above the surface

I'm planning on applying for another credit card because using a debit (my so-called "invisible money") is just getting dangerous. I just swipe it, and totally forget it until weeks later, upon checking my balance, I realize that nearly a grand is gone--which leads, inevitably, to a completely freak out, rapid scanning of the different transactions, then embarrassed resignation as I realize that yes, I did spend all of that on clothes and shoes and Sephora.

My mom came back from Taiwan yesterday, and it was great to eat one of her dinners again. While it's true that I can technically cook, I don't particularly make the best meals. And she bought me the necklace I'd been eyeing at Tiffany's! Not to mention a bunch of clothing and delicious teas and pastries. She also brought back a stack of letters that she had written to her family her first few years in the U.S. Apparently, there are stories about me when I was a baby; for instance, "Tiffany has a really bad temper. My mother-in-law agrees. We have to keep an eye on her." But that's all my mom's told me so far, and since I can't really read traditional characters, I'll have to wait for her to get over jet lag and get through the rest of the stack.

It was really funny watching my dad take over the role of home maker the two weeks my mom was gone. He was so cheerful about everything, even laundry, but by the second week I could tell he was getting a bit tired and frustrated with having to figure out what to cook/eat for every meal. For a few nights, he would pick up stuff from Whole Foods, and then none of us would have to worry at all. I can't imagine having to work and take care of house work, but I guess it's just something most of us will have to deal with eventually.

On a completely different topic, one of my happiest moments last semester was realizing that one of my favorite English professors got manicures regularly. It made me feel less superficial and brought more hope into my life. Still, she's the only one I've seen thus far...hmm