So I’ve been working on my book for two years now. It’s done, but right now I’m editing it, adding pieces here and there, really trying to flesh out some of the more shallow points in the story. I’m also working on creating a better ending. I recently caved and let a few friends (thanks Glen & Helen!) read it, and I’ve been getting some positive feedback.

However, I just caught this.

Here’s the scene towards the end of the book. One of the main characters, the love interest, Hannah, is leaving to go back home to her beloved state. The lead character chases after her bus, yelling for her not to leave in a super cute and highly (but purposely) cliche moment. He screams.

“Don’t go back to Montana, Hannah!”

… FUCK!

Seriously, did I really go two years working on this story, and not realize this?

Alexis: “find–>replace“

You sure said it Lexie.

I had a bit of a freak out last night. While doing homework, I let Mittens run around my room. If he isn’t let out for at least an hour a day, he starts to cry inside his cage (it sounds like a puppy), and will do so most of the night. So, with his door open, he scampered up my arm and jumped onto the floor, running about like crazy.

I typed away furiously on my Powerbook while Family Guy played in the background. I like to laugh while writing and studying, it keeps my spirits up. Suddenly, I realized that nearly two hours had gone by, due to the fact that disc one of the season I was watching was over. I started to look around my room. Where was Mittens?

I looked all around the house. Mittens had once before climbed the steps from my downstairs bedroom, and spent his playtime causing havoc in the living room / kitchen, but he was nowhere to be found.

Finally, I discovered him in my bathroom, sitting on top of the towel rack, fast asleep against the wall. How he got up there in the first place, I’m not quite sure. Maybe he climbed up the towels, or jumped off the toilet. Whatever the case was, he woke up when I walked in, climbed onto my shoulder, and went back to sleep inside his cage.

Silly Mittens. You are so adorables.

So my first year of graduate school is officially over. I’ve managed not to fail out despite uprooting myself to a new city, moving three times in the span of four months, going on a tour, and working a full time job. Surprisingly, my girlfriend hasn’t broken up with me yet.

Just one more semester and a summer class, and I’m finished. I can’t wait. Then maybe it’ll be time for a break from school before I start my PhD in English. I’ve been in classrooms non-stop since I was… what, 10? When do kids go to kindergarten? At 25, I’m ready to take a break from those uncomfortable desks.

Right now, I’m ready to spend a week playing XBox 360 (I need to beat Just Cause), watching South Park episodes, eating bad food, and then cutting lose with my family and close friends in New Jersey this weekend. Christmas holiday mixtape to follow shortly.

And yes, admire my Photoshop skills with that LOLbunny I just made. Ashlee goes to the vet again in January to get fixed and have some blood work done (she has some swollen glands, poor thing), and Mittens the chinchilla has his first visit in February. My babies are growing up!

Burkey [n] bur-kEE 1. a bunny that has grown so fat that it bears resemblance to a butterball turkey.

Seriously, this is my life.

And it’s pretty good.

Summer classes are finished. I still can’t believe I read every single one of Jane Austen’s novels in six weeks. My second class, The American Short Story, wasn’t as reading intensive, but there were a hella lot of papers. I’m thrilled to just have a whole month off to relax, do some writing, and hang out with friends. I really need the time off.

I’ll be spending some of that time off in Montreal, working on a lyric book for a musical. I’m really excited about this project, and even if nothing comes of it, it’ll still be a wonderful writing experience. I’m working with an amazing composer who also happens to be one of my best friends. The story is based off a classical piece of literature, but as to what piece it is, that’s a secret.

I also plan on saving my money all month so I can buy one of these from a jewelry shop in Society Hill that apparently specializes in rapper jewelry.

Here’s to a month off.