In preparation for a pending trip, I have been attempting to learn how to use chopsticks. I am delighted to say that, after weeks of practice, I can now ALMOST use the things without getting rice in my hair and a chopstick up my nose.

You'd think that my hand/eye dexterity would be a little more accurate, especially considering all the time I spent playing video games as a child.

The struggle continues.

The silver lining to rice in the hair: at least I have easy access to snacks while I'm playing my games.

My day started with a phone call from the Lovely Girl, who called specifically to wake me up. MUCH better than an alarm clock. The afternoon fluttered softly in on leathery wings and left a steaming pile of good news: a totally unexpected 9% raise. The evening ended with the Gorgeous Girl playing guitar and singing for me.

I am a very happy hobo.

But it was so, so good to breathe.

I know it's been a while, but I've been busy. I went to New Orleans with The Girl, and had an incredible time. Indescribable. Amazing. Lots of other positive descriptors. It was about 95 degrees the entire time, and the humidity hovered somewhere around 85%. Which was fine - we just had to spend more time in the hotel room. ;)