The sorority sisters, all of whom appear to have embraced the Screechy McBooze aspect of college life, perched on their front porch last night, cackling and hollering until well after midnight. I was more or less patient, but after the stroke of twelve I had had about enough. I called in to the police department and started inquiring about a noise ordinance. Apparently there isn't such an animal, except as it pertains to construction, but an officer was dispatched as "disturbing the peace" is a legitimate complaint. The party (?) died out after the visit from Officer Friendly. I slept after that.

Thing One flew out of a swing at the department picnic on Wednesday and has either sprained his elbow or fractured the growth plate. We'll find out for certain when he meets with the orthopaedist on Monday. While it's rough as an injury, it's also a bother for cross-country. He's been told he can't run while his arm is like this. The first meet of the season is next week.

We'll see what happens.

Michael and I have been investing our options for furniture. So far we've been able to round up couches and a dining room table and chairs set, but that's not going to get us very far with bookcases and shelving for the kitchen. With that in mind, we went into Toledo to check out Furniture Drive. Our first stop, Value City Furniture, showed its hand very early. As soon as we entered the business, a salesman with dark circles under his eyes and a hungry look approached us and asked if he could help us find anything. Michael stepped back and let me do the talking, as he does so often in these situations because he knows that 1) I'll tell the salesperson to take a walk and 2) will likely do so with such acerbity that he'll end up with something to chuckle about. I let the salesman know that, if we needed help, we'd be certain to let him know. Normally that's the end of it, as the salesperson will usually get the idea, but Gary the Salesshark circled as we walked through the store. I don't think we looked like chum, but I might have been mistaken. I think my favorite salesshark maneuver was the Business Card Drive-By: shove a business card into Michael's hand while continuing to walk by us.

I left that place with a deep sense of relief.

It was not unlike the sense of relief when I got home after the hip kids' department party last night. I really enjoy my cohort and the members in my department. I don't have a problem with drinking at parties, although it's not something I do. It's the smoking that gets me. I love talking with other people in the group, but once that smoking comes out, I have a limited party shelf life.

It's really a pity. I was having a great time.

The air conditioner is finally! working. Can't even tell you how grateful I am for that.