You're playing with my heart! (My update with the overuse of "I" and useless information.)

Happy Birthday Cristina! I’m sorry I am lame and missed it. We really ought to celebrate. Perhaps with fudge? Hmmm… or mocha cake…

I’m also lame and I haven’t updated. Things have been busy around here, but I’m still walking (I did fall not so gracefully on the way to work today when I slipped on a political sign that was buried under the snow, no injury though). River, how's your ankle?
An update? Let’s see…

At church I’ve been working on planning the “Easter Eggstravaganza” event and trying to prepare Sunday school through March so I don’t have to work on it during Eggstravaganza madness. At Strive I’ve been interviewing and scheduling people like crazy, and now that it's back into the groove of things I'm back to research and sending letters. On Fridays I volunteer at St.Martin de Porres House of Hope in the preschool class where we have tea parties, eat ramen, (try to) take naps, and need a lot of help in the bathroom. Hopefully this odd amalgamation of a living is helping me to break the gentle curve of societal norms, as it is a most worthy goal.

This Wednesday my small group at church had a Super Bowl themed pot-luck. It was delicious, but there weren’t any margaritas. I don’t think any small appliances got up and went hiding. There was a crock-pot in action though, and I didn’t check for it at the end of the evening.

At non-work I field phone calls and emails from concerned family members who spend all day looking at wedding dresses online and fretting about hotels in July. I take Natural Family Planning class (fertility awareness is turning out to be pretty cool, although I’m still figuring it out, and figuring what we’ll decide when conception is a real possibility). I go to sleep about the same time my roommates come home. I diligently work on pre-marital counseling homework. I write recommendations and take phone calls regarding Sunday school teachers and Strive employees who want to go do other things. I have a new love for national holidays and teacher development days (not tutoring!). I eat a lot of fried potatoes and pasta (but not together). I cook with the Magic Apartment Cookbook. I listen to of third grade horror stories and try to be encouraging (this week some of Eric’s kids trashed the art room on their way back from piano class, who does that!?!???!!!!) I sleep under a down comforter, down sleeping bag, two blankets, two shirts, pants and a skirt. I wish my roommates would agree to turning the heat up. I waste my time following the primaries, and watching/reading stuff on the internet. (Like freaky stories about “reborn dolls” http://www.aolvideoblog.com/2008/01/08/my-fake-baby/ and important frightening things like “wombs for rent” in India: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/12/27/surrogate_mothers/. ) I’m enjoying a new Hyde Park Produce (although, with the Coop closed, it’s terribly busy). I’m anticipating a new café, a specialty import store, and a Treasure Island grocery coming to HP. I’m becoming a better dishwasher on account of my current roomies. I’m trying to apply for jobs next year, but feeling overwhelmed by current employment.

And mostly, I miss you all madly. I heartily approve of movements towards Chicago for everyone. I want to hear more about the life of a shipping director on crutches, the mafia neighbors and all that occurs in NYC…

Also, I need everyone’s current address. (I wish I were sending something unexpected and exciting, but it’s just for the sake of an invitation that will be sent a long time from now. However, if you email me your address soon, I might just send you something exciting.)

Double also, I finally fixed my profile. Turns out I never was an accountant in Afghanistan.