I’m noticing that now that I have readers (and I love all six of you), I’ve subconsciously started to play to my audience. Hence, the lit postings and gender postings - and now, a personal post. What am I coming to? Is my Independent Study going astray? Maybe, and I do need to get back to those pesky Sophists. But part of the deal was to gain an understanding of online community, and that part is coming along just fine, thank you very much. Frankly, I had no idea that anyone would be interested in my little blog. The support I've found here has been wonderful, and I've already met folks from all over. Thank you!


I remain generally oblivious about world news, if for no other reason than that it’s just too depressing. But I must say that the whole visquene-and-duct-tape concept seems pretty comical to me. I’m with these two when it comes to stocking up for this sort of thing. Oh, and this one too.


The Physics Guy I teach Astronomy with asked me today how my semester was going. I hadn’t really thought about it too much lately, but it’s actually quite good. I’m on top of my reading and assignments. The teaching is going well so far. Everything was OK in the fall, but I remember the feeling of not-enough-time and not-enough-done that bore down on me constantly. I’m not any more laid-back now (ask anyone!) and I certainly don’t care any less. Maybe I just feel more settled now that it’s my second semester. Since I came up with a 4.0 last time, I’m pretty much over the fear that they’ll toss me out. Now I just have to figure out how to be brilliant at all times.


Wallaby Lemon Yogurt. Oh, yes. There is much to be said on this issue, but I shan't inflict it on you here.


So, should I refuse to let commercial powers-that-be dictate the expression of my love, or should I go whole-hog with the Valentine’s Day shebang? The compromise that I came up with was mainly born of laziness rather than resistance: dealing with crowds is just too much work. Luckily enough, I’m with someone who feels the same way and is more than happy to stay in tomorrow night. What counts is being together, right?
That doesn’t mean that I’ve been able to keep myself from rushing out and supporting Hallmark, though. I do my best to be a contrarian, but 1) I’m a girl, 2) I’m Southern and have the attendant inborn sense of tradition,* and 3) this is the first time in my adult life that I’ve had a valentine on Valentine’s Day.** Far be it from me to stifle my appreciation for him.


*Yes, I know that there are female Southern contrarians, so nobody write to set me straight about that. In fact, I generally fit that description. It just isn't kicking in regarding this particular issue.
**OK, except for one other time, but that guy refused to celebrate Valentine's Day and so we did Groundhog Day instead. Therefore, it does not count. (Especially since Groundhog Day bites as a romantic holiday. The whole experience cemented my committment to the "Real Deal or Nothing" ethos. I've become a lot less willing to settle in relationships since then.)