Library computer. Le sigh.

I've decided to use my no-computer downtime to do research for my novel. I spent an hour on the gorgeous third level of Hoover today, searching out pagan books (they have some by the Fararrs!) and then migrating downwards in search of other fairy lore. I got a book by Caitlyn Matthews on 10 Celtic Love Stories that includes a prose version of The Ballad of Tam Lin, and I picked up a dictionary of "Fairies, Hobgoblins, and Other Troublesome Things" called At the Bottom of the Garden by Diane Purkiss. Also, to check out pacing, I picked up another dark faerie-based YA novel, Tithe, by Holly Black, whom I've never heard of. So, with the reading. Yep.

And you know, some Shakespeare plays for class. But that's boring. I like the library when I'm not forced to it for paper purposes-- I can see myself spending more time here to gather thoughts.

Speaking of class, I had a bad morning. Madame Motard-Noar always assigns about two reserves per class period that I don't have the money to photocopy (they average 15-30 pages apiece). And my paper from last week... well. To put it mildly her red-ink commentary ended with "This patronizing sermon is over." No, I'm not kidding. She assigns a three page paper and then says I didn't analyze enough when I'm pushing four pages. I'm at a loss, here. I mean, I know the paper was a bit last minute. You want to give me a B- for that, for technical errors, that's okay. I deserve it. But don't dock me because I met your requirements. I hate how condescending she is. So I sat through an hour-and-a-half class feeling close to tears. Bitch.

Le sigh. I'm going for a walk. Up to the supermarket, to buy more red plums. I need the exercise-- I'm going to keep going to the gym because I've felt like a big, unattractive lump of goo lately. I don't know why, but my self-image has taken a nosedive lately, and it's time to lose some vanity weight. So red plums, it is.



And paganrose, thank you for your offer. I think I'm still going to take it to the dealer, though. It's not a comment on any percieved competency-- it's just that if I have continuing problems, my insurance will be rendered invalid if someone other than a Best Buy tech has worked on the computer.

Grrgh.

*blink*

So, uh. Since when do people drop the f-bomb about two times a page in a young adult novel? I mean, yeah, when I was 13 or so, I was starting to curse, and kids now do it more than I ever did. But drug use? Sex scenes? F-this, f-that??

Oy. I feel like a mother.

Meanwhile, I also read I Was A Teenage Fairy, by Francesca Lia Block, today in my downtime. I love the way she uses language, and the first 3/4 of the book had me enthralled, even if I wasn't too impressed by the ending. It was too pat, too bow-tied. And for some reason, when FLB broaches things seen in adult novels, it seems less explicit. But in the book I just started, Tithe? Eee. Really. It's just shocking to me, considering I grew up thinking Christopher Pike was scandalous. :) I genuinely like the book, and I think that I shall like it even more if I read it though an adult-fiction filter. I'm genuinely curious as to why the author chose to market the book as a YA novel. Perhaps I'm operating on an outdated definition.

I did buy my plums today, and I see that Safeway now has daffodils and plump gerber daisies in candy colors, stargazer lilies and fuchsia tulips with delicate yellow veins. If I had had a spare twenty, my room would be covered in flowers. Rac and I have made plans to shop next Wednesday, payday, and I should get a cheap vase so I can give her hers back. I want fresh flowers every week. I love waking up to their scent. It's amazing how much flowers in my room lift my mood.

And that nasty prof I was talking about earlier? I checked my mail to find an invitation for the Foreign Language Honors Society in my mailbox from her. I mean, I know it was sent because I meet all the requirements, but I almost laughed out loud, I swear. Initiation into the Literary & Foreign Language honors societies run $40 apiece. I can afford one, but probably not both. I'll talk to the parents, saying how good it'll look on a resume and such...

And Dr. Mangan sent me an email about peer mentoring for her class next year. I don't think I'll be able to do it, especially if Margie still wants me to mentor her freshman seminar... I noticed that two of my other friends got the email too. Good choices, I hope one of them does it.

Okay, program. That's the only reason I'm here, actually. Erica told me it was 7pm, turns out it's 8pm. Hence the downtime and the lab usage.

And Noble, I miss you.



ETA:: Two people on my fl had their grandpas die today. I'm sorry-- my thoughts are with you both.