h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Oh I know what you mean Websailor

Somebody is giving me a very hard time for not going to London next week, suggesting that I should live in penury for the rest of my life in order to help all victims of all disasters in the future I'm doing what I can. That's all any of us can do, isn't it?

For not going or going to London, Frenchbean?

Anyhow, is this person living in penury and giving up all their extra cash?

Honestly, the nerve of some people.


az

For not going to London. He was looking forward to seeing me for the last time before I go to Australia (not a hootooer).

No, he's definitely not living in penury although he's giving some money to somebody whose family is in the Andaman Islands

I agree... the nerve

My understanding is that not only is it possible for people to travel *to* London these days, it's also possible for people to travel *away from* London, especially if they want to see a person before she emigrates... Frenchbean, had this individual considered that as an option?

What a good point Ivan

Websailor

Good one Ivan

Not only had it never crossed his mind, but it never crossed mine either

Is it two months now???

Congrats! And a Happy New Year too. Make the best of it.

The New Year is already into its 8th hour here, and it's been very pleasant so far...

Tomorrow morning, I'll be celebrating Two Entire Months without tobacco! It's amazing, what a can do. Thanks, everyone!

In other good news, it emerges that the Australian government has chipped in $60m to the tsunami relief effort - but the Australian public has so far donated $83m. That's more than $4 per head, which I think is rather good...

(The government's likely to give Indonesia a lot more, but outside the emergency-aid process. There's politics in that, of course.)

Also, the colleague who was in Sri Lanka has reappeared at the office - he's safe and well , but his sister's husband's family is mostly missing.

Hi, Ivan,

Just to say I hope you are having a good New Year, and that you are still free, therefore not requiring a

Do you feel better for it My other half found his taste buds again, and enjoyed his food more, and his sense of smell (of flowers and food and nice things) returned.

for now,

Websailor

Whoops! Didn't read your previous posts. I hope your colleague's relatives turn up safe. People are still turning up safe even now, who were thought to be lost, so there is still hope for a while.

The UK is doing pretty well on donations too, and the Govt. is moving at last after a slow start. I think everyone realises we are in this for the long haul.

Websailor

I find myself in the very strange position of agreeing with something the Australian government has done. $1000m for Indonesia, and some help for the Maldives. It is a very disturbing feeling, knowing that I agree with the actions of a bunch of crypto-fascists.

It hasn't driven me back to the cigarettes, though.

*does happy dance for Ivan being smoke-free*

Smurfles is also waiting to hear about friends...

Maybe some of the missing have been busy helping.
I hope you hear good news soon.

Finally, I'm getting around to rewarding myself for being smoke-free... This weekend, I'm going to run away to Sydney (well, OK, Parramatta) for a couple of days. I've felt unable to make spur-of-the-moment decisions like this for a while; I was afraid that any sort of departure from routine in the direction of riotous living might push me back to the smokes. I've gotten past that feeling now, so I'm thinking about what to pack...

*Pinky,just calls to have a quick peek and see's Ivan is doing really well* Have a lovely holiday Ivan x

Thanks Pinky.

My pleasure Ivan.I won't stick around in here too long,I smell of tobacco !Pleased you don't though xxx

Enjoy some sunshine for me, Ivan, but not too much It's a bit here

Have a good break. Sounds lovely.

Websailor

I'll enjoy the sunshine from the comfort of a shady spot, if that's an acceptable compromise. It's expected to be about 40C down there on Saturday...

Good on ya'

That sounds about right. Enjoy.

Websailor