well, i've been ripping cds like there is no tomorrow, officially turning the 40 GB hard drive of my computer into the world's largest mp3 jukebox.

i've sold a significant portion of those ripped cds at my local reckless records, accumulating quite a chunk of change in the process. change is good, change buys food, food is good.

i've spent an afternoon at the beach (yes, THAT beach), which offered very little in the way of juicy stories, except for the bleach blond forty-something wearing orange butt floss who hooked up for some restroom action. god, i love to people watch!

i've spent an afternoon antiquing, which sounds ridiculous given that i am leaving town in just 5 days, but the broadway antique market is all that and several bags of chips. i wish i had learned of this gem earlier. and i did buy a blue jc penney polyester leisure jacket for $10. 42R, fits like a glove. ouch!

i've had a chicago style polish dog and some crinkle cut fries.

i've watched a fair amount of daytime television, including anne heche on the view (she's in proof, these days, don'tcha know) and go ahead, call her crazy, but she's my new hero.

i've caught up on this season of sex and the city.

i've rewatched the final 5 hours of 24 (when the bad guys recapture kim at 8:59:59, i still scream "fuck!" even though i've seen this scene at least 3 times).

i've seen thirteen ghosts on dvd (beautiful and stylish, but 86 minutes i will never get back).

i've finally seen gladiator, also on dvd, yet i couldn't get the image of liz taylor from the golden globes (you know, where she shrieks "gladiator"!, like an outtake from boom!) out of my head. that made it difficult to focus, especially during the serious dramatic bits. does anyone remember the liz taylor birthday special where she and michael jackson sat, propped up, up front on thrones, looking disturbingly like muppets, or spitting image puppet versions of themselves? i half expected frank oz to emerge from the behind their chairs at any moment.

i've been to the library on a fruitless search for mr. foer's "everything is illuminated". popular, that one, and all checked out. rfo assures me that i can borrow her copy anytime, which actually means something these days since next monday, i will be just across town.

i've been to the movie theatre in an attempt to see "tadpole", but moviefone LIES. no 12noon show. first showing: 4:10 p.m. this, after a 40 minute trek through cubs fans and hot, humid hell.

i've been to the army/navy surplus store in order to procure a great big bag to pack my things in. also fruitless as said retail establishment observes the sabbath, though i did pass the bakery resale shop with the "wednesday: 'bargin' day" sign plastered on the wall. this gave me quite a chuckle, so all was not lost.

i've been burning through karamozov again, poised to surpass the 500-page marker right quick.

i've changed my phone number to more accurately reflect my future digs.

i've eaten more frozen pizzas and popsicles than should be allowed.

i've done scores of loads of laundry (well, not so much scores, as say 4 loads, but that's alot and now you can see the floor in my room. huzzah!)

i've been to cafe avanti for an extra-large cup of coffee every single day. in fact, the woman who works there greets me with a chipper "the usual?". i love that.

i've taken naps, lots of naps, lots and lots of naps.

that just about catches you up. notice that i have NOT done a lick of packing. good thing i'm not leaving tomorrow.