Countdown to San Diego, Delivery Service, and Criminal Book Dealers

A week from now I will be on my way to San Diego for Midwinter! I have to say, even though I am an overall fan of cold weather, I will not mind a week-long reprieve from the cold and a chance to run outside without a parka and a eighteen minute pre-run self-pep talk. Also, many of my favorite people in the world will also be there, making a good time basically unavoidable. Here's a picture of the place:

Now, if I could just get two weeks' worth of work done over the next week, I would be set. Obviously, blogging is helping me obtain this goal.

Things I wished had a delivery service:
- Dairy Queen/ice cream parlors
- Libraries (I need to go to Boston College and pick up a book today, and I just can't help but think how great it would be if they could just send it over to my place).
-Target
-Trader Joe's

This is quite a list. God knows I need more books and ice cream without having to get up myself and get them. I realize I'm basically making a list of those things that force me to go outside and into civilization. This list could just as well be, "Things that keep Dave from being a recluse." All I need is a ramshackle cabin, a rusted-out shotgun, and kids on my property to scare off with crazy eyes and loud obscenities.

Well, the Wild lost their third straight in OT yesterday...after being up 3-1 in the second period. It was like a performance art piece on Minnesota sports - go up big and choke. Parise, however, continues to play like a monster, and they are currently tied for first in the Northwest.

I know this is a small thing, and I shouldn't be complaining about an automated system that is already far better than the alternative, I can't help but be frustrated by ill-prepared people who deposit checks at ATMs. I seem to always be behind the man/woman who gets to the ATM, searches for their card, finds it, puts it in, hits deposit check button, spends time looking for the check they're going to deposit, finds the check, decides now would be a good time to endorse the check, finds a pen, writes it, decides to rip off the check from the pay stub, and finally deposits the check  Did you sleepwalk to the ATM, find yourself there and think, "What the heck? I might as well deposit a check in my wallet/purse while I'm here." A little foresight people!

Library fines almost kept me from registering today at BC. However, with my winning Bjorlin charm, I was able to weasel my way in (after a stern lecture).

I think it should be a criminal offense to charge more than $30 for a book. If you're sending out hundreds of books to professors in hopes that they will put them on their syllabus as required readings, don't pass the expense on to the student, the one probably least able to pay your exorbitantly inflated prices. And if it can't be a criminal offense, it should at least be a sin for Christian publishers. I think these marketers/salespersons will find themselves in purgatory forced to work off the difference between the actual value of the books they sold and the price they sold said books for before they will be allowed through the pearly gates. They will do work study in the cafeteria getting paid the going rate for a freshman. They will also have to purchase 15 books a semester at the going rate before they can use the leftover money to pay off their debts. Hope they like working the commercial dishwasher because they're going to be there for a while.

So, I decided that what I needed most this spring break was a trip to Chicago, especially since this coincides with my birthday. So, barring any crazy flight discrepancies, I think I will be in Chi-town March 8-15. You can start making your paper chains/advent calendars now, folks. The week will start with a birthday party at Sidekicks. You should come. That's all for now. Later!