...

It's raining at present. I woke early to go out jogging (I'd probably be walking mostly, though, due to my cold), but that doesn't seem to be the plan today. If I were die-hard runner still, I'd be out there with my hair pulled back, glasses off, looking toward my target. I remember running in the middle of the downpour in Florida before I injured my knee. I was much more healthy and determined then. If Mike were here, I'd probably be able to sponge off his momentum. He has maintained his healthy lifestyle from college, and I've always felt very competitive around him.

Last night, I talked to a few friends and then went to the grocery store. No one wanted to go out dancing, unfortunately. I'm sure they would have met me a pub or brewery, but I wanted to move about and burn calories. They just wanted to ingest them. That still could have been fun, but I don't want to sit around drinking - that's how I gained the extra weight. I also don't have anyone to drive me home, so I try to abstain from alcohol in such meetings.

I realize that it seems I have no life beyond this blog, but that's not the case. I do massive amounts of writing each day, for many different purposes. This is just a minute portion of my thoughts. I have a running dialogue throughout the day, and I have extremely vivid dreams all night. I wake many times and slip through REM sleep, on average, about twelve times. I remember most of the dreams and can estimate what time I dream them. Some have turned into stories because of the realistic qualities; others are just random concerns manifesting themselves as bizarre situations. I am always pleased with the ones that turn out to be childrens' books that have never been published - I see these as my subconscious telling me to write new childrens' books. I should run with it. I just feel like I would be diverting from my goal of writing novels. I should take anything at this point. I work full time (plus) in a school and part time at a music studio. I shouldn't expect to have novels pouring out of me. I may have to grab hold of the shorter, more elementary books just for now.

______________________________

On a totally different note, did I mention that Javier emailed me back? I've been writing to him since 1995 or 1996. He was an exchange student in Michigan from Spain in the 90s and we paired up as pen pals. He just returned to Spain from Germany. He may be moving to England in the next year or so. I need to get out and travel the world. We've lost touch a couple of times, but we always return to our writing. I really like that email is so much faster, although I love the feeling of receiving letters in the mail.

______________________________

Back to house cleaning, lesson plans, and sorting paperwork.

Slam Poetry

i've decided i am going to write you into my story-book world.

i am going to write the flashes of your teeth and the flashes of your eyes in those moments we both remember.

i am going to write your darkside - not your backside - your darkside, the angry words that illustrated our likeness with the people below.

i am going to write the the lift of your chin, the distance in your voice; it's all still there but tucked neatly away with "i love you"s and the nice dishes.

i am going to write how we rolled in bed, never satisfied with ourselves and space between us.

i am going to write how you always go out and tell me to do the same but get pissed when i make plans without you.

i am going to write how you blamed me.

i am going to write the scary moment we shared when things didn't go according to plan.

i am going to write the the dinner we shared in a public place so i wouldn't cause a scene when nothing was decided.

i am going to write the night i couldn't sleep and had to drive extra to get to work.

i am going to write my birthday. i think you know which one.

i am going to write the sinking feeling.

i am going to write about later in our city.

i am going to write when you tugged my hand.

i am going to write you hugging me longer than usual.

i am going to write fingers in my hair.

i am going to write moving without you.

i am going to write messages from you.

i am going to write driving. all the driving.

i am going to write smiles.

i am going to write kisses on the neck.

i am going to write tours and car-cleanings.

i am going to write fingers locked - lips locked - bodies locked.

i am going to write lines stolen from movies we love.

i just need to write you.

...

I woke around 9 this morning and walked to village hall and the library. I dropped off my utility bill payment and the DVD's. I continued walking around the nature trails here. It was a really great morning for walking. Cool breeze, sunshine, lots of quiet. Altogether, I spent an hour and 45 minutes walking.

I still have to write my personal statement for my grad school applications. I have been putting it off for so long - not because I want to, but because whatever I write seems to juvenile and silly. If I don't come across as sincere, direct, and well, professional, it could keep me from entering the school I want. Suggestions? Does anyone know what I should focus on if I am planning on studying comparative literature? I know what I'd say if I were pursuing a master's degree in German.

