Dutch Dentistry

I'm about to recount something that would leave most Americans writhing in their seats to imagine. In the Netherlands, it's perfectly normal for dentists to drill and fill teeth without novocaine.

Passed

So anyway, I have finally taken all of my inburgeringsexamens and passed them. With flying colors. I'm proud of myself and I think I've really earned it this time. I never imagined this life for myself even in my wildest dreams. It blows my mind a little every time I think about it. Not only have I decided to do this for myself, but I've followed through with it. You can't fake learning a language. You can't make people accept you unless it's what they want to do. I've accomplished something difficult. It does wonders for the self-confidence. Nobody else could have done this for me. I did this. Honestly? I'm as surprised as anybody. 

Sweet And Surreal

I'm going with a theme of "odd" songs. I guess that's why I like them, because they take me into another mental space. A little silly, a little strange and off-center, and for all that they're enchanting.

Paul Robeson

Once there was a very talented man by the name of Paul Robeson. His story is a story of America in many ways, and it had astronomical highs and abysmal lows. He was an intelligent, articulate man who sang like a baritone angel. He was the son of an escaped slave and a Quaker, and he attracted the attention of the US government with his political activity to the point where they took away his passport and ultimately his career.