After we broke up and we’d still talk occasionally, my ex would begin conversations with my least favorite question, “so, what’s new?”

If I was in a bad mood, I’d respond, “I hate that question.” It was too general. Besides, he could just read my blog and find out.

But the truth is, I write less and less these days about “what’s new” in my life. Maybe I’ll change that, maybe I won’t. For now, here’s an update.

1. I’m quite happy these days.

2. Aside from the longer/hotter days and outdoor concerts, I don’t really feel like it’s summer. I’m working the same schedule as I did during the school year. And since I don’t take classes normally, the summer doesn’t bring much different.

3. I’m applying for a dissertation proposal writing boot camp. The six-week workshop begins in August. By the end of it I shold have a draft of my dissertation proposal. I reallyneed/want to get in this program. I need the discipline and structure so I can be done with school before I’m 30. That’s the plan.

4. I cut my hair on a whim last Wednesday. It’s shorter than I’ve ever had it. I told Ana, my stylist, that I was cutting it in mourning for the Lakers’ loss. We laughed. A Latina getting highlights next to me looked at me with wide eyes as Ana snipped away and my hair fell to the floor. It was one of those “damn girl, you have ovaries” looks.

5. My parents’ home in Hacienda Heights look like a tornado went through it. Our entire living room and kitchen has been stripped of tile and insulation. All that stands is the wood frame and wiring. It’s kind of hard to imagine it becoming the kitchen of my mom’s dreams.

6. I’ve already done a lot of my typical summer activities in the first official week of summer, but sadly I won’t be taking a trip to Guanajuato. Funds are low.

7. Last week at the LA Latino blogger meeting, P3000 asked (again) when I’d be writing Ojitos-like stories about the ex and filling in the rest of the story. I alluded to the relationship a few weeks ago. Each time, I always say something along the line of “no, I don’t want to go there” or “uh no, that’d make me look bad.” Well, not bad just human. But still, I part of me wants to tell the story. Maybe I’ll write those posts and keep them as unpublished drafts.

8. My back was bugging me last week so I went to a Chinese massage parlor in Hacienda Heights. It was my first time paying for a massage since I usually just bug my brothers for a massage, they’re pretty good. The place charged $15 for an hour massage (not including tip). I’d definitely do it again.

9. I’ve been listening to a lot of N*E*R*D’s latest album Seeing Sounds these days. I can’t get “Happy” or “You know what” out of my head. The whole album feels perfect for summer.

10. I recently read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Drown by Junot Diaz. I was so into Oscar Wao that I ditched my cousin’s birthday luau to hide upstairs and read. If you’ve never read anything by Diaz, I’d suggest listening to him read from two of the short stories in Drown on This American Life.