I'm a beggar riding, so far

First day of 2011 is my first day in a new apartment. That's pretty good. Upgrades: water pressure, much closer proximity to subway/institute, kitchen/refrigerator clean and in working condition, washing machine location (not in the bathroom), efficient heating system, front door that closes all the way, convenience store 30 seconds away. Downgrade: smaller bedroom. I'm happy about moving. Hopefully, the good fortune will continue with my schedule for next term... If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Wheel-weel seat strategy

I went outside today after spending 90 straight hours in my apartment. I took out the trash and then I walked to a big grocery store - maybe two miles away. I bought cereal, soymilk, tortilla chips, and salsa. I loaded them into my basket in that order. I rode a bus back home because it was too cold to carry a bag bare-handed. The grocery store was quite crowded, but the buss had 10 or 15 empty seats. I was stoked about that. I sat in the seat closest to the driver; that's my favorite seat on a bus. Old people never sit in that seat because they have to step up too high to get there; the seat's over the wheel-well, you see. So, I don't have to worry when I see old ladies getting on the bus that I need to give up my seat to them. I was very happy on the bus today.

Today

My new trick for avoiding head-phone fatigue: wear the hadphones on the outside of a jacket hood.

Today I didn't see any people. I stayed in my apartment all day, and for the 30 seconds I looked out my bedroom window, there were no people in the parking lot. Tomorrow will be the same.

Today I discovered the band Chavez. I'm enamored.

Today I sung some vocals for an alternate version of an old song. I though it came out alright. Of course, whenever I record anything, one thing leads to another and I start wishing I had a drum-set.

Today I finished the last two packets of instant oatmeal. The good news is that I still have some cold cereal and raisins left.

December 5

I got a cold recently. So, one of my students was really eager to give me this stuff Yonggaksan. It looks suspiciously like cocaine and comes with a small spoon. It's pretty effective. My voice comes back really quickly. I couldn't find any information about it on the internet in English... but I started taking it anyway. I'm living on the edge - using traditional Korean medicine. One step closer to voodoo - or cocaine. I couldn't be happier about it.