w00t w00t booyah

"We need less than we have." - Bloom card from Starbucks for this week.

Good. Because until further notice, I got nothing.

I have a couple of bills that must be paid, but until the next one - not much. I need to get milk and eggs to make the food work until then, but.

So much catching up to do, financially. I'm really looking forward to getting my new glasses, but that will be the last thing on the list of catch up at this point. Hate them so hard, but that's nothing new.

Burger King near my house? Die in a fire. Thank you.

Starbucks, I love you to pieces. Consider changing your menu more often, just saying.

Nintendo, your wifi requirements are FUCKED. Nobody runs a completely open connection anymore. Not even your vendors, okay? You don't even support your own hardware to make a suitable connection out of a secure one anymore? Yeah, that USB thing I bought. That fire over there with the Burger King in it? Jump in, please. Thanks.

Kid had a great time at Sis' house yesterday. And I had an easier time of doing the Swiss Fair with Jim along (he took the day off). Alas, but he had a huge migraine that morning that really sapped any chance of a full day of things - but half a loaf, and this was more like 3/4's of one, so no complaints.

I went to an awesome party Saturday. Best part was meeting people again - and realizing I need to do a better job of being social, but. Getting picked to be Yours Will Be The Lap I Sit In was awesome. I have a really great kid who can play Pokemon with anyone, and that works too.

Things added to the list of Stuff Kid Will Eat: scrambled eggs and chicken chicken, not just the skin or pre-fab chicken nuggets. STOKED. I can seriously put a real breakfast in this kid on weekend mornings and it shows.

Measured him Sunday AM, holy cow. 41.5" tall. Yes, I think this means he's tall enough for the rides.

Need to update his wishlist, come to think of it.

Beginning to get cocky and wondering if I need to post wish lists for my birthday in November. They are beginning to multiply like rabbits. Latest conquest was contacting Jlist about those bath fizzies with the toys in them? They found some - and I ordered some - and gee, I guess I ordered ALL of them because they're all gone. Fear not - they got the message and there is a new series type of them available that I will be ordering NEXT time. ^^

You might imagine the little toys are beginning to pile up. You'd be right. Next up: repurposing wee toys (the little Matryoshka dolls have loops on the top - methinks charm bracelets).

(I haven't seen a single instance of dry skin issues since we began using these things, and it was an issue prior, so.)

Kid did a round of 'kid-sized' cross-bow shots at the fair, and guess what - he hit the targets right on first try. No, not good. BULLSEYES. You wonder why I don't allow guns or weapons until after he reaches the age of reason. Okay, now you know. He's too good to being doing this without that level of understanding, right? Got it. Holy chrome, he's good.

He then went to Sis' and started clearing tilt puzzles (you know the ones with the balls and mazes) just one, two, three. I remember those things, and that I was nearly twice his age before I was clearing them like this. He's *just* turning five.

I remember to praise his hard work first, just barely. He is so quick, it's uncanny.

My goal this week is to clear the flat surfaces and try to formulate a plan to keep them clear. It's really beginning to piss me off. Let's see how far I get with that.

"We need less than we have." - Bloom card from Starbucks for this week.

Good. Because until further notice, I got nothing.

I have a couple of bills that must be paid, but until the next one - not much. I need to get milk and eggs to make the food work until then, but.

So much catching up to do, financially. I'm really looking forward to getting my new glasses, but that will be the last thing on the list of catch up at this point. Hate them so hard, but that's nothing new.

Burger King near my house? Die in a fire. Thank you.

Starbucks, I love you to pieces. Consider changing your menu more often, just saying.

Nintendo, your wifi requirements are FUCKED. Nobody runs a completely open connection anymore. Not even your vendors, okay? You don't even support your own hardware to make a suitable connection out of a secure one anymore? Yeah, that USB thing I bought. That fire over there with the Burger King in it? Jump in, please. Thanks.

Kid had a great time at Sis' house yesterday. And I had an easier time of doing the Swiss Fair with Jim along (he took the day off). Alas, but he had a huge migraine that morning that really sapped any chance of a full day of things - but half a loaf, and this was more like 3/4's of one, so no complaints.

I went to an awesome party Saturday. Best part was meeting people again - and realizing I need to do a better job of being social, but. Getting picked to be Yours Will Be The Lap I Sit In was awesome. I have a really great kid who can play Pokemon with anyone, and that works too.

