Things worth mentioning in this moment

1. L'shanah tovah! The Jewish New Year started yesterday, which is a nice reminder that the year is moving on.
2. The White Sox clinched the last playoff berth! HOORAY! And the Cubs made the playoffs too...it is possible that hell is freezing over at this very moment.
3. Does anyone think it's bad that I'm eating potato chips at 10:30 in the morning? I really need to go buy better snacks and lunch food to keep at school - I ran out last week and didn't make time to replenish the supply this weekend.
4. I have been so busy lately that I have yet to deposit my last check from babysitting (nearly two weeks ago), which meant I overdrew my checking account by $1.05 this past weekend. Which means my bank transferred $100 from my savings account and charged me for their automated system's trouble. ::sigh:: I was so angry about this last night - because, really, what twenty-eight year old does that?! Must add bank trips and checkbook balancing to weekly schedule.
5. The purchase that put my account over the edge was a new pair of shoes for work. They are read and shiny and were only $19. I love them and have worn them twice already this week. My students complimented me on them today and then applauded my ability to find a deal when I told them the cost.
6. Yesterday I wore my new $19 shoes with a fun black and white dress I bought this past summer. One of my seniors told me how much he loved my "Diane von Furstenberg" dress. Uhm. Thanks! Because it sure was a Merona dress that I found on Target's clearance rack for about $15. Discount diva these days, folks.
7. Is anyone else breathlessly awaiting the VP debate tomorrow? I am not even that interested in the VPs, what with it being a presidential election and all, but I just cannot wait to see what Biden and Palin will each say next. I think it's going to be awesome - if I can stomach some of the comments enough to sit through the whole thing.
8. On the topic of politics, I am beginning to think that if the House can't suck it up and stop bickering over this bailout we shouldn't re-elect any of them in their next election. I mean, I don't necessarily think this is the absolute best plan, but I also don't see many of them doing anything else to address the issue in a better way. So unless they want to stop complaining and nay-saying and do something productive, I think they might want to vote for the compromise plan and let us all get on with it. Then again, maybe they know something I don't. I don't pretend to fully understand all of the complexities surrounding this mess.
9. I don't know what I did to my neck last week, but it is a wreck. The muscles going from my back up to my ears are sore to the touch and it is hard for me to extend too far in any one direction. I had been asking Brian to try to loosen them up, but after that brought me to tears on Monday night, I figured I should lay off a little and see if it will work itself out.
10. My parents are coming to visit next weekend. We're having dinner with them in Baltimore and then spending Saturday and part of Sunday in Ocean City. Sunday or Monday night we're merging our families and having dinner with my folks, Brian's mom and his sister. I think it will be fun, but I don't want it to be a production for anyone. It will probably be something easy, like going to a local restaurant or something like that. Still, kind of a big deal, I guess.
11. Not teaching middle school has made my life so much more calm. I am overwhelmed by work, it is true, but I don't yell during the day, for the most part students don't call me names or curse me out and I rarely have to redirect for teasing, talking out, etc. It makes me feel like a bit of a sell-out, but I think it was time for me to move on.
12. Grad school continues to drive me insane. Just about every assignment causes me to yell at the computer, at the invisible people in and running my class and, sometimes, at Brian (not AT him, but in his general direction). That being said, I enjoy the readings and am doing well on the assignments. I just don't feel like I'm getting a ton from my classmates and the assignment requirements are still a little confusing and frustrating for me.
13. In the last month or so I have started reminiscing about my first years in DC. I love my life now, wouldn't give it up or change it for anything, but there is something fun about spending your mid-twenties as a single person in a semi-big city. I remember nights when Elizabeth and I would take the train downtown, split up for different nights out and reconvene in our apartment for pizza, a debrief or even just a semi-conscious head nod as we turned in for the night. My college years were filled with work and teaching and organizing, so I don't have as many of those experiences from college. I am glad I got to have them when I first moved here. I am also very glad that they are behind me.
14. Fall has returned to DC, which is awesome. For a while there last week, I thought I might try to convince Brian that we should move to Canada or someplace much further north. It was hot and humid and even when it rained, it stayed hot and humid. Last night huge storms rolled through and now it is clear and cool. This is the weather I enjoy, especially now that it is October (it is October!). Besides, my fall clothes are way better than my summer clothes. Who doesn't love sweaters and boots?!
15. Finally, Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad! Here's wishing you another 30+ years of happiness together!