Remember September

That title sounds like a 1950's senior school dance theme.

So I figured that instead of doing work and making progress towards not flunking out of my program, I'd spend the evening with pumpkin beer, cheese, bread, and hundreds of digital photos from days of yore. There were a lot of good laughs in the process, but now I've accomplished little aside from stirring up homesickness.

Good work.

Let's try to summarize September since I managed to not post for almost a month:

1) Survived stats exam nicely. Not expecting to repeat this in the future.
2) Handling other classes pretty decently.
3) Failing at reading 4232 papers for the research review paper I need to write this semester.
4) Admire my incoming class for strong efforts to engage in fun group activities. Worry a little bit about the potential insularity of it. Still, it's been 6 weeks. Must give it time.
5) Study habits will help Panera post a sizable profit margin this quarter. Other pleasant study place filled with husky paraphernalia and faux-Canadian decor.
6) Admire the amount of restaurants offering sidewalk tables and outdoor eating. I need to make myself do this more often, when the budget allows it.
7) Still on a quest for my personal brunch place.
8) Located Chinatown, which is actually bizarre assembly of unattractive strip malls/freestanding stores. Still, snackies make the trip there worth it. Also finally had dim sum for the first time, after neglecting many chances to do so previously in That Other City.
9) Ventured to the independent theater for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. Also, as seems to be the trend, they sell booze and frozen custard.
10) Have yet to eat frozen custard. This seems impossible, given my ice cream love. A trip to Ted Drewe's is on my list.
11) Still haven't gotten paid since moving here. Crisis scenario on the horizon if this isn't resolved ASAP.
12) I do admire the number of free/cheap things to do around here on the weekends. Still, it feels very small.
13) Had our first tornado watch. Nothing too exciting but it was interesting to see the streets emptier than usual.
14) Visited museum of modern art; saw cool exhibit (also free.)
15) Hatred of cupcakes overwhelmed by delicious cupcake place in my neighborhood.
16) Enjoyed humorous Midwest version of rock scene. At least the beer is cheap.
17) Purchased pepper spray and The Club. I feel armed and dangerous, and a bit ridiculous.
18) Still using a Staples paper box as my coffee table.
19) Finally started using little gym in my building. It's great and I have no excuse to avoid it (but will generate plenty.)
20) I've managed to drop this computer three times in two days. Hoping to avoid repeat performances and thinking that it's time to buy that renter's insurance.

All right. That's the best I can do for now to make up for being terrible at updates.