back on the strip

Well, my initial plan was to hit up the Fencing Academy of Phildelphia today.

But then I remembered: Julia, you have not washed nor worn your gear in... jeepers. 5 years.

I tried it on. It is quite snug. I weighed about 10 lbs less in college.

Also, my gear is ripe. That is disgusting, but it is true. And it must be air-dried. So I will be hitting up the Academy on Wednesday.

In the mean time, I need to lose some paunch, and fast.

Celery diet?

Cleaning?

Yes, cleaning.

It is a super rare occasion when I feel like I am actually living in my own filth. That occasion is now.

Damien and I are not tidy people. In fact, you might call us slobs. I would certainly call myself a slob. Maybe he is not. He is more fastidious. He just makes piles. Also, the cats have basically vomited on every square inch of my floor. Also, my terrible IKEA dresser, which is broken in several ways, is exploding. So I am deep-cleaning today. Even more than when I basically threw out everything in my bathroom.

I am now One Of Those People Who Rents A Carpet Shampooer. Dog knows this place needs it. I am almost curious to find out the difference between the color that it is and the color that it should be. I am thinking "A Huge One, You Disgusting Lady".

Julia's apartment. Where every day is like garbage day.

Odds and ends

1. The building is experiencing another brownout. This happens too often for my liking. Damn you PECO! You ruined my shower! Rassin' Frassin' water pressure.

2. I am still totally elated re: finishing grad school. WOO!

3. I totally need a job. Even a crappy job.

4. I am baking gingerbread today. This might be a mistake.

5. I will have to double-check the openness of the Chinese place downstairs for tomorrow's Jewish-Christmas.

Holy flurnking schnit.

I am done.

DONE.

As soon as that piece of paper shows up in the mail...

I am a Master. Of Arts.

I AM DONE WITH GRADUATE SCHOOL!

Well duh

You don't win anything if you keep putting money in the slot machine.

Dummy.

It is gonna be a loooong week. Lots of writing, preparing a presentation, working on a term paper which I have not yet started (although the presentation will be a kick in the pants), changing my residency status (so much paperwork!), getting in (dog willing) to the cert program, and not seeing Damien until friday.

This normal relationship is turning me into a softie. The long-haul periods I used to put up with? They are difficult now. A few days is difficult :P

Crockpot teriyaki chicken tonight. Hope it doesn't suck!

On another note, it is VERY cold outside.

Bright Lights, Atlantic City

I have been a busy girl as of late. All maintaining a social life, going to New York for a couple days, and oh yes, my computer DYING. Thank dog I have a sweet (if dirt cheap) laptop to save my ass, and a valiant effort made by Damien to fix the damn broken hard drive. He thankfully was able to recover my documents, but pretty much everything else? Bye-bye.

No more photoshop, no more sig pics. :(

Damien and I are going to fabulous Atlantic City this friday, actually staying the night in a cute (and by "cute" I mean large) boutique hotel - the Chelsea, if you're interested - and throwing away what will be absolutely no more than $40 on the penny slots. I am praying that I will not be stupid enough to forget my cancer-sticks and end up buying a $10 pack at the nearest casino. I really, really need to quit. But in a casino? Which is like a giant ashtray? It will be a challenge.

The theme...

Damien got me hooked on some Toto.

And I think this song is how I am feeling...

I'll Supply the Love

There's a cool prog-esque synth progression at the end... which is to say nothing of the sweet vocals in this one.

Much <3, honey.