Thursday, October 26, 2006

Elves in the radiator

I don't like radiators. Especially the radiators in my apartment. Strange metallic clanging noises echo from somewhere deep inside their twisted bowels. Even though it happens several times a day, the noise never fails to unsettle me. It sets my nerves on edge.

Maybe it's because I don't understand how radiators work. I thought that they simply contained water that was converted to steam when the gas heated the metal...or something. That process doesn't seem like it should produce any percussive noises. Hisses, certainly. But clangs?

It doesn't really matter, except that it's one more thing that stresses me out. Other things stressing me out right now include an open memo and a midterm essay. These things shouldn't stress me out, but they do. I'm a good writer. The midterm essay assignment, at least, is very straightforward and clear-cut. The open memo, a not-so-cut-and-dried assignment, isn't really due for another three weeks (although a "rough draft" will be discussed next Thursday). I blame the radiators, the proverbial straw breaking my back (yes, I am a camel).

Anyway, I escaped the radiators, the midterm essay, and the open memo all at once last night by irresponsibly going to Bar Trivia Night at The Brillobox. It was probably the best decision of my life. In addition to the highly entertaining company of Matt, Ben, Dave, and Adam, I enjoyed an Old Leghumper Porter (which wasn't excellent, but it wasn't completely unpleasant), and assisted Matt in finishing a somewhat unpleasant Franzikaner (it tasted like a mediocre Belgian ale). Matt, always a confounding influence, also coerced me into taking a few drags from a cigarette he bummed from Dave.

So, I feel really good today. I thought I'd feel pretty guilty about blowing off a few hours worth of homework I could have gotten done last night. But I don't. I think I needed to go out, to forget about being a laywer-in-training for a while, to have a (pretty good) beer, and to socialize with some awesome people. It felt great. And I feel so much less stressed out today. I guess it's true that you have to find some kind of balance between the need to finish all your work and the need to take a real break (not just a 15-minute power-break).

Even the radiators can't bring me down today!