You. Are. So sweet. So sweet!

Hello all! How are ya? I apologize for the lack of updates lately (again). I was waiting on a time when I had new photos to post, but then I found out that my camera is a vampire that sucks batteries dry even when it's turned off. It's all, "Mmmmmm! Battery acid! (slurrrrrrp)." So no new photos. You'll have to be satisfied by my words for the moment.

If you're curious about the title of this post, watch this video. It's wonderful. I've been bopping my head to this song for a few days now.

Along that vein, I had a wonderful early birthday present given to me. I have been really excited about the newest Regina Spektor album, "far," for a very long time, and wanted to buy it on iTunes. However, since my wallet got stolen in Da Lat, I haven't had any cards besides my Vietnamese ATM card--the new plastic got sent to my house in CA, and sending them here is not the most secure idea. So I went on iTunes and discovered that you can now "gift" music to people: but it and send it to them, essentially. I went on the magical world of Facebook and posted a request for the cd, not expecting a real response, and surprise! Eric Hwang, who I not seen or heard of in at least 2 years (I believe), got it for me, reaffirming my firm belief that I know some damn good people.

So this CD, I have to tell you, is amazing. If you're not up for buying it, you can take a listen here, as pretty much all the songs are on YouTube. Her songs are at times haunting and uplifting, always witty and whimsical, and her voice is incredible. I am particularly fond of "Eet," "Laughing With," "Human of the Year,"and "Folding Chair." And...all the other songs on the album. I've listened to it about 5 times since getting it a few days ago, playing it every time I get home. Take a listen, and tell me what you think. Especially if you like it, because then I'll feel good that I shared some music with you.

As for today, I'm listening to Regina, then going with Mareike to get a 90-minute massage, which is much needed. Much. Then more laziness. Woo!

I hope all of you are well, and remember that I am thinking of you. Every single one of you is appreciated, because you are all awesome. Don't forget, ok? Ok.

Love.

About a month ago, I moved to a new house, and someone was sad about it, hanging out while I packed:
But he managed. I've heard he now has 4 new brothers and sisters, making that house a 7 cat household. I'm glad I got out.

I'm also making some new friends. This is Caitlin, who I met in the Pub on Quiz Night, who told me about the International Choir of Ho Chi Minh City, which I then joined. We just had our concert and are taking a break (that will last until I'm getting ready to leave the country), but Caitlin and I are still going to hang out. This is at Wally's 2nd birthday party, and Caitlin is obviously excited about all of Wally's toys.
She's kind of awesome. Also kind of awesome is the birthday girl, who got--among other things--a new apron from her grandparents. I have no idea what she's pointing at.
She's holding some of the wooden kitchen set she got from her other grandparents--wooden cutting board, knife, sliceable wooden fruits and vegetables...she also got a laptop that plays very loud techno music. As you can imagine, Julia was not excited about that gift.

Last weekend Mareike (my housemate, coworker, and friend--no, we haven't gotten tired of each other yet) and I went to the Museum of Fine Arts. The art itself wasn't that exciting, ranging from 7th century Buddhist sculptures to contemporary lacquered pieces, but the building itself was beautiful. It's a colonial mansion of sorts, complete with beautiful windows:
And a courtyard that felt oddly Mediterranean to us. Gorgeous, in any event. It helped that it was a bright sunny day.
Afterward we wandered around and found the antique store neighborhood that I talked about in the last post.

All in all, it's going ok over here. I'm in the home stretch, with just under 3 months to go. I'm really happy in this new house: Mareike and I are getting along well, and the other two housemates (1 American guy and 1 older British guy) are pretty nice, too. It's comfy, social, and spacious, and I'm glad I came here. Work might be driving me crazy, but I'm happy to come home and hang out.

Anyway, I feel like I'm running out of things to say. I'll muse some more and come back later.

Love.

Random weekend shots

There are supposed to be more photos up here, but after uploading these three my internet decided that it wanted to have its own lazy Sunday and stopped doing what I wanted. So here's what I've got so far.

On Saturday Mareike and I went to the Fine Arts Museum (of which I have photos to be posted later), and then strolled around the neighborhood, which turned out to be where the antique stores are:
Like I said, I have photos from the museum that I'll post another time. Then I had my last choir concert with the International Choir of Ho Chi Minh City, followed by several beers at a bar that has, inexplicable, stairs to nowhere:
I really wanted to see someone get reeeeaaaaally drunk and try to climb them. As long as that someone wasn't me.

And, finally, a photo of my new room, which I have been decorating enthusiastically:

So there's that. I hope everyone is well. Oh! Tomorrow marks my 9-month anniversary at my job here: only 3 more to go! I'd better make the most of them...