ii

But of course... A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews is a story about a girl who grows up in a religious community in rural Canada. It's such a beautiful powerful book! I wrote about it on my blog thread, on page 3, if I remember correctly. I'd link you but...

Oh, you'll have time to do it. For me it's almost mandatory, as no one lives near me!

Your class sounds interesting. I've never read anything regarding mental illness apart from Bell Jar, so I can't really say anything about it. I just wonder, isn't it awfully depressing? I've been meaning to read the book about John Nash, more because of his works than his illness. Maybe I'll do that with the underground reading circle I'm thinking of, what with all my favourites always losing in the votes!

I read all sorts, within certain limits. I'm not overly fond of detective stories. I don't read horror, absolutely not, or anything to do with vampires. I loved Waiting by Ha Jin, as well as L'

Hi!

Do you still need a project? Other than handbag hunting?

*kisses*

Oh, you'll be glad you did! Toew's other one, A Boy of Good Breeding, was brilliant too.

Hi!

How are you?

And what are you still doing online?? Shouldn't you be in bed by now...

*kisses*

Awww, that's difficult. Especially since you haven't actually tried out HK yet, so...

I'll PM you.

I was like frantically doing math in my head, thinking, "okay, I'm, what, 6 hours ahead of France? and that's way ahead of India..." *laughs* It's sweet that you're so proud of Raja. (which, btw, means 'border' in Finnish, did you know that?)

Thank you! It's still just a draft on an idea, something a friend and I have been playing with, but we'll see... I have quite a few ideas and plans going on right now... But you never know!

I know! And I like having my options open. Thank you! *hugs*

*laughs* erm... I have a feeling you won't be winning that argument! *laughs* Well, it could be worse! A good friend of mine, Finnish, is called Juha. And I mentioned him to another friend of mine, who happens to be from Slovenia, in an email. In her reply she goes "did you know there's a word 'juha' in Slovene? It means 'soup'." So naturally I called my friend Soup from thereon. To my defence, Juha is a very common name in Finland, and I have several friends with that name, so making the distinction was actually important.

It was great. DD doesn't approve of BF. Or well, he thinks he's a "fine young man" (his words), only not appropriate for me to be with. Sometimes I worry I'll end up marrying BF just out of spite. *laughs*

Oh, yeah, that would work too. *grin*

Erm, I know. We always flied over to the Estate for Thanksgiving, even though we sometimes did all other holidays elsewhere. But Thanksgiving was always in the States. Always. Even from SA. And somewhere along there I just got used to wishing Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Partly because I think things like that have lost their original meaning somewhat, king of like "how are you?" or "you look great". No one thinks you really want to know about their breaking marriage and health issues and problems with parents when you ask "how are you?", just like saying "merry Christmas" has become more a politeness thing than actual wish of merry Christmas.

I need food. I always ramble when hungry. I think I saw some Pop-Tarts in the cupboard...

*laughs* I'm not hiding, I was just really busy organising the party.

Happy New Year!

Hi!

I was just thinking the same thing! This IS tricky! *laughs* Plus I just watched a program about cops in Finland, so I'm in very different 'tune', you know? But I just though

Well, I am! Not anymore so much, thank you. I got a few projects to work on. I don't know, maybe I'm missing something, or the previous girl was really slow, 'cause they actually expect me to take more time to complete some stuff. But yeah, while I was bored, it wasn't like "working's boring" but "I have nothing to do 'cause I'm too amazing". *laughs* We'll see, maybe I'll start updating my blog more! *cracks up*

Awww, poor Raja!! Do give him a hug from me, that's no fun... You play golf?? Glad to hear it was a good trip, though. (Well, obviously excluding Raja's little mishap.)

Weekend was good. I spent most of it moving, so... And my boys are gone again. BF and Perfect Morning-After Voice and even Ski Guy are back being athletes and no one's left to keep me entertained... *pouts*

Oh, hello! How are you?

Good afternoon, Mac!

Oh, that's not good about your back. Is it any better by now?

My Sunday was good. I'm still moving my things to my grandmother's, temporarily, and looking for a place for myself. I haven't yet found a place I liked...

Take care!

ii

Yeah, it's all good. No, seriously, like I said, it's a really good book.

Yes. According to DD, I need security. So I have a security escort. It's temporary, I'll give DD a few more days before I put my foot down.

Happy Birthday! I'm sorry it's late. Did you have a nice cake? *laughs* And what did you get for presents?

*kisses*

It's a long story, and one I'd rather not share in public. I'll email you.

Thank you, all.

Happy Birthday, Dahlin! *big hug*

I'll be sending you a birthday email later today...

*kisses*

Hi!

I meant to drop by earlier, what with all the action and mess in my life lately... Anyways, how was your trip?? Did you enjoy Yll

Oh, wow! Sounds amazing! And I'm impressed by Robbie, he's such a sweetheart.

Hi!

*laughs* Yes, it seems I'm lost... add H and champagne (and championship cake!!) to that list, and that's pretty much my life right now. It's been amazing!

How are you? *hugs*

*laughs* So between BCF, Facebook and Twitter you're keeping pretty busy... *cracks up*

I should study, but I have absolutely no interest in the topic. I'm "being productive" by checking email and stuff like that all the time instead. *hangs head in shame*

Tell me about it. And as DD's used to getting things his way, it's sometimes difficult to convince him that my way isn't all bad... I know! It's like "hello! You were doing the very same thing when you were young, remember??"

Yes, it does. We lived there for a year when I was little. Correction: when I was young. I'm still little.

Oh, thank you, it did. I don't know, really. I flew out with BF and caught his game, but then he had to fly home with the team and for some reason they didn't let me in the plane. *rolls eyes and laughs* So I thought I'd go see Perfect Morning-After Voice, but as he was having some friends over for a visit I opted to fly over to Lake Louise and get some skiing (read: hanging out with Ski Guy and watching the guys race while sipping a hot drink in a cute sweaterdress and sexy boots)... I'm pretty much making my plans as I go here...

How have you been? I hope it was nothing serious with your mom! It must have been really scary. Are you okay?

hugs,

ii

Hi!

No, I haven't, sorry. I've been away, then somewhere else away, then I got back only to take off again. I don't know why people say summer is for rest and relaxation, I have a social calendar busier than ever! But I'm enjoying myself, so I'm good, thank you.

And you? How are you?