Things added to the list of Stuff Kid Will Eat: scrambled eggs and chicken chicken, not just the skin or pre-fab chicken nuggets. STOKED. I can seriously put a real breakfast in this kid on weekend mornings and it shows.

Measured him Sunday AM, holy cow. 41.5" tall. Yes, I think this means he's tall enough for the rides.

Need to update his wishlist, come to think of it.

Beginning to get cocky and wondering if I need to post wish lists for my birthday in November. They are beginning to multiply like rabbits. Latest conquest was contacting Jlist about those bath fizzies with the toys in them? They found some - and I ordered some - and gee, I guess I ordered ALL of them because they're all gone. Fear not - they got the message and there is a new series type of them available that I will be ordering NEXT time. ^^

You might imagine the little toys are beginning to pile up. You'd be right. Next up: repurposing wee toys (the little Matryoshka dolls have loops on the top - methinks charm bracelets).

(I haven't seen a single instance of dry skin issues since we began using these things, and it was an issue prior, so.)

Kid did a round of 'kid-sized' cross-bow shots at the fair, and guess what - he hit the targets right on first try. No, not good. BULLSEYES. You wonder why I don't allow guns or weapons until after he reaches the age of reason. Okay, now you know. He's too good to being doing this without that level of understanding, right? Got it. Holy chrome, he's good.

He then went to Sis' and started clearing tilt puzzles (you know the ones with the balls and mazes) just one, two, three. I remember those things, and that I was nearly twice his age before I was clearing them like this. He's *just* turning five.

I remember to praise his hard work first, just barely. He is so quick, it's uncanny.

My goal this week is to clear the flat surfaces and try to formulate a plan to keep them clear. It's really beginning to piss me off. Let's see how far I get with that.

I've had to toss some angst behind a friends-lock this week.

Another thing I never expected to happen, did.

Cliff's family from Switzerland have visited me in my home. By *their* request, not mine.

I hadn't heard anything from them in 11 years - even the day Cliff died? Didn't see them. Didn't hear from them.

(Sort of proof-positive that I really can fathom the need for distance, without getting offended. Tuck it away somewhere.)

I sent the Christmas letter, with pictures of the family - much like I have for over a decade - but this time, something happened.

I received letters from both of Cliff's cousins, and their mother (both the girls have kids, one has three, the other two) with pictures and news. Names. Addresses. Emails addresses.

It would appear common ground has been achieved - with the kid's arrival. If you had told me this would happen last year, I'd have looked at you funny and said you were crazy.

But no - and they adore him. And he absolutely loved meeting them.

I had Mom and Dad, and my Swiss aunt and uncle over to my house for two hours yesterday. Did it go well? Gosh, I hope so. I think so. At least the doors are open now.

I had missed them so much. But as I am fond of saying, I'll only ask once. If there isn't anything to do about it - it is what it is.

Cross your fingers for me. And I think a trip to Switzerland would be a good thing in another year or so (I think kid #2 is due early 2012, if not late 2011, and that would delay things) - because he has Chinese cousins there. Yup, one of the girls married a Tahitian fellow she met here in the States learning English, and being ethnic Chinese? The kids are adorable.

And her family looks like mine.

I'm pointing family here for them to get a feel for recent history - I've been here since 2002, after all. They'll find out I have a big mouth, but they knew that.

No sugar-coating - I think I might have sounded like a whiner, to be blunt. But if I trust you - I tell you the bad with the good. Watch for it.

In other news, I'm still coughing up seawater. And I booked the travel back to KY in June. Holy chrome, that's an expensive trip. I think I spent as much back in the day to go overseas. *sigh* Now, to get everything ready for it. Yay.

I finally caved and did what I used to do when I got sick.

I went to bed and didn't leave it unless I absolutely had to. And right now, there was plenty of 'I didn't have to.'

That also means I haven't been online to check LJ, Facebook, Tweet much of anything - WRITE anything - pick a flavor.

I did, however, have the regular demands of getting kid to preschool, working from home (which meant between tasks, I could - guess - and sleep, thank God) and keeping the wheels on the bus turning.

In addition to that, I've had just about all of my late husband's Swiss family dropping me letters and photographs - holy merde - and that's taking some clock cycles to get my head around.

Keep in mind, I haven't heard or seen boo from them in over 11 years. Now? This is akin to instant celebrity. I'm a bit gobsmacked. Flattered, encouraged - but wary. They could easily turn their backs and go about their business just as quickly. Not offended, mind. Just - nothing else to say. But get your head around this one - Xander could have Chinese cousins in Switzerland if I can make this work. They were definitely the best part of that marriage - and something I'd wanted to keep. As I said, Switzerland is calling - this time, I'd better answer.