I am being so critical of myself because it means so much. I know that. I should send in any one of the pieces I've written recently. They would be sufficient, but I want to be considered for a grad assistantship. That requires so much more.

______________________

I need a night away from all this. I should contact James or Noah. Maybe Lorik or Paul. Aubrey and Amanda would definitely go out tonight. So would Jarrod, if he isn't working at the hospital tonight. I should call people and tell them to meet me at Bell's or Kraftbrau around 10 or so. We'll see who shows up. I really wish Nicole would move back from Miami. We'd hit the clubs every weekend. That would awesome.

...

I went to the library today. I was surprised to see so many people; half my town must have been in there. I ducked into the non-fiction area to avoid them. I love the smell of books. It's like the breezeway bookcase at my grandmother's house. Musty with a hint of dried binding glue. I find it relaxing. I checked out four books and three DVD's.

I don't have much planned for the weekend. Jeremy won't be driving out, and I am not feeling very social - I have a slight cold. It's not inconvenient, as much as part of would like to be a baby about it. I just feel run-down. I have slight blurred vision and my sinuses have been draining. Ears popping. Nose running. Sore throat. Really not a big deal.

I learned from a coworker today that I should be concerned, especially if I find mysterious little gifts, like flowers and candy, in my office. He apparently has a small history of this sort of behavior. And it doesn't matter if the female has someone in her life already. My coworker informed me that should things turn out like that, as she projects them to, then I need to contact administration immediately. This situation is all too familiar for me.
___________________________________

I am a little wound up. I am feeling like shaking things up and doing something different. Maybe I should set up a tent just off my patio and sleep outside this weekend. I have a sleeping bag, etc. It could be fun. Or maybe I should wait until all of the Advil is out of my system and get drunk. Getting drunk alone is depressing, though. I'm a lot more fun with a crowd. Perhaps tomorrow I will pick up a bottle or two of my favorite wine. I can even walk to the winery on my way back from the library - I am in an intense reading mood.

chit chat

I had an interesting meeting with a coworker today. He is one of the tech support gurus, and he called me to his office to discuss something. I thought it would be something about me blogging or printing a bunch of stuff for my students in the computer labs (we are supposed to order copies a few days in advance from one of the secretaries - this isn't always practical). As it turns out, he just wanted to chit chat. We had talked a couple of weeks back in another area of the building.

I am not one for making friendships at work. I am friendly, but I just don't want to connect with most people. I've had some serious issues in the past several years that I don't wish to experience again. Can you say 'restraining order'? It never fully came to that, thank God, as T. was detained and sentenced to serve time for a drug possession charge. The matter sort of resolved itself. By the time we was released, I had moved back to Michigan. My friends tell me he has stabilized himself and will not contact me again.

I find it easier to be pleasant and polite at work without divulging too much about myself. This individual seems persistent, though. I don't want to be rude, but I find him to be a little odd - not odd in a bad way, but odd in that I cannot read certain aspects of his behavior. I am usually quite good at this. I pick up that he is lonely - he is the only member of his immediate family still alive and he is not dating anyone. I just don't need someone around me who will turn into a clinger. I am starting to believe that men and women can never really be friends. What a "When Harry Met Sally" moment that was. I apologize for the wonderfully cliche comment, but it has really started to ring true.

...

Many of my friends are sending me the ridiculous emails that are supposedly from banks and internet companies. These messages claim to be giving the recipients all kinds of money when they pass them along. Who buys into this stuff?
No capitalist company is going to give you something like that for emailing someone else. It's also the idea that if you understand authorship ideas, the situations they explain would not have happened until after the message is sent. How would they know if money or a TV, etc. was coming their way prior to sending it?
Are we so greedy that the idea of getting something for doing something so minimal seems realistic? Please use some critical thinking skills, people.

...

Good news lately from friends.

