weekend and more...

well after a whirlwind weekend and a traumatic start to my week that cost me almost $500, things seem to be back to normal...

the weekend at home was great - Chris got to meet more or less EVERYBODY in my family and i think it went really well. he was described as "charming" and "very attractive" haha. the first day we just had brunch with my parents, chilled in the afternoon, and then went to my sisters' show - West Side Story - at my high school. i was quite pleasantly surprised considering how difficult the score, etc. is, and both sisters did exceptionally well. i was dreading being back but luckily i only saw 3 peoplefrom high school, all of which i was friends with and not displeased to see.

day two we awoke to lox and bagels followed by lunch with kasia, ben, and andy; some caribou; and then borders. my uncle and aunt had invited us over for dinner that evening, so that was the day's main attraction. we spent 4 or so hours there chatting with them - we had a nice salad with fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers, a ham and mushroom lasagna, asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and covered in cheese, champagne, wine, etc. etc. it was all delicious and a very nice night. since we stayed so long, however, i had to cancel going-out plans with jeff and reschedule for brunch the next morning.

sunday we went downtown to meet jeff for brunch at ann sather's, a famous swedish breakfast/lunch place - check the food blog for that review coming up. we walked around belmont/clark and the boystown area before being lucky enough to have my godmother, who was driving into the 'burbs, pick us up. she ended up joining the fam for dinner at wild fish for sushi before we headed to O'Hare. She also brought me a belated Christmas gift, which included a Russian KitKat she picked up for me there! Hurray!

The previously mentioned trauma happened Monday morning as I exited the parking garage elevator. Thanks to some black ice, I fell right on my lower back and right on top of my messenger bag - which had my laptop inside. Don't worry - repairing the screen only cost $490. FUCK ME. luckily i recently filed my taxes, and my return will take care of that. nonetheless i would have much rather put it toward oh i don't know - a vacation, opulent dining experience, clothing, etc. in response to this traumatic occurrence i bought myself a tanning package, new shoes, a shirt, and a sweater, because spending MORE money certainly makes sense ;-) i DID get good deals

speaking of money, my financial situation has actually taken a turn for the better.
A) i filed my taxes and that combined with my retroactive whatever check from Bush, I am ~$1200 richer.
B) i've taken on a new job in the Romance Languages & Literatures Department compiling information on all of their applicants for 2009. 10hrs/week @ $12/hr. makes for an extra $400-some a month.
C) as part of this job i may be reimbursed for 3 tuition credits, some $3000. AMAZING.

this all being said i should have no problem staying here for the summer, provided i put some of it away as a backup for hypothetical summer job money. if only BC didn't wait until April 1st to post their summer positions...