P1641:4, 146:3.2
The apostles were a bit disconcerted by the open manner of Jesus' assent to many of the Greek's propositions, but Jesus afterward privately said to them: "My children, marvel not that I was tolerant of the Greek's philosophy. True and genuine inward certainty does not in the least fear outward analysis, nor does truth resent honest criticism. You should never forget that intolerance is the mask covering up the entertainment of secret doubts as to the trueness of one's belief. No man is at any time disturbed by his neighbor's attitude when he has perfect confidence in the truth of that which he wholeheartedly believes. Courage is the confidence of thoroughgoing honesty about those things which one professes to believe. Sincere men are unafraid of the critical examination of their true convictions and noble ideals."

I had a conversation with a close friend the other day about another friend who has spoken against my church of choice and, specifically, the senior pastor of my church. In reading this passage my close friend sent to me after our discussion, the passage really helped me understand that his criticism is really not my concern. It is his prerogative to have his own opinion, but it shows that he is somewhat insecure in his own beliefs that he must doubt and speak against my beliefs, my church and my pastor. I've noticed more and more that when I have questions, and things are tough for me, there is usually always a scripture that can help me through it. This is just one more perfect example. There is no need for me to be afraid, or defensive, of the critical examination of my convictions and noble ideals, for I am sincere in my faith and my beliefs.

We Found It In the City

Something happens to you when you move to the suburbs.

I'm not sure how or why, but you begin to feel more secure in some ways. You are no longer a little bit scared to go to the grocery store at night by yourself. You no longer look both ways to cross the street and you don't hear traffic and screeching tires outside your window while you sleep. But all of this is just space and time between the bright lights of the city.

A more key element of living in the suburbs is that one definitely becomes more maternal. Following the big move, if it hasn't already, the little family begins to emerge. The Tyco plastic swing is hung on the brand new tree in the front yard; you start to see having a pool and a white picket fence as truly possible and "fun for the kids;" and you join play groups with other full-time mom's.

Why does this happen? Well, I think part of it is human nature to try and fit in where we are. When you're in the city, people wait to have children or they have cool kids with unestablished nap times and active parents who go out on real dates every weekend.-people who have babysitters instead of nannies. Life is just different, especially family life.

Now, just for the record, I'm not knocking either way of life...just examining them. I find the subtle differences interesting.

We were thinking about moving to the 'burbs a couple of years ago, mostly because we owned a new home and loved the idea of moving into a bigger, better new home in an area with good schools for a price that the city just couldn't compete with. What changed our minds?

We love the sound of birds chirping and the shade of the old, mature trees in our older neighborhood. We love the diversity of young, old and everything in between in our neighborhood. We love the short drive to see friends, eat really delicious food, watch pro hockey games and pick-up refreshments at a liquor store (most 'burbs are dry areas in Texas). But most of all, I think we both grew up in the city-me Houston, him New York-and it's really hard to leave it.

We are lucky. We don't have to drive 45 minutes to feel that maternal feeling, (we have several of those Tyco plastic swings hanging on trees in our neighborhood!), or live in a neighborhood with good schools and have the American dream. We found it in the city.

Something I wanted to blog about today is the fact that I am finished with my class for this semester-the required writing course. This is the class that I complained about before starting it back in December and then complained about all through the semester. Well, as I sat filling out my course evaluation last night I realized that I was giving the class and the professor really high marks, and I sat back and asked myself, "How can I be giving high marks for this class when I've been complaining the ENTIRE time!?"

I know why...because the class and the professor have really challenged me. The class and the assignments have made me think and made me work hard and then it still wasn't perfect work, and all of that has shown me where I have room for improvement. It's not always fun to see that you have room for improvement, but it is necessary. So, although I am truly glad the class is over, I have learned the lesson: Sometimes when you don't like something, or someone, it can be just as much about yourself as it is about what you don't like.

Have a great weekend!!!

Spoke with hubby last night about blogging and how it has become a bit of an obligation for me. I also feel like it's somewhat narcissistic-always going on-line to write about yourself and what you do expecting others to be so interested in what you have to say. But hubby made a good point: it's a good way for other people who are far away to keep in touch and find out how you're doing. He says people really read my blog.

I can accept that. Before the blog I would send out life updates via e-mail to family and friends who live far away. This isn't that different except that I sometimes tackle things that annoy or interest me, share a quote that I like or that has struck me and those things also say a lot about what's going on with me and how I'm doing.

