Today I decided that enough was enough, and that I just had to do something other than homework and research. Procrastination is my stress coping mechanism, what with a poster session and an undoable homework set due tomorrow.

As always, I brushed my teeth this morning. (I am expecting KnightOfPentacles to cringe at this point. Then again, he’s probably way too busy trying to make ends meet to read other people’s blogs.)

I had my kitchen sink fixed. Discovered that living on the ground floor of an apartment building means that water *can* backflow into your sink. Put that together with a sink trap that has developed a nasty, crisp crack and it spells termite heaven in the kitchen cabinet. One new trap, one new garbage disposal, and $70/hr later, I can now wash my dishes in the kitchen again. No more ferrying dishes to and from the bathroom! (Sad, I know.) Bonus: I learnt how to install a garbage disposal [W]. And what caulk is. And what plumber’s putty is. And how incredibly gross a rotten-through, corroded machine that spends most of its operational life filled with water can get.

I bought myself the newest iteration of the quintessential iProduct, the one with all the latest bells and whistles. I know, I am so un-hip. How did I survive the last -∞ years of my life without ever owning an MP3 player? (Bonus question: which color did I buy?)

I also decided to get a new digital camera to replace my old, defunct one. (Yes, WhiteOut, I know I am damn slow lah.)

And so the list continues. New shower gel, new dishwashing liquid, new lilies, new pasta, new sandwich.

New ideas in new words in new research journal. New homework sets, new library book, new transcripts of new seminars, new writing tablet, new pen, new highlighter. New french tapes

New checkbook, new credit card, new bank ledger.

New reason to whine about not living in Chi-town.

New post on my blog, too. Check.

Et ainsi, la vie continue.

Damn gu niang right, to go on a shopping binge when feeling stressed?

But whatever, it feels good.

Until my next credit card statement comes.