Good God | Posted August 13, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Simone threw up under the coffee table today and I found a rusty nail in it while I was cleaning it up. I swear, I can do only do so much for that cat. I cat-proof to the best of my abilities, but sometimes I feel like she's on a suicide mission with the string and nails.Fast Trip | Posted August 11, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I just realized that it will be Ramadan during my whole trip in the Middle East (Ramadan is Sep. 1 - Sep. 30 this year). In a way this is interesting, but in another more self-centered way, I think it is going to present some major logistical challenges. Most restaurants are closed during the day during Ramadan in all of the countries I will be visiting. I may be able to find some places catering to international folks, but I will probably end up paying more to eat during the day than I had anticipated.Also, I think I'll have to be a lot more careful about how I dress and where I go, particularly in Syria. I'll have to do some extra research on how not to offend before I go.
The Desk Hunt Continues… | Posted August 5, 2008 at 6:18 pm
I'm thinking about this one...
And it's from Walmart of all places. $237.00
Things I want for my new apartment (in an ideal world) | Posted August 4, 2008 at 8:48 am
Table Lamp Desk Office Chair More BeddingLife Update | Posted August 2, 2008 at 6:52 pm
The great apartment search 2008 is done. We move in either August 31 or September 1. The end of Aug/beginning of Sep will be insane with packing, moving, unpacking, etc., but then I'm off to Syria for a vacation.Things left to accomplish before the moving insanity at the end of August:
1. Finish remaining term papers
2. Finish 3rd sequence of intensive Arabic
3. Deliver kitten to Seattle
4. Begin studying for Comps
5. Finish planning logistics of ME research trip (including obtaining Syrian visa)
God, it sounds like so much when I actually write it out...Somehow I always manage to avoid relaxing and plan my trips back to back to back to back...
If All Goes Well, New Apartment in Rogers Park | Posted July 31, 2008 at 11:06 pm
(Click to see more photos)
Visa Affairs | Posted July 29, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I am completely amazed at how easy my ME travel plans are coming together. I guess bypassing Israel really has its advantages. To get a second passport, I just have to send in my old passport with new pictures, $75, a completed form, and a letter explaining why I need a new one before the old one expires.As far as visas, I fly into Beirut, Lebanon where I can get one on arrival for $16. Syria requires a visa in advance, but since Jordan and Egypt both allow US citizens to get visas on arrival, I have enough time (5 weeks) to get my second passport and send it to the Syria Embassy for the visa prior to departure. I have to take care of all this stuff tomorrow to make sure I get my passport back in time, but I can handle that.
Originally I had talked about cutting through the West Bank to get from Jordan to Egypt, but I think I'm going to go to Petra and then down to Aqaba (major resort area) and cut to Egypt from there instead. It's just simpler, and I think I'll be happy doing research in areas with sea salt spas.
From the letter my dad sent me for my birthday | Posted July 24, 2008 at 1:08 pm
I am attempting to completely eliminate all swear words from my vocabulary. So far it has only been a couple of days, but I will keep you apprised of my progress.Love, Ricci
