"'There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little dependence that can be placed on the appearance of either merit or sense.'" (Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen)

Elizabeth Bennet, in explaining to her sister Jane that she will never run the risk of being too flattering, of seeing too much good in the world, perfectly sums up my current state of mind. The appearance of being sensible and having merit cannot be trusted; humans are too inconsistent, too fallible, and too likely to disappoint.

The context of the quote isn't really necessary, but - to explain in a few short words - Jane has just been disappointed by Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth very feelingly suggests that, while Bingley may have in appearances been a reasonable, good-hearted young man, he is in fact too dependent on the advice of his sisters and best friend, Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth will later learn otherwise, but at the moment she is all scorn and resentment on behalf of her dear sister.

I find myself in a similar situation with two of my dearest friends, both of whom recently discovered just how deceptive appearances can be. In the first case, all of her friends - including me - were taken in by false pretenses; I never met the man involved in the second case, but I was closely acquainted with the circumstances and am now appalled at how extraordinarily treacherous one man can be.

My own circumstances are a cautionary tale of their own right, which certainly doesn't help improve my state of mind.

Pride and Prejudice has a happily ever after. Happily ever afters, however, are proving rather difficult to find in reality.

Cupid's Chokehold

I located a public library in San Diego yesterday! I fill up my tank on Governor and Genesee; all four corners have reasonably priced gas stations, including the 76 that I frequent. As I pulled out of the gas station and waited to whip a U-turn at the light, I noticed a dented little sign that said "San Diego Public Library" and I nearly squealed.
I adore libraries; good or bad, they'll have enough books to satisfy me for a little while. At some point, I'll have to go and get a library card.
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"Cupid's Chokehold" by Gym Class Heroes.

Books

1. Grab the nearest book (that's in English).
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your LJ along with these instructions.
5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.

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So on my desk is a 3-layer bookshelf, and most of my paperbacks are all arranged neatly on the lowest shelf - which means that they're all within easy reach.

I'll grab one with my eyes closed. This still isn't fair, since I know the arrangement of my books, but whatever.

*flails with her left arm*

"...What was I singing?"
"You didn't know that either?"
"I don't know what it means, no."
-- Terry Pratchett, Maskerade

Ha! It still ended up being a Pratchett story. What can I say - I adore this man, and his satirical wit.

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I love my CSE 3 labs. Check out what I've been doing. The first couple of labs didn't entail a whole lot of detail that I didn't already know, but Lab 4 was particularly interesting and fun. I like to hit "view source" and smile gleefully. :]