Law and Order

Recently, I’ve been quantifying productivity by the number of Law and Order episodes I’ve watched on television that respective day. Today, having watched three episodes and read none of my required texts for Cambridge, I’ve scored among the top three most productive days I’ve had the last two weeks. You think I’m joking? Come look at my TIVO recorded list.

I’m about 50% packed for my flight tomorrow and have no plans of finishing tonight. It’s funny, every time I travel, I convince myself that I am somehow going to utilize my experience from the past to concentrate my luggage down to the essentials. I currently have two checked bags, a carry-on, and a lap-top bag. Among the items to be packed are radio alarm clock(s), mobile flossing/toothpick combinations, and a spectrum of ties, covering all colors except green and indigo. These are the essentials of a graduate student, rest assured.

These two endeavo(u)rs, Law and Order and packing luggage, have combined to form some of the most vivid dreams I can remember in a long time. Just last night I recall shadowing Logan (seasons 4 and 5) as we searched around several Radio Shacks and Best Buys for US-to-UK power adapters. Nothing beats interrogating employees over whether the converter stepped down from 220 V or just split the current. Naturally, we attempted to test the electrical transmission on his temples, just as Briscoe broke into the room with McCoy. A plea bargain resulted.

I’m not sure whether I’m more concerned about the functionality of my electronics or the loss of Law and Order as a stabilizing mechanism in my life.