Don't let nobody change u for the world

I wish I could say that I have been so busy, that life has been so scintillating, that I just didn't have time to write anything for you. (Modified, with horror, from "you all". Truly I am becoming Virginian.)

In reality, I suppose I have been busy. Most days, I find that teaching drains every drop of energy out of me. There are brief, beautiful moments. For example, the note I got from one of my students, which provides us with the title for today's blog entry. An English teacher's nightmare, and an English teacher's dream.

Nothing of real note has happened, though. Imitation ladybugs began sprouting in the corners of my apartment--dozens of them, piled on top of each other. I broke up the orgy with a broom, and have been finding their bodies all over the apartment ever since.

I gave the dog a bath.

I caught a student with a knife in my class.

I watched rain fall and turn to ice twice in the last two weeks. Even now, the neighbor's lights are turning the trees to silver. All day I've been home, making biscotti, reading a book for the sheer pleasure of it.

I've been working through my religious conversion/reversion, trying to come to terms with the slight variations on my everyday life that it requires. I'm proving to be stubborn on some minor details, like the lengths of skirts and shirt sleeves.

I went to Williamsburg and saw a candle shop where the indoors are made to look like the outdoors.

I've watched the calendar days drain down. It's possible that I might be able to see my favorite man within a month's time, if all goes well. (Inshallah -- God willing -- as they say.)

I counted and realized that I have 71 poems in circulation to various magazines. It turns out that I have been a prolific writer; I have more of them that could go out, if the mood struck me. I am awaiting my rejection letters eagerly these days.

It will be a year of changes next year for me, as this year was.

What are you looking forward to in the new year? What have been your great joys this year?

I may be able to sneak through Pittsburgh during the coming break. Will anyone be around?

I miss everyone. I hope your holidays (should I not write again soon) will be lovely and safe.