Things: they are all right! Currently I am in Little City procrastinating on my James Joyce mini-essay. I am feeling more or less self-satisfied as of the moment, because now I have officially finished Joyce’ A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man — of the more excruciating works I have read. Also, I recently discovered that there is only one word in the English language that changes its pronounciation when capitalized. (’Polish.’)

Camping last Saturday night was overall excellent. My favorite Rachel Sibley did some impressive cooking with a piece of tractor machinery and an open fire. I made some spatulas in the nick of time out of aluminum foil and a stick and felt very woodsy, which was definitely not justified. Also, there was some impressive left-handed guitar playing. We almost perished when the sleeping bags and blankets all got soaked with dew (due to a lack of foresight on my part). The day was saved through intense huddling. Success! I woke up five hours later, feeling like I had misplaced my face.

I need more marketable skills. This is a thought I have periodically. Perhaps I should learn to do full-body neuromuscular trigger-point-therapy massage! That will make me friends.