procrastination station

It's the last day of November today, but you knew that already. The weather here has been tolerable, considering. It's gotten to that point where the leaves are all dead and too crunchy to jump in, I can't wear anything on my feet without thick socks or fur, and I should be looking forward to a warm, pleasant winter break. Not so this year. I feel a little empty heading into December not having any winter break plans, save for going to colder/drearier places to visit friends before I go to Europe. The caribbean seems so nice. Island music, relaxing on the beach...massages on the beach...!

That's such an overprivileged, disgusting comment.

I've done something really crappy. I've gone AWOL at my lab job. I haven't gone there in weeks, but I just can't bring myself to go or to quit. I feel like I'm in limbo. I never quit jobs. I always let circumstances determine when I have to leave, which is what I was planning on doing when the time came for me to study abroad, but I just can't handle it anymore. The time I used to be in lab I use so much better when I'm not in lab. It's the only social time of my day, I see friends, get coffee. Today I even finished a stats project that's not due for two weeks. So what to do? E-mail and say thanks but no thanks? Just never show my face again? Go there with my tail between my legs and talk to my boss? Procrastinate?

I got an iPad today at the library, checked out for three days. One could say we've gotten close, his name is Fez. I'm buying one for my mom for Christmas, she deserves something nice (and yet...somehow the gifts I give her usually backfire) as well as internet access so she can skype me while I'm away. I figure a tablet will give her less of an opportunity to screw it up (as she has with two other computers) and the limited capabilities won't be so confusing. Hopefully we'll get started on lessons a few weeks before departure so she learns the ins and outs of the beast.

This last bit is for my own personal use...but friends are invited (indeed encouraged) to come with me to any of them!!
General Travel Goals as of 12/1/2011 when I return from Europe (ordered)
1. Nepal/India
2. Peru
3. Japan
4. Thailand
5. China
6. North Africa (Egypt and Morocco. Maybe Tunisia)
7.  Pacific Islands
8. Australia
9. Iceland/Northern Europe
10. Bolivia/Chile/Ecuador/Guatemala (after I learn Spanish)

And then, once I get to them all, go back and rediscover in more depth. And find new places.

That is all.