Delayed Coffee

So this past week has been kinda hellish so thanks for re-scheduling coffee with me.

I had a bad work experience last week and it kinda threw me for a loop as these things do. The week has slowly gotten better and with the weather turning absolutely gorgeous today I'm feeling more positive again. I'm hoping to make up for my silence with some more posts this weekend since G Unit and I both have three whole days off because of Easter. I like this holiday. It should be celebrated with a day off back in the States too. Stupid separation between church and state. Wait why is Christmas a holiday then? I don't get it.

There's not much to catch you up on in regards to my week besides the crappy work part, which really dominated my whole outlook unfortunately. I did manage to raise my head from my book while nesting in bed to go to brunch with G Unit. As many of you know we love weekend brunch. It was my favorite thing when we lived in Berkeley to head to La Note or Rick and Ann's. Prague is a little behind on the whole brunch experience. We've tried Cafe Savoy which G Unit finds a bit too high class in the clientele, so when he heard about a new french cafe across the river from us we decided to try. And I'm glad we did. I still like Cafe Savoy but Cafe Amadine is closer, less crowded and a more relaxed atmosphere. Oh and the coffee is great. I meant to take a picture of my latte for this post, you know for vitual coffee, but of course I forgot to bring the camera. But here is a picture of their display case instead. Mmmmm pastries.

While Cafe Amadine cannot live up to my memories of potato pancakes at Rick and Ann's or creme fresh pancakes and raspberry jam at La Note it does have pan perdu, croissants, tartines, croque monsieur and pan au chocolat and various tartes I have not yet dared to try. It will do just fine thank you. Plus they are not afraid to be bold and I love their green and pink signs. So anyone want to come by some Sunday for brunch? I hate that you are all so far away. It's the one of the really sucky things of living in Europe.

But what is going on with all of you? How is the weather in your neck of the woods? Are you doing anything fun this weekend. We only just found out that G Unit actually does have Monday off so I think we're going to try to do a day trip somewhere. It's a little last minute so we'll see.

I have to finish my coffee now. G Unit's co-workers are due here for dinner any minute. He is of course cooking up a storm. Risotto, chicken and I made no-bake mini vanilla cheesecakes. I hope they work out. I'll let you know and maybe take a picture or two. If I can sneak one in without anyone thinking I'm weird. 

Virtual Caffine

If we were really meeting for coffee today I would be on my 5th or so cup. It's only Tuesday and I'm ready for the week to be over. I'm not sure what's going on. G Unit and I had a restful weekend that included naps, reading and the zoo but somehow I woke up Monday with bags under my eyes wishing I could stay in bed. Today was not much better

Unfortunately this means that our coffee chat today has to be a little brief as it's already getting late here in Prague and I'm in desperate need of some zzzs.

So today I'll leave you with some photos from our annual zoo trip. I can call it annual since it's the 2nd year in a row right? There's also a video or two that you might enjoy of the animals.

Happy Tuesday everyone! Fingers crossed that tomorrow is a bright eyed Wednesday for me.

Random photo op on our way to see the elephants 

Baby Gorilla!

so cute! so playful!

This is what Willoughby looks like. Are all cats the same?

Bench with a view - Photo op!

View towards the river

G Unit refusing to pose with Polar bears because
of the glare 

Polar Bears playing (note minimal glare)

Orangutangs - He's so soulful - Can I mention to get here
you have to go through a "twilight area" and there are bats
FYLING FREELY. Freaking crazy. I ran through, hunched
over. I kid you not.

And now the videos. I give you Elephants:

And some sort of wild cat kittens. I wanted to take one home!

Find more interesting conversation over at Amy's

Virtual Coffee

Happy Tuesday everybody! I feel like I should talk like a muppet when I say that as that is what it sounds like in my head.

First if we were really meeting for coffee I would take a minute to mention that it's my mother-in-law Leslie's birthday. I don't know how I got so lucky have her in for a mother-in-law, but I'm glad I did. I'm just sorry that G Unit and I are not closer so that we could celebrate her birthday with her, but I hope our phone call let her know how much she means to us even if it is only a lame message on the machine. Good thing she's coming to see us soon so that we can spoil her rotten in person. Happy Birthday Leslie!

So, how was everyone's weekend? Mine was fab-uuuu-lous. The weather has finally turned warm here in Prague and G Unit and I took full advantage. As you may know hubby ran the Prague 1/2 Marathon which was lots of fun for me. Sunday we decided to head to the park and have a picnic.