Josh (good friend from Florida) is getting married.
Bren is getting married.
Reenee is in love.
My mom is on new medication for the nosebleeds, and it seems to be working.
Today is Dave's birthday. I should give him a call and see if he wants to meet for a drink.
Mom's birthday on Sunday.
Driving back to Metro Detroit this Saturday. Call me. Maybe we'll go out and do something on Saturday night.
Work is getting somewhat better. The superintendent met with the administrators about some of the issues that keep coming up with their conduct.
Krysten has her license - finally!
Noelle is doing well as a school psychologist.
Melissa seems to enjoy her new apartment.
Becky may be moving in with her boyfriend, Dave.
Lesley should just about be finishing her Master's.
Wes is doing well in the army.
John has a new boyfriend.
Mike V. is going to be doing more gigs soon. Perhaps I will surprise him and show up at one unannounced. He'd be shocked.

...

I never have anything really important to say on this. I consider freewriting or putting my research up here, but I never do. This time, it's not a confidence issue. What I have written IS quite good - and my article is being published over the summer!!! The problem with posting my freewriting is that I do most of that writing longhand and at home. I have internet access (I definitely stepped into the nineties last September when I got dial-up again!), but I don't seem to fire it up and write. I mostly check on my accounts, email a few people, read several blogs, and then log off.

My stress is from work. So, that is where I tend to write online - after hours when all of my colleagues have gone home to their families. I sit back in my twirly chair in my little office and just type. I could tell you about my unruly students or the fact that I have to submit paperwork for copies at least 24 hours in advance. I could discuss the highlights from today's staff meeting.

I write stories about the thrill of running through the woods out back (there is a terrific nature trail behind my school). I have built up a routine that keeps me from being my anger and frustration home, which is great. I feel healthy, the muscle in my legs is returning (immobilizing an injured knee takes its toll, especially when you favor it and become lazy after it heals).

There really is no point to today's entry, just a small glimpse into my world. I'm overall mellow. I'm overall happy. I'm overall forward-thinking and hopeful. I'm overall at peace.

I think I will drop off my papers and bags at my car and take a walk before I leave school. I need the exercise.

Today's schedule (what's left, anyway):

4:45 walk the trail
5:15 drive home, maybe pick up a lottery ticket on the way (it's either a waste of money or a wise investment)
5:40 arrive at home, relax
6:00 make dinner (healthy - peas, rice, Morningstar Chik'n, cranberry sauce, milk or water)
6:30 grade papers while watching TV
7:30 write while sitting on my patio
8:00 ride bike or do yoga (watch TV during or after)
11:00 go to bed

I need a highly structured life. I am a "list" person.


I am f'n boring! I guess living in rural Michigan will do that to you. I need a change of venue again. Maybe somewhere in the northern suburbs outside of Detroit. I am going to call about a job there tomorrow.

...

I never have anything really important to say on this. I consider freewriting or putting my research up here, but I never do. This time, it's not a confidence issue. What I have written IS quite good - and my article is being published over the summer!!! The problem with posting my freewriting is that I do most of that writing longhand and at home. I have internet access (I definitely stepped into the nineties last September when I got dial-up again!), but I don't seem to fire it up and write. I mostly check on my accounts, email a few people, read several blogs, and then log off.

My stress is from work. So, that is where I tend to write online - after hours when all of my colleagues have gone home to their families. I sit back in my twirly chair in my little office and just type. I could tell you about my unruly students or the fact that I have to submit paperwork for copies at least 24 hours in advance. I could discuss the highlights from today's staff meeting.

I write stories about the thrill of running through the woods out back (there is a terrific nature trail behind my school). I have built up a routine that keeps me from being my anger and frustration home, which is great. I feel healthy, the muscle in my legs is returning (immobilizing an injured knee takes its toll, especially when you favor it and become lazy after it heals).

There really is no point to today's entry, just a small glimpse into my world. I'm overall mellow. I'm overall happy. I'm overall forward-thinking and hopeful. I'm overall at peace.

