Jackie and I have had my cousin Juan Silvio, here from the island, with us since Thursday. I have missed little cousinhood. Being around him reminds me of all of the games we used to play and good times we used to have playing chase and hide-n-seek during huge family dinners. I miss my extended family. I used to see them as my siblings and now that JS is down here it reminds me of how much I used to look forward to the next birthday party, anniversary or holiday.

Scott and Kristin drove down to see us this weekend as well–it was a full house. It’s so flattering to have them come see us because we really think so highly of them. I admire them both.

Kristin, JS and I are going to see Barack speak in Manassas tomorrow night. Is anyone else interested? D90/HF10 ftw.

We all met up with Jonathan and Molly to see Zack and Miri on Saturday at Short Pump. It let women peer into a world of maleness (mostly) that is not that much discussed. For the vanguard, it’s not that bad a date movie. Afterward, we did The Nile (Ethiopian food) thing. Nothing but the nicest service there. I really wish I could appreciate the food more. Really do. I might also have made another friend/chess partner. I always need one of those.

Jackie has only a very vague concept of how much I am in love with her. It’s weird and mostly my fault because I don’t tell her–I don’t show her in enough ways. I wan to, but I get preoccupied with trying to make things special and perfect in my mind, so much that I never get started and she’s better than anything half-assed.

I cannot stress how much I appreciate all of the people in my life. I know I am fortunate to have a wonderful and understanding family and friends with whom to grow old. I have already lived a superlative life and I really feel lucky to be alive. I think about that everyday and I never forget it.

I’m working on about a half-a-dozen creative projects all at once, besides school and teaching. I just want for one of them to go through. I want another Personal Victory. Whoops, didn’t count that one.

OK so I overwrote my WordPress database. I lost all of the summer/fall’s writings. That’s what I get for trying to get fancy. Let’s get on with things–show some love.