i arrived in back in nola yesterday afternoon after a rather extended visit to Canada. I put my bags down with a heartfelt sigh of relief. I'm staying put for a little while, probably until April. It feels incredible to talk about concerts we are going to attend in February and March. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the city and with myself in a guise other than Constantly Traveling Lunatic.

On my way home from school yesterday, I got a taste of the randomness that makes me adore this city: I passed a man in a wheelchair-sized cart pulled by three miniature ponies. The ponies were so small that at first I thought they were St Bernards with bridles and reins. I wonder what possesses someone to make such a purchase? Childhood dreams fulfilled?

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I feel a bit like a stranger in the new house; i keep opening the cup cupboard looking for plates, etc. It does not feel like home, even with all our stuff (SO SO SO SO MUCH STUFF. WHY? HOW?) crammed in. Even the dog looked at me with a jaundiced eye, like "why should i get excited about you when i know you're just going to leave me again in five minutes?" I will win him back with my charm (and treats).

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All right, dissertation. this is your year. Also, I think this might be the year of the boyfriend. I'm going to try to put that first for a little while. I think BT will appreciate it. I think i will appreciate it. I think I get the concept (make decisions which bring us together more not less), but the nuts and bolts of it elude me... here's hoping it all seems real simple by 2012.

9:55 a.m. - 2011-01-13