... and it's not a good one. I mean I'm not really depressed or sad... I just feel lustless. Maybe it's the lack of sun in the last weeks or simply because life around me is finally getting a little calmer. I don't know.

Last night was the Oscar night.

There were years I stood up at night to watch it before going to work. There were years I taped it and stayed deaf to any news which would give me away the winners of the night... There were years I discussed days before and after...
This is not one of those years I'm afraid. This is the year I couldn't less about it :(

Don't get me wrong there were great movies in competition and I admire most actresses and actors present, it's just that the whole thing has lost its magic for me. And now I feel a little sad... and I feel deprived of the excitement it used to give me.

I feel a little like her



Maybe I just need a little cheering up... or a kick in the... ;)
:lol: After writing that I already feel better. And look outside, the sun is shining over Rennes. It probably won't last, so let's enjoy it :D

Have all a great day. I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow!! And then I'll tell you more about me :shock:
Scary concept no? ;)

Finally made my own avatar. So say goodbye to cute Sawyer on Lost and say hello to pretty Emily Procter!

It's a very basic one, I just took my favorite pic and resized it. But I promise I'll do something more elaborate soon ;)
I'm not very good with those picture altering softs so you'll probably be scared by what I'll put you through ;)

Don't hesitate to yell at me if it's too bad :lol:

Yesterday I got the best letter ever!!! I was told that my flat was ready for delivery by March 26!!!!!
I called right away this morning to be sure I was going to be the first one to have an appointment. I want the little beast to me mine as soon as possible. Of course I was the first one to call :P

Then I called the kitchen designer to tell him that I wanted him to start as soon as possible, best on March 27. He said it was going to be tricky because he had another kitchen to install at he same time, but that he was going to do it because I had been waiting for ever :D
After that I called the movers to ask them to move my stuff from one flat to the other on March 29 and again I was lucky :D

Now I just need to call the furniture shop to get my new furniture at about the same time and of course I need to contact France Telecom to ask them to move my phone line and internet from the old to the new address :roll:
That will mean again I'll be without internet for probably two weeks... Yeah well... That's life ;)

I can't wait!! I promise I'll show you some pics of my beauty as soon as I'll be in it  and then we'll party :D

I hate it when I try to do something and it doesn't work!!!
Now strangely some blogs won't let me comment. I'm sure I'm not the only one, but still it's a little unsettling!

After 3 days trying I could finally comment on Linsey's blog :D. But for Lindsey's... I still can't say a thing :cry:
Yeah well I guess it will work again for everyone soon :D

Carnaval is now over. Here in France it's no big deal except in Nice, but I used to live in Cologne, Germany where everything stopped for five whole days!!! During that time it was pointless to try to work. Most companies closed on Thursday at noon and people started gathering at different points to drink and party. I still have 4 outfits from those grand days :D I wish I could have been there!!!

Now that calm has come back to my kingdom ;) as computer and internet are both working again, I can sit back and think about the course of events.

One thing is clear if you don't understand much about computers and your installation isn't exactly like the one described in the manual given by your provider, you're screwed... Big time!!

And please don't rely on the help of the hotline to help you further! Sure if your mistake is blatant they will be able to spot it, but if not, you'll end up more time than necessary with a tech at your place who will just switch the right cable in the appropriate outlet and charge you a hefty sum.

That's what almost happened to me. And with a shudder I can't help thinking the horrors my parents would have gone throught if they had been in my shoes.

I live now in this brand new appartment complex and for some reason, Telecom has decided that our old telephone plugs weren't sexy enough. Sure they were ugly enough, but that's what everyone had!!!

Their days are now over. Beware everyone the basic RJ45 plugs come our way in France. This is all nice and good as long as you don't have internet and need to plug your modem into it.
Most people on the hotlines had no clue that people could have that problem. After a fruitless discussion with a friendly who didn't understand why the old plug couldn't be used in the new socket :roll:, I let her arrange a meeting with a tech for this Monday afternoon.

My first idea had been of course to get an adaptator. I mean isn't this the main reason for those new sockets? Now they can charge you good money so that you can again use your phone. When you think of it, it's brilliant! :lol:
So I went to Telecom, bought one and went home happy and certain that everything would work again. Man was I wrong :roll:

Once everything was plugged in as I thought it should, it was still not working and I stayed there shell-shocked in front of my modem. I can't even describe the feeling of utter astonishment that came over me. I checked every single cable a second time and came to the conclusion that everything was right...

