Kidnapped

Today started fairly productive. Got an oil change (finally), ran a couple of errands. Then SuperK and I walked down to IV to try to get the packet for 270A, which STILL isn't ready. But when I crossed the street, my day changed. First, I found a wealth of used books, supplies, UCSB swag. Better variety and cheaper. I ended up with a sweet purse, two randomly cool books, an offsize notebook and my twintip for $11. And as I was walking around, I met two people from Chicano/a Studies. Suddenly, the 3 of us were running errands, playing Mystery Diagnosis and eating a late lunch at Chilis before a trip to another bookstore.

I didn't make it to the library or to the T&D offices, but I think it was a day well-spent. As my studies pull me further out of the real world, or even the library or my head, it's hard to meet people. And on the fly, I managed to meet two cool grads from a different department.

Actually, people in California are so friendly it is mildly disorienting. People chat in line, smile. Sometimes this is super-frustrating, because I just want to get my shit done. And it's hard to get mad when they are so pleasant. My current favorite - the undergrad boy who tried to scramble out of a chair in a computer lab - as he offered me a place to sit, like his lap. Fortunately, he pulled off "charming" rather than "sketchy."

I hope I get to enjoy more of these random meetings. I also hope I get to the library tomorrow.