The Blurb

Monday brings my second to last final and a long ensemble meeting, but it also closes an important chapter in the chronicles of my habitation. This semester has been my first as an RA in Leland, meaning, among other more important things, I got my own room—four dressers, two desks, two bunk beds, two desk chairs. I took it as a challenge.
Nic Howe's blue leather couch started the room rearranging. The recliner in the picture was a later addition. It came in the great '06 Trash Day Haul. Two recliners and a couch made their way from the homes of Watertownians to my humble abode after a brief stay on the curb in trash piles.

I've always enjoyed a nice desk, so I combined a dresser and desk to make my personal desk. The spacious desk left plenty of room for current work, while the abundance of drawers kept me from ever having to fill that space with unused books. The desk has become the cockpit from which I control the affairs of the world. It's my spot. My room and its multiple seats are open to anyone, but if I'm in the room, I'm at my desk almost exclusively. Again, the chair in the picture came later.It spent its first week in my room drifting about the room trying to find a final resting place until, with blinding flash of the obvious, I realized it would be much more comfortable to spend my time in than the standard-issue desk chair. It has served me well in its new location. With a slight shift of computer and keyboard, and the utilization of my usually-drawered wireless mouse, I can comfortably cruise the 'net in a reclined position. At my desk. Yes, the foot support extends nicely in the chair space on the desk. It's a little bit o' heaven, let me tell you. Especially when I'm trying to write a paper all night. Though the inclination toward sleep is accentuated in the La-Z-Boy.

What bachelor pad would be complete without food preparation facilities? Kitchens are not a standard option in Leland, and my floor doesn't even have the end-of-the-hall-use-it-if-you-dare sink and microwave first and second floor enjoy. The situation demanded immediate action. My espresso maker, hot pot, and extensive tea collection were easily shelved on an empty dresser. As the year skipped along and more supplies were available, the shelves and drawers became more valuable. My discovery of a microwave in storage kept us top-level Lelanders from having to trek downstairs to pop our corn. The fuses seemed not to like the addition in the computer lab, however, so the microwave found a new home with me. It was a perfect fit. The dresser turned into a portable kitchen station, with the drawers providing storage for food, clean dishes, dishcloths, towels, napkins, cooking utensils, and other essentials.

Many of you realize I was not alone in attempting to put the space in my room to use. Jason moved his keyboard, computer, monitor, extra printer, and self in early in the semester. They haven't left yet. I've grown to enjoy them.

And, the piece de resistance. (Sorry the picture is sideways—I don't know how to fix it and I don't have time at the moment to figure out how.) The above-mentioned Trash Day Haul brought one piece of furniture into the room I didn't want to lose, but I couldn't find a place for it. Just when I thought it was going to be thrown to the dogs (i.e., put in the study room), we realized it would fit in a bed frame and disaster was averted. A little shifting of furniture with help from Guamie and Jason gave the three-tiered bedtower a new middle chamber. And before you can ask, yes, it is safe. Tall people have to slouch or lay down, but there is plenty of support—I laid on my bed under it while an unnamed, large-bodied friend enjoyed the elevated view of the room afforded by the lofty divan.

So that's my room. Before you charge me with gloating over the amenities of RAhood, allow me to remind you of all the purpose of these special features—to make my room comfortable for guys. Lots of guys. So far, it's worked. Studies have shown that the number of visitors my room receives is directly proportional to the amount of comfortable seating. I'd site the source of that study, but it's difficult to site a document within that document. So, just take my word for it—this room has served its purpose. And though white glove can take my ability to host other people so comfortably, it won't stop the parties.