I bent my head in defeat and accepted the idea that I really needed a tech to sort the problem out. Walking to the fridge to get my lunch, my eyes fell on my phone connected to the second second socket. Suddenly I remembered the woman from the hotline wondering about the phone not using the same plug... I left my spring rolls on the kitchen table and tried something else. Using its old wire I plugged it also in the adaptor and reset the modem.
At first everything looked the same. The little light telling me if the line was active or not was still blinking and disgusted I went to the kitchen to retrieve my food. As I was munching away, my eyes fell on the offending modem I hadn't had the heart to switch off again.

It's only at that moment that I realized that the blinking wasn't as it used to be. I ran to the manual and discovered it meant good news. The modem was getting the signal but internet wasn't working... at least yet.

I called teh hotline again and like a complete newbie who had no clue about internet :oops: I had another nice lady from the hotline explain what I needed to do. My head still hangs in shame about that one :lol:
I just needed to switch the computer on and simply feed it with my identification keys. Needless to say that this was definitely the easiest part. I cancelled the tech visit and could finally enjoy (a little too much) internet this weekend.

The morale of the story: if you're among the first ones to have something different, don't expect much help. Most people really have no clue what your problem is because they haven't been taught.
And now if I want to use my phone on another socket I have to go back to Telecom and buy a second adaptator :roll:
Aren't we all happy cash cows? :lol:

Today I can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.

I called Sony this morning to know the status of my computer and I got good news. My little one has been successfully repaired and should be shipped back to my tender loving care today with an arrival in Rennes planned on Tuesday (I'm cautious, it could be Monday but I kinda doubt it). :D

On the second front of my internet/TV access, I had the first good news in over two weeks. After many problems (phone line not working, order to connect me to the ADSL server not gone through, etc.) they finally got their act together and were able to work on the problem within 2 days instead of the usual 10.
That alone shows they knew the problem was on their side and they had badly messed up my very simple change of address. Last night it wasn't working, but apparently the cause should be an easy problem of synchronization.
I hope this can be solved with a simple phone call once I'm at home in front of my modem again. If not, they will have to send someone over...
But I sense that today is a good day, so I'm sure I'll be able to watch my digital TV tonight again and I'll escape MTV again :lol:

Now I just hope that I won't have as many problem when I'll move again in 6 weeks... They told me it was very unlikely but you know... once bitten, twice shy...

I read this one on Comedy Central and I laughed so hard that I thought I needed to share it with you :D

A first-grade teacher, Ms Brook, was having trouble with one of her students.

The teacher asked: Harry, what's your problem?

Harry answered: I'm too smart for the 1st grade. My sister is in the 3rd grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the 3rd grade too!

Ms. Brooks had had enough. She took Harry to the principal's office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told Ms. Brooks he would give the boy a test. If he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back to the 1st grade and behave. She agreed.
Harry was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: What is 3 x 3?
Harry: 9
Principal: What is 6 x 6?
Harry: 36

And so it went with every question the principal thought a 3rd grader should know.
The principal looks at Ms. Brooks and tells her: I think Harry can go to the 3rd grade.

Ms. Brooks says to the principal: Let me ask him some questions.
The principal and Harry both agreed.

Ms. Brooks asks: What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?
Harry, after a moment: Legs.
Ms. Brooks: What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?
The principal wondered, why would she ask such a question!

Harry replied: Pockets.
Ms. Brooks: What does a dog do that a man steps into?
Harry: Pants.
Ms. Brooks: What starts with a C, ends with a T, is hairy, ovak, delicious and contains thin, whitish liquid?
Harry: Coconut.

The principal sat forward with his mouth hanging open.

Ms. Brooks: What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?
The principal's eyes opened really wide and before he could stop the answer.

Harry: Bubble gum.
Ms. Brooks: What does a man do standing up, a woman does sitting down and a dog does on three legs?
Harry: Shake hands.
The principal was trembling.

Ms. Brooks: What word starts with an F and ends in K that means a lot of heat and excitement?
Harry: Firestruck.

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and told the teacher: Put Harry in the fifth-grade, I got the last seven questions wrong!

