In the weeds

Toe,
I am the polar opposite of your brother. I have no power tools at all for my yard. I have a reel mower, a hoe, some rakes, a shovel, and some clippers. Instead of a weedwacker, I have what looks like a hand-clipper on the end of a pole. Why? I don't like the smell of gas. Using a gasoline-powered mower always used to give me a sore throat. Plus I like the idea not using any energy except what I produce.

This may need to change. I can't keep up with the weeds along the edges of the fence, so I think I need to break down and get a weedwacker.

Anyway, I have not started writing a story this month. I have an idea for a sad one. Just need to start writing.

OK, just a random aside. I like to read comments people write on the Web, whether it is comments in response to an editorial on the NY Times web site, or comments on a YouTube video or whatever. Lately I have come to appreciate the briefer comments. My favorite laudatory comment for Superchunk, something I saw today: "God's house band." My favorite response to an hysterically funny video: "LOLOCAUST." That one never stops making me laugh.

Another random aside: The semester is winding down for all these teachers I know, and they are making plans for their three-months off. Makes me want to teach. There are only two things that stop me: My stage fright and the fact that I make a lot more money doing what I am doing. I keep it in the back of my head as an option. Would it be so fucked up to quit my job, start teaching English at a community college, for the sole purpose of having summers off? It seems like the wrong reason to enter what many consider to be a calling. However, all the people I know who teach seem to hold on to their summer vacations as a sort of lifeline that keeps them going throughout the year.

Anyway, just thinking here. I hope you are well. Have a good trip! Send back pictures. Oh, and your story. I look forward to reading it.
Love,
E-Word