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It's been over a week since my last flurry of blog activity. What's been going on? I turned 32 while doubled over with some stomach ailment, finished my Politics and the Media class, had some holiday socializing, and took a nap or two. Oh yeah, and I worked, too.

This evening I balanced my over-abundant Christmas cheer with some research for a paper I'm writing for my independent studies course. The paper is about the history of media regulation and its effects - light, festive reading. I was darting from putting lights up to my laptop. Feels sorta funny to be delving into seasonal shopping (gifts! must show people love with gifts!) while contemplating the ills of consumerism and what the next era of the U.S. will bear. Somehow I can reconcile both obsessions.

Here's a story for you. A week or two ago I got a great e-mail which contained this link. This evening I was at the local Walgreens stocking up on tape and bows and lights, and I realized I needed some wrapping paper. What should have been an easy, grab-and-go moment became this sorta pathetic (and hopefully endearing?) episode during which I scowled that all my chosen rolls were products of redder-than-red Hallmark. I think I stood there for about :10, trying to decide what to do (which was: don't buy anything, and wait 'til tomorrow).

Here's a question for you, my dear reader: I'm excited to not patronize any of the red contributors on the list, but how to alert them to my decision? I've heard many times that boycotts aren't effective unless somehow communicated. Any ideas (other than calling the general switchboard)?

In other news, I came across an old pay stub this evening from my dotcom days. Funny how much money I made then. And that I left to be self-employed. The further away I get from that world the closer I inch to making long-term decisions which will likely not help my $ situation. As in, the direction I seem to be headed isn't one noted for its high financial return. I felt a pang as I looked at the pay stub, but then shrugged and shredded it along with all my other paperwork.

I discovered Media Access Project today during my research. It's funny: I went into the Politics and the Media class feeling a bit deflated about the apparent lack of public policy work, and I actually ended up discovering a direction I'm ridiculously passionate about. It's sorta how I fell into my first career: I'd always been a devotee of music, but it never occurred to me that I could work in that business. Now I'm thinking, "Hmm... Maybe journalism or public interest law with a media angle..." Who knew?

I'm starting to think about my summer educational plans. An internship somewhere, maybe, or some travel abroad. Only for a few weeks, as I need to really keep the focus strong on my business. I hope my clients understand my peculiar balancing act.