Just got a package from my stepmother. Random things, some very cool (my first attempts at stained glass, a Bach action figure).

She sent a costume for Mallory, either for Halloween or just to play dress-up. It's a white plush unicorn with rainbow mane and tail and shiny iridescent wings and horn.

She has 4 grandsons, and I think she's getting bored with boys.

We've been expecting storms here but so far just big clouds.

It's a white plush unicorn with rainbow mane and tail and shiny iridescent wings and horn.

This sounds very pretty, but I think you might be right about boredom setting in.

{{{{vw&Toto}}}}

Indeed. OTOH? She has the right dog with her for a tornado.

Belated punctuation to JZ - glad all turned out okay, sorry for the stress.

I have an apartment! The teeny tiny apartment mentioned before? Is now mine! Sofabed and all! So Bangkok F2F is a go go, ladies and gentlemen - get your arses over here as and when.

Today was hectic like a hectic thing from the planet of the hectic people, but insh'allah I am now more or less ready for Monday, and my classroom looks more or less like a classroom. More or less. I'm still daunted by the whole Key Stage One thing (I'm more used to the big kids, rather than the ickle wee kids, and I'm realising how many things I don't really know anything about, which is a bit scary), but hopefully it will all work out. Hopefully. And if not, at least it's easy to obtain alcohol in this country, so I can drown my sorrows. Or the kids. Or myself. Or something.

I have just been out and purchased a 'Good Behaviour Bear'. Except it isn't a bear, it's a floppy wee white dog VERY reminiscent of Tin Tin's white dog. It's unspeakably cute. It will be going home each night with whichever kid we think has been best behaved/otherwise singled themselves out as exceptionally deserving that day. I'm a trifle concerned because it's VERY white, which is really asking for trouble, but hopefully it's washable. And if not...well, I know where I bought it. Um.

wonders whether she should go back and buy a back up dog NOW, while they're still there...

Hmm.

He really was apallingly cute. I'm almost tempted to buy one for myself. Daniel could beat it up. He's going to be terribly bored in the tiny teeny apartment on the 14th floor, poor wee thing - a toy to torment might be a really good idea. Hmm. Mind you, I have to go and buy rag rugs or something similarly cheap and sturdy with which to shroud the leather sofa before I introduce the cat to the flat.

I really don't want to have to buy a new leather sofa. Not at all. No siree bob.

Today I heard some of the music composed by His Majesty The King of Thailand. It's fabulous! Thai Big Band music - fanfuckingtastic. The King rocks. Queen Elizabeth doesn't compose Big Band Tunes, or have jamming sessions with Benny Goodman. Pah! Go Team King! He gets my vote! If only I weren't so averse to the colour yellow I'd totally be wearing it in his honour (as most of Thailand seems to be doing. Especially on Mondays. There are special yellow aertex polo shirt thingies with the royal crest on the breast that everybody is sporting. Because everybody loves the king. It's nice. In a vastly unfamiliar way).

Fay, you're already in danger of starring in some imaginary Anna Leon Owensesque rpf in my head, simply by virtue of being in Thailand. Please. The king stuff is pushing me over the edge.

Thailand sounds terrific! And really, who wouldn't love a king what jams with Benny Goodman? I'm glad you're settling in well, Fay.

There are special yellow aertex polo shirt thingies with the royal crest on the breast that everybody is sporting. Because everybody loves the king.

Hah! King Superstar the First!

I'm glad Thailand is treating you right so far. It sounds like a fascinating place. Plus booze!

How fun! See, I'm now imagining a scenario in which Clinton gets named Ambassador to Thailand and he and the King can jam. Of course, it sounds like the king is a tad more proficient than the Big Dog.

Fay, you're already in danger of starring in some imaginary Anna Leon Owensesque rpf in my head, simply by virtue of being in Thailand. Please. The king stuff is pushing me over the edge.

Will it exascerbate matters terribly if I admit to wearing great big long full skirts and broad-brimmed straw hats and singing or humming as a matter of course?

Will it exascerbate matters terribly if I admit to wearing great big long full skirts and broad-brimmed straw hats and singing or humming as a matter of course?

::whistles "Getting to Know You..."::

Bangkok sounds like it's treating you very well so far, Fay! And yay for the Good Behavior Bear! Great idea.