Just Another Sunday

I missed Mass this morning.

Kinda on purpose.

I just didn't feel much like it. This is a bit odd, as my Catholic Guilt rarely allows me to miss church, but instead, I think I'll go for a walk later or perhaps commune with God on the elliptical at the gym this afternoon. Though, God will have to share some time with Lady Gaga, but maybe that already happens.

The semester is underway, as the stacks of essays blotting the kitchen table attest to. My classes and studs all seem to be going well; especially, my Thursday sections of lit and comp are exceptionally rocking. Even though is seems impossibly far off, I know, deep down in my heart of hearts, Spring 2010 will fly by, and I'll soon be poolside. Oh, baby ...

Always look on the bright side of life ...

I had the P3 reading yesterday, and it was a beautiful, inspiring thing. We were surrounded by art and language; I am so proud of the collaboration between painter Jean Peter-Larsen and me. Perhaps I'll post it on here: my "Paraska in Spring" and Jean's rendering of Paraska.

I'm gonna knock on wood, but I do believe that Terrible Student Issue is no longer an Issue. This is an enormous relief. I feel that now I can fully concentrate on the 111 students for whom I will my heart on my sleeve this semester. Praise Be.

Alas, these response papers are raising their eyebrows at me, wondering just how many avoidance maneuvers I have up my sleeve. I should probably water the plants, make the bed, watch another episode of Mad Men, check Facebook, take the recycling out, back up my hard drive, rearrange the fridge magnets, and read Entertainment Weekly before I even open up my grade book.

Yes, I think so.

Happy Sunday to you all.

Whoa.

Whoa.

It's been awhile, eh?

I spent a remarkably pleasant afternoon cleaning. Put the iPod on my Country Hits playlist and sang along to Randy Travis, Loretta Lynn, and Dwight Yoakum while Windexing, Pledging, and vacuuming. Got the bathroom done, too, and I tell you what, we have a gorgeous bathroom. It's the bathroom I never knew I always wanted.

Guitars, Cadillacs, hillbilly music ...

I am headed to NoDak this weekend (surprise, surprise), but for good reason. I get to see my brother for the first time since September. My brother is home. For good. He is probably the most loyal person I will ever know, and I am so gladrelievedhappygrateful he is home. I texted him the other day: "Look, I am really into Lady Gaga, and you are just going to have to deal with it."

Oh boy, those poor people of Haiti. We should be so thankful we happened to be born here. Every time we see a tragedy like this, or see a homeless person, or turn on our taps for clean, running water, we should drop to our knees and throw up a prayer of thanks. Please do what you can through The Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, or wherever else. It's time to be mindful of our days. It's time to be more conscious.

Spring 2010 is shaping up to be pretty good. I've met, so far, 92 of my 115 students. First day classes went well and went quickly. We jumped right into drama and Jon Stewart. I pulled a little rank with a kid who proudly and smugly announced to the class he hasn't read a book in 10 years. And when I got to the student who proudly and smugly announced she loves to read, she loves to write, and she loves to be in school, I beamed. It sure don't take much to make me happy.

Speaking of happy, B. and I celebrated 5 years over the weekend. Happyhappyhappy.

We are also almost through season 1 of Mad Men. Whoa! the smoking! Whoa! the scotch! Whoa! Joan! Hello, Joan ...

I have so much to be thankful for. So, so much.

I've neglected this space far too long. Game on.