the work finished today, and the relief is enormous. the housemate and i went to the mall, and i felt encouraged enough to buy things i had been holding out on -- a cookie pan, and a welcome mat (GO AWAY).

we started this project almost a year ago, and despite everything, i feel -- notwithstanding anything that may happen in the near or distant future -- i feel today that it was all worth it. not just because having high ceilings and a brand-new kitchen and nice housemates is wonderful, but also because just by itself self-efficacy is worth its weight, and since winter last year i've been reaping it, day by day, in not insignificant amounts.