Wow, this weather

Our professor let us out early from class, as we are having the "storm of the century" or something to that affect.

Driving home (from Belleville) I saw some amazing lightening. Straight streaks that shot horizontally right in front of me. Large, almost perfectly formed bolts from sky to sidewalk. The sky was continually lit up, and the cloud formations beyond the lightening were swirly and angry looking.

It reminded me of that round crystal-ball thing that has streaks of light and causes your hair to static up and stand on end if you touch it. But much larger...natch.

I love thunderstorms. Love them. They're great fodder for snuggling under blankets, the imminent danger is such a turn on.

On a side note, this particular professor is an odd duck. Every class he's attempted to bond with the class over a joke that involves saying the wrong thing to a rapist. He has worked in the prison system counseling sexual offenders, hard core fellers that really can never be on the streets again. I'm guessing that's where his warped sense of humor comes from - he's been hanging with this lot for so long, he's lost touch some with the sane masses.

It's not my favorite class.

Well....guess I'll be going....need to find a blanket to snuggle under.

Today....

...is shaping up to be an awesome day.

First, the weather is unbelievably nice. Blue skies, warm, slight breeze. Perfect Spring day.

Second, I got a lot of much-needed sleep last night, and just had a kick-ass workout. I'm so juiced that I am going to pump up the Fuji and take it out to the park today.

Third, I was just awarded a ton of freelance work, which should keep me very busy for the next few weeks (in my spare time).

Additionally, my brother let me know that we are meeting at the "boat" tomorrow for Easter Brunch, so I get to hang with my family. Family time is always fun, but when you include a buffet with a chocolate fountain, well, need I say more?

And finally, someone I know who's endured mucho in-vitro treatments the last 6 years trying to conceive with her husband has just announced that she's knocked up. The old-fashioned way. Very nice. And how special, that when you're not trying and have about given up hope, you get a gift like this.

Good day.

Darn it

I might have a cold. It started coming on yesterday - I felt that airy, uncomfortable feeling in my throat, no pain, just the constant urge to clear my throat.

Today, the nagging throat thing is still here, as is just an overall feeling of ickiness. I little coughing, which is new. Also achey, tired, and the blahs.

I did not work out this morning, instead opting to stay in, out of the rain, away from more bad germs, and retreated under the warmth of my covers. It was cozy and theraputic, until somebody couldn't keep his head off of my pillow. A space invader. I do not like my space invaded, especially when I'm feeling like crap.

I did manage to play the "poor me" card and got Schnucks delivered, rather than me having to go shopping. That was nice. I am going to have some soup, peel my orange, and then crawl back under my fortress of blankets in hopes of warding off a higher level of sickness.

The rest of my day will consist of finishing my reflection paper for class, watching one of my favorite movies, "Rachel Getting Married", and napping. Also, my day thus far has been infused with the music of Pylon - it's oddly soothing and nostalgic, kind of perfect for the weather and my current state of mind. If I were to form a band, this is the kind of music I'd like to play/create.

In Like A Lion...

March weather is creating havoc all over.

Talked to my mom last night, who lives in Dickinson ND, and she described the blizzard that was happening. All of the windows on the front side of the house were frozen over, she couldn't see out at all. It had rained earlier, so beneath the feet of snow that the blizzard will leave is a sheet of ice. Be careful out there, Mom.

My friend Vicky, who lives in Fargo ND, blogged about she and her son helping hundreds of other people sandbag through the night. They're going back today to sandbag some more, which is awesome. Area schools have given students the option of staying in school and studying, or sandbagging, and most are opting for sandbagging, it's that serious.

The normal Fargo flood stage is 18 feet. It had reached 25 feet as of yesterday. They are predicting the Red River to crest at 40 feet by Friday.

I hope my friend's basement stays dry, as does all of Fargo. I hope that those dikes are strong and hold back the water. North Dakota folks are hardy people, and can "weather" the harsh climate, but this will be a true test of their spirit.

I remember growing up on 13th St. West and having to bail out our window wells when storms would come through because our basement was very prone to flooding. Our neighbors, the Christensons, would lend a hand sometimes. It was a community effort then, as it is now.

St. Louis weather today looks to be a bit on the crazy side. Bad t-storms, winds from 30-40 mph, with gusts of 45-57 mph. This is what I read on Yahoo! Severe Weather Alert:

"THOSE DRIVING LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES WILL NEED TO
USE CAUTION...AS THESE GUSTY WINDS MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO
CONTROL YOUR VEHICLE. LOSS OF CONTROL WILL BE OF SPECIAL CONCERN
WHILE DRIVING ON EAST-WEST ROADS."

Let's be careful out there.

Good weekend

Overall, it was a good weekend. Outstanding weather helped fuel a lot of it.

Friday night was low-key - was treated to tequila and tacos at nearby El Borracho's (highly recommended), then spent the rest of the evening watching movies.

Saturday was good - ran some very early errands, spent considerable time outdoors, talked to my mom, and had friends over during the afternoon and most of the evening for coffee, spirits, board games and switched off playing DJ. Got a bit nostalgic and brought out the Lemonheads, Sundays, and Beat Happening. It was good to hear those old tunes.

Sunday was slow-going. The morning was lazy and filled with NPR programming (Speaking of Faith, TTBOOK), went to a friend's for lunch, and then it was a dog-day afternoon, literally. Tried out the dog park on Locust (nice!) and then ran around in the park area across from City Hall. Oliver had a great time, but attempted to escape the dog park by wedging himself between the bars of the gate. Good thing he got stuck...he's a fast little dude! Ended the evening having a good conversation with my grandma, and catching up on the news.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for some good news this week. February looks to be a
"make it or break it" kind of month, so I'm staying as optimistic as possible and thinking good thoughts.