort of pain. Someone has fired a staple into your cheek.
2.0 Bald-faced hornet: Rich, hearty, slightly crunchy. Similar to getting your hand mashed in a revolving door.
2.0 Yellowjacket: Hot and smoky, almost irreverent. Imagine WC Fields extinguishing a cigar on your tongue.
2.x Honey bee and European hornet.
3.0 Red harvester ant: Bold and unrelenting. Somebody is using a drill to excavate your ingrown toenail.
3.0 Paper wasp: Caustic & burning. Distinctly bitter aftertaste. Like spilling a beaker of Hydrochloric acid on a paper cut.
4.0 Pepsis wasp: Blinding, fierce, shockingly electric.
4.0+ Bullet ant: Pure, intense, brilliant pain. Like walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail in your heel.

Death in a Carry-on

2006-12-02T00:34:00.000-06:00

She gets on in Lordsburg

and gets off

in Las Cruces,

leaving everything

behind.

She has somewhere

to be,

and it's stuffed inside

her polyester pocket.

Stacking Books to Webern

2006-11-26T00:44:00.000-06:00

The Great Escape

2006-11-01T00:48:00.000-06:00

Fast Talker

2006-10-31T00:46:00.000-06:00

Smelling Books to Scriabin

2006-10-29T00:46:00.000-05:00

Eating Crackers to Bach

2006-10-29T00:45:00.000-05:00

Raging Over a Lost Penny to Beethoven

2006-10-27T00:44:00.000-05:00

Applying Make-up to Bach

2006-10-12T00:43:00.000-05:00

He Holds His Hat

2006-10-01T00:31:00.000-05:00

He holds his hat with the tips of his lonely fingers,

praying the obstinate wind will let him at least pretend

that his grip is valorous.

Wrapped Around My Wrist

2006-08-11T00:37:00.000-05:00

Wrapped around my wrist

And saved for another time,

I'll forget you're there.

Simple

2006-01-19T03:11:00.000-06:00

Rachel Leslie

That's for Google.

Star 9/20/05

2005-09-23T00:09:00.000-05:00

This is something that Star wrote for school.

"I did not get a doller meal. I will Be late if I get on the Bus. I have a Box of toys. I hope I have a pet soon. We got ten fegers. I wish I cold run fast. My mom tinks I'm the best dotter. Pleas HelP me. I have to rest. I wish the water did not drop. I wish My doll said someting. But My doll did not. I do not."

San Francisco Pictures

2005-08-10T02:53:00.000-05:00

Golden Gate Bridge

Castro Street Muni station

Man sleeping on the subway

Rodeo Beach

Golden Gate Bridge from the Sausalito ferry

Bay Bridge from Chinatown

Little girl at the laundry.

Limp Prick

2004-08-16T23:49:00.000-05:00

"America fears the unshaven legs, the unshaven men’s cheeks, the aroma of perspiration, and the limp prick. Above all it fears the limp prick." --- Walter Abish