went into town to buy christmas presents because our floor is having a secret buddy/santa scheme, and i didn't know the girl i drew well enough to buy a book. in the end i went to anthropologie and chose a small rust-coloured twill purse. there is a tweed rose on it, with faux pearls clustered at the centre, and looks very pretty, and would be just nice for a lipstick and credit card when she goes out, or perhaps just as a coin purse. i think that would do very well and duty discharged i wander into the sale section and get distracted into buying myself a coral angora sweater with a closely set row of fabric covered buttons (grace kelly!) and a pair of black velvet pants with black crochet and pink satin trim at the waist and an jet flower over the clasp. it was so warm and soft and on sale, which always seems to justify spending. and then i step out onto bolyston st for the nearest t-stop, but i haven't quite the heart for more shopping - it was dark by then, i was freezing and without gloves or hat, and was much rained upon even with an umbrella, and when i reach the t-stop my paper bag ruptures and i am clutching at various rectangular bits of soggy paper. i decide i've had done with being in boston and take the t home instead of to downtown crossing. and then i am trapped downstairs in the perkins lobby for fifteen minutes because i had left my id at home, until someone came along and let me in. i take a hot shower and go to sleep and then it was the next morning.. so, a most unproductive day, i think i have caught a chill from being in the rain because i'm sniffly, and there's a whole day wasted having done no work but still present-less. i'll have to go again this thursday, i think. i hate shopping in a hurry, and wish i could do this during winter recess, but everyone will be going home on monday, and the great present exchange is happening this coming weekend. perhaps i can start looking around the square instead. hm.