Catching up

It actually hasn't been that long since I last posted, but I haven't posted much actual news lately. We had the conference last weekend, and aside from the Nemesis being sort of rude, and two really strange mystery guests who came for the food, it went pretty well. There was an audience, every presenter fielded some questions, the catering worked like it was supposed to, the snow held off until Monday, and everyone was very nice in complimenting the organization. In retrospect, though, that might have something to do with the fact that I and my two co-organizers were all (visibly) on the brink of collapse and one unkind word probably would have destroyed us.
Meanwhile, school is alternately hurtling and creeping toward the end of the semester. All my professors seem to have suddenly realized how disorganized they are; they've all apologized for it, but don't seem inclined to do anything about it this semester. There is a part of me that wants to go into academia as a sort of public service to counter the disorganization (and other negative aspects of academic culture). I'm practicing for this by organizing for my professors. I feel kind of silly typing up their class lists so the class can understand them, but hopefully not as silly as they feel being unable to do it themselves. Five and a half more weeks.
Since summer is on the horizon, I've been a little distracted from school by the intense urge to spring-clean/remodel. For some reason, cleaning and home improvement go hand in hand for me. Sweeping and mopping make me think of refinishing the floors, which makes me think of painting. The sun is out now, and is staying out for more than 5 or 6 hours a day, and all this extra light makes me see dust and dirt I'd been able to ignore since November, and makes me think I should find my duster (I do own one) and use it, which in turn makes me think I should throw away all our dusty, dirty things and buy clean ones (I hate to dust). Bookshelves, blinds, the stove, my desk. And especially on our couch (an old, shapeless, once-white behemoth which we'd covered unsuccessfully with an ugly brown slipcover). After two weeks of scanning used furniture ads on craigslist, Rob and I went to Ikea (Rob is suspicious of used couches, but I am poor) on a whim, just to see if there was anything there that would work. Miraculously, we found a not-too-expensive, big-enough sofa with a completely removable, washable cover AND a fold out bed! Hooray! The dogs also like it. So if the reason you weren't visiting is because you didn't want to sleep on the floor or our mangy old couch, you'll need a new excuse. Peak season is May-August, so make your reservation early.