Jessica, Sean is right. Trust me, you won't even remember it's fantasy by the time you read a few pages. It reads more like historical fiction or political intrigue in many ways, and boy is it brutal. I love that series, too.

I concur. It's like the Medicis meet the Borgias meet The West Wing or something.

...

...aaand the paperwork for me to get a new visa has just arrived by TNT courier.

As there was no letter with it indicating what I was supposed to do with same, I've just phoned Admin guy. He told me to look at the Royal Thai Embassy website and do what it says there.

I have done.

Apparently this is going to cost me £200.

...

Really not feeling the love right now. And, seriously - I don't think that this mess was my fault, despite my reflex 'clearly I am an idiot' response.

Thus far, absolutely no indication that the school plans to reimburse me, or that he considers this to be in any way his responsibility.

Two. Hundred. Fucking. Pounds.

Oh ugh, Fay. That fucking sucks. And I don't think it was your fault at all.

Speaking of ugh

They were very popular, and someone told we they were a LOT like Turkish Delight. So now I have some idea of what Turkish Delight is like, so does anybody on this list who has ever eaten "Applets & Cutlets". (Kind of a soft candy made from sweeteners, fruit, and walnuts.The walnuts are in small enough quantities for the candy to stay a soft candy.)

Yeah, I'd say those things are the same general family of candy.

But wait, we're missing something. What's a Turkish Delight conversation without Plei around to sing the praises of that horrid Big Turk? [link]

Suzi - Do you have enough resume resources? If not, send my way. profile addy is good. Yesterday sucked, otherwise I would have posted back - but I was afraid I'd be returning it to you with a long screed about how working for other people is the Devil's Own Playground. I'm better now (thanks again shrift & MM).

Yes, Sox - I need help. I will send soon. Must ungronk first. Tea. Tea would be good.

Em is 3, as you all well know. And she is going to be getting so much stuff from her grandparents and uncles and aunt.

Yet, I feel this need to go a bit overboard with her, even though a) should not go overboard while she's happy with what she gets as opposed to the later years when things get exponentially more expensive and b) save some money. Yet, I feel like if she gets a sled, a Cinderalla doll, Dora skates, a couple of books and Annie (1982 - Albert Finney and Carol Burnett), she'll be getting not a whole lot! I R SILLY.

Yet, I feel like if she gets a sled, a Cinderalla doll, Dora skates, and Annie (1982 - Albert Finney and Carol Burnett), she'll be getting not a whole lot!

If anyone wanted to get me all of those things for Christmas I'd be pretty delighted. No, really. Skates! Annie!

ETA - Just got a phonecall from DH to say that it's snowing in Boston and he wishes that I was there because no one else is excited about it. Which is nice, except for that I'M NOT THERE.

So happy that your gf was unlaid off, gc.

She LOVES Annie right now. Decorating the hall on Friday, she sang "Tomorrow" for five hours. I may have a wee Sara Jessica Parker or Aileen Quinn on my hands.

Yay for GC's GF getting her job back!

It sure is snowing here, and I'm sure not excited about it. But I ALSO wish that you were here, Jars!

All this Narnia yakkity reminded me: I finally saw the movie of TLTWATW. And I gotta say...didn't suck.

I haven't read the books in about 400,000 years so parts of it would flash back. "Oh, YEAH, Mr. Tumnus! Oh, YEAH, the lamppost! Oh, YEAH, they fucking kill Aslan!"

Wanna go back and re-read, despite Christian parallel universe. Just to see if I still like them.