G Unit remarked as we were enjoying the sunshine that he would never have wanted to do this back in California. He said that he would have found it boring, but after 6 months of cold weather and the indoors any excuse to get outside is now jumped on.

It reminds me of a wise man (I'm looking at you Bob Larson) once telling me that as you get older you notice/pay more attention to the seasons. I didn't really believe Bob when he said that to me way back when as I had just graduated college and was working in a University environment. I didn't think I would ever not know when it was mid term time or Christmas break. And I don't know if I would notice it as much if I was still in California, but when there is a true distinction between the seasons, boy do you notice it. Walking around without a coat is like a miracle. I heart Prague in the Spring.

If we were really meeting for coffee I would completely change subjects and gush about my uncle Jerome (pronounced Jerem with a Belfast accent) who has written a play called LoveJig, a love story about two Irish dancers. He started writing the play when my cousin (his daughter) went on tour with an Irish dancing show. After getting back she and her friends said he should write a story for an Irish dancing show as the story-line on their gig was not so great. He started writing and LoveJig is the result. It's turning into a bit of a family affair. My cousin and her friends (I believe) are to provide the dancing for the play, another cousin is helping with the promoting and my aunt auditioned and is to be one of the leads. It's all very exciting. I just wish I could make it to see the damn thing. sigh. I'm afraid the timing won't work out though. It's right before G Unit and I leave for our vacation in Italy. I've told Jerome he has to tape one of the performances for my viewing pleasure or take it on tour to Europe. I'm fine either way. Fingers crossed. But if anyone else reading this is in the Toronto area June 24 - 26 you should totally check it out.

And apparently this week I'm obsessed with all things Irish, as I'm dying to tell you about a new documentary about Irish Dancing. It's called Jig.



For anyone who ever wondered or was curious about what I was talking about when I mentioned an Irish Dancing Feis and the crazy world of Irish dancing competition you would probably be interested. I sometimes wish that I was as great an Irish dancer as these kids or my cousins are, but I really do not have the drive for it. Sometimes it bothers me that I don't have the drive not only regarding Irish dancing but studying/school and any other hobbies I start. But maybe it's not drive but plain lack of competitiveness. Or passion. It can be a little upsetting when I think about it. But don't worry; this feeling usually passes, probably more quickly than it should and I shrug my shoulders and get on with my world happy with who I am and what I have done.

And that's it for me today. What's new with all of you? I'd love to hear what's going on in your neck of the woods.

Join Virtual Coffee with Amy at Lucky Number 13

Virtual Coffee

Family shout out

If we were really meeting for coffee today I'd invite you over as we just had the apartment cleaned today and it always looks so fresh after someone else has spruced it up. I am happily so spoiled.

So a week has passed and G Unit is still working. I think he's happy in the new job. It seems as if there is a lot to learn and I feel that can't be a bad thing in terms of experience. It may not be his end goal in terms of an employer or type of work but I don't think any experience is ever wasted.

I've been getting back into cooking with G Unit back at work. We're learning to share the kitchen. Or maybe it's taking turns. He's been used to doing things his way and he has become an amazing cook in the last two years, but previously before this whole grand adventure I was used to cooking my way with him asking my opinion when he cooked. Now we both have our own opinion. So far no one has died.

Work wise, this past week has been interesting for me. There is going to be some changes in the management above me. So there is a new boss on the horizon. Hopefully this will be a positive change, but change is always a little scary and uncertain.

For me personally there is a new work challenge. This is not definite yet, but I've been asked to help set up the reservation systems for a new sister property opening this summer.

Hells to the yes. I wanted to do a trip to the city of lights next month. Looks like work is going to pay for me to go for two weeks. fingers crossed. And it will be work but I'm hoping G Unit can join me for at least one weekend and the rest of the time I'll spend going to museums and pastry shops. Bye-bye weight watchers. Anyone want to hop on a plane and come see me?

Before anyone jumps to conclusions, I am not moving. I know with Prague I went off for a few weeks and then stayed indefinitely, but they already have someone in my position at the new hotel. I'm just going to help. And gorge myself on pain au chocolat. Hopefully. I feel like I'm jinxing this by telling you all before tickets are bought.

