Perfection is hard work

This is what I do!
It's what I live for!
To help poor, unfortunate folk
Such as ( yourself )

Being back at school isn't nearly as fantastic as being in New York was, but I suppose breaks can't last forever. This week is just... crazy-busy. If you need me, you'll have to just grab me when you see me. Otherwise, I love you all - but I'm a busy girl!

[Private]
Being back at school is possibly the least fantastic thing in the entire world. Chase is barely speaking to me, I think I've done something to irritate Mason. He was giving me weird looks all day - I don't even know why. I know JJ is up to something, but I don't have any time to check on him because it's April and there are two major deadlines looming. Chris is just... I can't even fathom that level of WTF right now. But whatever. And I swear, if anything else goes wrong, I'll probably actually have to kill someone.

I should have gone home for Spring Break. That would have spared me about half my fucking problems.
[/Private]

( Private to Chase )

God, New York is fantastic. Okay, yes. It helps that we're staying at the Birchwood penthouse and not sulking over inconvenient rooms (which they would have been, last-minute bookings are always such a hassle) at a hotel. Seriously, unless you're booking at least a month in advance, it's impossible to guarantee what's going to adjoin to what and which suites will be open and - no. The penthouse is better. And let me tell you, Chase's mother has the world's most fantastic taste. Clearly it runs in the family. Might as well stroke C's ego a little, he's had a long week.

So, my socializing is done. Now I can concentrate on shopping - oh, glorious shopping! - and visiting all my favorite places, hanging out with my favorite people, seeing my favorite shows... thank God for spring break. Really. And New York. And - hold on to your seats, kittens - Chase. Because I could have been spending this week in DC alone with Mason and I don't know if I'm ready for th doing things not as fun with less excellent people.

Ladies - shopping tomorrow? I plan on making a day of it. Be warned: wear appropriate shoes.

( Private to JJ )

( Private to Chase )

( Private to Mason )

Change of plans!

New York for Spring Break. Oh, Upper East Side. How I've missed your shopping! And your restaurants! And your people who aren't lame socialites!

Jenna! We're buying dresses. Screw this shipping stuff. Why mail-order when you can leave Park Avenue with the dress you want, anyway?

Now I just have to pack. And try to live through this week.

( Private )

( Private to Evan )

( Private )

Today seems to be the day for cementing spring break plans. I just got off the phone with my parents, and while I would love to be going home for the week... apparently my father's buried in work for this budget for the next forever, and my mother will be touring for her new book. I might take off and spend a couple of days in DC anyway, just to get away from school. Who wants to spend the entire break here, right?

Anyway, I'm thinking that if I leave Friday evening, then I can come back on Tuesday afternoon, maybe Wednesday morning. That gives me time for shopping, and to see some of my old friends.

( Private to Mason )

( Private to Chase )

( Private to Chase )

( Private to Mason )

Just so people will stop asking, yes I'm feeling better.

( Private )

Edit: Oh, and before I forget! Chase is throwing a party on Friday. You've probably already heard - if you haven't, now you have. This one's open-invitation so no irritating comments, please so everyone should come and celebrate the cast of the musical. Chase's parties are always epic, so this should be excellent, kittens.

[Private]

Games are usually more fun. I just... don't even feel like playing around. Not this time. Not with Mason. I wasn't sure on Saturday - I thought maybe it was just because it was Liam I was supposed to be going out with. Maybe he was just concerned, worried that I was in too deep. Kind of funny. I would never let things go where Liam wanted them to go.

But today? I don't think I've ever seen Mason glare so much at Chase. And it wasn't because he was being particularly obnoxious, because he wasn't. Just... normal Chase. The only thing that was different was that I sat with the boys today. I sat with Chase today. On his lap, actually, for the last half of lunch. That isn't really even that uncommon. I was tired of his sulking, and a little attention is always a good way to fix that. There are worse things than fawning over Chase Birchwood a little.

And I wanted to see if Mason was jealous. He was. I know he was.

I'm just... does it have to be a game this time?

Today... wasn't all that bad, actually. My general hatred for Mondays is actually kind of non-applicable today. I know, it's shocking. For me too, trust me. But it wasn't that bad.

I'm caught up on all my homework. I'm ahead by two articles. There is at least one freshman on staff that spell-checks his damned articles and gets them in before his deadline. I swear, the boy warms my heart.

[Private]
All is right in the world, today. Chase is irritated but not annoyingly snarly. Things are a little tense with Mason, but it's the kind of tense that I want right now. The girls are picking up bits of gossip for me without needing to be instructed every step of the damned way.

It's... actually a good Monday. I think this is a sign of the Apocalypse.
[/Private]

So, a bunch of people are apparently surprised by my choice of movie this weekend. Why? What, girls can't like thrillers? I like being a little scared, thank you. Although, after seeing it, the squick factor was the slightest bit high during one particular sequence. Yeah, that one. Still thought it was good. And really - I signed on for the whole thing, having read reviews like everyone else. Weirdly enough, I heard from a lot of places that it was less disturbing than the original.

I think I'll pass on that one. One violent rape sequence a year is my limit, thanks.

Anyway. Finishing homework tonight, then posting my weekend round-up. I'll be in and out of my room, so people who need to talk to me should text rather than drop by.

Okay. So. My small group outing is huge. And I say the more the merrier. So far, I know the following people are going. Me, Chase, Mason, Evan, Meaghan, Chris, Casi, Holly, JJ, August, Pink, Emily, Jenna, Matt, Spencer, Doyle... I feel like I'm missing someone. Who am I missing?

Maybes from a couple of people. Who I really hope come. Ahem. If you need rides, ask. If you need people to sit with, ask. If you've somehow missed what we're seeing, it's Last House on the Left. If you're JJ, you'd better be saving me a seat at dinner, because you love me.