I think I will drop off my papers and bags at my car and take a walk before I leave school. I need the exercise.

Today's schedule (what's left, anyway):

4:45 walk the trail
5:15 drive home, maybe pick up a lottery ticket on the way (it's either a waste of money or a wise investment)
5:40 arrive at home, relax
6:00 make dinner (healthy - peas, rice, Morningstar Chik'n, cranberry sauce, milk or water)
6:30 grade papers while watching TV
7:30 write while sitting on my patio
8:00 ride bike or do yoga (watch TV during or after)
11:00 go to bed

I need a highly structured life. I am a "list" person.


I am f'n boring! I guess living in rural Michigan will do that to you. I need a change of venue again. Maybe somewhere in the northern suburbs outside of Detroit. I am going to call about a job there tomorrow.

...

I am skipping my sign language class. That wasn't the plan. I had all of my things ready to go. I just needed to update my cover letter and resume for a job posting, and I wanted to send it out today before leaving. The hunt for a new job is becoming routine.

I finished the letter about ten minutes after class began. I am not being graded on my attendance. Hell, I'm not even being graded at all. It's ISD professional development. I have already met my requirement for hours, and the instructor hasn't shown up for weeks.

I need to get out of here, though. Maybe I'll update later with some of the creative writing I've been doing. I don't know. We'll see.

...

Psychology is fascinating. I have been reading through all sorts of theory, mostly to understand some of the issues my students face. I am also learning about myself.

I am wired in such a way that I have obsessive-compulsive tendencies. These tendencies have not really caused any hiccups in my normal function throughout the day, so I tend to disregard them. I really shouldn't be doing that.
I know when and how it started - when I lived with Erin in the dorm. I will not post that situation here, I'm afraid. I don't think Erin would appreciate her issues being broadcast.

Instead of seeking help for my own growing dysfunction, I treated it as a positive. I had spent so long being a slob that it felt good to finally clean up a little. Now, it really does lean toward obsession. I catch myself daydreaming about cleaning. I have started to worry about the build-up of dust. I tried to take a nap today, but found myself feeling anxious about the possibility of dust on the surfaces I cleaned yesterday. Then I started thinking about how the cats might have jumped up and put their grimy little paws on my nice clean stuff. I had to get up and check. I did this several times before accepting that everything is okay. That's when I read more information on this type of disorder.

I am distracting myself with exercise, which is positive. I've been eating healthy foods for some time. I've been riding my stationary bike, walking, doing yoga, doing ballet stretches (which still hurt like hell, but it's a good pain). I would like to join a gym, but money is an issue. I also would like to find a dance club that offers free dance lessons, etc. and someone to go with me. I do miss that part of Florida. I used to go salsa dancing every Wednesday night with friends and colleagues, hip hop at the bars on Fridays and Saturdays. I'd love to learn how to ballroom dance. I'm just not that graceful, though.

Another very helpful activity that I've been exploring again is meditation. I used to meditate every day. Now it's only around 2 - 3 per week, but that is progress. I am much more rational. I allow myself to feel mellow. I try not to get stressed about work. I have 270 students split up throughout 21 different classes. It's really not that bad. It's somewhat hectic when I have to compile all of their work for the guidance department, but overall, it's do-able.

I am saving money for my move this summer, as well as for grad school next fall. I don't know if I will have a teaching position, so I need to bank as much money as possible. I am actually quite good with money management; I just want to be able to save even more. If I could just dream the winning numbers for the lottery.

Three-Day Weekend! Wahoo!

I am now writing more on my blog than in my physical journal. This is not a bad thing. I enjoy knowing others read this. It is validation on some level, even though it is not a novel or play. The courage it takes to send those out is in me but has not surfaced. I used to have it. I am working on two pieces that I want to enter into the Writer's Digest competition. I'm not sure that I will, though. I don't think they will be ready in time for the deadline. I can submit them later, when another competition nears.

I have very little to do over the weekend. I may need to drive to Jeremy's, as his car is in need of repairs, but that would be okay. I just don't want to get trapped at my parents' house, although I'm sure some new writing would result from whatever catastrophe comes up.

