Procrastination

As I sit here procrasting reviewing a document for a very big presentation tomorrow, it makes me laugh at all of the stuff I can occupy my time with. Changing seats, laundry, even getting paperwork together for my taxes, which incidently is going to be a HUGE undertaking this year. As part of my package I receive "free" service from PwC; however, I'm taxed on those "free" services, so I've opted to have them done independently. Ironically the U.S. is one of the only Western world countries that forces citizens to file (and pay) taxes when they live outside of the country for an extended period of time. So that means any money I receive here that I pay taxes on, I also have to pay in the U.S. so in effect, double taxes. The words "feeling screwed" comes to mind.

So I ended up going back to the U.S. (yes again) for the holidays. It was a lot of fun, but busy. It was great seeing everyone in DC and I'm glad I went, but moving around three times in eight days...a little exhausting! Now I'm back in Oz as I like to affectionately call it and procrastinating. One of the things I've learned from moving a lot is that the scenery changes, and it can be fun (albeit exhausting) who you are fundamentally follows you every where. So yes moving 4,000 miles away from everything and everyone you know is very exciting and an amazing opportunity, but, who you are, follows you. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing since it allows for consistency you might not otherwise find.

I committed to a year long tram / bus pass. It was, even by local definition, a committment. It keeps me from having to go to the post office each month to get the necessary stamp on my pass. Yes you can pay it online, but unless you have the stamp or carry the receipt around, you will get fined. Also, if you're thinking why can't you have it debited from your credit card each month? That would be too easy and although Switzerland is precise, it's pretty inefficient. If it makes sense you can pretty much guarantee that they don't or won't do it. It's SLOWLLLLLY changing, but they do it on their time, no one elses. Although I still can't figure out who "they" or "their" are considering most of the locals I speak to also would like to see more modern conveniences. And can someone please explain to me how these new energy efficient dryers can be that way when it takes two hours to dry anything?

I was in Luzern in December for a work meeting and it's fast becoming one of my favorite cities in Switzerland with the lake and mountains in the background. Although I must confess I've only been in Zurich, Luzern, and Basel (in terms of major cities). So after seeing Geneva, Bern, etc etc maybe I won't think that way. But water and mountains within 100 ft of one another is probably one of my favorite scenes (as shown in the photos).

And in December I went to an amazing place north of London called Cliveden House. I highly recommend if you want what is considered to be the "traditional English" country-side experience...this is the place to do it.