I just found out that my girlfriend has no idea who Dr. Who is.

I feel like I have failed in her Geek education.

In other news, my mom, who never travels, is in Mexico for the next two weeks. Her and her best friend paid for the trip through these bonus dollars they earn at work. Pretty cool and probably the only way she would ever get to go. The house sure feels big and empty without her here though.

I just found out that my mom bought tickets for Melx and I to see Michael Franti & Spearhead at the State theatre on Oct 7th. I am so stoked. I've been a huge fan of Franti's since I was a little kid and have never managed to see him live. I can't wait.

Looks like I'm back. Not as early as I expected but sooner than it would have been without the help of a mysterious benefactor. I thought at first, that my girl, Melody had bought me a membership, even though I told her not to, because I knew she couldn't really afford it. But she swears it wasn't her. So thanks, to whoever, and, if you haven't met Mel yet stop by and say hello. She is an awesome girl.

I think my gift account is about to expire. I plan on coming back but it may have to wait a paycheck or two.

See ya soon.

I was going to put up some pics from my trip to Iowa but I couldn't get them to upload.

You aren't missing much. Surprisingly there aren't that many interesting things to take pictures of in Clinton, Iowa. Especially in the Winter. Not that it was a bad visit. Good company and good food can make even the dullest place enjoyable.

I can't believe how much work I have to catch up on. I can't wait for the weekend. I'll still have work in the evening but at least I won't have class in the morning.

Did I mention I'm tired? Wish I could sleep for more than an hour at a time.

I wish I could go to California. I'm so bored and lonely here without Melody. You'd think between working 30 hours a week and going to school I wouldn't have time to feel this way. I tried taking Nosy out for a run but he seems kind of down too. Like he has picked the mood up from me. It reminds me of that episode of friends where Phoebe brought Joey a dog to cheer him up and he ended up depressing the dog.

In one of my lit classes someone brought up the "dead white males" issue. Now, my understanding is that this term came in to use because some people felt there was a disproportionate emphasis on the work produced by people in this group. This student seemed to be more concerned about his inability to relate to the perspective of Authors in that group. And the instructor said something along the lines of "If the work is good, then you'll be able to find something to relate to no matter how different the author's perspective is."

I have to agree. I doubt there is much that Mr. Cash & I have in common. But this song still speaks to me like few others do.



Wow, there sure are a lot of great sets lately. I can't keep up.

Next week Melody is going to California for 3 months. Her grandma has been sick and Melody and her mom are going to take care of her for a while to give her aunt a break. I understand why she needs to go but I am really going to miss her. We haven't been apart for more than a few days since we first started dating. I don't remember how to be happy without her.

In other news, I might be getting a promotion at work. I'm a little nervous about the idea, because I've never supervised other people's work before. I'm not exactly the authoritative type.

I have not shaved or had a haircut in 3 months. This is my first time letting my beard grow. It's pretty patchy & scraggly. My hair is pretty wild too. I don't think it's a good look for me but Melody seems to like it. She thinks I look like Lenny Kravitz. I think I look more like a wino.

I can't sleep again, so I am watching a George Carlin special. I think it was his last one. Pretty damn funny. I think he may have been the funniest man ever. Although I suppose I have not heard everyone.

So tired.

I'm supposed to go to Iowa in two weeks and I don't want to go. I don't think there is going to be anything to do there.

I've been listening to the Beastie Boys a lot lately. Particularly Paul's Boutique. It's awesome.

I can't figure out how to post videos.

I guess I can just post a link.

Anyway, I made Pho for my girlfriend and my mom using the recipe in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWmhfrtECI4

It was so delicious. It even looked perfect. Not bad considering I know nothing about cooking. The guy in the video is kind of boring but it was really easy to follow and it turned out great.

In a few days I will be in Clinton, Iowa. I expect it to be the longest 4 days of my life.