_______________________

I haven't seen many of my friends in a while. Melissa. Maureen. Mike. Rebecca. Brendan. Wendy. Nathan. Those people who have been through all of it with me, regardless of how badly I may have handled certain situations or feelings. I email. I call. But I don't visit. Am I a bad friend?

...

Good lunchtable conversation today. Analysis of student misbehavior.

Bren called me yesterday evening. He's getting married in June! I am so happy for him.

I want to be married. Jeremy and I discuss it constantly. We've been putting it off for about four years now. Something always comes up that trumps a wedding, or even an engagement for that matter.
2001 - Jeremy didn't join a police force, dislocated shoulder during agility test. LDR.
2002 - moved to Florida together. No money.
2003 - Jeremy moved back to Michigan. LDR. Work didn't go well for him. He moved back to Florida. No money.
2004 - Both moved back to Michigan, different times and residences, though - Catholic school stipulations. Terrible relationship around September.
2005 - Things stabilized. Took jobs in two totally different areas. LDR.
2006 - LDR. Plans moving toward living together again this summer. I am moving to the Detroit area for work and grad school.

...

Good day, despite some overall negatives that keep kicking Jeremy and me in our asses.

This seems somewhat indicative of my current feelings about life in the United States.

I have had some second thoughts about not applying for a position in the Cayman Islands. The job may still be open. Jeremy could fly freight out of San Juan to start. I should put in the paperwork today.

I have enough immigration points to move elsewhere, so it would probably be a breeze. I think Jeremy would be up for a move, too.

I just should get my advanced degrees before I go.

Returning to Work

I wasn't really in the mood to work today. I was in a daze as I drove in. Everything worked out well, though, and I had a pretty decent day. One of my students who has been a pain all year has finally come around. We get along, and he completes my work. He has learned self-control when it comes to obnoxious behavior and remarks.

I am looking forward to my sign language class this evening, as well as my lessons. I just hope that Brandy remembers to arrive thirty minutes early.

______________________________________________

Today is a strange one; I am seeing new alliances among the staff. I, myself, have been accepted into the small crowd of "go-getters". I don't know where this is leading, but it feels nice to be accepted. I won't get too comfortable, though. I know I will say something that will piss off some of the others.

Weekend looking bright

I am in class at WMU at the moment. I have almost finished the article I've been staring at nearly a year. One of my advisers is going through it and giving me more comments. I have a few items to add, including JPEGs of the actual forms and assignments I used last year. I will be so happy when this gets published. I won't be paid anything - no one is for this periodical, but it will be nice to have my teaching practices in print for others to see.

Autumn is in Allegan and will be stopping in Paw Paw to see me later today. This will be the second or third time she's come to visit me at my place since I moved out in 1998.

Jeremy is driving out tomorrow to visit. I can't wait. If the weather is nice, perhaps we will go the Kalamazoo Nature Center and walk the trails. We haven't done that together before.

Another reason to be happy...I was looking through an OLD container full of my writing and found the entry and form from a writing contest I won in high school. All this time, I thought it was a state-wide contest, but as it turns out, is was national. It definitely was a 'holy shit' sort of moment. The strange thing was that I just filed the paper and then went back to cleaning. I just have so much more important things to think about. Strange logic, seeing as I am a writer.

Bren called me yesterday. We haven't talked in a long time. He's at EMU, studying English (creative writing & literature). I am so happy for him. We both are literary snobs, and it is good to see that he is doing something with that. I still haven't met his girlfriend. Perhaps this summer we will all get together. Maybe Ben will be there, too. Haven't talked to him in almost two years.

Mike and I spoke a little yesterday. He is going through the same thing I am with teaching - stacks and stacks of paperwork. It's the curse of the English teacher. It is always good to hear his perspective on life.

The sun is shining. I'm watching from the tenth floor as someone is getting pulled over on Stadium Drive. I feel like writing today.

