How many times do I need to bitch about work before I actually leave? Almost sounds like a 'how many (insert token joke here) do you need to screw in a lightbulb?'. Too bad my question isn't part of a joke - maybe I'd be laughing instead of breaking down in a fit of tears and sputtered words, like I did this morning in my office. My friend Maggie closed the door and let me cry and bitch, and while I have calmed down I still feel the anger and frustration simmering. I will force myself to stay away from my boss and other co-workers today in order to prevent a possible blow-out. However, I am immensly tempted to forego the Heritage Day open house event taking place at our offices on Monday. That wouldn't normally be a problem, especially since I don't work on Mondays. However, being the Heritage Education Coordinator usually means attending Heritage Education events, like an MC at a wedding. I wonder what sentiment will give in, resignation (attend), or indignation (boycott)?

My mid-term last night was absolutely draining. I wrote nearly twelve pages single-spaced in the span of three hours about the anti-feminist backlash that took place in the 80's and early nineties after the feminist movement in the 70's. The question asked me to evaluate the backlash that took place and, while basing my work on Susan Faludi's Pulitzer-Prize winning book Backlash: the Undeclared War Against Women, determine if a backlash still exists in 2005. What a loaded question. The Faludi book itself is a hefty work with virtually a statistic per sentence in tiny font. Still, I recommend this book to anyone who has ever really wanted to understand the undercurrents of feminist issues in research and media. It's a real eye-opener and a good read. Anyway, all in all I think it went well. Not astounding, but I'm sure it'll do. I stopped at the girls' 'smoking circle' outside the building afterwards to discuss reactions, and it seems that I feel more confident than most - but since when was that ever an indication of success? Time will tell.

I finally get to pick up Chris' surprise gift this weekend, as it is ready and waiting to be collected. I haven't yet seen it but I have imagined that it is wonderful. Will confirm in my next entry.

On Valentine's Day, Chris announced that he wanted to buy me a new cellphone, which means that I might be up and running again sometime. He hasn't bought one yet and it's been nearly a week since, so if anyone wants to complain about my lack of accessibility or add pressure, just post a personal message for Chris in the comments section. It'll be my pleasure to forward the messages!