Friends and Cars

My dear and faithful fans,

If you read my previous entry, you'll know why it has been so long since I've put pen to paper (paws to keyboard). Yes, I was truly shocked that my pal Santa (my best pal, or so I thought) treated me dismissively (if not snubbed me altogether). However, we've passed the turning point, Santa has another chance to demonstrate his devotion, 5 months (and counting).

So, on to other matters.

Driving lessons were on my summer agenda. After years of total dependency in this car-dominated society, Papa agreed to teach me how to drive. And how absurdly simple it turned out to be; simply point and go.

Papa has promised to buy me a car of my very own! I've selected a Mini Cooper, the smallest size, preferably hunter green. And unlike Santa (pal that he has heretofore always been), I will get my car very shortly indeed-- certainly before University of Georgia--Athens classes start.

I can't say that Fall is in the air. To the contrary, hot and humid has been the story of the last 4 weeks and promises to by the sequel playing out over the next 4 weeks (and beyond?). But the start of university classes holds the promise of new comrades on the journey of knowledge pursuit. Who knows where that journey will lead. Please return soon.

As always, with gratitude for your readership. Please feel free to send your comments or questions. I promise to answer them all.

Your friend, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir

Santa: review of Christmtas 2014

Dear Santa,

I can only imagine that you were so busy in 2014 that you didn't have time to read my Christmas letter (see previous post).

I'll refrain from recriminations.

After due consideration, I've decided to be Good This Year trusting that you will indeed see me when I'm sleeping and know when I'm awake. However, if Christmas 2015 is no more successful (from my point of view) than Christmas 2014, all bets are off. Not a threat, but certainly a promise.

So, hoping your Christmas was more rewarding than mine and, in light of our (previous) deep affection for each other, you remain my dearest pal, darling Santa.

Disappointed but affectionately yours, your friend Mercury

My Christmas letter, and accompanying list

Dear Santa,

Greetings, my very best friend. You must be busy getting ready for opening [and closing] night tomorrow. Trust you're in good health and super condition for all your hard work.

It may seem rather late, but knowing your infinite patience, I humbly submit my Christmas list for your consideration. [remuneration will be provided: Irish coffee with plum pudding was your request, as I recall]

Mercury's List [in no particular order]

flat screen TV that will fit in my little home

iPhone 6 in gold

iPad mini of my very own

tin of the fancy dog treats [large]

a circus costume [now that I've perfected my circus trick, I need a special costume, something sparkly and elegant, for auditions I've lined up]

a fine china dining set, preferably Lenox

2 Waterford goblets

5 small cloth balls in assorted colors

 Note: when you come I'll probably be sleeping. But feel free to wake me. Perhaps we'd have time for a chat over the coffee & plum pud. 

Maman's List [short but ambitious]

 She's still waiting for her 10ct emerald cut diamond ring set in platinum [at this point, she'd settle for 5]

AppleWatch, preferably in 18ct rose gold with the red leather band

Papa's List [Since he received his Mercedes in 2013, his list is modest]

socks and t-shirts should suffice

Thank you so much for bringing all my toys and treats and for any consideration you can extend to Maman and Papa as well.

I love you so much and always will. I miss you all year 'round. I behave very well indeed, I'm good, not naughty [hardly ever]. I hope I catch you as you slip down our chimney but I go to bed early [in that home that lacks only 1 thing, a flat screen TV].

Perhaps one of these years, you can visit me off-season. I'll show you a great time in Athens, GA, treat you to some meals, share my toys, etc.

Sending you very very very much love and all good wishes for your Christmas Eve trip and that you enjoy health, happiness and peace in 2015.

Love from your best friend, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir

My visitors

This weekend, Sidney & his Mom came to visit me. They brought me some kebab & gormeh sabzi, took me shopping and generally spoiled me rotten. I hope they stay for a Very Long Time. 

Here's a photo of Sidney & his Mom outside on the porch. I photo bombed. 

