Downriver, Detroit, Michigan.
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Tonight was the last of the 5 week Arabic class. Some decided to eat afterwards at Al-Ajami restaurant on Warren and Chase. If I'd have known I wouldn't have had pizza at home! Arab food beats the pants off pizza, and I like pizza.
The decor is contemporary and subdued. A silver tray was brought to the table, with a tomato, a head of romaine, and some green onions. Decoration? Appetizer? Dunno, but it was pretty. I'll go again. It's owned by our teacher's brother.
Although this class was half the length of the other, some of the students were pretty motivated and bonded. One girl wants to organize study sessions during the summer to tide us over until class begins again. One of the guys offered to let us meet in his backyard. He's a native speaker, born here, who took the class to learn to read.
S [11:01 PM]
Had a prescription filled in Detroit (the only pharmacy that gives me a break on my inhaler) and visited the International Language Collection at the Parkman branch. I hadn't been to it since they moved it out of the Skillman branch downtown.
Last night I went to the last hours of the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, or Movement as they've named it this year. I was happy. I got to hear Juan Atkins and DJ Godfather. And it's free! You don't even pass through security to go in. I had two offers for drugs. The first was for reef[-er, it was hard to hear]. The second guy asked, "Homeboy, do you trip?", which, of course, would be for Ecstasy. Heh. But I've never forgotten what I learned at the knee of Nancy Reagan, "Just say no, kids." Bah.
Because I'm a very special member of Landmark Theatre's e-mail list I attended a showing of Rivers and Tides for free on Saturday. It shows British sculptor Andy Goldsworthy creating his fragile, transient works: egg-shaped piles of stone or ice, leaves stitched together snaking down a creek, a swirl of sticks carried away by the tide. He seems incapable of explaining what it is that he does; those segments were useless. But the film has many images of charm and beauty which convey all that is needed.
S [8:38 PM]
I could hardly imagine an easier interview. I was there scarcely 20 minutes.
So on to the next step--a background investigation.
S [1:13 PM]
Interview tomorrow.
Nerves would be better than apathy.
I'm wondering about how well I'd fit in.
S [5:36 PM]
I saw episode 2 of Manor House. Loved it.
Speaking of television, weren't the season finales of West Wing and E.R. super? Especially West Wing with kidnapping the President's daughter and invoking the 25th amendment, thus handing the reins of government to an evil Republican. Edge of the seat goodness.
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I've been dogsitting since Sunday. I'm having people over tonight for salmon with dilled bread crumb/potato chip crust. Don't laugh. It was in the prestigious Cook's Illustrated.
S [5:23 PM]
Purgatorial waiting of another sort last night. We arrived an hour early for Sister's "Nurse's pinning." Today is the Honor's Convocation and the graduation, we're mercifully skipping the latter. Finishing a nursing program is a multi-step process.
The waiting wasn't as bad the time at the post office: I wasn't under a deadline and my nephew was there to amuse.
I could have had a couple nice photos with the digital camera if I didn't use the power button to snap a shot.
We may be attending another ceremony today, but the real focus is on the meal afterwards. Niki drew up a list of attendees, carefully considered various restaurants, then made reservations at Mongolian Barbeque. Could it be because she's pregnant?
S [11:45 AM]
Having punished it long enough, I took my rotten car in for an overdue oil change yesterday. Pennzoil provided, per chance, the possibility of participating in Soviet-style selective subversion of ordinary economic exchange. *1
Of late, the engine had developed a new noise, a hissing I had investigated only the day before. The guy checking under the hood noticed some air-hose had developed a leak. He offered to fix it, "The boss-man usually has us charge $7-$9 for it, but I'll replace it and you can tip me what you think it's worth. Ok?" With as much wonderment as assent I answer, "Ah."
I check my wallet for available cash. I wasn't sure what was left after the doctor's office charged me $15 for the letter answering the agency's questions about asthma.
They finish up. He gives me the total. I hand over a credit card with a fiver under it.
He tells me the gas mileage should improve now. As I drive the rest the afternoon, I'm pleased to see the engine's not stalling when I come to a stop. Almost pleased enough to abate my scruples over helping him make money on the side.
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Arabic class went as normal. I lingered to see if the teacher had anything to say to me. She asked if I had a question. "No, it's ok."
*1 This is an awful sentence. Sorry. I don't know how it got started.
S [4:34 PM]
I got a response from the guy going through training. The first thing he says is that they made him swear not to discuss the interview. But he says not to worry, so I won't.
He says that the Spanish language training might get replaced with French for those working along the northern border. Yahoo! That's my strongest language. So I could get to work five weeks earlier. Money=needed.
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When will Namibia do what's right in the War on Terrorism?
S [2:40 PM]
Cool, grey days sap any motivation I may have.
They're prone to cause excessive Internet use, consumption of junk food, and listlessness.
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Today's mail brought notice that the federal agency wishes to interview me on the 20th. The "structured interview" will last 3-4 hours or "all day." What is it they plan on doing? There's nothing I want to talk to strangers about for that long.
Maybe I can get insight from the brother of my friend the deacon. He's going through their training now and I've been given his e-mail address.
S [2:17 PM]
Music: Billy Bragg - The Internationale
That cantoring lecture I thought I missed (link when Blogger's archives aren't schtupped) was tonight. So I didn't miss it.
Arabic class continued on Tuesday. There were 21 people there (including 4 of us from the previous session)! The 60% attrition rate should take care of that. We were hoping no one new would show up so we could pick up where we left off, rather than review with some new stuff.
After class the teacher spoke to two of us who'd already been in it about how she'd enhance it for us. While the other girl stepped to the WC, she whispered to me that that the other girl would do better to repeat but that I could go on. I couldn't catch everything she said but it seems she'll keep me on the class rolls but tutor me separately if I'd like. I should have had her clarify but her tone conveyed that she was doing something outside the rules. And the other girl could have stepped in at any time. Guess I'll find out.
S [10:22 PM]
I spent last weekend in Cincinnati. It's a pretty town with hills, greenery, and historic buildings and homes.
A friend was being ordained to the deaconate. I stayed with another guy I know, who kindly put me up on short notice. We visited a great Half Price Books where I spent money I don't have.
A nice weekend.
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Happy May Day to the Proletariat!
S [1:56 PM]
Downriver, Detroit, Michigan.
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Pas/Cal
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Alma Mater (Secunda)