In a fog

It was quite foggy here this morning, and I found that fitting considering my current state of mind. First of all, I'm exhausted from a week filled with 50+ hours of work, one birthday party, the mailing of 60 holiday cards, and the presentation of 10 gifts to teachers, not to mention all the preparation for the upcoming holidays. Second of all, the sudden death of a friend from high school left me shocked and sad. And lastly, the recent realization that racism in this country is active at a level I never imagined possible has left me feeling quite serious and reflective. As the fog slowly lifted, I became more committed than ever to living life on my own terms, striving for happiness, enjoying the moment, and making a difference. May tomorrow be a sunny day.

Jimmy Stewart

It's that time of year again which means that "It's A Wonderful Life" is dusted off and watched one more time. What a beautiful, tear-inducing story. This year I was struck more than usual by Jimmy Stewart--his acting and his overall presence on the screen. Now he was a movie star. There used to be something so grand about movies and the actors in them, something that is entirely lacking these days. I don't know if it's possible to feel nostalgic for something I never actually experienced, but I find myself missing the good old days. Sigh. Someday I'll buy all of Mr. Stewart's digitally remastered movies so that I can escape into that world and be swept off my feet at the push of a button.

Somebody to talk to

We have had visitors for the last four weeks, so I haven't had that much free time. But the larger reason why I haven't posted anything for a while is that I've had people around to talk to. Of course William and the kids are here, and I do have friends and other people that I see on a regular basis, but it's not the same as being surrounded by people all day long. That's the hardest thing for me about working from home. Even if I was alone in my cubicle for any length of time, I could always hear other people around me. The opportunity for conversation, trivial or otherwise, was always there. Now that it's not, I need an outlet for my random thoughts. It's not nearly as enjoyable as wandering into somebody else's cube and babbling, but for now it will have to do.

And the crowd goes wild

THE DOLPHINS WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh happy day. This is so setting up perfectly for the biggest upset of all time next week.