Maybe I'm just going through a slump in my blogging mind. I began a new personal journal last night as part of my birthday gift to myself and I really want to delve into things personally that I would never post on a blog. So, maybe it's also that I feel a bit violated now after Scary Blog Crasher posted a comment a week or so ago. I mean, I'm not stupid, I know many people that don't know me can access this site easily, but I never thought I would have to face those people. It has wigged me out.

I'll get over it, though. Most things don't stick with me for long. I don't carry a grudge or an ill will. I will eventually get over the Scary Blog Crasher and I will get over this sense of narcissism and obligation; it just may take a little while. Until then, you may just have to put up with my stream of consciousness posts, such as this!

It's funny how you can merely leave your own city and realize how beautiful a place only 200 miles away is. Hubby and I visited Austin this past Saturday and I was amazed at the lakes and hills and trees and overall beauty of the area we were in for a very short time. We will visit again soon.

Yesterday was a special day for me as 27 years ago I was brought into this world. Hubby and I celebrated with a fabulous, decadent dinner prepared by my most talented chef of a husband. I can't even begin to explain the melding of wonderful flavors. It was more than I could ever have asked for. I am so, so, so lucky to be married to a man with such talent that he is willing to share with me. YUM!!

Dinner is served (above). The photo's a bit blurry, but you can see the fried goat cheese and wasabi wontons aside the exquisite almond encrusted halibut, which is atop soba noodles with mushrooms and cucumber slices flavored with soy, ginger, cilantro and many other wonderful tastes. I'm sure my husband will freak at my forgetting some of the ingredients, but, man, I was too excited and ready to eat as we talked about it. It was fantastic!!!

All-in-all my 27th year started off quite well. I have a feeling this will be an age of exciting new beginnings and the betterment of some things old. Thanks to all of you who have made sure my birthday month was extra, extra special-especially my generous, loving husband. :0)

Strangers have been viewing my blog and have posted comments, and that makes me quite uncomfortable. So, I am now having to change some things to make this blog so that I am unidentifiable. Why do weirdos have to be weirdos??!!

My how the day can get away from me...
I was at work this afternoon, looked up and saw that it was already 4:30 in the afternoon and I didn't have half of what I needed done completed. Funny how that happens. Is it that I'm procrastinating because I have so much to do, or is it truly that I'm getting a lot accomplished, therefore the time is flying by?

On another note, I turn 27 in a few short days and I'm feeling a little different about that than I usually feel about my birthdays. My Mother was 27 when she had me; I always thought I would have a child by the time I was 27. But then you get here and realize that "what I always thought" is not quite reality. Maybe that's the part that bothers me...what is my reality? What is 27 supposed to feel like and look like? Is it still mid-twenties or is it almost 30; does it even matter? How much has changed from my 26th birthday?

My own food for thought and boy am I ever full up today. I'll leave it for another day.

Fabulous April Beginnings

WOW! I haven't posted in a week! I've missed it in some ways and not missed it in others. I have so much to say so here goes:

I left last Sunday for Atlanta for a work conference where I felt very valued and understood as a professional in my field. I met a ton of great people from all over the world (yes, the world, it was an international conference) and learned quite a bit through the seminars, the speakers and the vendors at the exhibits. I'm looking forward to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) international conference next year as it will be held in the Big D!!

Arrived back home last Wednesday in need of some rest. Learning and having a good time meeting lots of people wears you out! I used last Thursday and Friday to relax and pamper myself-I'm really good at that!!

On Friday, my Mom and her best friend arrived in Dallas to begin the festivities surrounding my birthday tea party (hats required). Friday night I hosted a number of my family from out of town and felt completely overwhelmed by their frantic ranting about dinner taking longer to cook than they wanted. Why is family so impatient? As soon as dinner was served, though, the natives rested and I felt much better. I enjoyed a nice conversation with my Auntie C, whom I don't see much, but enjoy lots, and it was a good night.

On Saturday morning, I relaxed with my husband and sister in law, who flew in all the way from New York. Then it was time for the big event...the Tea Party. I have not had that much fun or been that happy in a really long time. Not only did I feel exceptionally spoiled and loved by those who were in attendance, but I was also thrilled that everyone there got in the spirit of things by arriving with hats on!! Everyone looked so beautiful and so festive. I really think hats cause a certain mood that is different and fun and unique. It was a blast! We drank kir royales, wild blackberry tea and Earl Grey tea, ate finger sandwiches, scones and decadent desserts, and talked and talked like a bunch of hens. A perfect day for a true girl's girl like me!!!

