it unfortunately takes my being ill to give me a few moments to slow down. i think the weather really has a lot to do with it, as the temperature has been so far up and down these past weeks that i'm not quite sure whether winter is coming or going. strep. throat is going round, though, so i'm very much a hermit lately. *(for those not up-to-speed: it's potentially very dangerous for me to contract it again, as the last two incidents caused strong complications; to say strep. throat is detrimental to my health is like saying smoking is bad for the lungs.) it's a very bright, sunny day today, though; and the sky's particular shade of blue reminds me of austria, which cheers me a lot. i've also switched my laptop background to a photo i took from atop the mönchsberg. here are some; i hope they cheer you as well! ^ after the nearly infinite amount of stairs, we got to the top of the mountain and walked this road, which, a short distance ahead, took us along the edge ^ this is the altstadt: the 'oldtown' of salzburg ^ the alps! (there's that blue sky i referenced) ^ more alps, with leopoldskron & viewing the lake district, ^ & a closer view (which i'm using for my laptop image, as it fits the best) ^ the festung hohensalzburg (fortress high above salzburg) ^ and to show how far we walked, the fortress in the background it had been raining earlier that day, and the sun came out at a beautiful point in its course: only an hour or so before it was due to set. the air smelled like rain and sunshine all at once, and the atmosphere felt so particular that i can still recall it with ease. likewise, every time i stopped to take a photo, enough minutes would pass with me just staring that mike had to keep tugging my arm and tell me to get moving. i really miss austria. we are making great progress with the wedding plans: on monday, we secured a dj; and next week i'm due to pick up my dress. the invitations are ordered; the location and officiant have been reserved, as has the cake; my mum and mike's sister have their outfits picked out (mike's sister is our maid of honour/witness - we're not having a big wedding party - and we found the most awesome dress for her. i'm tempted to get one for myself!); and we've already got flowers and decor in mind. it's nice to not have to worry about where to start with everything. we've been very busy lately, and not just with the wedding plans. this is the first day in awhile i've had more than a few minutes to myself. i don't mind it, though; it's nice to get out. it'd be nice if the weather would be more co-operative; i want to start walking again, but the cold has been causing my knees to ache. i sound like such an old person. work has been decent enough lately; i've been getting more hours, and i've apparently impressed some of the clients. it makes it much easier to go every day when i feel i'm being productive. it's been awhile since i've missed work, but i used some of my vacation hours for today so it won't affect my cheque much. i'm expecting my tax return soon also, which will help replenish some of what i've spent on the wedding (and of which some will likewise go toward it). i'd say life has been pretty swell lately, and i'm looking forward to spring. (= _____ 1238 CDT (edited 1319 CDT) 03 april 2009 - friday