Test Drive

After far too many hours hovering over my computer, painstakingly pouring over pictures I'm proud to present my first ever slideshow. Do not expect miracles - heck, I still haven't figured out how to download music - but I'm pretty excited about my effort. It took me four attempts to get the file size reduced enough to post on this site. I'll be sure to remember all you little people when I'm rich, famous and living in Hollywood!

Guess who was called to jury duty???? Craig!! It might be a little tough - and expensive - for him to fly home so my mom will strong-arm the government on his behalf!!!

Speaking of the government...I dropped off my primary ballot at the post office today. Because it is government business the Polish post office was to affix the applicable postage at no cost to me. The unfortunate part ??? The instructions contained in the voter packet featured a variety of languages, except Polish. Thankfully, there was German, English and Russian instructions so between at least three postal clerks they were able to figure it out without international incident.

I also ventured to the bank today to apply for a credit card. You have to live in the country a minimum of three months - they must fear we are a flight flight risk - before you can apply. Found out today you also have to be employed in Poland. Guess that leaves me high and dry. I'm going to have to haul Craig down during business hours (no weekends), along with proof of employment and his passport so we can get a credit card. It wouldn't be a problem if our US-issued VISA card wasn't such a rip-off when making international purchases. In our past month of travel we ran into a few places that did not accept our Polish debit card so we had no choice but to use the US VISA. I could put all of my unborn grandchildren to college on what they charge in service fees. The time has come, I guess!!

I briefly toyed with the idea of seeing the Madonna concert in Berlin tomorrow night with some friends from the international group. The cost was 270 euros (about $335 US dollars) plus the cost of gas and boarding Oliver. It was very tempting but didn't think Madonna was worth the pricetag. I may kick myself later but will console myself by having dinner with my friends Gareth and Basia.

Craig returns from very hot, very humid Taipei Sunday night. It sounds like things are going so well in the plant that they may have extra time for sightseeing. Maybe now he will have extra time to find me the perfect present!!!