But first, take my drugs and go fall down. Be back later and all that. After I attempt to get caught up, that is.

I finally caved and did what I used to do when I got sick.

I went to bed and didn't leave it unless I absolutely had to. And right now, there was plenty of 'I didn't have to.'

That also means I haven't been online to check LJ, Facebook, Tweet much of anything - WRITE anything - pick a flavor.

I did, however, have the regular demands of getting kid to preschool, working from home (which meant between tasks, I could - guess - and sleep, thank God) and keeping the wheels on the bus turning.

In addition to that, I've had just about all of my late husband's Swiss family dropping me letters and photographs - holy merde - and that's taking some clock cycles to get my head around.

Keep in mind, I haven't heard or seen boo from them in over 11 years. Now? This is akin to instant celebrity. I'm a bit gobsmacked. Flattered, encouraged - but wary. They could easily turn their backs and go about their business just as quickly. Not offended, mind. Just - nothing else to say. But get your head around this one - Xander could have Chinese cousins in Switzerland if I can make this work. They were definitely the best part of that marriage - and something I'd wanted to keep. As I said, Switzerland is calling - this time, I'd better answer.

But first, take my drugs and go fall down. Be back later and all that. After I attempt to get caught up, that is.

Switzerland is calling. No, really this time.

I received a letter from Cliff's aunt in Switzerland - in English - something she's NEVER done, not in the 25 years we've known each other, and certainly there's been little communication of any kind since Cliff passed.

They're coming out in February/March, and want to see me. Awesome.

I get home from con last night, and my old co-worker from Schmid Telecom AG has called and left voicemail thanking me for the Christmas card and letter.

Mom said that was an incredible letter - I re-read it this morning. I...guess so.

Hearing from Dad would complete the trifecta, but that's not needed.

Time to get my butt in gear. It's time to go back. And this time, I'm taking MY family to see the place. That'll be...strange...in the extreme.

You want to see the building our apartment was in, when Cliff and I lived in Zurich?

Quick, take a look at the street view. (Graffitti was not present when I was there. You might also see the lack of it on surrounding buildings. It was an understood thing that this was a building full of foreigners...and I don't think anything has changed in that regard.)

You'd better look quick because the Swiss ain't happy about the way Google built their street views.

Amazing. I can see the park we walked the dog at is still there. So are some of the businesses. Some. Buildings are there - but I don't see the phoneboxes I used anymore. Thai restaurants. *shakes head* Wow.

You want to see the building our apartment was in, when Cliff and I lived in Zurich?

Quick, take a look at the street view. (Graffitti was not present when I was there. You might also see the lack of it on surrounding buildings. It was an understood thing that this was a building full of foreigners...and I don't think anything has changed in that regard.)

You'd better look quick because the Swiss ain't happy about the way Google built their street views.

Amazing. I can see the park we walked the dog at is still there. So are some of the businesses. Some. Buildings are there - but I don't see the phoneboxes I used anymore. Thai restaurants. *shakes head* Wow.

One of the best reasons to keep my Swiss ties. The perspective it brings.

Switzerland and the US share many similarities when it comes to taxation. Both collect more direct taxes than indirect ones compared with other OECD countries because Switzerland has a low value-added tax (VAT), the US none.

Taxes on personal income amount to 10.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in Switzerland, 8.9 per cent in the US, which is a little higher than the OECD average in the case of Switzerland and about average for the US (all data from a 2004 OECD comparison).

Taxes on property are slightly higher in America, but both countries have levels above those of other countries. Social security contributions are considerably lower in both Switzerland and the US compared with other European nations: 7.1 and 6.6 per cent, respectively.

And, finally, both countries are relatively friendly towards corporations, which are taxed only at the rate of 2.5 per cent of GDP in Switzerland and 2.2 per cent in the US.

You know. I could complain about taxing human beings more than corporations, which don't need food, clothing and shelter to survive.

I'll just complain about the percentage difference. Complain, complain. Yay.

Critics of Sihlcity have argued that it would attract traffic chaos to the local Wiedikon area because the complex has only 850 parking places.

That's where Cliff and I lived when were there in 1991-92. OMG.

I wonder where they put it. *searches madly* Oh, it's CLOSE. I know exactly where that is. Holy cow. *bounces*

Holy chrome. It's got a Coop in it. Now I HAVE to go. *slaps self*