Today I had a pizza lunch with a friend who was born and raised in NY, and sure enough, she folded her pizza in half to eat (lengthwise)! I've only seen people do that out of neccessity, or mentioned in writings about NY. For some reason this was interesting to me.

Something else happened involving a greasy food, quite possibly pizza. In arch. school we work on one major project in our studio class, throughout the term. I can't reach the bulletin board over my desk, but I have two desks, so instead of pinning them up I just put all my drawings in tidy piles on my spare desk. Today I arrived at studio to find that all my drawings from this term had been soaked with grease. Big splotches too, and right in the middle, so I can't just cut them out. Luckily our final review is a few weeks away, and I'm still revising, but this means I won't have any "work in progress" drawings to pin up, nor will I be able to show my revision process at the final review. If I explained to each person who viewed it what happened it would be okay, but that would be annoying. If I didn't, they'd just assume that I was a slob (these are huge stains, people). Sigh.

The good news is that I'm feeling less stressed about school. I am planning on cooking as much as I can this weekend, as lately my love for cooking has manifested itself as reading recipes late at night when I should be sleeping. I'm not sure yet what I'll be making, other than a dessert for a school function on Saturday. Any ideas or suggestions? I might be purchasing a dutch oven this weekend, as I have no thick bottomed pots, and it's becoming a problem.

Despite the compliments and the well wishing from my spammers, I'm tired of it, so I'm turning the word verification on. Sorry guys!

Tonight has been a culinary disaster. I decided I would make falafel for dinner. Usually I cook the falafel balls a little too long.... My friend had given me some "authentic" falafel mix, so I tried it. The mixes I've used have required you to add water and wait 10 minutes, this was 1 hr. Even though I was starting at 9pm, I waited. And at 10:20 it still hadn't really absorbed the water, but I thought I'd try anyway. Pretty soon I had crumbles, and I drained the oil off, but still no luck. So I threw that batch out, and started another w/a different brand of mix (still not the usual brand). This time, they just absorbed the OIL when I was trying fry them, and turned mushy medium brown, not crispy golden brown as I wished for. I threw out everything and warmed up some vegetarian buffalo wings (and made a huge salad). I'm sad. I think I may have to leave the falafel making to Alexander.

School is....a bit overwhelming. I'm feel a little discouraged, mostly because I am feeling the strain so physically, and other than in the computer class I feel like I'm making no progress. I know I am, but it's hard when you're tired, have no time to eat or sleep, behind about 650 pages in reading, and there's no break in sight. So many different assignments, each requiring a new and challening skill. But I realize I still really like the subjects, and once I can get my head back above water I'll be fine. Apparently this is the term of "general malaise" for most Option III architecture students. The funny thing is, when I came to Summer Academy & people warned me that arch. school was horrible, I thought they were exaggerating. People always complain about school, the workload, and being tired...and most of the time it really isn't that bad. This is. I worry about my health. We already have one student who just spent more than a week in the hospital, and I don't want to join her. I have been taking it a bit easier on myself lately, coming home when I still have work to do, because I know I need rest. I'll pull through, I promise!

I spent last weekend in Seattle. It was nice to be "home" again! I spent most of the weekend rushing around, late to everything. Getting to Daniel Smith before they closed, breakfast w/Jim @ Vera's (about 5 blocks from my apt), then almost late to Sonja's wedding! It was lovely, she had each detail down. It was an intimate ceremony, and I am very glad that I sacrificed homework time to be there. She was an amazing friend during the hardest time in my life, and I am grateful for her friendship.

We have final projects due right after Thanksgiving, so I may be spending that holiday here in Eugene (I think R will come down). I'm going to cook!! I'm actually pretty excited, although I was looking forward to seeing my family. If anyone else is going to be w/out family, please let me know, I'd love to share it with you.

Off to watch another episode of Wonderfalls, and pass out....Goodnight!

Discombobulated

I just realized that Neil Gaiman's last name is pronounced "GAY-man" not "GUY-man" as I had been saying/thinking it all this time. It's a whole new word! He's a whole new man! What will I do? Tell the masses, that's what I'll do.

Just got home from enjoying The Decemberists. What a show! There was much rocking, and bouncing, and I met some nice people. Also got to exchange some hugs & madcrazy waving with Tony & Laura. I am proud of myself for taking the night off and feeling not guilt...since I finished the homework that is due tomorrow, I felt I was owed. Working on the one day at a time approach here, folks.

The article ran in the Daily Emerald about my bike. Hopefully something turns up. Working on getting the Register Guard to run one as well (no link for them until they comply!).

Halloweenie was lots of fun. I was Space Vixen, and I was accompanied by my Space Monster. We attended an okay party, and a fun party. We only stayed at the okay party for about 1/2 hour, so I must give it credit that it could have gotten better. The time there wasn't super fun, only a few ppl made any effort to talk to us. The fun party was filled with hugs & chatty folks, much better!

Friday was my 8 year anniversary of being injured. We celebrated with a "gourmet party"
(as one of the partygoers referred to it) hosted by Dima. She made salmon in puff pastry, shaped to look like little fish. They were all different, and all adorable. Many bottles of wine, lots of cheese, and many many other goodies were consumed. 8 years marks the pottery/bronze anniversary, but I received no pottery nor any bronze statuettes. I was so hoping. A few friends were invited that um...*ignored* my invitation. I followed up several times, and even issued personal requests (rather than a group email). I straight out mentioned how important it was to me. But no response. I think that's a pretty clear statement, eh? I didn't let them get me down, too many others who are super awesome around to let it. It does hurt, though.

Anyhow, I'm tired, and a little out of it. Must get more than 5 hours of sleep tonight.

Word.