And all around you snow will fall. Like confetti stars and paper dolls.

The last little while in pictures:

Jen dressed up as Coral Reef, I was a fried egg (my boyfriend was bacon), and Erin was Punky Brewster.

Team Selleck - they won our Cornstock tournament (corn hole).

Throwoing corn during the big tournament. It snowed all day. There were two kegs, a huge tent, it was a double elimination tournament, 3 games played a time, DJ spinning tunes, and lots of good food! Friends too.

Taking an eveing walk during the first snowstorm of the year.

Banks Van Fleuf Miester, looking absolutely adorable.

Smokewagon playing at Coal Street Pub. Brian on the drums.

Skiing last weekend. We had fun, not sure if you can tell or not.

I decorated Brian's window. It is a snow blizzard.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking successive autumns. - George Eliot

Fall, fall, fall, fabulous fall! All I wanna do is go camping, wear big sweaters, smell wood burning in the wood stove, and eat soups and breads. Yum.
Besides the anticipation of fall, I am feeling pretty meh today. My students, sensing my mood, have been on their best behavior. Excellent.
Sex and the City has been on my TV a lot lately. Last night, after quite a bit of sangria, I was almost brought to tears when Big shows up in Paris to see Carrie. There she is in that fantastic dress squatting on the floor. Ahhh.
Talked to Gwen last night! She is prego. Talked to Kurtz last night. He is funny.
I presently have 7 cats. Two are already gone and another is claimed. Leaving me with 3 babies, mama, and my two. I am on the fast track to being the crazy cat lady.
I have seen some pretty good movies lately with some great company. Its been a pretty long time since I have watched a movie. Everything is Illuminated was pretty good. Fighting is alright too. Anyone have any good suggestions for others?

Konnichiwa!

I. am. going. to. JAPAN!
32 sleeps!
No worries, I am not moving there, just a nice 10 day jaunt.

Random updates:
- my class loves techno
- one of my students - "Miss Van Dorp, do you allow dancing in your classroom?"
- RIP Kissy Fish, Sucker Fish, and Black Fish (Kissy Fish, I am sorry I dropped you on the floor)
- I now have 9 cats living in my apartment - Stella and Banks, Mama + 5 babies (I rescued them), and random black cat who came in the window and won't leave
- fall is here and I love it
- soccer starts on Sunday and I can hardly wait

Sayonara. Ittekimasu.

Wylie Van Armani Esquire

My dog is getting strong. Very strong. He used to be all ribs and was this little homely looking thing, but now there is no messing with him. He also is starting to get protective of me. He growls and barks at men, men with beards. He does not like men with beards. I on the other hand tend to lean towards facial hair, but that’s another topic. On a number of occasions he has lunged towards said men, almost ripping my arms off (see my last post on the puniness of my arms).
A few nights ago I was taking Wylie for a walk. Well it was more like he was taking me for a walk, dragging my up and down the streets. We came around a corner and there was a sweet little Siamese cat sitting there. Wylie lunged, I braced myself, but I was no match for him. The leash broke. He darted after the cat – who hopped a fence, and went flying into the backyard of a house. My dog, yes, he followed. Cleared the fence and went tearing through the yard and into the back of this house. I stood aghast. A lady came out of the house, talking in accent about how naughty my dog was.
I called, he came. Then he turned and went back into the backyard. I called again and he came. Then he turned and went back into the backyard. I called again and he came, the lady allowed me into her yard to come and get him. The cat made another appeared before I could grab him and he was off again through another gate after the cat. I corned my crazed dog and got him tied to the leash. Then a nice gentleman appeared. He thanked me for visiting and welcomed me back anytime.

aqua, mizu, agua

Those flippin water coolers. I try. But really, these puny arms cannot wrestle the sheer size and weight of the jug. I need a man. Or maybe the ability to bench more than 5 lbs. Today I was at the water store. The guy working there asked if I needed help getting it into my car. Nope, I said, as I heaved it onto my hip. But, I offered, you could come to my house and put it on the cooler for me. He laughed at me. Needless to say, my full jug, not so full after I wrestle it up on the stand. My floor is a sopping mess, as usual.