And how many did you get wrong? ;)
I must be a perv 'cause I got many :lol:

Well it seems than less I have access to the net, the more I'm here ;)
Work is a little dull currently. Most people are on vacation this week and so little Val doesn't have much to do ;)

So I decided to go with those few questions/answers because it seems like a nice way to know more about someone :D

1. Is your second toe longer than your first? No, my big toe is really big :lol:

2. Do you have a favorite type of pen? I like fountain pens with blue-black ink, especially pretty ones.

3. Look at your planner for March 14, what are you doing? Well I'll be working, but nothing so far in my schedule.

4. What color are your toenails usually? Toenail colored.

5. What was the last thing you highlighted? Something really boring: the number of a shipping receipt (well I'm also working while being here :lol: )

6. What color are your bedroom curtains? No curtains so far. AT my parents they are blue, grey and orange. I had them made when I was a teenager, that was ages ago :P

7. What color are the seats in your car? I think they are grey.

8. Have you ever had a black and white cat? Nope, only tabby ones or Birmans.

9. What is the last thing you put a stamp on? The cheque for the tax office :roll:. Those people really want my money :P

10. Do you  know anyone who lives in Wyoming? Not that I know of.

11. Why did you withdraw cash from the ATM the last time? To buy groceries at the open market in Rennes. It's a very nice one :D

12. Who is the last baby that you held? I have absolutely no clue. It's been while since I last held a baby. He or she is probably in his/her teens now :lol:

13. Do you know of any twins with rhyming names? No... I don't think so :? but I'm really not sure.

14. Do you like Cinnamon toothpaste? I don't think I ever tried that one, but I love cinnamon so who knows :D

15. What kind of car were you driving 2 years ago? A blue Citroën Xsara VS, it was a very nice company car with all possible options :D

16. Pick one: Miami Hurricanes or Florida Gators: Hurricanes, but only because they have Miami in their name ;)

17. Last time you went to Six Flags: April 1987, that tells you how old I am :lol:

18. Do you have any wallpaper in your house? Sure, I'm a wallpaper gal myself :D

19. Closest thing to you that is yellow: the Post-it right next to my mouse.

20. Last person to give you a business card? the guy from the movers' company.

21. Who is the last person you wrote a check to? Tax office... Don't remind me... :(

22. Closest framed picture to you? I don't believe in framed pictures ;)

23. Last time you had someone cook for you? Two weeks ago when my parents were at my place :)

24. Have you ever applied for welfare? No

25. How many emails do you have? That's a confusing question. As far as addresses go I must have about... 6 that I remember of, but only 3 are regularly checked.

26. Last time you received flowers? That was a century ago, please don't ask for more details :?

27. Do you think the sanctity of marriage is meant for only a man and a woman? Definitely not.

28. What kind of milk do you drink? I don't drink milk :?

29. Do you play air guitar? :lol: luckily for all of my friends and neighbors I don't ;)

30. Do you take anything in your coffee? I don't drink coffee. I'm one of those sad people who hate coffee :D

31. Do you have any Willow Tree figurines? I have no clue what that is and I'm not sure I want to know ;)

32. Have you ever owned a Beanie Baby? Of course. My dragon has already escaped the boxes from my move. My cute little bear is still lost somewhere... He probably won't see the light before I move in my actual flat. The others are at my parents' :D

33. Last person you spoke to from high school: Marie-Laurence

34. Last time you used hand sanitizer: About three weeks ago. I prefer the regular soap and water, but its scent is very addictive :D

35. Would you like to learn to play the drums? Definitely not. this would be cruel to my neighbors and I cherish the quiet :)

36. What color are the blinds in your living room? I don't like blinds.

37. What is in your inbox at work? I don't have an inbox. I'm the boss, I'm giving the work away ;)

38. Last thing you read in the newspaper: I don't read a newspaper on a regular basis... I think it was sport related... Probably football :D

39. What was the last pageant you attended? Never attended one.

40. Where is the last place you bought pizza from? Does my cafeteria at work count? If not, in a restaurant about two weeks ago.

41. Have you ever worn a crown? Definitely :D

42. What is the last thing you stapled? The receipts for my travel expenses.

43. Did you ever drink Clear Pepsi? No Pepsi... never ever!! I'm a Coke gal :P

44. Are you ticklish? Yes very :D You only have to come close to me pretending you'll tickle me to have me giggling like a madwoman :lol:

45. Last time you saw fireworks:   New Year's Eve

46. Last time you had a Krispy Kreme doughnut: I never had that  in my life... I'm not much into US doughnuts.

47. Who is the last person that left you a message and you actually returned their call? Wow that's a good one... I think it the movers or was it a colleague? :? Too much is happening lately I'm afraid...

48. Last time you parked under a carport: Never.

49. Do you have a black dog? I never had a dog. I'm more a cat gal, but I love dogs too :D

50. Do you have any pickles in your fridge? Of course

51. Are you an aunt or uncle? As I am an only child and single I can definitely say NO ;)

52. Who has the prettiest eyes that you know of? From the people I actually know, I'd say my mother. They have this very nice blue/green color. Among celebrities I'd say Daniel Craig. He has amazing eyes.