Maman honored

Please congratulate my darling Maman who received this special recognition of her teaching skills. She teaches me things every day. She's the best Maman & teacher in the whole wide universe. 

Mercury's Christmas Letter to Santa, 2013

 

Dearest, darling, Santa,

    

-->     I am distressed to compose my letter at this time  when I am driving Maman to distraction with my bad behavior and just at the time when she has a few precious weeks off from her highly demanding job. I trust you will not hold it against me and not measure the dog by the behavior of a few weeks.

     This has been a harrowing year as well: I was attacked by my neighbor Chad, a large (intimidating) Chow mix. My injuries were slight but it was necessary to be driven to the doggie ER and to visit my regular doctor on Monday. Blood was drawn! Papa and Maman valiantly leapt to my aid-- Papa scooping me and Maman putting herself between Chad and Papa. In any case, that's all in the past. Chad's Mom was so kind to me and I've forgiven him; it's really not his fault.

     And in general, over the course of the last 12 months, I have tried to be as good as possible, helping Maman with her work, serving as sous-chef for Papa, cleaning my own home and suffering clothing willingly if not gladly.

     Plus, you are my very best friend. I love you more than anyone and I've missed you all year long.  Therefore, I'm hoping you'll forgive my lapses and leave me the following gifts:

Mercury's Christmas List

1 Santa Belly Gourmet Cookie Box

Peanut Butter Madness & Personalized Tote

New & pretty water bowl, preferably a 2-cup jewel tone pedestal bowl

Personalized Sequined Reindeer Tee (this to make Maman happy: note this example of good behavior)

A TV and a smart phone (preferably iPhone 5s) of my very own

A Furby (purple)

For Maman:

Old Gringoembroidered Jasmine 10" boots

For Papa:

Maman and I agree that his Mercedes (E-series, over 300-horse power, polar white with two sun roofs and satellite connection) is gift enough for 1 year (possibly more?--just a suggestion; you're the expert).  If you feel especially well disposed to Papa, he does need a new pair of socks.

     As you can see, our requests are modest this year. I am truly sorry for my bad behavior. If you only leave coal for me, I'll understand.  But please don't punish Maman for my sins. She did her best and I hope you'll leave those Old Gringo boots for her.

     Well, my darling friend, that's all for now. Is there anything that you'd like me to give you? The traditional milk and cookies? A large bowl of caviar and toast? A new suit?

     Very truly yours, with love, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir!

PS: you can visit me and even stay for a few days. I'd be happy and honored to share my own little home. I expect that you'd like a break from the exertions of this Christmas season (I hope I'll have a TV and smart phone by that time; I'll share them with you.)

Another PS: I promise to be nicer to Kelly Noonan who after all is a wonderful groomer. Perhaps you could bring some  furniture or decorations for her luxurious new location: Doggie Styles. (note, another example of good behavior)

Semester begins with gatherings and parties

Perhaps you think that teaching at, or attending, a university, is all about books, classrooms, computers, mobile devices, homework, papers, quizes and tests, grading, office hours and etc. And you'd be (almost) right.

However, Fall 2013 started off with a round of parties.

President Jere Morehead's gathering to welcome Grady Dean Davis.  Dean Davis' party to welcome back Grady faculty and staff. Graduate Student Caucus' pizza and soft drinks (cash bar for those, like me, with appropriate documentation) get-together, and more.

What a social whirl!!

Above you see me driving my new Mercedes to 5Points Liquor Store (stocking up for the party I'm throwing) and dusting off my tux to make sure it still fits (it does).

I hope you've spent the 2nd half of August as pleasantly as I have. Looking forward to Fall Break and then to Thanksgiving Break and then to my favorite time of all, Christmas Break when my very best friend in the Universe (not just the galaxy but the Universe) will visit me once again (my darling Santa)

And, yes, we're also studying and learning to our hearts' content.