Tantalizing. Agonizing.

Chirp. Chirp chirp. It's quiet here on Washington Street but for the passing cars. The birds have no doubt enjoyed the weather lately. I have. But I hear maybe there is snow on the way.
I'm sitting on the porch listening to Bright Eyes and working to finish my Win a Trip to Africa essay, which has taken many forms since I began writing it a few weeks ago. It's due today. I have to finish it.

Today was agonizing for a number of reasons. I managed to set my alarm for an hour late and consequently, I was late for work. I got there at 6:45 and wasn't truly awake until around 8:00. It was slow as molasses at The Deli, and I wanted to get outside and breathe. But, I managed to make some money. It was still agonizing.

Last night Jersey's boy Rick came to town a day early and surprised her. I helped sneak him in, but not before giving him bad directions and sending him "half way to Terra Haute." Before he arrived, Jersey, Alison and I drank cocktails, many of which were supposed to be purple but turned out teal. We laughed a lot, like we usually do. And Ali made hotel reservations. I love them all very much, and they know it.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Last year at this time I was in Rome, sick with the flu and missing cooking lessons. Two years ago at this time I was sick with the flu and in Brown County being romantic. I have yet to feel ill, and I've got my fingers crossed.

So, tonight Stacy and I will look for answers in wisps of smoke.

Haven't dreamed much lately. Maybe I got the message.



So I'm up at dawn.
Puttin' on my shoes.
I just want to make
A clean escape
I'm leavin'
but I don't know where to.
I know I'm leavin'
but I don't know where to.