To Infinity . . . And Beyond

We're almost at the end. We're in the last week of school. I'm overcome with nostalgia and excitement. Still have a lot to do, but once I get these assignments knocked out of the way, it will be packing, finding a car (that's going to be the toughest part), and all the other stuff that goes with ending school. We're getting info on our internships, and it's exciting.

I've been checking out apartments in the L.A. area, and they're about what you would pay in Chicago. Only I like Chicago's apartments much better, what with all the dark wood and Greek-style architecture. I'm finding L.A. has its charms—just not in the apartments for the price I can pay. They look like carpeted prison cells. You get the one window with the venetian blinds. In some cases the stove and refrigerator are listed as amenities. As in optional.

Oh yeah, and then I have to find work. Checking out the want ads and the temp agencies.

Lucky

Lucky is a cat whose paw and tail were cut off by some cruel individual who shall remain nameless . . . mostly because Lucky can't name the person who did this to him.

He was found by Bin, and yesterday she took him to the vet to be examined and treated. She posted pics, but I'm only going to link the post to pics of him after he was treated. If you want the other pics you'll have to find them on the blog yourself.

He's now (it's a he, I think!) resting semi-comfortably, and I'm posting this because Bin is accepting donations for his vet care (she didn't ask me to repost; I'm just doing it.) He's probably going to need a lot of it over the coming months. You can donate here.

Stop by Old Kitty's blog and thank her for posting. Her post instigated the donations.

Grammar Nerd

I cribbed this from Janet Reid's blog. It's hilarious.

It's Official

Well, it's official. I'm definitely "on" for L.A. I was finally approved for the rest of my financial aid, which means I'll now have the money to complete the internship, which in turn means I'll be graduating.

No excitement yet. Just relief and a touch of pride that I managed to pull this off.

The Feminista Files

A month or so ago, I found this great blog by Ericka K. It's called "The Feminista Files," and I think it was originally launched to support her novel of the same name. But she does all these great posts on pop culture that make me think more deeply about the images and messages we're bombarded with every day. Check it out. She's funny as hell*.

*Be forewarned that she's not exactly work safe. Woman has a potty mouth - something I appreciate.

Wish I could do a longer post, but I'm really behind now from being sick.

Hmmmm

Occasionally I check out my profile to see how many views I have. Last time I checked it was 1200. Today it says "0." Anyone else having this problem? Just curious . . .

Favorite Movie Quotes!

My favorite movie quote: "I guess I have a lot of borderline health disorders that limit me politically when it comes to eating." — Joyce, American Splendor

Tell me yours!

Also, found out Ricky Martin is gay. Just a wee bit disappointed. Is that wrong?

Day Whatever

Well, the no-cream in coffee is a bit of a habit now, I'd say. Yay for me.

Losing tiny bits of weight. Can get certain jeans up over my ass (a good goal in Operation Ass Reduction), but can't yet get the jeans closed. Maybe that will happen next week.

Here's a fun link to tide yourselves over for the next couple of days.

New Site

Okay - new site where you can listen AND download my music. For videos posted in the blog section, leave a comment to request an mp3 or a copy of the video. FREE (for now).

There are only three samples right now, but more will come. Links will be added, etc. etc.

I have another website, www.stacychambers.com, but currently it's not possible to download anything.

Comment Moderation is ON

I keep receiving these weird comments that I assume are spam comments, despite the word verification. So I'm going to turn on comment moderation and see if that helps.

Not Much Difference

This is so true.

And if you writer folk ever wonder if my job as a composer is different: it's not. I sit in my chair and I stare at a piece of paper and then write something down. Some days I write something, anything, to get the juices flowing. There are days when I'm amazed at how much this job has in common with sweeping the floor or digging a ditch. It's work, and it's hard.

But I like that it's hard. It beats anything else in the world that I've done. Except writing stories, but I never seem to finish those. Still, writing prose has made a difference in my composing, because I can talk to people in terms of the story and drama.

Also, I'm really happy the health care bill passed. There's a "tunnel at the end of the tunnel" in the words of Paul Krugman, but we're on our way.

Day 6

The coffee doesn't taste so bad now. And I'm crowing about the $2.50 (plus the 10.25% SALES TAX our illustrious Illinois government has on Chicago merchandise) I'm saving by not running to the nearest 7-11 to get creamer. Not to mention, I'm noticing some weight loss. And it's just from making this one simple change.

Day 4

Solution for today: soy milk. Not as good as cream, but a hell of a lot better than that swill with the whatever floating on top.

And I am seeing a tiny bit of difference.

On the professional front, I'm getting things done, but s . . . l . . . o . . . w . . . l . . . y. I feel like the slowest composer in the world.

Day 3

I'm afraid I've fallen off the wagon already. Just couldn't deal with the black swill after only four hours of sleep. Back on the wagon tomorrow, though. Scout's honor.

Day 2

Day 2 of the "no cream in my coffee" regimen. Not enjoying my morning coffee nearly as much, but I feel a tiny sense of accomplishment from staying away from the cream yesterday. Also managed to get in my yoga for three days in a row. Muscles are a little sore, but I feel better overall.

Bad news is I'm really behind on one of my assignments. Deadlines are looming. Not sure I'll be able to keep up the routine all week.

EDIT: I've decided to give this little adventure a name. Operation Ass Reduction is in full effect.