The Bretcave, Version 3.5

Yesterday afternoon, my mom, Evelyn, and I arrived in Blacksburg to a bitterly cold wind. (At least it wasn't as cold as it is in the Northeast, though - my cold toes go out to you guys.) I mean, I've survived three other Blacksburg winters, so I'm used to that. We spent the rest of the evening cleaning, unpacking, and shopping for groceries before we collapsed from exhaustion.

I like making little improvements to my room every time I come back to it. It's an ongoing process, really. This semester's latest features are:

• The coolest flip-top garbage can I think I've ever seen.
• A new, very comfortable chair that doesn't jut out into the room's main (and only) walking area, so now I won't destroy my computer desk and break my kneecaps on my way to the bathroom. Plus it feels nice to touch.

Nearly every set of improvements comes with a slight problem, however. Sometimes it's the window not sealing up, letting in the sub-arctic air; sometimes it's the pipes rattling. I'm currently writing this entry to the beat of my constantly-dripping shower head. It was fun for a while last night; the rhythm seemed to match perfectly with Phil Collins' version of "You Can't Hurry Love" in my head, but I think I'll call the plumbers today, too.

I'm now off to find room for a few more posters and random decorations I've collected over the fall. Cheers!