Omens

Well, the past four days have been pretty overwhelming, to say the least. Lots of complications, lots of bureaucracy, lots of catch-22s over setting up (i.e. can't get a flat without a British bank reference, can't get a British bank account without a British tenancy agreement and utility bill ... I tell you, it's almost a joke ). And my god, the jet lag! I have been taking combinations of pills and neocitron-type drinks to knock myself out each night, and it just doesn't work! Anyone have connections in the area for horse tranquilizers?

We've applied for a flat even without the standard references, just cobbling together what we could to show we're responsible and reliable, and we're desperately hoping we get it. I don't want to say more right now because I've become very superstitious since arriving. I don't know why. But until we get a flat, nothing else can really fall in place, including the all-important internet access.

Perhaps superstition is just in the air here. I was charmed by a column in Saturday's Guardian sports section called "Omens", in which they evaluate the implications of world events on match outcomes. From this past weekend:

"Stephen Harper will be sworn in as prime minister of Canada on Monday - a mixed blessing for Midland sides. West Brom have drawn on the Saturday closest to the appointments of the last four Canadian prime ministers to take office during the football season, while Aston Villa have won three and drawn the other. Around the last five such appointments Manchester United have won four but the other game saw them thrashed 6-0 by Ipswich in March 1980."

Mixed blessing, indeed.