News about this trip came when I was obsessing about my closet. I always feel so unfashionable, so blah. Yeah going to France is seriously not going to help that feeling of inadequacy. I have been saying for years want a personal shopper. I want someone to tell me what to buy and what I should be wearing with what. Ok I want a personal stylist AND a personal shopper. I've even asked my sister to send me things she thinks I should buy when she's shopping for herself. And I tried to see if I can find someone in Prague who does wardrobe consultations, like my friend Tracy. (Who I would so ask to re-haul my closet if I was back home.) I was that frustrated. Course I have this freakout at least twice a year but then when I realize how much clothing costs I back off again after buying a few things. Which I did when JCrew posted a 30% final sale. Hopefully after a few years of careful buying I might have a wardrobe I like. Nope. I still think I need help. One day. I bought these in case you were curious.

Dress of which I can use for work and play! Right?

Blazer of which I have none. Score.

If we were really meeting for coffee I would shut up now. I have a problem with babbling and I'd let you catch me up on your week while I finish the rest of my Tim Horton's coffee. Hey it's virtual coffee I can get anything I want, even if I do have to go all the way to Canada.

Finally I'd look at the clock and realize that it's getting late here in Prague and time for me to go to bed. I'm so glad to have this weekly chat and can't wait to see you all again next week!

Catch up with other Virtual Coffee posts at Amy's!

Virtual Coffee

Another week, another post. I'm feeling a little uninspired today. All week I've been thinking about what I would say today when we met for coffee but I've got nothing. Okay maybe not nothing, but nothing entertaining. Not really.

The big news is that Kept Man is a officially a Kept Man no longer. G Unit has made the move back to the daily grind. Two days strong and he's going back for thirds tomorrow. This past weekend was spent getting the house and ourselves organized as we knew that no one would be around with tons of time on their hands to clean and cook. I think we've done ok so far and feel as if we are both putting the effort in to do things around the house. Mostly me really since before I did not bother at all cause well...he was home all day. {sheepish grin}

As for the drama that is the Moroccan Embassy in case any of you were wondering, G Unit got an unofficial, "Well if you can't get it, but can prove you tried, with countries like Morocco we understand..." So it's no longer dire to get this piece of paper from Morocco. Thank the gods. Hopefully this is our last interaction with Moroccan bureaucracy. fingers crossed 

Besides that I'm back on the Weight Watchers wagon. Some of my work pants are beginning to feel uncomfortably tight. Apparently eating dumplings, schnitzel and strudel to your heart's content isn't good for your waist line. Oh and let's not forget the fried cheese. Apparently that's not calorie free either. Go figure. The Farmer's Market here in Prague officially opened the location near our apartment last weekend.

View towards our Apartment from market

There's not much in the way of vegetables yet, but we should start seeing something in the next few weeks that will help us eat a bit healthier. That and G Unit not having all day to make home made tamales or lasagna. {sob} In the meantime we're making do with grocery store veggies and trying to eat better (read eat less cheese).

Ratatouille tonight!

Farmer's Market fish from last week - Healthy except for the fact that we covered it in broken beurre blanc sauce - Fail

My new resolution didn't stop me from buying this awesome smoked cheese from Slovakia called Ostiepok at the Farmer's market

Mmmm cheese

It's so yummy when you heat it up in a pan and let it get all soft and gooey and then place it on some fresh bread....num. My idea of heaven involves non stop food (read cheese and carbohydrates) with no repercussions. 

And on that note I will leave you with a memento (laugh) from St. Patrick's Day. Green teeth. And me finishing a book...in bed. A party animal I am.

Thanks for joining me for coffee today. I hope your past week has at least been as relaxing as mine if more interesting. Head over to Amy's for more virtual coffee.

Cup o' Joe

...or maybe a cup of tea. It's about 8pm in Prague and I don't think caffeine would be the best choice at this point

If we were really meeting up for coffee, I would ask how your week was and what is new with you. I'd like to hear how your life is going before I get into what's up around here. There are a lot of changes going on in this household. As I type Kept Man is finally hanging a bar that we got from Ikea back in October for extra pot and pan storage as well as a chalkboard for the kitchen. We'll probably only doodle on the chalkboard but at least it will be something on our big white walls.

Besides cosmetic changes on our walls, Kept Man is getting a change of status. As of Monday he will no longer be a Kept Man. That's right, he's going back to the world of 9 to 5! What will I call him now? Maybe I'll go back to the old standby of G Unit.

Disregarding the fact that I have to come up with a new nickname, I'm so happy for that Kept Man has been offered this opportunity. The past two years bouncing between Morocco and Czech Republic has been a bit frustrating for him. I know the idea of having almost two years off traipsing around Europe and North Africa sounds fun but after a while I get the impression it's a bit boring. In case you're internally screaming, "What is the job Nuala!?", he'll be working for a huge company doing customer service. It's not glamours but it's steady work with interaction with others and it means we'll be able to save a lot more money while we're here in the Czech Republic. Plus he gets his own cubie. No more sitting at home twiddling his thumbs. Or making me dinner. Yep, I'm already going through withdrawals.