53. Last time you saw a semi truck: This morning on the highway. It's hard to miss them...

54. Do you remember Ugly Kid Joe? I have no clue who or what this is.

55. Do you have a little black dress? Yup I do. Actually I have two: one is an evening dress, the other a summer dress with an interesting cleavage ;)

Just when you think that communication can't get any worse, you discover that it actually can :lol:

I'm an impatient gal, that's nothing new to the people who know me a little. And when of course the problem touches my weakest point like being internet or computer-less, I'm usually jumping on my seat and wishing everything would go way faster ;)

So I went home Thursday evening exhausted from a long day at work. I was watching TV and grumbling because I still didn't have my internet TV back online. After a while I thought it could be enlightening to call Telecom and ask them when I could expect the thing to work again. Needless to say that it wasn't a very wise move :roll:

The first lady I had on the phone told me that as my phone only worked from February 2nd, it was still too early to expect internet to work. She promised to look up in her system and suddenly the phone went day. She hadn't hung up on me, but I couldn't hear a thing anymore :shock:.
I decided to call again and as you can imagine I was a little... angry ;). The second lady tried to help, but looking at my file she said that I needed to call another number because apparently some information were missing and that was damageable :(.

So I called the second number. A very friendly but slightly annoyed young woman answered. Strangely she insisted to have my account number. As I failed to provide it (yeah I was a little beside myself I have to admit it), I felt her annoyance rise by the second. I then told her that normally with my phone number she should be able to find me without any problem. She very reluctantly took it and told me without hesitation that there was no internet account on this phone number. :shock:
I insisted telling her it was impossible, as I had been having an account on the number for over a year and her colleagues had no problems to find me. She supposedly checked again and told me once more I didn't exist!!! :shock: When I asked for explanation she muttered something and simply hang up on me!!! :evil:

Of course I called right away the same number only to discover that the service was closed and I had to wait until the next morning to contact them again. By that time I was beyond angry and pacing my flat like a maniac :roll:
I calmed myself (which wasn't easy believe me ;) ) and called the first number again. This time the friendly lady on the phone told me she wasn't able to help me because they had a major problem with their systems and that I could only get reliable information the next day :(

Needless to say that I didn't spend a good and restful night. And knowing the hard day I had in front of me on Friday calling Telecom had probably been the worst thing possible... :(

When I finally arrived in Caen, I took my cell and called the second number again. And I was more than ready for a battle with those people who had apparently lost my file!
A very friendly and helpful woman answered. She asked right away for my phone number and NOT for my account number (she didn't even want that information). Very quickly she told me that my file was in order. I DID exist!!! :D
When I explained that her colleague couldn't find me, she was as surprised as I had been. She said everything was normal and every single change I had asked for had been taken into account. She meant my internet was going to work beginning of this week... :)

So much ado for nothing... :roll:

Pros and cons of call centers? Well first advice don't call them too late. If they are about to leave some of them are less than interested to help you. Another one? Call several times when one information you get doesn't sound right. I had the same issue when I moved to Germany. Every time I called about the same problem I got different answers. Just go with the one you like best ;)

I'm such a whinner :lol: When I'm reading my last blogs I can't help shaking my head at myself. But I must admit it's very nice to have people stop here and express their support, it makes all better :D

I start to think that my karma is really bad currently. There is always something that doesn't go round.

Now I was finally able to get my computer to DHL (very friendly people btw, but sorry no hot guy ;) ), they even agreed to call me as soon as they will get the piece back. Let's see if they'll do it :D

Of course my internet access still doesn't work, but I shouldn't have expected anything else from the Telecom. I guess if I have it back by Saturday I should be thankful. More likely I'll have to wait until next week...

I'm buying a flat in Rennes. I still can't move in but normally everything should be settled by the end of March. Yesterday I got a letter telling me that the floor I had chosen months ago isn't manufactured anymore and I need to choose something else :roll: Knowing that I chose the wallpapers because of that floor... Yeah well... Next Saturday I'll have something exciting to do :P

Tomorrow I will have a difficult and formal meeting with one of the people working for me. We will have to address his shortcomings and as you can imagine it's not something I like to do. So yes, so far this week has been hell...

But then the sun is shining today and that alone brings a happy smile on my face. I'll do what L told me to: take one day after the other. I can say I'll be mighty glad when I'll be able to relax on my couch on Friday evening and just do nothing except watching Bones :D
Have a great day!!