Greetings again,

I have emerged from summer vacation relatively unscathed but with a bit of a case of trowel claw. Basically, my hands now have a stiffness to them which doesn't seem to go away. I think four months of digging might have started some premature arthritis but who knows? For now, I am waiting for it to subside and trying to get back into the swing of things at school.
I finished my job with ASI on Tuesday and flew out to Vancouver on Wednesday. Since then, I have been in a whirlwind of attending classes, writing my french reading knowledge exam and trying to settle in. I don't think it's too great that I haven't really taken a break for year now, but such is life. After I finish this degree in May I am going to take a breather.
I find it good to be back in Vancouver and I am excited for new classes however the same bureaucratic bullshit seems to be flying around the department. People constantly bitching about their funding, TA-ships, etc.etc. Sometimes it makes me sick because I got screwed out a TA-ship but what can I do? The department is in a really screwed up transitional phase ... I just happen to be here for it.
I have hopes that this year will be much smoother since I now know a little more of what to expect and I hope I can be out of here on time. I think things will be different. I cannot involve myself in other people's issues with the dept. because it doesn't effect me directly. I happen to fly just under the radar which feels like a pretty good place to be when shit hits the fan.
Anyways... the first few days back in the Couv have been eventful, but I am just glad that I have my own business together.
Now... I am off to try and read but I might pay attention to the fight that my landlords are having upstairs. I wonder if they are arguing over the fact that I have not paid the rent yet? Muah ha ha...