Bitchy pills and taxes

My dear mum sent me some photos last week of my kitty and the snow back home. In the background of one of the photos, I could see the corner of a newspaper article peeking out, with "PMS?" in the title. I wondered when that would make its way to me;) Guess what I got along with my tax documents today. Just teasing mom! It is interesting. I had a glass of milk last night though, and I'm not sure it helped. Reminds me of the Everybody Loves Raymond episode where he brings Deborah some pills to assist her with her pms. Man, I tell ya...I would pay good money for some bitchy pills myself.

Now, the other little clipping..."Mom dead 21 years now buried, with son". Yikes...that brings new meaning to the term mama's boy don't it? Keeping a dead relative in a glass case in the living room...

So, it is tax time again. I have fingers crossed I'll be getting some money back this year. Now on to figure out how to do them correctly, what with my uni fees, etc. Ugh, I'm tired. How about rejuvenation pills as well? Maybe I should just be a man in my next life.

Instructions for Life

I've been sent this twice in the last few months, both at times when it was timely and appropriate, so I thought I'd share.

Instructions for Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s:
-respect for self,
-respect for others and,
-responsibility for all your actions.
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day.
9. Open arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and look back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It’s a great way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

What you didn't know about flying

I'm just reading an article for my HR Management module on safety issues in the airline industry, and how the profit at any cost mentality affects workers' health. Did you know that Boeing's recommendation for cabin air ventilation standards is 1/3 of the standard for prisoners in US penal institutions? That's a bit frightening and certainly something that will come to mind the next time I fly. No wonder we often come off flights a bit stuffy headed and/or with a headache. I know one thing for sure; I'll never work for an airline. Then again, I would unfortunately assume that the majority of industries take a "hard" approach to HR Management policies. Just goes to prove that it's well worth having a job you like and in which you are treated with respect over making loads of money;)

Crap, I'm turning English;)

Someone on the train stepped on my foot and I apologized to him...

Imbolc, Candlemas and Groundhog's Day

It is quite interesting to see how ancient Pagan holidays/seasonal celebrations have formed the basis for many Christian and secular holidays today. February 1st is Imbolc, a Pagan celebration of signs of life in the dead of winter which herald spring's coming.

http://www.celticspirit.org/imbolc.htm

From the above link, to celebrate. The first and last seem quite practical to me!

• This is traditionally a time of purification — clean your house! If you have any Christmas greenery lingering, burn it now.
• Make your own Brighid’s crosses and hang them up, especially in the kitchen where her influence can bless your food.
• Put out food — cake, buttered bread and milk will do — outside your door: Brighid and her cow walk through the neighborhood tonight, and will appreciate your offering.
• Leave a silk ribbon on your doorstep for Brighid to bless: It can then be used for healing purposes.
• Meditate upon what you would like to see grow in health and strength this year: for yourself, your family, your community, the Earth, and ask for Bride's blessing upon your prayers.

Ack!

I read this over quite a few times. It is part of the description for an assignment for one of my modules this semester.

This needs to be a clear, concise, to the point document of a maximum of 1,000 words that should fill with confidence your research methods tutors that you have acquired the skills to plan and conduct primary research independently.

Also, it was reiterated to us again, strongly, not to plagiarise and to use proper referencing in our work. For fuck's sake, if these things need to be told to the students at the beginning of the second semester....

Bratwurst!

I found Bratwurst at the Morrison's near uni. Was about $3 for a package of four, fresh not frozen...imported from Germany. Tonight, I'm going to cook brats in beer and onions. Quite excited:) For anyone who would like to know how to make this, it's very easy. Saute the onions in butter until clear, then add brats and brown, next add a bottle of beer (dark is better) and simmer for about 20-30 minutes. You can then take out the brats and onions, put it in a warm oven while further reducing the beer for a sauce. Either serve in buns/baps or plain. Good with dijon or hot dog mustard.

Went to a classmate's flat last night for dinner. One of our other classmates cooked for us....pasta with a white sauce and smoked salmon. First, he cooked the salmon in a pan wth creme fresh (similar to sour cream) and grated parmesan. This was added to the cooked pasta. Simple and yum.

Daylight

Wow, just realized that it's 4pm and still sunny out. I know it's been a month since the solstice, but it seems as though it was dark by this time just the other day. I will be paying close attention to when the sun sets tonight.

Fire alarms and greetings

Oy vey, I was woken up at 8am by a fire alarm today. This being one of my days to sleep in as well, as I have no classes, grrrrrrr. And...since many of my housemates did not bother going out, we will have to do it all over again. Guess who will not be making the effort next time? What did I learn from this: how to get out the front door, which I have been doing daily for the last three months. So glad someone showed me how to do it properly. Isn't it the legal obligation in this country as well that every building over a certain size have two exits/entrances? If one of these dorms caught fire, I fear the casualties would be very high, considering that and the fact that our windows only open a couple of inches (guess they suicide proofed them not too long ago).

Interesting how every English speaking country/region seems to sign letters slightly different. Americans of course sign off with Sincerely, English with Regards, Australians with Best Regards and Irish with Kind Regards. I'm favourable to the Irish sign off myself.

modified to add: My god have I had another gorgeous breakfast. Made a 3 egg omelette with feta cheese and spinach, and toast with butter and marmalade. There was a tragedy though...I used up all the milk last night and could not make any tea:(

Things I miss

• A big, comfy bed with soft, expensive sheets
• Pete
• Quiet
• Baths
• TV (sometimes)
• Financial Independence
• My own kitchen with my own kitchen things