On Sunday, my husband and I took my sister in law out to a friend's house. We ate dinner and chatted with them, two more New Yorkers who have three beautiful children. As we visited in these nice people's home, hubby and I found ourselves falling in love...with their 3-year-old daughter, Sophia. What a little gem she is! My husband and I spent time with Sophia in her room, the three of us just playing and playing. We laughed so hard at her cute little quips and quirks-she has a wonderful habit of doing something, anything and then putting her arms in the air and saying, "Ta-Da!" Too cute. On the way home last night, hubby and I commented on how cute those kiddos were and I thought to myself, "I can't wait to say these things about our own little ones."

All-in-all the week and weekends around it were fantastic. I am very lucky to be doing work that I so enjoy and feel good learing more and more about. I am also very, very, very blessed to have the family and friendships that I do. Life just wouldn't be even close to the same without them. And that week off from work was just what I needed.

Wishing you time to re-focus, re-connect and realize how lucky you are!!

"Unsent"

Alanis Morissette

1998

*I think we may have dated some of the same guys.

Different names, same old story.*

"Dear Matthew, I like you a lot. I realize you're in a relationship with someone right now and I respect that. I'd like you to know that if you're ever single in the future and you want to come visit me in California, I could be open to spending time with you and finding out how old you were when you wrote your first song.

Dear Jonathan, I liked you too much. I used to be attracted to boys who would lie to me, and think solely about themselves. You were plenty self-destrutive for my taste at the time. I used to say, the more tragic, the better. The truth is whenever I think of the early '90s, your face comes up with vegeance like it was yesterday.

Dear Terrence, I love you muchly. You've been nothing but open-hearted and emotionally available and supportive and nurturing and consummately there for me. I kept drawing you in, and pushing you away. I remember how beautiful it was to fall asleep on your couch and cry in front of you for the first time. You were the best platform from which to jump beyond myself. What was wrong with me???

Dear Marcus, you rock my world. You had a charismatic way about ya with the women and you got me seriously thinking about spirituality. And you wouldn't let me get away with kickin' my own ass. But I could never feel relaxed or let the aura around you go, and that stopped us from going any further than we did. And it's kind of too bad 'cause we could have had much more fun.

Dear Lou, we learned so much. I realize we won't be able to talk for some time and I undestand that as I do you the long distance thing was hardest and we did as well as we could. We were together during a very tumultuous time in our lives. I will always have your back and be curious about you-about your career, your whereabouts."

If you had unsent letters to all of the past loves/likes/would rather forgets in your life what would they say?

I had the opportunity to speak with someone about a position at another organization yesterday much like the one I have now at Presby. It was so nice to hear myself boast a bit about the work I do each day for this organization. After almost four years, it's easy to forget that you are good at what you do and that you are worthy of praise and appreciation. The person I spoke with said they were very impressed and that filled me with great pride as this person is verl well-respected in this industry. I also shared a portfolio of my work from the last four years, and I was so excited to show it off. It was a great experience and it has given me a new, better perspective today.

After this evening (15 page draft is due in my class), I will be relaxed and ready for a fun Friday night celebrating a close friend's birthday, Saturday at home with hubby and then it's off to Atlanta on Sunday for a work conference where I am sure to be revitalized in what I do and why I do it. When I return from Atlanta next Wednesday, I will take the next two days off from work to spend time on myself-pampering, fun with friends-and then the arrival of my Mom and the H-town posse for the ever-so-chic birthday tea she is throwing for me next Saturday. I am thrilled and can't wait. It's going to be a fun-filled, exciting ten days ahead!! YEA ME!!!

"When you make mistakes, don't let them get you down, and don't let yourself think of them as stigmas. Make each failure a step to success."

Wow, it sure would be nice if we could all look at our mistakes in life in this positive way. This worthy quote has been added to my quote board here in my office. Only the most worthy and appropriate quotes and inspirations for my life make "the board."

I just heard a story about a dog, a big dog whose breed is known for being aggressive and mean at times (Pitt BullMastiff), attacking a small-size cocker spaniel who had approached it with great speed and intent and had even, by the large dog's owner's account, bitten the large dog. If you were the big dog with the bad reputation and the stereotypes attached to you, how would you have reacted to the smaller dog, seemingly cuddly and sweet, running at you with his jaws ready for a bite?

