BJ, a black keyboard sounds like such an upgrade. I’m looking at my formerly-white one right now. Ick. And, um, the “sniff my underwear” comment? We can go ahead and forget about that now, if you don’t mind.

Miri, been there FAR too many times to report. You are not alone, my friend. I’m sure anyone here has stories of their own–usually brought on by too little caffeine, sleep, or food.

BJ, a black keyboard sounds like such an upgrade. I’m looking at my formerly-white one right now. Ick. And, um, the “sniff my underwear” comment? We can go ahead and forget about that now, if you don’t mind.

Miri, been there FAR too many times to report. You are not alone, my friend. I’m sure anyone here can attest to that.

We were doing scenes based on one of ten settings, and a guy in my class had already declared that his group would have the club. I don’t do clubs. Of course, when the numbers are given out, I’m with him.

“Of all the people I could’ve been with, it had to be you.” Said in the snottiest tone you can imagine. Sigh. I’m really not at my best during 6th period Friday.

Yeah, Miri. Spill, girl. Robin does it. Remember the “sniff my underwear” comment with the kids in class on her book tour? We all will never forget it.

I also watched Gray’s Anatomy this week, which was nice, though I am sad that The Office is now on at the same time so we missed it.

Jone, I am curious about the “amazing Portland brow lady.” My dream nice day would be to fly to Portland, visit the brow lady (and the amazing hair lady too), have a burrito at Laughing Planet, enjoy a Voodoo Doughnut, and spend the rest of the day at Powell’s.

Anyway, BJ, what I was going to say was the Cheetos should readjust your healthy cells quite nicely. Good job.

Jen, I’m still on my Grey’s Anatomy fast (the only way I can deal with my addictions, it seems), so I couldn’t watch last night. I’m so glad you did, though, and that you just let yourself sit down and enjoy it. That’s a nice thing for your usually multi-tasking brain, I’m sure.

Laura, what a great, cozy-sounding week! And so what if you were a little more on the happy-living side than the busy-writing side. We are not machines. Sometimes we need naps and friend dates and Cheetos. It will all balance out.

Miri, I love that you sing Japanese songs out loud. I forgot about you learning Japanese. And what was the thing you really didn’t mean to say in drama class? Come on–you can’t just leave us hanging!

Emily, I know exactly what you mean about not wanting to go to the trouble of cooking if it’s “just you.” When “just you” is obviously worth as much time and care as someone else. But it’s hard to make the effort, so bravo to you!

Mother Reader, I’ve done that 2-stamp thing, too, and it feels so wasteful and naughty, but also so completely indulgent because you’re saving yourself time and aggravation. For all the ways we throw away money on this and that, it’s amazing how hard it is to spend those extra few cents on our own convenience.

Bill, obviously you made the right choice–traffic confirmed it. How nice to get to just hang out with a buddy! Doing projects together is as relaxing as going out for a beer sometimes. It’s the face time that matters.

Sara, you Boot Camp fiend–I just love that you’re doing that. To go from something so hard-core to raving about the guy shampooing your hair–that’s a full life. Was it like Robert Redford shampooing Meryl Streep’s hair in Out of Africa? That kind of sets the standard for a good ‘poo job, don’t you think?

Jone, how nice that you’re getting all that pampering tomorrow! Pedicures are the best. Might be even better if Robert Redford did it.

Patrick, you got the elves I sent! Excellent! They’ll need chai lattes in the morning–I should have mentioned that on the card.

Jules, your poor little girl! Nothing wrong with a little chocolate to ease her mind. Come on–those are the sweet mothering touches that matter.

Alkelda, how cool is that! I love hearing about people who still sew! I admire the skill and effort that takes in an already busy life.

Kelly, so happy for you that your sister is coming to play. What a warm weekend you’ll have.

Deborah, you planted your winter garden already? Dang–I need to think about that. You’ve planted a nice collection, too. Between that and the horse rides, you live this great combo city and farm life.

Lady S, there’s a cardigan called Mrs. Darcy? Get out! A fantasy sweater! And mmm . . . apple cake. That really is so Autumn.

Kari, two excellent social/entertainment events for you! Nice way to spend a few evenings–and those were school nights, too. Extra points for getting out.

Nancy, so sorry you can’t make it to Chicago! It really is hard thinking of the people who wanted to come but can’t. But I’m glad you had so many other wonderful things going on this week. Hope you do something fun next week to make up for your un-Chicagoness.

Kelley, yay for writing dates! It’s so nice to have writer buddies to keep you motivated and to help you brainstorm. Hope you’re having fun!

BJ, that gave me a laugh. Talk about seeking balance! A Cheetos dinner should readjust all those healthy cells

otaku.)

TGIF.

I’m another fan of the little things, and there are two definite little things that I’ve started this week that just feel so nice.

One is listening to anime and/or Casting Crowns music on my MP3 player on the bus home. Call me crazy, but singing along to sweet Japanese theme songs (or hard-rock Japanese theme songs, or lite-rock Christian songs, as the mood strikes me) is a really wonderful way to shake off any remaining crazy from having lost (and, thank God, refound!) my purse during the day, as well as putting that thing that I really didn’t mean to say in drama class behind me.

(The MP3 was a gift from a fellow otaku

The other is taking a cool shower after school, followed by a cup of coconut Thai-chai and a bowl of my carbolicious snackfood of choice (today it was Goldfish. The snack that smiles back!).

{otaku. o-tuh’-koo. noun. Japanese, quickly becoming common usage in Japan-attuned American circles. One who is obsessed with something, generally anime or manga but applicable to other things as well. Robin is a kindness-otaku. Etc.}

And tonight…another episode of Avatar. Mmm, Amerime.

All in all, a pretty good week in terms of living. In terms of writing, not so much….