...

Paid my electric bill today and then had my taxes done. This was the first time I owed for federal, state, and local (Battle Creek) taxes. It totally sucked. I have enough to pay for everything, but I found out that one of the places I worked last year didn't process all of my paperwork for a higher percentage to be withheld for taxes. That put me in a bad mood. On top of paying all three, I had to pay H & R Block to complete my taxes. I usually do my own, but being a grad student (both full and part time with some confusion by Western over the source of my payments and some confusion about Ball State not charging me out-of-state tuition because of my program and scholarship), working four jobs over the course of 2005 (I am a workaholic, usually), being a teacher (with all the wonderful loopholes for taxes), and changing residences with one area collecting taxes for the time I lived and worked there (affecting two different jobs), I just decided it would be far easier to have someone else deal with the headache. The woman didn't look too pleased when I basically dumped all of this on her. She managed through it, though.
That's all I needed. Someone else to manage it.

On a different note, I have several working drafts of possible personal statements for my grad school applications. One focuses too heavily on my teaching experience, another too much on the implications of my own research into rhetoric, another that has too many ideas about literature and the impact from childhood till now (we are supposed to eliminate anything from high school and below), and the last that really doesn't say much of anything. It's mostly a general statement about finding meaning in literature and what that implies about me. I like certain aspects of all of these; however, I need to find a way to fuse the best ideas from each and create something that screams "Alicia" and shows people where I want this to go.

I cleaned out my spare room. I removed everything therein and am sorting each item. I have bins for keeping, considering discarding, and discarding. What will happen is the latter two bins will both become discard. I have too much junk in my home. Any fool-proof suggestions to help me let go of my stupid, little collection of junk?

...

I cannot seem to get away from the computer today. I've been visiting all sorts of sights. I perused some sites belonging to friends from years ago. Mike really needs to update. I have always loved looking through the lesson plans he has on file for his classes. We seem to have a lot of similar ideas, but we never really discuss what it is we do in our classrooms. We should. We both teach English. It might be nice to have some input into my more difficult lessons.
I have been visiting worldmusicsupply.com a lot. I am trying to find the best deal for my next purchase (a brand new drumset could cost me under $500 with ALL of the hardware!). What I really need to be doing is thinning out my supply of instruments. I still have the xylophone. I will be visiting WMU for class on Saturday. Perhaps I should post new flyers (or is it fliers? I don't know right now).
I've been looking through research on hypnotism and its benefits for weight loss and anxiety control. Also, medical sites that are helping me to understand what is going on with my mother. Yoga sites, Reenee's site, cartoon sites, banking sites...I just can't stop.
___
I went up to work. I filled out professional development forms I've been avoiding for the past three months. I placed them in my supervisor's mailbox. Better late than never, right?
___
I finished a lot of paperwork for the my grad school applications. I am almost done with my personal statements. I am letting each of them rest for tonight. I will revise tomorrow morning after a jog through the woods here, weather permitting. I need to send those pronto. I have to contact my former professor for a letter of recommendation. Arnie said he'd do it; I just need to send him an update resume. I need to provide him all of the envelopes, etc. Perhaps I should call him tomorrow or stop by his office at Western. He is there most workdays. He's a very dedicated department chair. I could also stop and see J.D. Dolan, as well as Professor Krawutschke and Professor Blickle. I saw Blickle about a year ago at a recital. I haven't talked to Krawutschke since late 2002.
___
I need to also make an appointment to do my taxes.
___
I have a basic list of what I need to accomplish tomorrow. It keeps growing with each passing minute. Those of you who know me, you know I am a list person. The problem is that I keep adding onto the lists. They never end. Then, I see scribbles, so I rewrite them.
___
I feel quite jumpy at the moment. I rode the bike for thirty minutes. Not too much, but I pushed the last ten minutes, averaging about 18 miles per hour on full resistance. I also combined that with lifts and muscle tension. My side started to ache the way it does when I run too long. I found the cure, though. As I speed along, I just have to put my hands in (YOGA) prayer pose behind my back. It opens up the chest and airway. I can breathe much more easily, and that alleviates the pain. If only I knew that sooner.
___
I found two novellas today that I should really have Arnie and J.D. read. Perhaps they can point me in the right direction for an agent and a publisher. I just need to NOT chicken out.

