RIP Jean-Claude & other updates

So yes, it's been a long while since I've updated the blog. And while I do have lots of good news, I feel like I should take a moment to remember a dear, dear friend of this blog: my fish, Jean Claude. Some of you may remember his violent mood swings after moving back to Buffalo from Ithaca. Unfortunately, his little heart did not survive long after arriving in D.C. Soon after his tragic passing, I purchased, via my dad, a new fish. I hadn't even had a chance to name him until he (I'm assuming it was a he) croaked. Frazzled by these stressful experiences, I decided to take a fish break until October. When Ashley (and Janelle, but now she's a permanent resident) visited, we picked out a new fish. But again, that fished died. So I have resolved that my fish is a death tank. They were better off in the small plastic container in Petco.

Not only the fish, but I feel in general I have a difficult time sustaining life in my apartment. The tropical plant my grandfather sent me is still alive, but my poinsettia never made it. I think part of the problem is the temperature in here; it's hard to regulate.

Anyway, enough doom and gloom. The good news: I've signed up for an LSAT prep class. That starts soon. Although it will be a major time suck, it represents the beginning of the "next step." Also, I have been taking a swim class at the public pool. And I'm happy to report that my kicks have much improved. I even had to demonstrate to the class (which I admit was slightly embarrassing).

I'm also getting closer to my lifelong dream of becoming a hipster. I got tickets for Vampire Weekend, and when I mentioned this to Rob, Vince's roommate, he had no idea about the band. But I am constantly at odds with myself because I never met a JCrew catalogue I didn't like, and it's hard to remain committed to hipster ideals when I arguably work in one of the top three preppiest places in America. But I'm doing the best with what I have.

Further details on the apartment to come soon...I realize I've been talking about it but there hasn't really been a context for it.