Last year at this time, I was wading knee-deep in a 120-page Italian-to-English translation about a bridge – architecture, engineering, and construction…fun stuff. The only good thing about it was it gave me an excuse not to go outside in the cold. I just got another small assignment from them. S is cringing because I usually enlist him as my “editor” before I send out my final translations, and it can get pretty hairy. Note: Especially if the original text is written “col culo” as S says. That means, your 6th grade book report was better.
Translations can be pretty rewarding because you get to work on your own time, usually in the warm comfort of your own home, and if the subject is interesting, you can really expand your vocabulary. Do you know what a “cable-stayed bridge” is in Italian? On the other hand, you can go crazy trying not to entirely re-write a badly written document (sometimes they want it exactly like the original!) , agonizing over word choice and cursing the existence of the other language. Your work clothes can consist of pajama bottoms and sweatshirts. On the other hand, your work clothes can consist of pajama bottoms and sweatshirts. Not seeing anyone that day, no need to change clothes. Isn’t much of a motivation for hygiene.
While our compatriates back in the States are enjoying the next month or so of 3-day weekends, here in Italy we’re facing a big drought in National Holidays until Easter in April!
Yesterday Bloglines decided that I was in South America and has changed my entire interface into Spanish. Luckily, I understand it. At least “Mis Canales” were not translated – I’d hate to translate entire posts.
Speaking of Bloglines, for those of you who are accessing my feed via some RSS Reader (if you aren’t doing this already, WHY NOT? It’s SO much easier! Google, Bloglines, Sage plugin for Firefox, to name a few!) please make sure you click through to my actual site as I’ve created a super-special banner!! I used my Photoshop skillz. Comments and feedback welcome. Especially on the background color. Having trouble with that.
I appreciate entrepreneurism in all shapes and forms, but I have my doubts about putting a hair straightening iron in the bathroom of a club – I’ve been in some rough clubs and the last thing I want is a steaming hot iron floating around while we’re jostling for the last scraps of toilet paper and fighting for mirror space.
Random post – can you tell I’m procrastinating???
Jay: ‘Col Culo’ sounds like ‘con culo’ which means you are writing with you ass!! Thats good, I’ll remember that one. Have Sante translate ‘Tu eres un pinche putissimo puto, guey’, a little TJ slang from the wherehouse crew @ San Diego Marine Exchange….;)
LOVE the banner! Very cool.
meh… yesterday bloglines thought i was in japan or was japanese, so the entire interface was in katakana :-S
I like your new *look*.
Can I tell you how badly I wish they would have had that straightner machine in my school, etc. when I was growing up! Living in Seattle with curly hair during the *feathered* era was HELL. That weould have made my life so much easier. hehe