stifling atmosphere, you say? why yes. we have been experiencing record breaking warmth here in the midwest. it came fast and it came early. just last week it was snowing. monday and tuesday toyed with 90. and don't forget that fabulous humidity! air conditioners aren't installed in the building until early may during the break between spring and summer semester. so we grinned (and dripped) and beared it.

today is PERFECT. upper 70's, breeze off the lake, brilliant sunshine. why oh why do i have to be inside today, slaving away? i'm beginning to understand that "get out and enjoy it while it lasts" mentality. with so much extreme weather, it's a crime to waste a picture perfect day indoors.

monday morning on my way to work, where i am required to arrive quite leisurely at 10 am, i bore witness to the most fashion forward little moppet i've seen in all my days as a castaway on midwestern shores. this gal MADE MY DAY.

envision, if you will, cammy d (that's cameron diaz for the uninitiated) but slightly shorter in stature. bleach blond hair, mid length, straight. some bits yellower than others, some orange here, stray pink there. a few strands pinned together with a simple barrette. topped off by a blue bandanna. orange tinted shades, a cross between aviators and prada spring 2001. nose ring, hoop, left nostril.

white buttoned up oxford, untucked, sleeves rolled to the elbows over a black bra. brown, tan and white striped broad knit tie, worn loosely around the neck. on one wrist, bracelet of pink flames, paired with numerous black and pink plastic-y bands (i'm sure these have a name, but i'm at a loss). on the other wrist, a purple toy watch with an orange band and a pink, purple and white striped knit wristband with a big ol' strawberry appliqued on it. purple nail polish for accents.

tight blue jeans, rolled up mid-calf with old-school all white adidas, unlaced. army surplus canvas bag slung over the shoulder finished the look. on the platform, she zeroed in on this cute little college-styley boy (blue polo over red tee, faded jeans, sneaks, slightly messed-up clean cut do with burns and killer cheekbones). after several stops worth of flirtations, she disembarked sans digits. i felt bad for my little cammy doppleganger, but she seemed no worse for the wear. off towards her next conquest.