Hi again

Howdy folks... sorry for being away. Busy weekend, mostly spent buckling down and doing chores and a seemingly endless number of assignments for the ONE class I'm taking right now. Since it is a summer session we are twice per week so they can condense a yearlong course into about a month... The work isn't overly challenging, there is just at least one paper due per class, plus reading, plus reflections on the reading, a group project (these are such a pain when everyone in the class is working FT and going to school) etc etc etc. We have 3 class sessions left and now I'm racing to get the last set of assignments and the group project done. I will be glad when it is over and I get a 1 week breather between the sessions. Next session I will try to take 2 classes, which is kindof psycho since it will mean class 4 nights a week for about 3 hours a night... but since tuition is free for me until I leave in August I need to take advantage of it - saves me big bucks down the line.

So life is just busy but good overall (hence the dancing beagle - which is annoying I am sure, but I need to stay chipper). I'm trying to screen out the news right now. The story about those two soldiers who were captured and brutally killed is turning my stomach. It really saddens me and I was about to cry when I watched the news this morning. It is just awful. War used to be ugly enough but this administation has managed to escalate it up a notch. How can you cry foul over prisoner torture when you are doing it yourself? Doesn't anyone see the horrific precedent this sets? I'm so glad the President got a boost in his poll numbers last week - yay, was it worth it? NOT IN MY OPINION. Anyhow, I'll stop but I guess I lied before, things are good, but with the caveat of the black cloud of bad feelings I have about society and politics... BLEAH!

But I'm going to let Snoopy dance along, dwelling on these thoughts for too long ain't good for me. I hope everyone has a good day. Please send good thoughts or prayers to those families who lost their sons (and to all who are affected) if you are so inclined.

Ok I got that all out and feel a little better... I'll try not to be a Donnie Downer too much this week!