In Which I am Useless

10.11.2008

So, today was basically just all around no good, and terribly unproductive. First off, both my classes didn't go well, which is disappointing because usually I enjoy myself in both of them. They still haven't turned on the heat in Bobrinskij, and it's colder in that fucking building than it is outside. So, I was sitting in the library trying to work, and gave up because I just couldn't concentrate, and after that I had to go to my class, in the COLDEST ROOM IN THE BUILDING, and I didn't understand anything there, nor could I respond to anything. Then he gave me my paper topic, which is just too dumb to even write out here. I'm going to try and get that changed, actually.

And in the middle of all this I realised that my OTHER paper is due on Wednesday. I've finished all the research and I have a vague idea of what I want to write... Granted, it's very short -- 5-7 pages. But that's 1.5 spaced, and not double spaced, so I'm not really sure how huge of a change that will be. Of course, I'm sitting here writing for personal reasons instead of doing my homework, in the first place (and on top of the paper I have to get coursework done for tomorrow). I mean, it's really not that MUCH, but I'm feeling awful rright now so I may as well blame it on something.

I think I need to go on a detox from Tatyana's food. I mean, usually it's not that bad, and sometimes it's great... But recently, it's been almost intolerable. Strangely, though, none of it has CHANGED -- it's the same stuff she's always given me, so maybe it's my own personal problem. Well, EXCEPT for this TERRIBLE soup she gave me yesterday, which was less "soup" and more "a couple sliced potatoes thrown in to cooking grease." I could barely choke it down, and then follow it with dry penne, an unidentifiable slab of breaded meat, and cheesey chicken. Which I actually didn't finish. For desert I had a slice of them that, I think, had begun fermenting.

Also, I think I'm getting sick. Which is really the last thing I need right now. I'm sure I'll be subject to countless home remedies if I do become ill...

I've noticed that the cultural notion that women always go first is quite strong here. On the elevator, this morning, I was standing closest to the door, as I had been the last to get on the elevator, so when we reached the ground floor, I figured I would... you know... walk out of the elevator first. since I was by the door. Well, as I was moving to do so, this woman shoved me out of the way to get out of the elevator first. Not in any particular HASTE, you see... Just to get out before me. This has happened several times.

Alright, I have to take another moment to complain about Bobrinskij. Not only does it not have heat, but EVERY TIME I am in that building, the electricity goes out at least once. AND I'M THERE THREE TIMES A WEEK. Today, the electricity went out FOUR TIMES. And for some reason, every time the electricity goes out, the surge protectors on all the computers start periodically screeching. It's actually kind of terrifying, since I have class there so late -- So, the electricity goes out, I'm standing in a dark hallway, all I can see is a lit-up green sign that says "ВЫХОД" (exit) somewhere in the distance, and all I can hear is this random SCREECHING coming from all the rooms.

And that's really all I have for today.