At that party on Saturday I was served what I heard as "muesli mąkowe", a weird white paste that, only once sampled, turned out to be "mus limonkowy". Hyuk.

When the jeweler told me that he didn't have the spare parts to fix my necklace, but could order them, why didn't I take it to a different guy? I have no idea. Now my necklace has been there for near on 2 months. When I get back to Warsaw I'm totally taking it elsewhere.

Wondering why Ł gave me the book I am now reading? Let him explain:

"Some years ago I heard some English prof on NPR talking about teaching writing, and he mentioned this book as a great piece of contemporary American writing. When I saw the themes I picked it up. To be honest I don't remember much of the book, but I know you like to read, and this guy, some guy, on the radio, said this is well written, which is what I assume reading people like to read. I don't know."

Zozo quote of the day 

Z: Łukasz jest miły.
J: No, też go lubię.
Z: Ładne ma ciało.
J: (!?!?) Tak, też mi się podoba (!?!?).
Z: I ładne ma ubranko, i ładne włosy.
J: To prawda.

Admissions Interviews

Q: What are your interests apart from psychology?
A: Well, make-up is really my passion.
Q: Oh really! Do you see combining these two interests in the future? 
A: Well, many psychologists could use some make up....(looks pointedly around the committee)

Q: What did you learn about psychology while you were working?

A: I worked with Jewish people so that taught me a lot about selling things!

Q: Do you know much about therapy?
A: Well, I went to therapy for 9 years, so I think I know a lot!

Q: What are your interests apart from psychology?
A: Well, I am really really a big fan of World War 2 and Hitler.

Q: Why are you interested in psychology?
A: I wouldn't say I'm very interested in it.

Q: Why do you want to study in English?
A: I think English and other languages are very future-like.


Q: Maybe to begin you could tell us why you want to study in Poland, why in English?
A: I hate Poland, and when I first started there, I hated my school, I'm not gonna lie.
Q: Well, why do you want to study psychology?
A: When I first started studying psychology, I absolutely hated it, I'm not gonna lie.

Q: What do you think about Dr. Sacks' approach to patients, as compared to more traditional approaches in neuropsychology?
A: I think he had a neuropathic way of treating his patients. 

Q: Are there any particular areas of psychology that you find especially interesting?
A: Neurotransmitters is actually what I'm in love with!

I feel like the new cafe/cake shop on my street doesn't realize that we are in the process of swift gentrification. The potential customers around here are not likely to a) be unemployed and able to come in between the hours of 10am and 5pm on weekdays, when they're open; b) purchase basic, bland sweet offerings without visible care taken to create an appetizing appearance; c) enjoy passing the blase, unsmiling salesperson,  standing smoking in the doorway. I so wanted a cafe on my street, and now that it's here I don't think I'll ever go! Good luck, little cake shop!

I find it really hard to objectively assess how much of my reaction to a student's rude message is me power tripping versus me responding as a human who thinks there are social norms and rules to be followed. Like, for instance, You shouldn't just announce to me that You will come to a different section of my seminar. I think this should be phrased as a question. There is actually no problem with coming to a different section of the same course. We have enough chairs. It's not a logistical issue, and of course I'm going to acquiesce, if asked. So why do I want to be asked? Because I want my power to be acknowledged? That seems like a stupid reason.

Anyway, because this chick has already missed more classes than is allowed, I have to figure out an extra assignment for her. I'm going to make it a goddamn effortful one.