I have my voice back. I'm quite pleased about that particular turn of events, as I have precisely one week left to get my a cappella group in fit shape for our debut concert next Thursday. Not being able to speak for a couple of days left me to explore other various means of communication, some of which worked better than others, such as writing my words by hand (trying to explain what i needed to the guy at Radio Shack without knowing the proper terms such as 12-gauge wire and banana plugs made that one tricky), miming (always a bad idea, although good practice for charades, I suppose), and even making my computer speak for me (which worked surprisingly well, and there were many good opportunities for playful banter a la Hal).

School is officially on break for Thanksgiving, and both of my roommates have gone home for the holiday. I went out for dinner with some friends that are still around, but the evening has primarily consisted of my being alone in the room. I've worked on my grammar final that's due far too soon, let the music of the Indigo Girls soothe me and the witty banter of the Gilmore Girls make me smile (in context, that title is far less scandalous than it sounds, isn't it?). This kind of relaxed downtime is a badly needed breather for me, and I think I'm going to enjoy it, even if the room does feel kind of empty.