a history of me

Today started off very lazy but ended up being pretty intense, superficially speaking. I slept far too late while dreaming about getting a job. It wasn't a bad dream by any standards because it felt so good but when I woke up I realized it was all false. That's why I hate dreaming. It's always a nightmare or an extreme disappointment.

I tried getting some people from Albany on the phone to clear up my financial aid situation. It seems there's still steps I need to take to inform them that I am studying abroad this year. I'm not sure why they need me to tell them this but that's bureaucracy for you. The woman on the phone tried very hard to help me but eventually she took my phone number and said that a counselor will have to get back to me. I'm not thrilled about waiting for a callback but if this is what it takes, fine.

My sister came by this afternoon and we all hung out a little bit and talked about my new eating habits. Dad has now joined the bandwagon of extremely perceptive people telling me that they can "see" me getting thinner. Whatever the reality of my appearance, I am getting thinner and it occurred to me today that if I took exercising as seriously as I should, I could lose some real weight by the end of August. I mean, this could be a potentially life-changing summer if I put a little effort into working out. Salena and Dad both had the same great idea: walk around the neighborhood and take advantage of whatever "free trials" I can get. One week here, one week there could add up to a decent amount of free exercise!

We decided to see a movie because it was too hot out to just go for a long walk. Much to our mutual surprise, none of us had yet seen War of the Worlds so that was the perfect choice. We went to a local theater and caught a nearly empty afternoon showing. If I were to describe this movie in one word, it would be "gripping." This was not the usual summer fare; I was not expecting such a jarring, emotional film. It scared me, not like "Boo!" scared but there was an overall feeling of terror. It was easily scarier than 95% of the horror movies than I've seen.

The movie left me feeling tired, as if I had actually been doing something other than sit on my ass. We took our time going back to the apartment, stopping in a few local spots to go food shopping. I picked up some veggies to improve my diet. We stowed away the food and then went out for a late supper at Ariyoshi. Salena decided to try natto but like most white people, she wasn't into it too much. Everyone did like the pub though.

Tomorrow is Visa Day! I'm psyched to acquire this otherwise-trivial document!