The alteration in the form of the painting today actually threw me off. I don't know why that is. But surely that cannot be the reason why I am so distracted and unfocused right now, so much so that I'm writing this entry in the college library when I should be focused on finishing this bloody paper.
Well, on a happier note, I went to Fitzbillies across the road as usual, for a flat white. I've been going there virtually every afternoon at 2-ish since I got back to Cambridge, save for a few days ago when I had to go to the law faculty to get a book and I ended up working there (but was utterly unproductive). The two male baristas recognise me now; one of them started making small talk with me. Today, the other one came up to me while I was in the queue, asked if I wanted a latte to go; I said yes, then realised that he'd said latte instead of flat white. I got to the front of the queue, and he asked if I wanted a fruit. My immediate reaction was of course 'no, I'm okay, thanks' because why pay for a banana when I have a bunch of bananas at home?
Then he said, 'It's free.'
It's utterly horrific, actually, the way my face must've lit up when he said that. I can't believe how cheap I have become. This is so unbecoming. But it is also true; I took a banana with unconcealed glee...which revealed its ugly face again when he handed me my coffee and said, 'It's on the house today.'
It is really sad, but that made my day. I should also add that the barista is cute, too. I've been unable to power through an afternoon of paper-writing without a flat white from Fitzbillies. Fitzbillies opening across from Magdalene was the best thing that's happened since my arrival in Cambridge; it is the only place within walking distance (i.e. less than 10 minutes) that has good coffee. No doubt, the quality varies according to who's making it; the two male baristas make good coffee, and a couple of the female baristas do a good job too. But still, it's good. It keeps me awake. It usually helps me focus, but apparently not right now. But I will rectify that once I post this entry.
When this shit show is done, I am going to the Varsity Hotel for a spa treatment. It's literally five minutes away; more importantly, my neck has been sore pretty much ever since I came back here. The mattress sucks, and on hindsight, 'saving money' on a proper pillow was not a good move. The cheap pillow I bought from Marks & Spencer has not been kind to my neck at all. If I don't get kicked out of the programme, I will definitely invest in a better pillow.
Okay, back to work.
