Dear all (and especially David, il postino),

I guess there is simply no way of wriggling out of this - when Jill calls to order, I'd better accomplish. Warning: I'm yet another soul who will tell you the n-eth version of the New Orleans bash, so if you're getting tired of this ... discard.

For those of you whom I haven't met in March (and also for the ones who, during my scarce sober moments in N.O., only heard the 'Voodoo dick' story from me .. aka 'Woodoo deeek' during less sober moments), here's some facts about my recent doings:

Currently still working at IBM (Speech, new languages programs), side-kicks as a teacher for Technische Dokumentation und Usability Engineering (hear-hear) at a private University in Lower Austria, occasional appearances on a small radio station and also on anti-racism/government demos, still unmarried and no kids or dogs, in love, as always, in the process of buying a new appartment with a huge terrace (instilled by lovely evenings out on the Klopp's rooftop), still owner of an old and dirty car (but of a brand-new bike), yet not owner of my soul, which belongs to the bank.

Other activities include taking care of my friends and parents, taking singing lessons (those who heard me in N.O. understand why), preparing my retirement carreer as one of a 'Two Fat Ladies' plagiarism team (I'm the one who focuses on fish and seafood recipies that actually do go with red wine), the occasional Yoga class (Jill, you did give me a little push to continue, thank you), music, concerts, food, travel, and so on and so forth.

In 1990/92, I spent almost two years in Barcelona on assignment: the glorious, unforgettable years (remember Mary?) and godmothered a child there. In 1996/97 I did a postgraduate course in Publishing (= Gina, Mistress of Advanced Studies). In 1998, I visited a friend in Australia and fell in love with that continent .. well, the 3867th part that I saw. From rainforests, snakes, crocodiles, platypusses (platipi?), wallabies, to the Barrier Reef, tropical Islands with absolutely no-one on them, the great people (friendly but not phoney), Sydney, absolutely breathtaking. Consequently, I godmothered yet another child there.

The recent event in New Orleans, where I met a good part of you people (no, I'm not gonna tell after all ;-), has really triggered the wish to do these types of encounters more often (beg to differ Ian, I'm not referring to alcohol here) .. ideas like Amsterdam or the Florida keys are springing to my mind, but even good old Wien may do: maybe we could do a two-years-ahead type of planning for a get-together? Just an idea.

Looking forward to reading from you all!

Love and Peace,

Gina