and the now keeps coming.

it's been a while since i've updated here. vast overview: the earth is spinning, some people are suffering, some are laughing, and some are doing both. more specifically, i have moved out of my apartment in chicago and am currently staying at my parents' home in iowa. i was preparing to drop off my stuff, say my goodbyes, and head to japan. however, in light of recent events, my plans are currently on hold. i don't really know anything yet. i'm still planning on going, just not sure when. it was a bit disappointing at first, but considering what has happened and what people are facing in japan, i wouldn't dream of complaining. instead, i'm trying my best to live fully exactly where i am.

some things i have noticed in abundance since i've been here:

--babies. not just my 9(!) nieces and nephews, but others, as well. one day, i went with one of my good friends from grade school and her baby to visit another good friend from school and her baby! lots of babies!

--old people (ironically enough). it's something i always notice when i come to iowa. not that there are more here, i just see them more. i know there are a lot of old people in chicago, i just don't see them. unless they're super rich and come into the restaurant.

--trees. it is so wonderful to smell trees and grass when i go out running. so wonderful.

--big cars. there are a lot of really, really big cars here. and a lot of trucks. you don't see as many pick-ups in the city.

--those shoes with the individual toes. they freak me out a bit, but i've seen them on multiple people here, and i don't think i've ever seen them in chicago. then again, they don't seem like something i would see in a restaurant or in my working-class mexican neighborhood...


general t.t.m.m.h. (things that make me happy):

--riding my bike on the bike trail here--trees and creeks and people that actually look at you and say good morning! lovely.
--playing my parents' baby grand piano.
--hanging with my brothers. i love getting to be with all of my family, but i've known them for 24 years, and for most of those, i was waiting for the day when we could be good friends and just hang out. it never gets old.
--hanging with my sisters-in-law. it's a lot like hanging with my brothers, except they're chicks, so we can talk girl stuff. and we can make fun of my brothers. bastards.
--a family of litero-philes. (i made that up.) when i'm in iowa, especially for a little longer time, my library basically quadruples.
--re-reading the fountainhead by ayn rand. i think it's my spring tradition. challenging and inspiring.

and a new section for the blog, inspired by the lovely megan, crazy shit i saw today (c.s.i.s.t):

--"knight" practice going on the park. full costumes, although the armor was like nerf-ish.
--3, count 'em 3, people i went to high school with in the "engagements and marriages" section of the sunday paper. i should be used to it by now, but it's the sheer volume, i think.

y'all got any good ones?