Not entirely GIP
Today several nice things happened:
- I had an unexpected present from ravurian: many, many, thanks.
- ann1962 has made me a seasonal version of my default icon. As a result I have now discovered how to put text onto icons and have added a seasonal sentiment.
- Surviving and by now rather elderly relative of Leading Suffragette has responded to my copyright query very agreeably.
- I had a Christmas card with an adorable photo of Emperor Penguin chicks from some manuscript dealer we had doings with in the course of the year.
A rather more ambivalent experience was a trip to get my hair done (I realised today that I have been going to the same hairdressers - though it recently changed its name from the memorable and appropriate 'Shampoo' to an unmemorable group of inititals - for over 12 years, mostly with the same stylist, except when she's away. Am I stuck in a rut or what?). The general appearance of the salon has recently been tarted up into a more 'modernistic' style, but we gather that these improvements are purely superficial, as their boiler blew up the other day. As a result, my hair got washed by a repetitively apologetic junior in lukewarm water, gradually tapering to cold. But at least he had finished my final rinse before the water ran out altogether... although he also managed to soak my collar quite thoroughly in spite of tucking a towel into it. Then I sat for a while with wet hair while someone popped in to arrange a session with my stylist in person. Cutting interrupted by agitated conversations about water, the inadvisability of carrying tanks of it up the stairs, the health and safety implications, etc. However, I did end up with a particularly nice cut. Also, as the salon is located bang opposite a good health food shop, was able to replenish various baking supplies.
The less happy news is that I am still feeling rather post-viral and un-energetic, and I find this annoying. I was therefore not entirely in the mood for annual party of academic institution with which I am associated, though I showed my face.