I was going to let myself sleep late this morning, but after Adrian had called me the second time (the first time I slept through his call, which has happened but one or two times before), I couldn't go back to sleep. I was cold and could feel my gut twisting with cramps.

So instead, I went off to the library and worked on a problem set. I couldn't finish it, but I did get pretty involved in it, and I liked that. Constant distraction, whether internal or external, is very annoying.

I had to interrupt my diligent productivity to participate in a Johnson School study. It was fun, but I cheated, so I finished the activity somewhat earlier than expected. And also they might have to throw my results out because I cheated. It was interesting and challenging, though, and I think it was one of the more enjoyable studies in which I participated.

And since the Cinema Office was so close, I went there next to drop off my volunteer usher application form. I was surprised by my reception, actually, what with there being a real, non-administrative assistant taking my application, glancing over it quickly, laughing at my assertion that going through 4 discount cards is a "'nuff said" reason, and giving me quite a bit more detail about the job. My only concern now is that I won't be able to pick my schedule, so I'll have to sit through movies I don't enjoy, which would be a terrible waste of my time. I'll have to ask about that, and find some way around suffering through them.

I had wanted to see Prof MWBS before the end of Break, but I hadn't given myself any time for it. I was probably semi-consciously avoiding him because I haven't come up with a suitable thank-you token (for the rec he wrote me) yet. I'm not sure what's appropriate, but I haven't taken the time out to find that out either. I've semi-consciously semi-decided to wait until after I hear from RISE before doing anything definitive. But that's silly, as I'm going to write a long and agonizing entry about RISE vs. co-op vs. other summer internship, which will decide everything and not be contingent on the RISE response. I should've also said bye to CD in the Career Services Office, because I really do think she's good at her job and I really do appreciate all the individual attention she gives to me.

I attendend 351 (Environmental Quality Engineering - the wastewater treatment one) lecture, my only class today, because Prof hadn't cancelled it. How silly, I think, because only last night had we our prelim and today the Friday before Spring Break! Per expected college student behaviour, attendance rate observed to be approximately 30%. Amusingly enough, and also expected, most of those present sat in the first few rows.

The lecture discussed bottled water briefly today, as part of a series of short talks on topics not related to course material but environmental issues in which the class and Prof had interest. One factoid I took away from the talk was that microbial concentrations tend to be lower in glass containers than plastic. It instantly made me think of Adrian and the four bottles in his room: three glass, one plastic. In any case, bottled water is as big a scam as SUVs. Concerning labelling - Prof made the joke (or is it really?) that underground water containing carbon dioxide gas naturally is termed "naturally sparkling water", whilst underground water with added carbon dioxide to it is termed "sparkling natural water". Concerning regulation - it turns out that bottled water on the interstate market is overseen by the FDA, which is required to match EPA standards (more or less) after a brief time lag. Intrastate bottled water, on the other hand, is not federally regulated at all. Concerning cleanliness - most ironically, contamination by organic contaminants occurs primarily through contact with cleaning chemical residue on factory equipment. If you want to check out my prof's cute PowerPoint on the topic, you can download it.

I had been fantasizing about lunch whilst sitting in class, being as hungry as I was. As I headed over to my favourite lunch location, I received a call from JBG informing me that it was closed, of all things. I let out a roar of denial (perhaps scaring some people nearby, perhaps sounding like someone practicing for Dragon Day) but made my way over to Terrace Cafe. I had two cheeseburgers (plus fries). Too much food, but I felt so unsatisfied by the collection I had to go and get something else. They didn't have any decent desserts, either, so I couldn't even munch on a cookie for solace. I was relatively quiet during the conversation. Didn't have much too add (not living with them really does make a difference, even if I do see them regularly), and was tired (from seeing Adrian off in the middle of the night) and a little sad (from Adrian's absence).

I was amused by how circumstance conspired against my seeing the dragon today. Of course I made no plans to participate in or spectate at Dragon Day, but I did end up heading into the path of the oncoming parade - and just as the dragon went by, a bus sat parked between me and it. Ahh ... Well, perhaps next year.

