...just can't wait to get back on the blog again. Okay, that's all the Willie Nelson parody I have the heart for. Sorry...or, you're welcome. Take your pick.

Wow, talk about neglecting a blog…I really should write on this more often than every ten or eleven months. Then again, I really should have something worthwhile saying more often. I'll work on that…

Anyhow, big chunks of my life – out of grad school for the time being (long story), working full-time all the time (being an adult is *not* all it is cracked up to be), and been dealing with weird medical issues involving my gall bladder since early March. That's where the real fun's been, I can tell you…extensive chronicling of those comings and goings can be found on Facebook. The long and short of it is that after months of being exhausted and in pain, I'm having the beastly thing out the day after tomorrow, August 8^th. I haven't decided if I'll compile a photo essay of the experience…a very small part of me says that's too weird. *shrugs*

Being out of school has actually afforded me the opportunity of reading for pleasure again – yes, it does happen! – and I have taken the summer to work on reading the collected works of Jane Austen. 'Mansfield Park,' 'Sense and Sensibility' down, finishing up 'Emma.' I think I'm going to allow myself at least one more "pleasure book" before settling down to pursue some "serious reading" again, to prevent my brain turning to mush from inactivity. Odd thing for a teacher to say, I suppose, but it's not quite the same thing to use your brain to teach others, and using it to teach yourself. I'm debating the do-ability of working my way through the great books from Gilgamesh to the present. Whatever I do, Greek and Roman philosophy are on the list – it's been a year or two since I've read Marcus Aurelius's best seller. Mayhap a book club is in order? <L>

Ciao, i miei cari. Un bacio...

Sometimes I lead a pretty fabulous life - in short spurts.

Last night I took Princess Grace out to attend Patrons' Night at the local community theatre with a friend who, until very recently, was the marketing director there. As the MD he put together a membership/fundraising drive and gotten a pair of *very* expensive diamond earrings donated to be used as first prize. Being in his possession, he had me wear them to model for the members. So I got to flounce around the theatre in a fabulous dress, a $1000 pair of earrings, and I got to stand onstage in my very own spotlight during the curtain speech. Sometimes I really live the life.   

Between hobnobbing with the mayor and the adorable little old man whom the theatre is named after I got some pics...

Helloo-ooo-ooo-ooo? My, my, it is a bit dusty in here…I suppose it’s been a while, eh?

What a semester! I can say with a certainty that *this* was the worst semester thus far in my college career. That being said, I won’t say that it will always be the worst, though I pray it will remain that way.

Life keeps chugging along at an alarming rate, and I find myself in possession of less and less time to sit and keep everyone abreast of my comings and goings. Then again, I’m not sure that’s breaking anyone’s heart, now is it? 

I’m currently working a summer job as the receptionist/occasional tutor at the school where I work during the year. It is doubly-reinforcing what I already knew to be true – I will die if I have to be a secretary. I am not cut out for full-time office work, and am in desperate need of a change of pace. However, it keeps me fed and a roof over my head, and I’ll survive until the fall semester starts and life becomes even more hellish with my massive course load and the bane of all grad students – my thesis. 

In other news, I managed to give myself another black eye a couple of weeks ago…

 

Go ahead and laugh – it’s funny.

And I finally got to see Flogging Molly!

 

Me and Nathen Maxwell, the bass player for FM

Not much else going on worth mentioning, although (thanks to Jean!) I have become something of a rabid fan of the new series of ‘Doctor Who.’ I am in love with David Tennant, and I desperately want a TARDIS. The wanderlust is as strong as ever, but has now been compounded by the dream of roaming through time and space.

I suppose this will have to suffice until I have thought of something noteworthy that merits reading.

Ciao ciao, i miei cari. Un bacio.