We Now Interrupt The Regularly Scheduled Big Dig Muckraking . . .

For those of you who have been craving a good bedtime story, I give you the following masterpiece. I am currently interviewing illustrators.

http://www.hanscom.af.mil/hansconian/Articles/2006Arts/07072006-09.htm

No, Wait! Don't Stop Reading!!

Thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special. It was hard to be away (and not swimming) on that day, but so many of you remembered that I had a wonderful day anyway. The cards, packages, and telephone calls were so thoughtful.

There are some that I was not able to talk to, although I spent hooouuuuurrrsss on the phone. Don't think for a second that I don't love you. We had a small party near Harvard Square, but I was so happy to get your messages when I came home.

I have been really stressed at work--over half of the office went on vacation AT THE SAME TIME, so we remaining grunts were in charge of ALL content AND editing for two weeks (20 pages of newspaper each, thank you very much!). I actually ended up calling in sick one day, which I hated to do, but this tired, sweaty body just plain gave out. I am gathering strength, but I pretty much collapse once I get home. I really hope you understand that my silence and lack of updates is not personal in any way. I'd like nothing better than a good chat--as soon as I have the energy to talk and laugh!

That said, I read your blogs faithfully. They help me relax and giggle after a long day. What did I smile about before the Hutchison, Slothower, and Crawley blogs? More is the point, how did so many adorable children end up in the same family? None of them are my children, so I think I can say that without being considered a braggart. Right? Right?

Speaking of which, CONGRATULATIONS, CRAWLEYS!! I only heard about the big event on the very day, but I was with you in spirit. I am so happy for you and your darling little man.

Thanks for reading my blog which has no pictures. That will change very soon, however. If you want to know why, just ask my mom.

Well, it's back to the grind for me. Thanks again for all that you do and all of your support.

Just Call Me Lois Lane

I'm feeling empowered today. Not only am I now a published reporter for a small, military-based newspaper (the Hansconian, if anybody wants to google it), but I am also published on a small military-based online newspaper.

That's right, folks. All two of you may now access my glamorous and important news reporting right from your screens!

I was going to thrill all with a Fed-Exed hard copy, but now I need simply post the links for the masses who are following my big city life. (I will happily provide hard copies by special request, however. Don't be afraid to ask.)

So, without further ado:

First, we have a serious subject--Investment fraud
http://www.hanscom.af.mil/hansconian/Articles/2006Arts/06232006-10.htm

Next, a little fun on public transportation in Boston . . .
http://www.hanscom.af.mil/hansconian/Articles/2006Arts/06232006-09.htm

It is modest but honest work, and I have to say that the first two weeks were difficult. Apparently, newspaper readers don't like reading articles written in three-part theses and air-tight assertions. They don't even like commas where I used to put them. It is proving difficult (but not impossible) to completely overhaul my writing style.

One difficult thing that I absolutely refused to do, however, was cover the following article. I refused to even read it, as I had observed all the other proof-readers quietly reaching for tissues to dab at their moist eyes and sniffly noses. R.I.P. Jordy.
http://www.hanscom.af.mil/hansconian/Articles/2006Arts/06232006-07.htm

Love to all (meaning Mom and Aunt Hilda--my faithful readers). Thank you for your love and support.

To Forgive is Truly Divine

Dear loved ones:

My behavior has been truly inexcusable. I am so sorry that I have been impossible to reach via phone. The only explanation that I have might seem weak, but I promise you that I would rather talk to you than do what I am doing.

Here is how I am spending my days:

I wake up at 5:00 am to get to public transportation, which I ride for an hour to 1 1/2 hours each way (with more walking than I am used to at both ends). Cell reception is extremely spotty.

I work for nine hours at a job that I am really starting to like, but which is totally new and out of the old comfort zone. Cell reception is nearly impossible (just ask Shari).

I am still setting up house, and wind up at the store every day--carrying groceries on my sides, front, and back. I feel a lot like a mule. No hands for cell phone . . .

When I get home, it has been 12 plus hours, and I have to be perky and meet social obligations so that I can be popular in the ward.

My legs and feet have swollen to tree-trunk proportions due to humidity (does anyone know if that is normal?) and there is definitely bruising involved. I have also nearly gone crazy in the sticky heat. Someone please invent a full body anti-perspirant!

After switching to a new cell plan, my voicemail got screwed up, and I had no idea who was trying to reach me (but apparently there were many of you--thanks!).

Anyway, please forgive me for my rudeness, and know that I think of you more often and more wistfully than you know. Thank you for all of your support. I will be in touch soon--I promise.

Moving Day!

"Good night and the mornin'!" as Robyn would say. It is here--moving day!

I know that many of us thought that this day would never (NEVER) come. I am right there with you. Now, a few hours before our plane takes off, I am not really sure if I'm really glad that this day has come. Luckily, my mom will be flying out with me to get me settled, so I have a reprieve before shock AND loneliness (but hopefully not horror) settle in.

I have often wondered if I have smaller-than-usual wings, which is why I have taken my sweet time spreading them. Today, however, I will fly to the land of Paul Revere, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and Mitt Romney. In a cruel twist of fate, I will be living on Walden Street. For those who knew me during my Junior year, I know what you're thinking: "HA!"

Sincere thanks to everyone who has given well-wishes and supportive assurances--they have meant everything to me. I feel so lucky to have such loving, supportive family and friends. You give me strength.

Special snaps to Aunt Hilda for taking us to the airport. She is so good to come while she is still recovering from the "mouse incident." Thank you so much.

I'm not really sure what the duration of this adventure will be, but I will see everyone "when I see you." I am already looking forward to that.

Good News!

I have really never been a "fly by the seat of my pants" kinda gal. I find the occasional deviation from my routine ("Tonight, I'll brush my teeth before I wash my face!") both terrifying and thrilling. I know--sad.

Well, I am changing my ways. And I mean REALLY changing them.

As you might already know, I took a summer job in Boston after, oh, about two minutes of consideration. Does it really matter that I have never been to the East Coast in my life? Should I be concerned that the closest to New England that I have yet experienced was the time that I spent in Minneapolis, Minnesota? And does it count if I never actually stepped foot outside of the airport?

As a newly daring woman, I shout: "No!" But perhaps it comes out as more of a whimper.

The aforementioned good news is that I have secured an apartment not far from the base, and I will be living with two very friendly, professional females who prefer that I pay currency, rather than render "services," for rent. Really--some ads that I encountered while searching for housing could only be described as appalling.

Now all I have to do is learn how to read maps so I can navigate my public transportation commute to work (and BACK!).

I have not made any travel plans yet, but I'll keep you posted . . . I will also post pictures, once I have learned how to load them in the right place and in the right size.

Oh! And if you know any friendly people in Boston, I'd love to hear from you (or them).