With all these new exciting work happenings it was inevitable that Morocco's bureaucracy would crash the party as if it wanted to give us a final parting gift. This new job wants a criminal background check from Morocco since we lived there in the past year. I think I can honestly voice the opinion that Morocco is the most frustrating and stupid bureaucracy ever.

For comparison Kept Man already got the background check for the Czech Republic. He went to the post office, presented his passport and told them what he wanted. One business day later it was available to pick up. All for the low low price of 50 CZK (approximately $2.50). In the meantime emails have been sent to the Moroccan Embassy with limited useless information given in response. Finally I called the Moroccan Embassy today to try to get some help on how we can get this stupid piece of paper that says that Kept Man has no criminal record in Morocco. I was basically told that that the Embassy could not help us and we would have to go to Morocco. I mean REALLY?! Why is it so hard to do this? Why does this become an international incident? Why is Moroccan civil service so f'd up? What is wrong with having a form to fill out a standard fee to pay and instructions on how to do it? Why is everything a huge hassle? It is unbelievable. Those of you in the States, thank your lucky stars for the DMV. It is a pantheon of order and helpfulness. Those of you in Czech Republic who think the Czech Republic is difficult, go to Morocco, then we can talk.

We're trying to go through the Moroccan Embassy in the US now. Maybe they will be more helpful. HR seems content that we are still trying to get this piece of paper and Kept Man is scheduled to start Monday even without Morocco and their "Kept Man is not a criminal" documentation. Keep your fingers crossed that it all works out.

So my week in a nutshell - Job for Kept Man (yeah!) - No more chef at home for me (boo!) - Morocco sucks! - Czech Republic is awesome! - Kept Man still starts on Monday (yeah!)

Thanks for the tea time and a sympathetic ear. I appreciate you listening to me rant and rave about things out of my control. And celebrating Kept Man's new job with me. Next week we'll learn if I can remember how to cook! I'm also hoping to get some pictures to share with you from the Farmer's Market here that is along the river and near our house. Let's hope for blue skies. And maybe I'll have a story about going to an Irish pub for St. Patty's Day. Big plans, that's my middle name. Have a great week!

Coffee Coffee Coffee

Happy Tuesday. Pull up a chair. Can I get you something? Coffee? Tea? Me? (Name that movie!)

I'm in a bit of a silly mood. Maybe it's just a good day. Or maybe it's finally deciding not to take things so seriously. Or maybe it's realizing that I am good at my job and I do know more than I realize.

Any-who. If we were really meeting for coffee today I'd tell you about the Kylie Minogue concert I attended last week. I was lucky enough to score a free ticket randomly through work. Kept Man decided he was not interested in going but I didn't want to miss out on a free show so I decided to go on my own. I'm glad I did. The ticket was the kind that I would never pay for but the view might be worth it. I was about 10 feet from Ms. Minogue at all times. It was awesome. And boy does she put on a show. *begin side note* I will mention that I have never seen so many gay men in one place in Prague before. But then again, I don't get out much. *end side note* The costumes, dancers and the sets were more than enough to keep me entertained even though I didn't know too many of her songs. I'm only familiar with her very recent hits and the 80s classic (well classic to me and my sister) "Put your hand on your heart". She did not play the 80s classic but she had enough good looking male dancers (start around minute 2:00 on this video to see what I'm talking about) to make up for it. If I had the opportunity I might go see Ms. Minogue again. It was good times.

The rest of my week was quiet although Kept Man did manage to drag me out on Saturday night. We headed to Botel Admiral (which is a two minute walk from our house) for drinks which was a complete trip. Lots of dark polished wood and furniture that looks like it was in style in 1984. I'm looking forward to trying it out again during the summer when the deck is open. During drinks at one point I thought we were having an earthquake, but no that's just what happens when you're having drinks on a boat. It moves from time to time.

Kept Man managed to keep me out late and after drinks we headed to Jazz Dock (again a 10 minute walk from home) and listened to some Jazz. It's a small venue. A little pricey on the weekends but I know they have less expensive shows/times. I was glad we went. We'd been talking about it for a year. Really a year. No exaggeration. Man we need to get out more. We are old people. Scratch that. I am an old person. Kept Man actually gets out into the world more often than me.