Anyway, it's Thursday. Deadlines are here, newspeople. If you have articles, please get them to me before the end of the day. If you have gossip, that would also be helpful. If you just want to bring cookies and caffeinated beverages to the writing lab while I edit tonight, welcome to being my favorite people.

Monday. I was actually kind of looking forward to it after the massive suck of this weekend - and then it actually got here, and I can't help but wonder what the hell I was thinking. Clearly, wishing for Monday was just a moment of sheer delusion. I don't expect that it will be repeated.

Luckily, there's only four more days until the weekend again. This one should be considerably less eventful, and I have a good time to make up for. So. I'm going to the movies Friday night, and I demand that other people go with me. Chase, yes? I need to make up canceling on you. Chris, if you're not busy? Girls? I'm taking suggestions on which movie to see.

Did anyone else watch SCC last night? J - I know you did. Do you see what I mean with the crazy cyborg/human tension? I really can't decide whether or not I'm disturbed. I consider it, and then I look at Summer Glau... and really. A cyborg that looks like Summer? I consider John blameless, here, either way. She's Summer Glau, robot or otherwise.

( Private to JJ )

( Private to Chase )

( Private to Mason )

( Private to Doyle )

[Private]
Oh for the love of God. Has everyone in the whole goddamn world lost their sense of humor? When did the entire student body get so sensitive? It was a prank! It's nothing to cry over!

But she did cry. And I feel... bad. Kind of. I didn't want to make her cry. I could probably have handled talking to her better, too. But really, how can anyone be that uncompromisingly nice all the time? I am not the only one that sees a problem with this!

Blah. I think I'm actually going to have to apologize. Again. Ariel isn't horrible.

Besides, I have this sinking feeling that the boys will drive me out of my mind until I make it up to her. A little backbone would have saved me a lot of trouble, here! Just a LITTLE bit of humor. Is that really so much to ask?
[/Private]

Plans for the night have changed. Staying in.

( Private to Mason )

( Private to Chris )

( Private to JJ )

I might live through this week. Maybe. Is it just me, or does it actually feel like it's just going on forever? I could have lived two entire weeks in the time it took to get to Thursday.

But, now that Thursday's here, it's Deadline Day. Tomorrow, the last elements of the Friday edition of the paper are due. Morgan, I need your pictures. Kieran, I need to go over the art section with you again. And of course, I always need things to add to my column. You know how to get in touch with me, if you have verifiable information to pass along. Thursday also means that I'll be in the writing lab until late, helping with final edits and cuts and revisions and layout. So if you need me, that's where I'll be.

This weekend... I'm thinking of just relaxing. Maybe heading into town for a movie. I'll have to check what's playing. Anyone up for coming with?

Edit: And shopping. Almost forgot the shopping. I might put that off - there's plenty of pre-formal time to shop.

Prom, prom, prom. What, people have suddenly realized that it's that time of year? Prior planning, guys. I've narrowed my dress selection down to... okay, around twelve. So there's still some work to be done. The styles are just so good this year, and there are so many options. I'm thinking more 'starlet' than 'fairy princess', personally - I just don't fill out the puffy skirts properly. More power to anyone who can rock the look, though. It's definitely pretty.

So, some of you - you know who you are, boys - lack expertise in shopping. Some of you are just lazy. Either way, if anyone would like help shopping for this occasion (or just in general, I won't be picky), I'm feeling generous. I'm officially declaring it a shopping weekend. So if you want help, ask. And for those of you that have exceptional taste and style and don't require my assistance - you know who you are, too - I love you just a little more.

Christine, I have those magazines for you, if you want to drop by and grab them sometime? Or I can hand them off to Michael or whatever - just let me know.

I know, I know, it was an amazing party! And at least half the credit for it goes to Chris, naturally, because he's just as good as I am at last-minute planning. So be grateful to him, those of you who enjoyed the evening. We'll definitely be doing it again.

I'm sure you're all delighted to know that my schoolwork is done for the evening, and I just have to work on the Monday column now. It'll go to print in... oh, three hours or so. So if you have interesting things to tell me, kittens, now's the time. Remember, I verify before I print, so no being bitchy just for the hell of it. Now, if it's bitchy and true, we can definitely talk. You all know how to get in touch with me, if you need to.

( Private to Mason )

On the schedule for today? Some shopping in town, if anyone's interested. Spring fashions are finally coming in, and since it's not absolutely freezing they're even wearable. I will say, I really miss boutiques. Oh, good shopping, how I pine for you. I'll probably jaunt home over spring break just to get some quality shopping in. But until then, ordering good clothes will just have to do.

On a related note, I miss having a night-life. Live music, underage drinking dancing, parties, concerts. Seriously. You'd figure that having a school in the area, they'd at least open up somewhere with music on the weekends. It would be guaranteed money. Who among us wouldn't pay to relax somewhere off-campus that wasn't the bowling alley, really? Siiigh.

Anyway. On the table for tonight - all the relevant people should do something. Dinner, the movies, an impromptu bonfire in the woods. Something. Saturday nights are not meant to be spent bored. They are, however, meant to be spent in adorable new outfits.

Any of you upperclassmen feel like giving a girl a ride into town?

Why am I up at 4 AM on a school night? Because people can't be bothered to read their own damned articles. It's called spell check, freshmen. Spell check. Look over your grammar. Pretend you speak English. When this is really my paper, you're all going to wish you were dead.

Anyway. This week's Friday edition is printing happily now. I know, I know - five days without current AA news is too long. So if you're dying to know what's happened since the Monday run-down, pick up a copy. Be enlightened. And if you have news? ...you all know where to find me, darlings.

Entertainment this weekend? I know you have ideas, kittens. Let's make them happen. My column won't write itself.