It's grey and rainy outside, but I actually was up before the day came around. At three a.m. I woke up "comme une flèche" and unfortunately got acquainted with a plastic bag. It's funny the thoughts that went through my mind as I was sick; has the Simons store ever wondered what other uses might arise from their silvery bags?

In consequence to this early rise, I took the day off and have spent most of my time shuffling around and doing some work. I've got my Opinion Publique exam in less than a week, as well as an essay for the Cinémas class due in two weeks. I've got lots of studying, writing and watching movies to do (never thought I'd see that as work - although admittedly that kind of research is generally welcomed). Chris has offered to watch the movies with me since he has his own French examination coming up soon -hopefully the Québecois stuff won't make things worse for him.

Looks like I might be moving back into the trusty ol' apartment in the Market sooner than I thought. Manon's deadbeat roommate has finally thrown in the towel and is leaving on January 1st. I had considered moving in with Manon but not until the spring. I wanted to save a bit more cash and had planned on buying a new Imac laptop early in the new year. I guess we'll have to see - if Manon can find someone - probably a student - who is looking to sublet for the Winter session, then I could go ahead with the original plan and move in during the spring. But if she can't find someone who just wants the place for four months, then I may have to jump into this and sign up for the 1st of 2005... I haven't lived in that apartment since 2000. It's almost scary to think about. But I guess a lot has changed since then and it could be my second chance to make it a really pleasant place to live in. After all, it's a great location, a great apartment and my roommate would be my own twin. Although Manon and I can lock horns sometimes, I think it might be best to live with someone you can be completely honest with. Besides, we lived together for 18 years of our lives (and shared a room for 14 of those years) - there's no real reason why we shouldn't be able to do it again.

I need new music. Any recent suggestions? I've been listening to the recent (and last, I guess) Eliott Smith album. I really like that guy's voice. And I'm still appreciating the Decemberists, which were one of my surprise favorites this past year. I usually have a surprise favorite every year, something that I stumble across and end up loving. Nearly two years ago my surprise was Beck's Sea Change album, which in my opinion was underrated. Good ol' Beck, mellowed out and in a pensive mood, accompanied by strings and smooth arrangements. This year I also appreciated Wilco's "A Ghost Is Born" album, though that also received mixed reviews.

Enough with music and back to movie research...