And then after telling you all this is would shamefully admit that apart for going out Saturday and heading to a movie and the grocery store on Sunday I didn't leave our apartment even though it was sunny and clear all weekend. After a week of working all I want to do is lay around in my pajamas and veg. I need at least 4 days off if I'm expected to do more than catch up on TV. I promise to try to get out this next weekend. Kept Man and I have already discussed going for a bike ride. And if all else fails the farmer's market starts in two weeks and that is across the river from us. I cannot claim laziness to avoid it.

And that pretty much catches you up with my week. I'd be sure to leisurely finish my coffee while I listen to what's been happening with you. And when all possible topics have been exhausted I'd get up to go as Kept Man has prepared dinner and I'm holding things up. Turkey burgers tonight.

The man, the legend: my husband

mmmm Turkey burgers

I'm so spoiled. Thanks for joining me for coffee this week. See you next week!

Coffee Time

If we were really meeting for coffee today I would be bounding over to you with a huge smile on my face because I was surprised by a package in the mail today.

I got a notice in the mail yesterday letting me know that a package waiting for me at the local post office. I decided to pick it up on my way home from work today. Side note: Can I mention that with all the packages we received off and on since Christmas time the gentleman behind the counter now recognizes me and speaks in English to me because he knows I don't speak Czech. And he does it with a smile. I don't know how the post office got such a bad wrap here in Czech Republic. I was terrified of it after hearing so many horror stories. But it's downright pleasant, especially after the scariness that is the Moroccan post office. In Morocco you either never get your packages or if you do they've been rifled through. And there is no semblance of a line at the Morocco post office (or at least when I went). And they have no concept of personal space. And there is not a woman in sight. INTIMIDATING. End side note.

So when my nice Czech Post Office worker brought over the package I noticed that the name on it was my friend's last name. My first thought was, "Kristen sent me something?" And then I noticed the address was not her address but the house she grew up in, "Why would Kristen put her parents address on the package?" And then I got closer and saw that the package declaration noted that the contents of the package were cookies. And then it clicked. The package wasn't from Kristen. It was from her mom, Eydie (and I'm betting Bob too), my Girl Scout troop leader. Girl Scout. Cookies.

Aww yeah. I walked home with a skip and a smile and wondering how I would hide a box from Kept Man to hoard all to myself. Not really. Kinda. He's a cookie monster.

And speaking of Kept Man. This past week has been more eventful for him than me. All of a sudden he's had two job opportunities pop up and 4 interviews in the last week. He just had the last one today. He seems to think he didn't do so well on one of the interviews, but I think he probably did just fine. He's very competent, intelligent, has a wonderful smile and I think gives a nice first and second impression. So we'll see. Hopefully he'll hear back from one or both opportunities in the next week or so.

He may not be a Kept Man for much longer. And while I'm very excited at the idea of him getting a job as I know that he has been very frustrated not working, I am already going into withdrawals at the thought as I have gotten very used to him being available for everything, being home when I get off of work and ahem, preparing my home cooked meals. It's back to oven pizzas if he gets on some wacky work schedule. Fingers crossed for him though even if it means I'll starve. Because obviously I've forgotten how to cook in the last year and a half.

And now I will probably stop rambling and ask how your week was? Did you do anything fun and exciting? Any new adventures? Anything planned for later this week? I myself have no plans for the rest of this week, except Irish Dancing, trying to find out if the farmer's market in town is starting this weekend and managing to post on this blog twice a week instead of once a week. Let's see if I succeed shall we. I need some inspiration. Or maybe just sunshine. Where are you spring?

And now it's time for me to put down my decaf cappuccino and head to bed. It's getting late and I have to get up early. It was nice catching up with you all. See you next week!

Virtual Coffee

If we were meeting for coffee today I would probably order a glass of wine as you can do that in most cafes in Prague and it's getting to be evening time here and I'm ready to relax. I'd also want to thank you for listening last week. I know I was a little down but I'm trudging along doing just fine.

This weekend was too short as I worked on Saturday. I had a lovely Sunday though. Kept Man and I tried Cafe Savoy for the first time. I enjoyed it a lot. English papers to read, great coffee and home made jams. It was yummy and relaxing. Kept Man thought it was a bit on the expensive side and mostly comprised of more well to do people but I would be happy to go back and spend another Sunday there. The rest of my Sunday was spent napping and reading. Bliss.