Well, I'll tell you what this large dog did, he broke lose of his owner's hold on the leash and attacked the little cocker. And as the cocker's owner caught up with her dog and saw the fight, she immediately reached in between the two dogs and grabbed her cocker, but not before the large dog's teeth bared down into her hand, puncturing the skin. The cocker's owner is fine, but the cocker has now had several surgeries and is still in serious condition. The large dog is now in lock down by the city and the large dog's owner is being pursued for legal action by the cocker's owner.

Now, let me tell you another dog story.

On one brisk Thursday afternoon, a happy owner is walking (or being walked by) her two Rottweiler mix dogs-one is 100 lbs. on a light day, the other is 65 lbs. strong.

They're all walking along and out runs a frisky Scottie dog from across the street, not on a leash. The two Rott dogs stop and sit tight, ready for the approach. The Scottie dog seems nice enough at first, sniffing and wagging, but he soon turns mean, biting at the face of the 100 lb. Rott. The smaller Rott sees the attack and nudges the Scottie politely away from his big brother. All the while, both of the Rotts remain on their leashes in the hands of their owner. The Scottie's owner soon comes running out after her dog, reaches down in between the animals, apologizing profusely, and runs away with him, unscathed, in her arms. The two Rott mixes and their owner continue on their walk and return home as happily as when they set out.

I tell these true dog stories for various reasons. They could mean something different for anyone who reads them. They're dog stories, but not just dog stories. Who would you be if these stories were told about you? Are you: the owner of the big, bad dog? the owner of the two Rott mixes? the owner of the Scottie or the Cocker? Even more, are you possibly the dog in one of these scenarios? Food for thought: Our dogs and their behavior say a lot about who we are. And if you don't have a dog, well, you still fit into one of these categories.

In my Writing class last night, we talked about Tillie Olsen's story, "I Stand Here Ironing," which is a story about a single mother raising a daughter during a tumultuous time in her life and in the U.S. The mother speaks of her beautiful baby girl just home from the hospital and how she blew bubbles with her mouth and was so cheerful, and then she talks about how at some point that cheerfulness and beauty seemed to fade. The single mother also thinks about all of the trials and tribulations she has been through and she expresses her overwhelming guilt for how it has affected her daughter emotionally and, eventually, how it has affected the mother-daughter relationship. The mother in the story speaks of how hard she has had to work, both outside and inside the home. The story is filled with depression, guilt and dark moments for the mother and the daughter.

I think this story is well-written, but I don't like it, per se. My professor asked me why I don't like it and I responded by saying: "I am the child of a single mother, whom I have always seen as a Super Mom. She never once complained about what she had and what she didn't have, how hard she had to work and, at times, the lack of time she had for herself or to spend with me. Therefore, I don't relate at all to the mother or the daughter in this story. You do the very best that you can, you let your daughter know she is loved and there's no need for guilt. Guilt is the primary issue in this story and it's very damaging to this mother-daughter relationship." My professor listened and then simply shook her head with a knowing grin. She asked another woman, in her 50s what she thought of the story. That woman replied that she, herself, is a single mother of a grown daughter, probably my age, and that she completely identified with the mother in the story. She said it is difficult and you do feel guilty and sorry for yourself at times. She went on to say that she doesn't agree with some of the decisions that the mother in the story made, but, she stated, all-in-all she thinks it's a real depiction of the single mother-daughter scenario.

I wonder...

Did my single Mother feel the way this mother did, but somehow was able to hide that from me? Was she secretly riddled with guilt and self-pity? Does she have regrets? Did she ever become disenchanted with me because I was a reminder of a hard time in her life? Did she resent me because I was hard to handle as a teen when I should have been more appreciative?

I don't think so.

I think all people are different; all mothers are different; all single mothers are different. I know life wasn't always a bowl of cherries for my Mom, but she knows she always did right by me as I was growing up. She loved me, kept me safe, provided for me, spoiled me just enough and showed me the strength, the wisdom and the courage that all women have inside of them, if they just look for it. She taught me the importance of grace, gratitude, self-confidence, friendship and true love and never lost herself in the process. She has been down and out and on top of the world, but not once did she ever make me feel bad for who I am or what she has done for me.

No, my Mother is a Super Mom.

"I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas tree lights."

-Maya Angelou

A rainy day-not a problem for me. Tangled Christmas tree lights-I got that kind of patience. Lost luggage-a nightmare.

Maya Angelou speaks so honestly and so genuinely about life and people. When I come across her words as I did in an e-mail from a friend this morning, I am filled with that feeling of, "Yeah, that's right. You said it, Ms. Angelou!" But I am also filled with that introspective feeling, like when I read about the lost luggage. That would truly send me into a tailspin. It's something I can not control and that really isn't the end of the world, yet I think to myself, "Thank goodness that's never happened to me." I wonder what Ms. Angelou would say this means about my personality and who I am as a person?

