midterm break

Tomorrow, at 8 am, S. is leaving for three full days at ski. In one week's time, K. will do the same thing. This brings me invaluable peace and tranquility, and also makes me think about the rabi and the goat. Does anyone know it?

A poor Jew is going to see the rabi: Rabi, rabi, I can't do it anymore. I live with my wife, my five children and my mother-in-law in one room.

Ahem, the rabi answers. I see. You have to take the goat inside also.

But, rabi..

Take the goat inside and come see me in one week.

So the poor Jew takes the goat inside and, a week later, comes to see the rabi.

Oy, rabi, what did you tell me to do!!! I cannot live like this anymore, not even a day.

And the rabi answers: Now take the goat out and come see me tomorrow.

And so he does. The next day he comes to the rabi.

So?

Oh, rabi, it's so nice at my place now... We all have plenty of room!

No, my boys are not goats.

far and away

It's been three days since it's snowing. But apparently our camera has been stolen.

Every night I drive the Nanny to the tramway, and I always take I. with me for the short drive.

Tonight, after bringing the little one inside, I have returned outside to lift the swipes, so they don't freeze on the screen until tomorrow morning. I have also needed to check the mailbox; I'm waiting the gas bill.

It was there. Damp, and in the dark I didn't understand what it was. And then I did.

limited time offer

I'm humming some spring tune ever since!

Mean

Today, tomorrow and Friday I'm examining. And today I had to say "fail" twice. The failed people are pretty young, with big responsibilities, and they failed in no mistaking way.

I feel drained.

What does anyone do when assessing their coworkers' proficiency?

Now, to where?

I've been to Miami in November. The last time before that was April 2004.

I may be me becoming wiser (which I doubt) or it could be true. America is no longer what it was.

The very first time in US I stayed for seven weeks; when leaving, at the check-in queue, something crossed my mind. "What if I cuff myself to this pillar? The only real thing to lose would be my job, and I could still use my profession stateside." But I didn't, and one month later day for day I met the guy who changed everything.

This last time it was all different. I admired more, but wanted less (I still had 150 pounds of luggage, hello, new fare at Air France!). I didn't need anymore everything in Marshall"s, but went to visit around: the Everglades and Key West, Naples and mikosukee village, music in Bayside and the Lighthouse in Key Biscayne. And in the end, for myself, I did as the say goes. I've been to Miami and all I've got is this lousy....BRAN NEW BITTEN APPLE!!!!! And I'm happier than ever in Miami!!!!!

I'll take it down soon. Doesn't matter, anyway, and I seem incapable to pour it here, or anywhere.