Stuff that works and stuff that doesn't.

I know, I'm sorry. Last week was...bad. It was a bad week and I wanted to write about it but sometimes the writing just makes the bad that much badder. The short version is this:

I took my car in for a routine state inspection and oil change and $1,400 (and two days) later I got it back. That is a very hard conversation to have with a mechanic when you're at work, especially when you know co-workers are listening in. Last week was also the week in which I shoved food in my mouth with both hands with nary a breath or pause. It was also the week that girl scout cookies were delivered. These things are probably related.

This week has started out much more quietly and with a lot less sugar, and yet? The insomnia I thought was solved by daylight-saving-induced exhaustion is back. Yay! Hi, insomnia. You suck it. Here's what didn't work last night: decaf iced tea (sob), space heater white noise, Benedryl. When the dang Benny doesn't work you know you're INFORIT. I will be taking an advanced meditation course next week so I'm going to request that he help me out. Also! The instructor said we might to a past-life regression if we have time. I'm going to kick it's ass this time, sure enough.

So, update out of the way, I thought I'd share with you all a few things that have been working for me lately. These are not amazing new inventions, just bits and pieces that have brought me small joy, as I'm not allowed to buy anything ever again (see car repair above) so I've been trying to get by with the things I already own or are free. (This is NO FUN, but I'm trying.)

1. This American Life.
I love my little iPod so much and lately I've been subscribing to the free This American Life podcast. If you don't listen to this, start. It's so good and so interesting and you'll have tons of stories to annoy your husband with. I'll be all,

"Kenny! Kenny! There was this story? On this American Life? About this room? Where NY teachers are placed when they're on probation? And they stay there for months sometimes? And still get paid? It's crazy! You should listen!"

I think I do this to him at least once a week. If you don't have an iPod you can also listen to it free right from the website and revel with me in the dorky hot goodness that is Ira Glass.


2. Too Close to the Falls
I love a good memoir and Too Close to the Falls is REALLY good. Plus, the author has a blog where she talks about the sequel that she's writing. It's just such an interesting story about growing up as an unconventional kid near Niagara Falls in the 1950's. Her stories are great but the ending was a bit abrupt, so I was really glad to hear about the sequel. (Also, who lent this to me? I found it in my shelves and have no idea where it came from. Was it lent? Was is on my Amazon list? Did I get it for Christmas? I have no idea.)

3. No Line on the Horizon
I know some of the reviews about U2's new album are not great, but it is. Great, I mean. Aside from a few songs that are WAY TOO LONG (seriously, boys? 7 1/2 minutes? That is just showing off and I also think maybe you're underestimating most people's attention spans) it's solid and has a few tracks that are perfect for driving (my favorite kind of song.)


4. Life on Mars
I like anything named for my favorite Bowie song and I REALLY like this show even though it's already been canceled because ABC sucks. At least they get to finish out the season and give it an ending (unlike poor Pushing Daisies, which I'm still mad about. I hate you, ABC.) Watch Life on Mars if for no other reason than to enjoy my fine new crush, Jason O'Mara (who, as a bonus, is Irish!) *sigh*


Now, leave me a comment and tell me what you're enjoying lately that's free.