My celebrations after a long week (beginning last Monday and ending this Wednesday) of negative moments:

1. I have been successful in not making one plan this week after work!! So relaxing just being at home.

2. I achieved the goal of not spending one red cent on anything this week, except for a few minutes ago when I purchased a candy bar.

3. I purchased a yummy candy bar that I was really craving and ate half, putting the other half in my bag for hubby. (Yes, I celebrate self control.)

4. I spoke with my father yesterday and things are better. I cleared up some things that were bothering me and we have a new understanding with one another.

5. I am on SPRING BREAK!! No school tonight and I am taking the day off from work tomorrow. WOO-HOO!! Happy times are here again.

Tomorrow I plan to do anything and everything that I want and nothing more. I have a massage appointment and a pedicure appointment so my relaxation and pampering will be such a nice way to start the weekend. Thanks for all of the support and love thrown my way in response to my last few blog entries. I promise I am getting back to my simple, cheery, graceful self. Have a great end of the work week and a fabulous weekend!!!

"In life, as in the dance, grace glides on blistered feet,"-Alice Abrams

After experiencing my emotional rollercoaster along with me, my Mother felt that this quote from Alice Abrams was well-suited for me right now in my life. I agree.

It is often difficult to live, or dance, in grace when life hits you with unfairness and hard knocks. The past seven days have been quite a ride and not one I want to take again. I'm hoping the dance of the following seven days and beyond is a peaceful ballroom twirl on gingerly bandaged feet, instead of a spastic whirlwind on completely blistered feet.

This dance wouldn't be so bad either...

...my ode to the "Dancing with the Stars" groupies in my life, one of which I am not.

Not to worry. I am getting back to my old self one minute, one day, one dance at a time.

I'm trying to let it go, but I really can't. I'm trying to put it into perspective, but it's just not happening.

My boss completely shut me down on the raise and promotion. HR brought my position to another level and they changed my title, but my boss says since my current compensation is within the new, higher range HR sent to him (all salary ranges overlap), he doesn't have to give me a raise. The whole reason for going to my boss about this was based on the added responsibilities I now have and my research that stated, very clearly, that I am not being fairly compensated for what I do...and HR backed that up, bringing me up a whole other level. But now my boss has decided I am not worthy of a raise. I now see how little he thinks of what I do here and the funny part is, he knows less about what I do, even after all of this back and forth with HR, than anyone else in the office.

I am so disappointed and angry. How I am I supposed to look him in the eye and act like everything is alright. He didn't even have the guts to tell me this information in person-he sent it to me in an e-mail. And he is only three doors down the hallway from me!! How can I respect him and try and be civil with him?

Weekly Horoscope for March 13-18: Aries, If you take every little detail into consideration, your head will explode, and no one wants that. On Monday and Tuesday, take things slowly, but don't take them so slowly that you obsess over matters that may turn out to be inconsequential. Your intentions are good, and you genuinely care about the other people involved, as you will demonstrate midweek. On Friday, charm someone out of a bad mood with a razzle-dazzle tap dance. But keep the tap dancing to a minimum this weekend -- your feet need a break, and your comfortable bed is just waiting for you.

Boy do my feet ever need a break...as does my head and my hands and my tummy. I continued my reckless eating and drinking well into the weekend and I am officially on detox. Nothing goes in this mouth that isn't at least somewhat good for me. I am on Spring Break from school this week so I'm hoping the weather holds up for me to get my serotonin rolling around out in the sunlight. I'm going to spend as much time as possible this week outdoors with a good book or magazine, a big glass of ice water or ice tea, my dogs and as little as possible on my mind. No plans to be made, no worries to invade, only relaxation and rejuvenation on my calendar this week and weekend.

I had a really gray day yesterday.

Earlier in the week I heard that I had missed the funeral of a husband and wife I had worked with on one of my work publications. The gentleman was very wise and was so nice to me when we sat down to talk. I was sad to miss their funeral and sad about their deaths.

I found out one of my favorite uncle's has severe lung cancer and may not have long to live.

I read the web site of new parents, friends of a close friend, whose baby, not even a year old, has had serious brain surgery. These same new parents are selling their home in preparation for living at the hospital with their child for the next 6-8 months.

I am in turmoil over the relationship, or lack thereof, with my father.