On the bright side of such a short weekend, I'm taking a day off tomorrow to compensate. I was itching to do something so I planned a date day for Kept Man and me. We're going for massages in the morning and dinner at SaSaZu in the evening. I've been craving SaSaZu for a few weeks. The service is mediocre but the food more than makes up for it. What we are going to do in between these two appointments I have no idea. Maybe shopping? I've been wanting new boots but apparently the spring collections are in the stores now and no boots are to be had. sigh. I miss internet shopping. It is so much more convienent to have things show up at your door then plow through stores.

In other news it has turned very cold here the last few days. I miss the temperate California climate and am extremely looking forward to spring. When we first moved into our apartment we were just moving into winter and I was looking forward to hibernating, but the last few weeks I've been feeling restless and I'm looking forward to warmer weather so that Kept Man and I can go on some adventures. We may fit in one ski weekend before winter is officially over. Course I don't ski, but I'll try.

If we were really meeting for coffee I would be sure to tell you about this new website I heard about from my friend Michele that uses the new Kindle Lending feature so that you can borrow books from other Kindle owners. It's called Booklending.com and it is pretty awesome. I've already loaned some of my books and am looking forward to trying to borrow someone else's book after I finish my current reading material. They only negative thing is that the publishers decide if the book is lendable or not and of course many of the books I would like to "borrow" are not available for lending. I wish the book publishers would wake up and realize they are only hurting themselves by limiting the options for e-books. It's especially a hot topic with me since I am living outside of the United States and the main way I get my books now is electronically.

And then I would stop ranting about publishers and their e-book policies and ask how your week was and what is new with you. Once we were all caught up I would finish my glass and get ready to leave. It's the end of my day and I'm looking forward to heading home and sleeping in tomorrow.

Thanks for joining me for coffee this week and I'm looking forward to seeing you next week!

Virtual Coffee

I've been inspired by Jade's 'virtual coffee' posts as a way to keep all you readers updated on what is going on without feeling like I have to come up with some interesting, inspired topic in order to impart with you what life here in Prague is like.

So....

If we were meeting for coffee today I would give you a big hug as real homesickness has set in. It's taken a while, but I think that is because it is only really since October that I have felt settled and secure. Before that it was hotel living and uncertainty with the thought that everything was about to blow up in our faces and we would be back State side any minute. Since October Kept Man and I have found a home, received our things and settled into domestic bliss. But now with normal day to day practicalities  I realize how much I miss my family and friends in California (and elsewhere). On top of that since October I have been trying to figure out a way to get my furballs to Prague from San Francisco. Coming home to the furballs is part of what makes a home for me and being settled and not having them around has hurt my heart. A Lot. But this past weekend I finally decided it was better to leave them where they are. We don't really know how long we'll stay in Prague and moving them multiple times across the world doesn't seem fair. I'm glad I finally made a decision even if it wasn't what I was hoping for.

And if we were really meeting for coffee I would change the subject because that was all way too depressing and tell you about the gift I got Kept Man for Valentine's Day. I had one of the pictures he took when he was on the coast of Morocco printed onto canvas.

It looks gorgeous blown up and I'm excited at the possibility of taking other photos from our journeys this past year and having them printed on canvas for the big white walls in our apartment. I would also mention how proud I am of having managed to get the photo printed and pick it up all by myself. I find myself very timid in Czech Republic as I feel bad for not speaking Czech and hate feeling stupid, but as someone said to me if you let that stop you, you'll never do anything.

I'm sure I'd also mention that the whole feeling uncomfortable thing and not doing things because of it is a bit of a theme for me (why I moved to a foreign country I do not know) and my hair has paid the price for it. After 5 months this non Czech speaking girl was finally able to make it to a hair dresser today to get a very badly needed trim. A good recommendation found me at a high end salon where they do speak English and charge a premium for it. But after cursing my hair the past month and contemplating just being done with it and just chopping it all off with my kitchen shears it was all worth it.

I'd also be sure to tell you how excited I am about the camping trip that Kept Man and I are planning for this summer. We originally had hoped to go to Greece but when budgets and ideals did not co-exist we rethought things and decided on camping through Italy. In the last two weeks we managed to buy a used tent, one gas burner stove, two camp chair (one broke - at least it was only $2.50), air mattress pump and extra sleeping bag.

We also just received a camping book in the mail today from Amazon and I'm looking forward to heading to bed to read about some different Italian regions - read food.

And now my caffine rush has worn off and with Prague reaching the end of its day, it's time for bed. Thanks for listening to me today and I'm looking forward to sharing coffee with you next week!