No wait, that's the Pyanees, a mountain chain in Italy. No wait, that's the Pyrnees. Isn't that in South America?

That's what I spent my Fourth contemplating. I need to go back to grad school before my brain completely disintegrates into mush. Geography was never my forte, although I never used to mix up flowers, countries, and mountains.

Anyway, Happy Fourth!

What a brilliant day the Fourth is in Boston. I think it's something every American should experience. (No, I'm not in Boston this year, but I have been many times. It's amazing!) 

I'm trying to plan out how I'm going to get home this weekend. It already looked like it would be a pain because I'm going to have to do a bunch of stop-overs but  now I just discovered the train's wonky baggage policies.

A) For one thing, they appear to be changing constantly. I only booked this particular train because it seemed to be the only one that allowed checked baggage (which is a pretty stupid limitation!), but now I'm not seeing any proof that they allow it--which is to say, the other trains are all saying that checked baggage is allowed on train ##, but then when I look at train ##, it doesn't say that it allows checked baggage (it says that it doesn't).

B) If it allows checked baggage, then I'm only allowed one piece of carry-on. Period. So I guess that's a purse. Except, wait a second...

C) A number of perfectly safe things are banned from checked baggage, probably for insurance reasons. Those things include computers.. So if you happen to have both a purse and a computer, I guess you're stuck.

D) Another thing banned from checked baggage is all liquids, including perfumes. I take it girls aren't allowed to ride the train? Because they're trying to tell me that I can only bring one bag onto the train and it has to encompass all of my toiletries and my computer and my purse?!?

E) I do have a bag that's magicla enough to possibly pull that off--so points B through D aren't enough to make me cancel the trip. However, this whole "actually, now we don't allow checked baggage" thing is scaring me. I'm moving, for crap's sake. Even if I was just vacationing, how the heck do they expect someone to travel on the train (which is a cross-country train, not a commuter train) without any luggage? Drrr, I have so much else to worry about; I don't have time to deal with this crap. If only the flights were cheaper; I'd just cancel the trip and fly. But at this point that would cost like 3 times the amount of the train ride.

**Update** I'm not deleting the post entirely because the train is still at fault for having such a poor website and for sending incorrect information to me about my online reservation. However, I phoned their customer service center this morning and the operator confirmed that yes, I'll be able to check my suitcases, and, as a bonus, computers and purses "don't count", so I'll be able to bring my purse and a computer onboard the train as well as a carry-on bag. Phew!

Flight in less than two weeks. Just over a week left at my job.  No one will take over my stupid lease. Some chick would have signed the lease, but my landlord said to come back the next day. Have not heard from either of them. PANICKING!!!

There is even a cafe overlooking the garden.



The gift shop looks fun too!

Some interesting thoughts from How to Live Like a Lady: Lessons in life, Manners, and Style by Sarah Tomczak.

In the "Which Chair to Go For" section of Chapter 2 (Walk The Walk):
"Rocking chairs and beanbags are the enemy of any lady, and hammocks are impossible to get out of gracefully so should be avoided in company--and especially in a skirt!"

From Chapter 4 (Hosting and Dining):
"Wait until everyone is seated before starting your food."

"Once you have finished eating, put your napkin on the table, to the side of your dirty plate--never on top."

From Chapter 5 (Out and About):
"Whether you are buying a ticket on the bus or are trying to squeeze your way through a crowded street, never forget to be polite. A 'please', 'thank you', or 'excuse me' will ease the way for you and make those around you feel a little bit appreciated too."

"While emails, phone calls, and texts are all very well, nothing can compare with the thrill of receiving a handwritten note in the mail. A modern lady knows how to woo and charm with the little extra effort it takes to put pen to paper."

From Chapter 6 (Nine to Five):
"Remember always to return missed work calls. It's easy to get caught up in what you're doing and to forget, but out of courtesy alone you should always try to get back to people promptly."

This book is fun but also useful; I've found it difficult to practice some of these recommendations (especially the one about returning phone calls!). I think it's worth the buy, partly because of the nice pictures, partly because it glamorizes your bookshelf, and partly because it gives some excellent advice.

It in fact has suggestions for how to politely clear food stuck in your teeth, what to do when you see someone whose name you've forgotten, and even elevator etiquette.
 

To paraphrase them: "Do this! Do that! Why is everyone so stupid? Why can't everyone be as smart and talented as me? People are such ungrateful asses! I don't get the recognition I deserve!!"

I should have known! That's her personality all over.

The letters are still rather interesting. This volume is a selection of letters from just before and just after Queen Anne got sick of her. The letters are mostly personal rather than about public matters. She writes to one of her relatives and whines about tenants and makes him chase them for money or yell at them for trying to charge her for repairs.

Evelina however was a very interesting read. The anti-French jokes were just hilarious, as were all of the exaggerated characters like the many fops who try to court Evelina. I liked it much better than anything I've read by Jane Austen (to whom Fanny Burney seems to often be compared) mostly because it has more action and less reflection. Evelina still reflects on things, but she doesn't go on and on about suitors and "what does he think of me"s. I got it at a local used bookstore (which is actually a combination used/new bookstore/variety store/the only thing open after 6pm in downtown Halifax) for $4.50, but now I may search around for more by Fanny Burney!

And on a more personal note, I finally gave notice at my job and am returning "home" to my parents' house in a couple of weeks. In a way, it's going to be an unpleasant summer, because I'll be broke and I'll be living with my parents, but I figure that'll still be better than the stressing situation at work, which isn't going anywhere. And here's hoping I'm accepted by the grad school and can go to that in the fall!