ok, i will not join the potential masses and offer a back massage, hah...
but have you tried watercolor pencils? i am not a painter in nature and i generally fuck up watercolor...but the pencils are doooope. they are fun too.
and a dog, as soon as i have my own place again {which apparently will be a while since school is always coming up with some kind of complication} but as soon as i do i am either getting a greyhound or a great dane or both from dog rescue. i love those dogs, they are huge, nice and will sit on your lap even if they weigh more than you!
You should tell Mr. Ex you will spend the night then come to maine.