Storm

Well we're back, after an unexplained absence, though I think it had something to do with it being my turn to write a blog and me taking my sweet time doing it. Or perhaps it had something to do with Anna writing about my swelling lip, whatever the reason I am now happily hitting the keys.
We have been eagerly anticipating the effects of Hurricane Ophelia, I mean a nice rain storm so we can curl up in bed with a good book. That's the advantage of being self employed, breaks when and where you want them. But so far all we have seen are a few black clouds and a little drizzle. That hasn't stopped the reading though, I am thoroughly enjoying a book I have waited a long time to pick up, Kerouac's 'On the Road' and I have Bill Bryson's 'In the Woods' waiting on me. Can't wait.
Our social life has picked up recently, or maybe we're just coming out. We have recently been spending quite some time with our friends Peter and Kim, who like us recently moved down from DC. Peter's in school at Duke while Kim is still working for her DC firm from home. They, through their new neighbors, were introduced to a group of international friends, most of whom work at an NIH satellite campus in the Research Triangle Park, while others are at UNC or Duke or just working and are somehow loosely connected. Of course, Anna and I got an in because of Pete and Kim and also because we are an international couple too! The group consists of a loose collection of French, Jordanian, Brazilian, English, Japanese, Italian, Australian, German, Moroccan, South African and one or two American nationals. There's a get together most every weekend and it's great to meet new people. It's also great to have green cards, travel and world affairs be a part of a normal discussion.
Anna has picked up another steady client and we are in the process of forming an LLC for her business. A logo and name are also in the works. I have been spending my time producing web sites, graphic design and even recently picking up a faux painting job. My appointment with INS (Immigration) in Charlotte is coming up a week Friday and I cannot wait to get everything squared away for my employment authorization.
I met with an interior designer the other day to talk about the faux job. I noticed his color pallet for the curtains was from South Africa. 'Oh, South Africa' I said, pointing out the origin of the fabric, 'that's where I am from'. He replied that his sister was going to Africa next year. Ah yes, Africa. I could tell by the look in his eye that if I asked him where in Africa his sister was heading, I would get that familiar confused stare of incomprehension. 'Africa, like the country". Ah yes and South Africa the state. But, seeing that he was considering paying me an exorbitant amount of money to spread paint on a wall, I decided to shut up, nod and smile. Show me the money! Nobody likes being made to look silly anyway and I have a rent payment to make. Nod and smile.
Tonight is movie night so till later.

Ben