I don't get it.

There seems to be a set of people who are just touchy-feely. And in certain instances, I have no trouble with that--in fact, when I'm around people I know well and like, or feel comfortable with, I am incredibly physical. But to a perfect stranger? No.

When I'm working, I don't want my co-workers touching me. They aren't my friends, and I have no real intention of becoming friends with them. It's not okay to grab my shoulder or touch my face (which happened day before yesterday; a girl I work with stuck her hands in my face in a concerted effort to freak me out) or tug my braid.

Today at work, a woman I'd never set eyes on walked through the door and immediately grabbed my hair. Told me it was beautiful, that it reminded her of her childhood when she had a long braid. Touching. But seriously? How is that okay? How did we lost the knack of respecting personal space? I have a braid--it's long and somewhat resembles a rope, sure; this doesn't give anyone the right to touch it or pull on it or anything. At all. Unless I say it's okay, don't fucking touch me.

stuff.

Mother's Day is annoying. FoodWoolf sums it up nicely in her post Where (Not) To Eat on Mother's Day. In all honesty, folks, take Mom out to eat the week of Mother's Day if you MUST take her out. But why not just stay home??? *

I'm quitting smoking. Which is really, really, SERIOUSLY hard. I'm down from about 15/day to 3. It's good progress, especially since I've really only been working at it for a few days. Mom and I have been discussing strategy at length, and she's of the opinion that 3 is a good number to hold at for a while. Nicotine is a physical addiction, and going cold turkey can really screw with your body and your mind. Three a day will let me adjust before completely stopping. I'm not going to buy another pack; when this one's gone, I'm done. That being said, I'm going to buy stock in peppermints. Because holy shit, the amount of peppermints I'm going through is absolutely insane. Milestones thus far: one-hour drive completed without a cigarette; drinking coffee; full shift at work; post-eating. These are huge.

I started a new job in Lansing this past weekend, and so far it's pretty cool. I hope it works out. The added funding is crucial right now. Moving is expensive.

Also, it's May. WTF? I'm moving in just over two months.

*I understand that Mother's Day brunch is a big fat tradition and also that my income depends on people going out to eat, but it is so stressful for everyone involved that trust me, my new shoes can wait for a day and you can cook a meal.