A Very GAAD Birthday

My birthday was last Thursday.  In recent years, my birthday has fallen during either finals week (quarter system) or during spring break, so I had come to associate my birthday with a day off from academic responsibilities and a day of shopping either with friends or flying solo.

This year was different.  I got up.  I got dressed.  (Unlike SFE, I did not wear my hagiographical green, as being the birthday girl (and one who would punch in exchange for a pinch) exempted me from any potential repercussions.)  I went to campus and taught my classes.  I attended a talk given by a visiting speaker.  Then I picked Bailey up from doggy daycare, since my spouse was out of town, and made dinner for myself and a few friends who came over to help me celebrate my birthday.  I had a lovely time cooking, chatting with friends, eating birthday cupcakes made by a dear friend, and drinking wine.

 (Blouse - JCPenney (purchased in December to wear with suits), Skirt - Sandro (remixed), Tights - We Love Colors (remixed), Shoes - r2 (remixed), Necklace - Gift (remixed), Ring - Boutique in Salamanca (remixed), Watch - New York & Co. (remixed), Belt - from another dress (remixed)

I did not shop.  I'm not sure if I would have been tempted to if I'd had the time.  It's hard to break habits that have become deeply engrained, especially when they're ones associated with special occasions and rituals, but I like to think that I've changed a little bit over the past eleven weeks.  I do know that (online) shopping is no longer my default activity when I'm stressed or bored or pleased with progress.  I'd like to keep it that way.   

P.S. We've gone over to the dark side of the force and switched to Disqus comments so we can more easily respond to individual comments.