All of this weighs on my heart and my mind.

In response to this sadness and turmoil, this week I tended to eat and drink too much, go too fast, spend over my limit, etc. I made myself feel even more out of control with these behaviors than the internal emotions were making me feel over these things going in my life. Why do we do this to ourselves?

Today is better. I took back an indulgent purchase that I did not want and could not afford. I spent easy-going time with a friend at lunch outdoors, just relaxing and talking about things that don't bring stress or tension. I am in the process of resolving several work-related issues. I am tackling some things at home with my husband that are making my life so much better and freer. I am looking forward to a dinner with my best friend and time with other friends later in the evening, as well as a weekend filled with two of the things that I enjoy most-my husband and my friends.

Every day I am reminded that life is short, every minute matters so we best make it meaningful. Love those that matter to you with all you've got at all times. Don't take the unfairness of life out on yourself or those around you. Anybody have any ideas of how to remember this when faced with the kind of news I have been faced with this week?

So much to say...

I planned a re-cap of the Oscars for Monday and the time got away from me. I had planned a re-cap of the fabulous Van Morrison concert for Tuesday, but I was out most of the day for meetings. So, here I am with so much to say!!

The Oscars
I must admit, I was sincerely surprised at Jon Stewart as the host and I was even more surprised when my husband and I belted out a few laughs at his performance. He did a great job. I have never really thought of Jon Stewart as funny or as the host of the Oscars, that post is always held in my heart for my pal, Billy Crystal, but he did a good job. I enjoyed watching him. I also think the producers of the show did a great job of having interesting presenters for some really boring categories-for example, Reese Witherspoon presented the animated short film, I believe. I think they could have cut back on a few of the movie montage clips, and I was a bit surprised at the choice for best movie-"Crash." I saw this movie and really enjoyed it. It brought forth a very emotional response from me and my husband when we watched it, but we also saw "Munich," which we loved, and heard great things about the other nominees. I'm curious to know how the Academy decides what is best. I'm not upset that "Crash" won, just a little surprised. I have an Oscar confession to make: one of my most enjoyable moments of the night was seeing a Hollywood beauty lose her footing on-stage. Jennifer Garner, as cute as a button as she is, made my night when she almost fell. I'm glad she didn't fall (I'm not that mean!!), but her slip up did make for a nice chuckle. All-in-all a great Oscar experience.

Van Morrison
Wow, what a performance. Van Morrison has been one of my favorite musical artists of all time for as long as I can remember. It all began back in the '80s when I first saw "Dream a Little Dream" with Corey Feldman and that breasty teen star whose character, Laney, was all the rave with young guys everywhere and who all young girls wanted to be. In this movie, the song "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison captures your soul and makes you sway and hum. I fell in love with "Into the Mystic" long before "Brown-Eyed Girl"...hence I am a true Van Morrison lover. I purchased a Best of... album a few years ago and I have just about worn it out. I enjoy every single song, which is unusual when there were so many songs on the CD that I had never heard. I love all of the instruments, so emotional and so heart-thumping. The concert was just as emotional, but I would have preferred to feel as one with Van and his big band in a small, intimate smokey lounge somewhere instead of in this huge theater with thousands of people. He sounds just like his records and the music is fantastic, but I wanted to be up close with him. Van was a bit disappointing in that he didn't play my favorite song, "Into the Mystic," but every song I heard was just as great as all of those songs I love on his Best of... album. I am so happy to have had this experience with a good friend who enjoys Van as much as I do. Thank you.

Today
Today is Wednesday and it's my favorite week day as it's all down hill from here. Monday is slow and tired. Tuesday is just beginning to get things going, and Wednesday is about catching up and being at top speed. I like Wednesday. I am a Wednesday kind of girl. I like Wednesday's more now than before because I dread my Thursday night class. My professor, as great as she is, loves to hear herself talk. She talks and talks and repeats herself and says things again just in a different way and I am bored to tears. I also dread the current project we are working on that's due in a few weeks-a research paper. As anyone who knows me can tell you, I really enjoy writing, but this is different. I actually have to go to the library!!! (Gasp!) I don't do school libraries very well. I really don't do public libraries very well either. I think all libraires should be organized and designed like Branes & Noble. I could stay in there all day and this project wouldn't be so scary to me. As for school libraries, I never really learned the Dewey Decimal System and the lights turn everything green...it's spooky. Ugh. So, Wednesday's are pretty carefree and a good place for me to be at this point in my life. Cheers to Wednesday's because they're not Thursday's.