file this under things you just don't need to know ...

... but i'm excited, so i'm going to talk about it anyway. at 3:47 p.m., i officially sent in lease and rent information, therefore securing my burlington residency. next week, baby ...

it's pathetic, but i'm absolutely giddy. it's probably mostly because i know there's a light at the end of my 90-minute commuting tunnel, but i'm also just looking forward to having a place to decorate, warm and otherwise make homey. i loved my apartment in d.c. and having the space to think and reflect or kick back with my roommates. having my own space, as opposed to sleeping in a room under my parent's roof. not that i don't adore my family, but after so much time visiting, actually coexisting on a daily basis can get grating. and i know my folks are looking forward to having to endure (read: revel in) empty nest syndrome again.

SPEAKING of syndromes ... i've been meaning to post this for ages. beth told me about the greatest syndrome to ever suffer from (keep in mind, this is relative, as no one ever wants a syndrome). foreign accent syndrome.

no, i'm not kidding. it often (relatively speaking) pops up after strokes. now i'm not down with strokes as a general rule, but can i skip that part and just wake up speaking with a british accent? i think i'd be content.

hmm ... i wonder if madonna suffered a temporary bout when she started speaking with a clipped accent?

doubtful.

regardless. i'm currently reveling in pre-holiday anxiousness, looking forward to being able to relax, curl up on a couch in massachusetts and read or watch movies tomorrow (after watching mraz's rendition of the national anthem, that is). i had expected to have to work tomorrow, as i hadn't heard anything about getting the day off, but i learned that i do in fact get the day off. so i'm hopping in the car after work and making the trip down to beverly to join the fam (including boston-boy brother) for turkey, carbs and the resulting sleepy feelings. ah ... good times. i have a suspicion that my uncle will have in his possession the new lord of the rings extended dvd (if he doesn't, i'll be so disappointed in him - he'd be slacking), so i can enjoy that before i actually pick it up for myself. cannot wait for "return of the king" ...

two great journalism-related notes to end on before i wish you the happiest of turkey days tomorrow ...

- nothing better than facing a story that appears utterly, wretchedly dull and suddenly discovering an angle that puts it in an entirely different, fascinating spin.
- well, i'm not sure what's better - that or receiving unsolicited email informing you that two tickets have been reserved under your name for opening night of an upcoming theater production. hurrah!

alright, boys and girls - have a very happy, safe, stuffed thanksgiving. drive safely if you're traveling, sit safely if you're not. i always hate those tragic holiday stories about people falling off chairs ... such an unfortunate waste.

;-)