Say What?

The first of these billboards featured what I took to be a mildly bad translation of a familiar idiom, "Better sparrow in hand than pidgeon on branch." I figured this was some sort of ad for cell phones. I have no idea why. Maybe the bright colors? Maybe the idea of having something in your hand? But when I saw the latest billboard, I was stumped. 

Brain rules force timber push.

Huh? I can't even begin to think of an American equivalent. Suggestions are welcome.

In my thrill to share this with you I noticed the URL in the upper right-hand corner of the billboard and went to check it out. As far as I can tell, O3one is an advertising company. However, these particular billboards don't advertise anything at all. In fact, they have been awarded, by the Serbian Association of Propagandists, "Golden Recognition for an unprofitable outdoor campaign." Yes, unprofitable.

According to O3one: 

"O3one billboards have the mission to make our town prettier, to cherish humor, to make you smile, but most of all to motivate the observers to think back on our national wisdoms and to find an easier solution to many riddles by looking at them from a different prospective." (http://www.o3.co.yu/eng/?p=406)

So, if I understand correctly, these aren't necessarily simple sayings. These are more like Zen koans. Local citizenry are encouraged to stretch their minds and mentally explore the possibilities. Think outside the box, if you will. Then again, maybe not. Here are a few more examples I got from their web site (http://www.o3.co.yu/srp/?page_id=518)

• In lie are short legs
• Who digs hole to another falls in it alone
• Hard to force a frog in water
• What on mind that on road

Riddles you say? I'm sticking with my original thought: "Say what?"

Keeping Busy

When it isn't cold and icy outside, it's rainy. Winter here seems to be a lot more similar to DC than I originally anticipated. Spring will be a welcome change indeed. We got a little tease earlier this week when it went up to 57 one day. We're still waiting for our permanent housing to get sorted out (though I understand we're really close now). We're also getting closer and closer to the arrival of our household goods. 

In the meantime, I've had a chance to get busy with the knitting needles. After two scarves for a warm up, I'm on to the baby blanket stage.  I think that's the standard progression, isn't it?

Still a fairly basic piece of software, this one gave me a chance to practice a few new stitches. Mainly, the increase and decrease along the scalloped edge. These are critical skills if I'm ever going to make any truly wearable items. At the very least, this was one fluffy piece that was pretty fun to kit up. Giving credit where credit is due, the pattern is from Purl: http://www.purlbee.com/cuddly-cotton-baby-blanket/.  I hope the recipient enjoys it!

Happy 2009

2008 certainly had its challenges (see summer '08). I'm sure that this year will toss a few in my way as well but I Bob and I are very excited to begin a new year. We're looking at 2009 as a chance for a fresh start. Every year I make a few resolutions. They tend to be extremely girly: lose 5 (10) pounds, eat better, be more positive. All unmeasurable (well, except for the pounds) and sort of sissy/stupid goals. Those are things I should be doing anyway. This year is different. I have 2 very achievable and measurable goals.

Goal 1: Learn Serbian.

It goes without saying that this will do a lot to improve my effectiveness at living in Belgrade. Now, I'm not saying I have to be able to give professional lectures but, ordering a taxi on the phone and talking to vendors at the open air markets would be considered an extreme achievement in my book. I've already cranked through chapter 1 of "teach yourself Serbian". (Let's hope I can get into a class soon.)

Goal 2: Don't get hospitalized.

I realize that, to some extent, I do not have any control over this. But, I will be doing my best to stay healthy and, perhaps, pay more attention to, for example, ridiculously chronic headaches that drive me mad. In cases such as this, I will take action before symptoms force me to notice them in other extreme ways.

I also have one other goal that is perhaps less well defined but also something I really need to focus on this year. 

Goal 3: Figure out this 'working from home' thing

Out of necessity, I have become a freelancer. To some, this may sound awesome. And, on some days, I quite enjoy it myself. But I don't think that I've worked out all the kinks yet or figured out exactly how to structure my days and there isn't much of a long term vision for where this is headed. 

In the end, if all else fails, there are still the girly goals of working on my knitting, cooking with local ingredients, and practicing pilates! Here's hoping for a happy 2009 for everyone.