Friday

Shh . . . I’m actually writing this on Thursday afternoon, and a drunk person just called the library. What a great end to the work week. Also, someone came in who didn’t know how to work a turn style , so she turned sideways and squeezed by instead of pushing through. When I told a friend about this, she theorized that the girl is a witch and doesn’t know how muggle things work. I wonder if this witch knows Harry.

• Still tired, but less tired every week as I get used to my new work schedule. I really thought I’d hate working until midnight every night, but I don’t. I get a lot done.

• So far, the work I’m doing for my professors is taking way more time than my actual homework. I say yes to every assignment they give me, because I feel like they’re all opportunities I can’t pass up. I need their recommendations. Grad school is stressful in so many ways. The actual in-class stuff feels simple in comparison to all the career-type stuff I have to keep in mind. I guess that’s because one I’ve been doing forever, and the other is new.

• Did I mention that my parents are moving to Alaska? I know, Alaska: it’s so hot right now (I hope you read that in the voice of Mugatu). They’re not moving up there to be closer to the Palin family, but rather to be closer to my nieces. And, they aren’t moving permanently–just for six months or so. It’s something my mom has always wanted to do, but she couldn’t because a) she didn’t want to leave her mom (my grandma), and b) she had to work. But, my grandma died (or, as my mom says, went to live with the angels) this past March, and after a few years of major turmoil at work, which included the shady ousting of the woman my mom has worked for since before I was born, she resigned the job she’s held for 27 years. This is major on all fronts; my mom is like the goodiest goody two shoes, practical lady you’ve ever (not) met, and she just up and quit her job. This was everyone’s response: shock! After they got over the shock, the response was, “Good for you!” She’s not retiring. She’s just taking a break; I guess we all deserve one of those every 56 years or so. Anyway, today they’re packing up the car and heading north to live in cold and darkness.

• It’s a good thing my mom and step dad visited me down here in California before leaving for Alaska. I told them to remember our times by the pool when they’re stuck in snow. My mom is very worried about me. Somehow she thinks things will be a lot different without her right here with me. I was like, “you already live a thousand miles away. What’s going to be different?” She did not have an answer, but she was tearing up when I dropped them off at the airport.

• I haven’t been thinking much about the novel lately, but this week, the characters came back to me. I miss them, and I really want to keep working on the novel. But, I’m determined to write my thesis first. At this point, my desire to work on the novel is actually motivating me to get going on the thesis.

• This morning, I had to be to class by 8:30. I woke up at 8:14. Somehow, I made it there looking presentable, coffee in hand with a few minutes to spare. Ah, the joys of living on campus.

• This weekend, I’m looking forward to having some time to myself. Oh, and Boston Baked Beans. I’m looking forward to those to. Have a good one!