S.M. Carrière's Blog, page 220

Black Ice

"Damn it!" she hissed as she opened her eyes and looked at the clock. 7:43. She was supposed to be awake 13 minutes ago. Throwing her duvet aside, she leant over, played briefly with her annoyed-looking cat, and rolled out of bed.She threw clothes on as she raced to the bathroom to brush her hair and put on some light make-up. The make-up routine she had down to under five minutes. Two tones

Not a Lot to Say

There isn't all that much exciting happening in my life right now. I cannot wait for the day when I can announce exiting things like:I'll be here doing a reading and a signing for this.Or,Starting my whirlwind book tour. There, here I come!The likelihood of the first one, pretty high if I remain persistent (I might be 90 by the time it happens, but it'll happen, damn it!).The likelihood of the

Book Review: Almost French

Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris by Sarah TurnbullMy rating: 3 of 5 starsA light, easy read that I found I could relate to.I don't normally read memoirs. This one was given to me by my flatmate. The tale is an Australian woman's struggle to adapt to the life and attitudes of Paris.Though I didn't move to Paris, there were many passages in the book that I could relate to. Most

Blasphematour

A blasphemer; from French blasphématour. Blasphemeress, a woman who blasphemes; from Old French blasphemeresse. Blasphement, blasphemy. - Sir James Murray's New English Dictionary, 1888.

Fever Broke, and so is Japan

I was intending to spend today celebrating as my fever finally broke yesterday. The sensation was instant - like clouds parting. I did a happy dance right then and there.I was also going to wax lyrical about how awful it is outside, and how grateful I am to J.M-B. for letting me use her gumboots (and for fitting into said gumboots) as the puddles out there are actually the size of small ponds,

Still Home... Dammit!

This blog is starting to turn into an apologetic blow by blow account of being ill. Sorry.I somehow managed to develop a sore throat last night. Not a mildly sore throat, but one that feels like I'm continually swallowing sandpaper, or razorblades, or something sharp and scratch and equally painful.I fell much more energetic today, but I can't use my voice. And really, who wants a receptionist

Held Hostage

I am housebound ... again. Moreover, my flatmate and my dear friend are colluding to keep me housebound - all day. I'm not allowed to go to work. I'm not allowed to go to training. I'm barely even allowed out of bed.I would complain normally, but I am coughing a lot, and I do feel pretty terrible in general.This means, however, that once again, I don't have my Forgotten English calendar for

A Little Better Today

Well, I'm feeling a bit better this morning. We'll see how long it lasts, though. I might not got to training tonight. That should say mountains about how I feel.As promised, Monday's Forgotten English:Welchman's Hose:Equivalent to the breeches of a Highlander, of the dress of a naked Pict; upon the presumption that Welchmen wear no hose. - Thomas Fielding's Select Proverbs of All Nations,

Unwell

Well, here's something I didn't bank on. I managed to develop a cough yesterday (briefly) and today I have a fever. I'll be home all day in bed.Fortunately, that means a very short post to read through today. Unfortunately, it means I don't have my Forgotten English calendar to share with you. It's on my desk at work. I promise I'll double up the Forgotten English tomorrow to make up for

Eggs for Money

[In the phrase] to take eggs for money, to accept a offer which one would rather refuse ... Farmers' daughters would go to market, taking with them a basket of eggs. If on bought something worth ... three shillings, fourpence, she would pay the three shillings and say - "will you take eggs for [the rest of the] money?" If the shopman weakly consented, he received the value of the fourpence in