I was actually heading to badminton, and the playing would've been lovely (only one or two basketballs on the other side, meaning we could actually hear each other; and wholesome birdies) had I not been playing so terribly. Today was definitely one of my worst days. I felt sorry that Evan had to deal with such a terrible opponent. Although, I suppose I did satisfy his fierce competitiveness, as I was not much trouble to beat. We did have a few good volleys, and I ended up being covered with so much salt I could smell it, but all in all I was in pretty terrible condition. I blame the physical maladies which afflicted me last night and this morning.

On the way back from badminton, I bumped into Josh, and promptly upset his plans for retrieving his running shoes before he left for Break. I have to say, our conversation at the chance meeting on the bridge was much better than what had transpired at our planned meeting for lunch.

After taking a shower, I headed back up to campus to see if I couldn't finish my problem set. I was quite pleased with some of the things I did, although I was not as efficient as I could have been. I'll have to go to office hours after the break, but at least I've got the bulk of it done. HQ popped by not soon after I had arrived at the library. I'm afraid I made him wait around for quite awhile (I thought we were meeting at 6 and he came at 5:20!) as I poked and prodded some more at my problem set.

I cooked him dinner, part of which ended up going to SS beause she had showed up in the middle of my cooking. SS really enjoyed what I cooked, which makes me happy. HQ roped her into his publication, and I was amused to see him networking thus, as if he were almost helpless to avoid it. He's changed a lot, as I remarked to him several times this evening. A little too much, in too little time. So I worry, a little. I'm feeling more comfortable around him now, so I'm being a little less careful. Perhaps this trend is dangerous, though. I should probably continue being careful. I want to show that I don't take his friendship and goodwill for granted anymore.

Sidenote: Perhaps that's what I do with Adrian - take whatever he offers me for granted.

SS left a long time after we had finished dinner, but HQ and I weren't alone for long before AL came back. It wasn't long before she and HQ were talking about China. When my mother called, I excused myself from the conversation and didn't really return to it. I was a little disappointed at how little ground HQ and I actually covered. I had wanted to ask after a couple more things in his life, and touch on the RISE vs. co-op vs. summer internship debate in mine. But that's not how the situation fell out, so I'll have to make do.

The spontaneous element of conversation is so strong as to be overriding, I think. Even though I've given up planning to have such and such type of conversation, I do try to create the environment to facilitate such conversations. And that kind of attempt fails, also, more often than not.

They've gone now: HQ with SS and AL to rent a movie. I decided not to go (trek there and back in a small group? Where's my one-on-one interaction? I feed off of that, you know). I'm feeling exhausted now, actually.^* I might just go to sleep early. AL's not going be back home until late, perhaps not at all tonight. I should take advantage of that. I haven't packed yet. Haven't thought much about it. Still trying to decide whether or not to take my computer. The thought of using my own computer for a whole week is sorely tempting. For one, it means I won't have to keep it on 24/7 on this end so I can access it with Remote Desktop. For another, it means I get to use it without the irritating lag associated with Remote Desktop. Not using my computer at all is out of the question.

I've built up a little schedule in my head of what I might do during Break. I never worry about experiencing a lack of things to do. This lifestyle seems to preclude such an eventuality. Anyway, I was thinking something along the lines of:

• Monday - Baltimore Aquarium
• Tuesday - TJ
• Wednesday - Shenandoah
• Thursday - DC

Adrian called me this evening. It sounds like his Break won't be as gruelling as the last time as he was away. For that I'm very glad. Maybe he won't come out of this one worse for wear. One can always hope.

I am so tired I can't even figure out the wording of common idioms. I really think I will just go to sleep now.

^*I would hate to be depressed here. I think the depression would go a lot worse here than in either Vancouver or NoVA.⁺ Here is not a very warm, cosy, friendly place. There's not much comfort to be had in one's surroundings. I love this school - I know I still do, even if I can't feel it swell up in my heart the way it used to - but it's a very specific environment, and I need to be away from it as much as I want to be in it.

⁺Correction: I've already been depressed here, and it has been worse than episodes in either Vancouver or NoVA. I'm not depressed yet, but it's good for me to go back home now. I'm dangerously close to being overwhelmed by all the external and internal pressures on my mind right now.

another day turned sour - 2005-03-23

you just didn't know when it was coming - 2005-03-23

one free trip to washington, dc - 2005-03-22

sharing myself - 2005-03-20

dreaming down highways - 2005-03-20