... and that fits my mood.

Although, finally, I can sit in front of the computer screen and type a couple of paragraphs without dissolving into tears, and yeah, you can take that literally. Every time I get a serious cold, it affects my right (and only my right) eye's tear ducts, poof! my eye swells up to enormous proportions, and -- hey, have I successfully grossed out everyone right now? ;-)

As I've mentioned, yesterday was my first day at my new job here in Cologne. And I'm afraid I didn't really leave a memorable impression by excusing myself after two hours, making an appointment with the nearest doctor and then going home. Well... it couldn't be helped. Perhaps I should have shared my virus generously. I don't know. Result: I don't have the faintest idea how my new job is going to work out, or how working with my new colleagues and boss will be.

Then I tried to buy a cable extension for my modem, and, of course, got sold the wrong one. What a capable salesman that was! Gave me an extension for my damn phone. Had to go buy more tissues so I tried another shop which, miraculously, actually had the right one, but only with a length of at least 10 metres. Great. I didn't want to link up to my neighbour's modem! But, okay, I didn't have much choice. I bought the damn thing. As you see, I'm now online again, so I can't complain all that much.

Only now, I'll have to return the first cable extension and convince the guy to give me back my money. Later that week.

But the electronics gods really hate me, and weren't satisfied with that odyssey. When I tried to set up my TV and VCR yesterday evening (feeling shitty, but determined to record The X-Files), I discovered that I lacked certain... cables. What else. Satellite receiver -- check. TV -- check. VCR 1 and 2 -- check. Tapes -- check. Cable from satellite receiver to satellite junction box -- no can do. And my landlord said he had various cables. But he and his family left for a vacation on Sunday morning, and I was arrogant enough to believe I could take my time and manage it all on my own without his help.

Now I'll have to wait until he returns, and I have no idea when that will be. But I absolutely refuse to buy anymore cables.

Considering my luck and skill in that department, I wonder how I'll ever link my computer and the VCR like I've planned. I want to make some screencaps in the future.

But right now, I guess I'll better go back to bed. I can't breathe through my nose again.

And I don't think I'll ever get used to the cramped quarters of my new room here. From 56 qm to 25, from two rooms plus kitchen to one including a kitchenette. Argh. Three months, and this trial period will be over, then I'll either have to return to my old workplace or I'll go appartment-hunting once more.

Whatever. Bed.