Monday Mornings

You didn't really sleep on time so you're not really on top of your game. But really, it's the morning, and it's a Monday, are you really ever on top of your game? That's true, you nod to yourself, you can stand in the generously hot shower for a little while longer. It's Monday morning, it's okay.

You're getting out and you hear your third alarm, you sigh. 15 minutes left to leave home before you're late; yeah, there is no way you're making it to class on time. That's okay, it's Monday morning.


The smell of coffee gives you some hope, there is that to look forward to while driving to campus at least. You try to make it on time, throw on some jeans and a top. See that you're hair is not too shabby, it's wet, it will get shabby later. No time for make-up. Is it raining? Nope... don't have to think about appropriate shoes. Ooh, stomach growling? Really? Go back to the kitchen to grab a granola bar. Coffee, oh right. Coffee. You smile. You can make it, this Monday morning will be different.


Phone, keys, bag, coffee, bar, jacket, gloves.You wait for the elevator impatiently. Might as well start eating. Elevator bell rings, down you go. Did you lock the door? Must've locked it. Meh, it's not like anyone will actually try to enter. You rush to your car. Monday or no, you will make it to class on time today.


Mental note: need to take that thing to a car wash. As you sit in it, your dashboard makes a noise. right, time for an oil change too. Okay, noted. Still making a noise? You check more closely. It's the low fuel warning. Dammit. Going to be late to class, just another Monday morning.

Online Shopping Mega-Binge

What I ordered online yesterday (click on the images, some will lead you to magic places):

Toshiba Portégé Z830 13.3" Ultrabook

From: Besbuy Cost: $1K Cad sans tax; free shipping ~ yay! 

Other Specs: Intel Core i5, 128GB SSD, 6GB DDR3RAM, 1.6MGHz; 1.1kg(!) 

Justification: My old laptop is too heavy. Well, not that much, but yeah about twice as much. It's pretty awesome, but I never really liked it for its looks;  it's a wee bit awkward. Mostly though, I hate fumbling with the power-cord every time I take it out for class; time to buy an "ultrabook". [Update: sold out on day 1! Even though I pre-ordered it, I guess I'm still going to be waiting for BestBuy to order more of these from Toshiba. =(]

Honestly though, I don't absolutely need a new computer; I just wanted a new toy. I was considering a Macbook Air, just for of the portability factor; and the fact that I am bored of Windows and wouldn't mind playing with a new OS. But I really did not want to compromise MS Office (I'm kind of attached to it) even given the Mac version. When I stumbled upon this, it was like a sign from above.

I've had a Toshiba Portégé before (13.3" M800 white, discontinued) and I absolutely loved it; it was small, light, and gorgeous. But, there was a teeny accident involving my brother, cousin, aunt, NOT me (ahem), and some warm, sweetened milk. This was when I had to get my current laptop; it was not in the budget so had to find a good "deal". Yes, it was unplanned, and yes, maybe that's why I never loved it enough -  I'm totally superficial. Toshiba Sr is now fixed, and owned by my mom. It suits her. :)

Okay, I'm starting to feel guilty, old Gateway (14" ID49C02h) is completely awesome (Intel Core i5-460M, 4GB DDR3 RAM, 640 HDD = awesome; but the track-pad SUCKS, lighted or not). I love you Gateway, don't die on me for the exams okay?

I'm not replacing the Gateway with Toshiba Jr, just supplementing it. I intend to use the ultrabook just for school and outdoors purposes. Back home, my sweet setup involves the Gateway, external keyboard, external mouse, and an HD TV screen. Once you go extended display, you don't go back; it's the truth.

Other Things I just had to get from BestBuy with this purchase: MS Office 2010 Student and Home (really, Windows PC should just come with this already), MS Wireless Studio Series mouse (Peri), and a screen protector (cant be having keyboard imprints on the screen of my brand new baby).

I'm not sure why I also got the Golla iPhone case (Turquoise), I think it might have been on sale. I removed the XBox 360, Skyrim, and Assassin's Creed Revelations from my cart at the last minute; I really needed to tell myself I have some impulse control. Oh, and not to mention, exams.

Moving on...

CaseLogic 16" Laptop Messenger Bag

From: Amazon Cost: $40 Cad sans tax + shipping

Justification: I've had my Golla bag for too long (two-three years), and it's never going to wear out, so I must just buy a new bag already.

I love my Golla, I'll never get bored of it; it's slim and sleek and still holds a lot. So it will remain in my wardrobe, as an alternative.

I've never used a messenger bag for school before, but now that I'm no longer using public transport and walking half-a-mile to and from classes everyday, not to mention that the ultrabook's gonna be pretty lightweight, I can move on from backpacks. Also, it's pretty great looking... love the Orange interior.


Snupped Custom Sleeve

From: Snupped Cost: $45 Cad sans tax + shipping

Justification: Toshiba Jr is gonna need protection from the harsh, outside world full of scratches, smears, dents, dust... yes the sleeve is more expensive than the bag, I realize that now. It didn't seem to dawn on me when I was happily designing my to be hand-made sleeve. Oh well.

I originally ordered a sock sleeve, but now I want a zippered one. I've asked them to make the change, hopefully they'll get my message before they start working on it.

This website is pretty sweet. I think they're coming up with new sleeves for ultrabooks in 2012, so once I hear back from them, this order might be further delayed so that I can get one of the newer sleeves instead.


Gelaskins Custom Skin

From: Gelaskins Cost: $30 Cad sans tax + shipping

Justification: What the Toshiba Jr got in intelligence and personality, it lacks a bit in appearance.  Not to fear, we can always dress it up in pretty dresses.

I was going to create a skin with one of my own works-of-art (pft!), modified to incorporate the Toshiba banner on the laptop; but I'm going to save my Photoshop masks (yes plural, I made one for the Gateway too - see, I do love it, please don't die on me Gateway) and come up with something over the break maybe. So I chose one of the (many) HD wallpapers that I have. This one is just awesome; and it works all by itself without any tweaking. I have a great HD image with gears on it, but that one's going to need a little modification... maybe later.

These are my over-indulgent Christmas gifts to myself (excluding the ones from Sephora... ugh, too long a list to blog). I might post again when I get the goodies... but until then, Happy Holidays! :)