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...just insanely busy these days, what with traveling for a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, getting slammed at work and wrapping up another semester (replete with project revisions and gearing up for finals). On top of that, I've been enjoying spending whatever free time I have helping out at the SPCA's annual holiday adoption event, of which I'm very proud to be a part, despite the limited time I have to devote to the cause. (Check out the live cams!) Last I heard, we'd adopted more than 80 cats through this campaign and that fills my heart with far more joy and satisfaction than anything else related to these ridiculous holidays we all suffer through each December.
I am thrilled that my semester is coming to a close, as it's been one of the most demanding and stressful of my many-tiered academic life. Yet, the semester having been so challenging also makes it one of the most rewarding to have finished (and with flying colors, I might add). I have learned a great deal more than I could have imagined, which is exactly what one should get out of a proper education, right? And, while I plan to relax and enjoy the hell out of my four-week school hiatus, I am excited to return in January and discover what possibilities the new semester will have in store for me.
On another note, amidst the stress of school and work and the bustling season unfolding around us, I have been extremely saddened by news of this man's death. Like the millions of other people who didn't even know him or his family, I am very moved by their story. It's remarkable to me how one family's horrible tragedy can elicit such heartfelt reactions from so many strangers. RIP, James.
Lastly, in the spirit of the holiday season (or, as we Americans know it, shopping until you're dead broke without ever once thinking about what the holiday actually MEANS), here's an excerpt from a charming little conversation I overheard between a pair of 10-year-olds on the 38-Geary bus:
Boy 1: Remind me to tell you this really funny joke I heard! It's about Santa Claus!
Boy 2 [dead serious]: Screw Santa Claus.
Posted by ayelet at December 7, 2006 11:49 AMLOL "Screw Santa Claus"...
Posted by: James at December 12, 2006 01:52 AMI'm glad grad school seems to be agreeing with you Ayelet. I've pondered going back, but I honestly think it would cut into my reading time too much.
Have you heard from your ne'er do well brother lately? He seems to have fallen off the map.
P.s. You should turn your overheard bus conversations into a cartoon series like Mark Alan Stamaty used to do for the Village Voice.
Posted by: J . Herzog at December 8, 2006 12:02 PMYay kittycats! and screw Santa Claus.
Posted by: Dave at December 8, 2006 08:20 AMCongrats on the semester coming to a close. Congrats on being a part of such a noble cause as finding homes for the less fortunate felines. There are many that are forgotten in the capitalistic of all seasons. It's nice to hear that some are giving the gift of companionship (even if it's for themselves) for the holidays. What better way to celebrate?!?!
Posted by: Marney at December 7, 2006 01:49 PM