wikicrastination...

     i was rather amused when i checked my mail a few minutes ago and found this among my new messages:

Dear Christopher,

Thank you for requesting the Victoria's Secret Catalogue. 

You should receive your first issue within approximately
3- 4 weeks (U.S.) or 4- 6 weeks (outside the U.S.).

We look forward to bringing you a world of luxurious shopping wherever and
whenever it's convenient for you.

     no, i didn't request it. but i'd like to thank the person who did.  made me laugh.

     i love wikipedia. a little too much, i think. yes, i'm a registered user and editor. who isn't? i was doing some research this morning on virginia woolf for a paper that i'm writing about her, due today (right now, actually. i'm skipping the class it is due in to write it...yes, the last class of the semester), and from there found myself clicking links to about twenty different articles, soaking up the information. one of the ones i clicked was one of my favorite writers, author of the beast in the jungle, henry james. like him, i think, i'm a british wannabe. i found myself wanting to be a member of the obe (order of the british empire), or, like him, the om (order of merit). funny, i didn't see the order of the phoenix anywhere in their listings of the british honor systems. the grass is always greener, though, you know? i know what i see are the idealized versions. but one can dream of a simpler life, a life where i can settle down in a nice, comfortable hole with a round door along with my wife and a few children, where we can have parties under a big oak tree on warm summer nights with friends, and where i can write, inspired by the peace and nature and love.

     but then the dream melts back into a wintry, blustery day where i sit at a computer and procrastinate because i don't know why. it's hard to work when so much is on your mind. it's hard to work when you're afraid of, but almost entirely assured of failure. it's hard to work when you don't care at all about the work you're doing.

     back to it. if i don't get anything done now, then there's no chance of sleep (or a passing grade). later.