What I'm doing (and NOT doing)

Engaging in dissertation-writing avoidance behavior. Last week was not so good, and my concentration is off. First there was a couple in my folks' church leaving -- a couple to whom I have gotten a lot closer since I've been back. Then after church I got the call about my friend Gina's dad dying. Then I wasn't able to go to the funeral. Then Friday I got another call saying my NOLA pal Rachel's boyfriend of 3+ years was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Stop the Earth. I want to get off.

So I spent a lot of yesterday afternoon and evening reading through "Protectors" (my six-year-old story project). Got up to chapter 26 or 27 (there's a total of 56 or so thus far). Did a couple little grammar touch-ups here and there. Had the occasional chapter that when I read it I thought, "I could not have written that. That must have been a bit where Anita's muse was inspired and I was allowed to use it, or my muse took over. I don't write that well." I'm hoping to reinspire my muse so I can work on it again. I can't remember the last time I wrote on the piece, and it's distressing me that I can't finish it.

I also finally sat down and tried a mosaic kit that I bought at Hobby Lobby a couple of weeks ago. I arranged and glued down the glass bits yesterday, let them dry overnight, and today I applied the grout and have just done the initial clean-up. Today's steps were messy but fun. The glass pieces still have some residue on them (yes, I'm frickin' anal-retentive and obsessed with tiny details -- that's why I'm good at science!), but I have to wait for someone to get me some clean water before I can clean it up the rest of the way. The mosaic is of a fish, and I think I'm going to give it to my occupational therapist Holly as a thank you for helping me with hand exercises and such. After my OT appointment Tuesday, I'm going to try to talk Mom into taking me back to Hobby Lobby so I can get some more stuff and make b-day prezzies for Anita, Jonikka, and Melissa.

Anita, Jonikka, and Melissa -- pretend you didn't read that! ::grin::

Speaking of, I need to call Jonikka and sing obnoxiously to her. Then when Anita finally gets back from CA, I'll sing a belated song to her.