Suddenly, and without warning,

I just had an inexplicable and overwhelming craving for some Wheat Chex. Is that lame or what?

Break My Mind

Summer grades are due tonight! I'm at the computer lab now, getting things squared away. I love that phrase, "squared away." Yessirree bob.

I love how in this town I can do my banking, take care of the recycling, and give things to the Civ all on one block. Talk about convenience!

Our jam last night was pretty hoppin'. We totally rocked this Wilco song, and I didn't even know it was a Wilco song, (and also, I don't know any Wilco songs) but our version was off the hinges. We played The Talking Heads, The Decemberists, Juice Newton, Johnny Cash, some Trainable originals, Glen Campbell, The Smiths, a few bars of Pat Benetar, ABBA, The Police, The Rolling Stones, you name it.

B's sis, Katie, comes home today from Alaska. She is on her way to New Zealand, where she is going to rock volcanoes and the PhD program in Wellington. Before she can do that, though, she needs a visa, and she's bunking with us for awhile while that processes. We have the guest room all ready for her, and I did a major overhaul of the bathroom downstairs, so she's all set! Our house is now in pretty good shape--all the rooms are usable and organized and bug-free and smell good, so what more can I ask for?

The Clay County fair opens tomorrow! I'll be at the recycling booth on Friday--come say hi! Then, I suppose the demo derby will be a must. I love the demo derby crowd. You only see them a few times a year--mostly at parking lot rib festivals and Poison concerts. My kind of people, I tell you what.

I really should get back to grading.

I am done ranting.

The unladylike language does not become me.

You know what does become me? Natty Light, bags, Minnesota, fires, and little baby Mary Janes for the parents-to-be J and S.

*****
Summer is rapidly, rapidly coming to an end around here. I won't complain, since I've spent most of it either poolside or on my bike, but I still feel like we're just getting started, man. We're just getting started.

Check your ego at the door.

So, I am in charge (kinda) of this thing in the fall, and it's a good thing, a great thing, really, because it encourages young creative writers. I am excited to meet these young writers this year and think we have put together something great for them. A whole day of writing in all different kinds of genres.

Except now I have to deal with egos of all shapes and sizes--not from the kids, but from the ADULTS who are leading some of the workshops.

I get the "I may just have to bow out" card a lot from one particular person. Oh yeah? Well guess what? You can't. 2 months ago, you agreed to do this, and oh yeah again, your name and picture are all over the fucking website and literature.

Oh, and God forbid you actually spend 60 minutes in a fucking meeting so we can all be on the same page, and so your workshop doesn't blow, and have you forgotten we're paying you a couple hundred dollars to what amounts to about 30 minutes of actual work? Because last year, during your workshop? Everyone else did all the fucking legwork.

Jesus Christ. I just wish that when some agree to be a part of something that involves a lot of people and planning, they actually invest themselves. Throw me a bone, for God's sake.

Lake Yankton

Water, water, everywhere!

Bridgie!:


Neysa!:

Nathan!:

Lewis and Clark!:


Shoreline!:


Me!:

Fat canoe on a little car!:

So,

I got something pierced today.

10 Days in Pictures

God, it's good to be back in Vermillion. I went for a long bike ride last night and the fireflies were out and the town smelled like clean laundry and flowers.

Here's what I've been up to:

One-seventh of the South Heart Class of '99:


Sam and I swimming in Ottertail, MN:


Lovely bridesmaids:


My dad and his girls:


Me, Grandma, and my Great Aunt Bernie:


The best man, Rafty, giving his speech:


Me and my date:


The boys of the wedding: