Today rocked.

It was a full day, and mostly great.

Morning: pretty usual these days. Slept in until past 8, read some, futzed around on the computer some. Washed dishes, which (as I've mentioned before) I enjoy, especially when I get to zone out to music.

Afternoon: took bus to King's Cross (have I mentioned how much I love London buses?), got lunch at Le Croissant (mmmmm, slightly greasy yet yummy things), took train to Cambridge. I love trains anywhere even more than I love London buses. Continued reading an excellent book on marginalia, writing marginalia in it in the meantime. Had a leisurely walk into town, went to library, discovered all kinds of cool sh*t (see previous entry).

Evening: went to trendy pub/eatery, ate pizza and drank water, got suspicious looks from local student crowd, who obviously thought I was making some sort of a ridiculous statement by not drinking alcohol. (Though, really, I didn't drink because I wanted to stay awake for the rest of the evening.) Went to an open mic and reading by Joy of Six at the local Borders. The open mic before the Main Act was not good, from the tail end of it that I caught. The Joy of Six, who hail themselves performance poets, did not perform very well: I liked some of the poetry, but five out of the six of them mumbled downward and didn't seem to be familiar with the concept of raising one's voice and projecting while on stage. So that was disappointing: there seemed to be no soul behind the reading. Open mic Part Deux was actually fun, with some great readings (including one by an elderly - probably 80ish to 85ish) South African novelist named Daphne -- damn, didn't catch her last name) which finally woke up the room. And you'da thought the Starbucks coffee a few feet away would have been able to do the job.

Oh, but then the best part. Merch. I got a brilliant set of Shakespearean seduction word magnets, which will make a nifty addition to new apartment in September. Also, and finally, got the Amelie soundtrack. I disagree with Adam's assessment of the film as sacharine and lacking in substance, though certainly he's entitled to his opinion. I found it endearing and emotionally charged, and the music is gorgeous. So, hooray soundtrack.

On the train back to London, I sat across the aisle from a Russian fellow. The odd unprovoked by anything in particular, eventually unexplored (sigh) tangible affinity between us was explained when he spoke Russian on his cell phone. We spent most of the trip back to London eyeing each other curiously. I didn't feel like striking up a conversation, but wish he had.

On the bus home, I was witness to something that has never presented itself before. A mid-teen, probably 14ish, shaved head, baggy clothing, riding the bus with his parents -- or rather a woman obviously his mother and a man who may or may not have been blood-related -- and overtly enjoying their company. Not affectedly, either. They just all got along very well.

Busy, fun day. Was hoping to run into maga at the reading, but didn't, though apparently we sat very close to each other. Felt good to get out of Stamford Hill and be productive at the same time.

Today rocked.

It was a full day, and mostly great.

Morning: pretty usual these days. Slept in until past 8, read some, futzed around on the computer some. Washed dishes, which (as I've mentioned before) I enjoy, especially when I get to zone out to music.

Afternoon: took bus to King's Cross (have I mentioned how much I love London buses?), got lunch at Le Croissant (mmmmm, slightly greasy yet yummy things), took train to Cambridge. I love trains anywhere even more than I love London buses. Continued reading an excellent book on marginalia, writing marginalia in it in the meantime. Had a leisurely walk into town, went to library, discovered all kinds of cool sh*t (see previous entry).

Evening: went to trendy pub/eatery, ate pizza and drank water, got suspicious looks from local student crowd, who obviously thought I was making some sort of a ridiculous statement by not drinking alcohol. (Though, really, I didn't drink because I wanted to stay awake for the rest of the evening.) Went to an open mic and reading by Joy of Six at the local Borders. The open mic before the Main Act was not good, from the tail end of it that I caught. The Joy of Six, who hail themselves performance poets, did not perform very well: I liked some of the poetry, but five out of the six of them mumbled downward and didn't seem to be familiar with the concept of raising one's voice and projecting while on stage. So that was disappointing: there seemed to be no soul behind the reading. Open mic Part Deux was actually fun, with some great readings (including one by an elderly - probably 80ish to 85ish) South African novelist named Daphne -- damn, didn't catch her last name) which finally woke up the room. And you'da thought the Starbucks coffee a few feet away would have been able to do the job.

Oh, but then the best part. Merch. I got a brilliant set of Shakespearean seduction word magnets, which will make a nifty addition to new apartment in September. Also, and finally, got the Amelie soundtrack. I disagree with Adam's assessment of the film as sacharine and lacking in substance, though certainly he's entitled to his opinion. I found it endearing and emotionally charged, and the music is gorgeous. So, hooray soundtrack.

On the train back to London, I sat across the aisle from a Russian fellow. The odd unprovoked by anything in particular, eventually unexplored (sigh) tangible affinity between us was explained when he spoke Russian on his cell phone. We spent most of the trip back to London eyeing each other curiously. I didn't feel like striking up a conversation, but wish he had.

On the bus home, I was witness to something that has never presented itself before. A mid-teen, probably 14ish, shaved head, baggy clothing, riding the bus with his parents -- or rather a woman obviously his mother and a man who may or may not have been blood-related -- and overtly enjoying their company. Not affectedly, either. They just all got along very well.

Busy, fun day. Was hoping to run into maga at the reading, but didn't, though apparently we sat very close to each other. Felt good to get out of Stamford Hill and be productive at the same time.