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.