...

I'm addicted to the internet. I have spent no less than five hours today perusing different sites, mostly looking for teaching jobs in the Detroit area. I will admit that I had a few self-indulgent moments, though. I just can't seem to step away.

I've entered the official Phase One of a new writing project. It is already growing into something I didn't really expect. Reenee will definitely have to keep me reeled in with this one. I can easily get lost in it all. I've been working on longhand writing, as well as typing, which is actually helping with the project.

Cleaning today was extremely therapeutic. I gathered a number of items that I've been lugging with me over the years and made the decision to trash them. My goal to elminate 35 percent of my "clutter" is working. It's strange to look around and see so much of it all simply gone. I am thinking more will be gone by the time I move this summer. If I get a public school teaching position, I think I might just sell the entire living room and kitchen sets and start anew. I could even sell my little twin size bed. I am currently trying to sell my rosewood xylophone.

My writing is another story, though. I have compiled and backed up only about a quarter of all of it. I have manuscript upon manuscript in large Sterilite tubs. Some are written longhand, while others are typed and saved somewhere in my sea of disks. I bought myself a flash drive in October, and I have used almost half of the storage space. I still have two tubs worth to type up. I also must get another flash drive and a few more disks so that I can back up every file. If I were to print everything, it would probably take a few more tubs. That's space I just don't have in an apartment. What I need to do is start sending these things out. I had a couple of plays I was going to have staged in Kalamazoo, but I never followed through and set things up. And now, I just don't really have the time with all the hoops I have to jump through for grad school and teaching next fall. I really hope I get a regular English teacher position. I miss teaching literature. I'd love to teach a film interpretation elective, if possible. That would be so much fun! Yearbook would be cool, too. Just a lot of work. I would absolutely LOVE to teach creative writing. I usually infuse that into every English class I teach, but to have a class devoted solely to that...that would be great! I remember Mrs. Dunham's class. She was a total freak, but she encouraged people so much.

But, I digress. While I was listening to Stephen King books on tape today during housecleaning, I found that I had to stop to "write". My "writing" using consists of saying my story aloud into my MP3 player/voice recorder. I save it to the computer, and then I transcribe it. I need to install voice recognition software and let the computer do most of the work.

I need to stop writing and do something. I think I'll ride my bike this evening. I feel myself becoming increasingly lazy as spring break progresses.

...

My Spring Break started out terrible. I took the GRE Literature in English test at Western. What a nightmare! I ran out of time, which quite common, and I didn't know a lot of the stuff on the test - Marxist theory and how it relates to several authors throughout their works, identification of two lines from one piece of literature and who wrote it. I made educated guesses based on linguistics, etc., but it was difficult! The grammar as it related to the different questions was fine, and I was able to do the literary analysis stuff. I studied for four months and have no idea what range I placed in.

Drove to see Jeremy, even though I didn't really want to. He filled up the time with outings with other couples. It was nice to get out and do something different, but I just wanted to rest, and perhaps, clean a little. Living alone is nice because I can be as obsessive as I want. I like things clean - bleach clean. Always. I straighten fringe on rugs and make and remake my bed until everything is equal and properly folded. I know it's a bit crazy, but I feel comfortable like this. It doesn't get in the way of my everyday life, so it shouldn't be a problem.

But, I digress. It was great to wake up next to Jeremy two days in a row. It definitely turned my break around, although my mom was somewhat pissed that I was staying at Jeremy's. We lived together! For two years! We've been dating for almost six. It's not like I'm in high school or something.

Anyway, my parents bought a brand new 2006 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (fully loaded!) on Friday. My mom is so happy. The 2000 Jeep is still running well, but it has a lot of miles. They are trying to sell it.