Wednesday, September 26, 2007

NYU Library

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Before I Collapse Into Bed...

Pain.
All the time.
It will not die.
At least not without drugs that are a little too strong for around-the-clock-use.
My books, my knitting, Netflix and new music have kept me sane for the past 3 weeks. In that 3 week time, I haven't left my house for anything other than work, a visit with my family or a quiet dinner out. I can't lie, though - they have been nice dinners.
Everyone has been so sweet to me and so patient with me since my surgery - my friends are the best. They are more than the best - they are special. The world is teaming with people who aren't special at all. People who have no interest in others, people who live their lives with the philosophy of "what can you give me for free?", people who are not kind, people who don't get it. Do you understand what I mean by "get it?" Those people who truly get it know that nothing is better in this lifetime of ours than a great book, a big laugh, the perfect pair of shoes or a dinner with 2 or more OTHER people who get it.
If you know people who get it, do not treat them carelessly. They are incredibly hard to find.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Astor Place

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Potent Potables (and Sweat Glands) for $200, Alex

Do not ever, ever have surgery if you can possibly help it. I've been home for the past week watching crappy cable, staring at the ceiling fan (and if you've seen Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me as many times as I have, you know that this can be truly, horrifically frightening), and being alternately grumpy and whiny. I had 3 sweat glands removed last week, and it's been kind of miserable. Even the pain drugs weren't worth it. Being out of it on pain meds is one thing, but being out of it on pain meds with 2 incisions that STILL HURT just makes you feel sad and loopy.
I'm back at work now, though, and trying to get back into the grind. I had big plans to have lots of friends over last weekend to console me through my misery, but I was not in any shape to leave the bed, really. This weekend is going to continue to be one of R & R. I am normally a pretty active, busy person, but right now the thought of getting in my car and driving to the grocery store makes me wince.
This book helped me through the pain and misery. It's not rocket science or high literature, but this guy made me laugh my ass off. You can't go wrong with a title like
How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship, and Musical Theater. It's about a high school drama geek who wants to go to Julliard, but his father won't pay for it. The book was totally engaging and original, and after reading it, I did a little research and found that it's become huge among teen readers. Anyway, I'd highly recommend it. I also learned something crucial that I wish I'd known in high school: if you're 17 and want to buy beer, wear a nun's suit. Store clerks will never card a nun. The gang in the book keep a nun's habit and a priest's suit handy at all times.
Let's see, what else? OH, I went to NEW YORK over Labor Day. Saw good friends, saw the city, ate some amazing food, bought an amazing coat... couldn't have been better. I will post pictures directly.
The cool weather has been good for my soul. It's supposed to be 78 and rainy tomorrow, and I couldn't be happier about it. I will happily wear jeans and a jacket for the first time in way too long. Like I always do at the end of August, I was starting to think that it would never get cool again.
More later...