pressure

What a week!

My hot water system suddenly stopped working, so I called the real estate who said they'd get ahold of the landlord who would contact me. No contact came. I called the real estate this morning, and guess what? They'd forgotten all about the urgent repair request after they couldn't reach the landlord after one attempt.

Thankfully I have a generous neighbour who allowed me the use of their shower.

Anyway, the landlord is awesome, and the thermostat is replaced, and he's coming to fix the pressure release valve in the morning.

And then tomorrow afternoon is my business law exam. I'm thinking there is more pressure with this exam, seeing as it's open book. If I fail, I really must be a dumbass.

You know, no pressure or anything.

blockhead

Writer's block is my nemesis, and his name is Bill.

I need to figure out a way to overcome him and quash his evil influence over my creative muse, Robin. Poor Robin hasn't had the chance to flex her creative muscle in such a very long time.

Seriously though, I'm behind schedule. I needed another six or seven solid poems added to the book by now and it just hasn't happened. I don't even have a single one completed since July! At this rate I'll have a cover commissioned and finished before I have the book done.

So please, share with me your tips for kicking Bill's pudgy derrière out so Robin can spread her wings again... or at least give me some topics to work with. I'll even credit you!

no chocolate today, it's chocolate sauce

I'm melting. And no, I'm not green, wear a pointy hat or cackle.

I can't believe how hot it's been for early and mid November, it feels like it should be the middle of summer already. Those lucky ducks with air conditioning probably don't feel it quite as bad till they leave the house. My flat is like an oven, and I'm a roast chook.

The weather experts are saying yesterday was the hottest November 19 on record. I may not believe all the climate change hype, but don't anyone dare tell me Australia isn't getting hotter, I don't remember 40 degree celcius weather in mid November before and the high temperature is likely to make my temper flare. It's weird though, this time last year I was rugged up in a hoodie, jeans and boots, today I am wearing the skimpiest of dresses (I am only at home for the rest of the day) and am barefoot.

Oh, and my exam room didn't have air conditioning this morning.

Ouch.

Obamarama

Why is there such an uproar that the US president bowed to the Japanese emperor? It seems to me that some people honestly believe that due to globalisation there are no cultural differences anymore.

I'm sorry, but there will always be differences among cultures. Had Obama not bowed, you can be sure he'd be in just as much trouble... just not from Americans. When in another country, of course it would be best to adhere to local customs regarding greetings and signs of respect, especially on a diplomatic visit.

Dick Cheney is saying that the American president should not bow to anyone. Why not? Is he not allowed to be respectful and show cultural awareness? If a leader such as Obama doesn't show this kind of respect for the rest of the world, I hate to imagine what kind of world we would be living in.

I don't really have a political opinion on Obama one way or the other, but I do find it refreshing to see a world leader who actually seems aware that civilisation exists outside his own borders. Some people (I'm looking at you Cheney) need to pull their head out of their own backsides and take a good look at the world around them.