Ever since . . .

I got back from C'ville, my left eye's got the "winkies" and my mosquito bites have become extremely itchy.

***

Much laughter and tears at Kundiman year 4. My own stoic self broke down. I had prided myself on previous tearless retreats, but I didn't make it this year. It was just damn good to see folks who I hadn't seen in a number of years.

We "graduated" Margaret and Jennifer.

Both of the Kundiman panels I proposed were accepted for AWP 08.

We celebrated many new forthcoming books by staff members.

I learned about a new drink, "None of your goddamn business," concocted by Jennifer Chang. It's quite good.

When I get home, I'll post the group photo.

***

Summer session starts today. Eek and egad.

Shouldn't be too bad, though. It's the same course I taught in the Spring.

***

Home upgrades are forthcoming. I got back home and Meredith had already moved my dresser out of the bedroom. She had also moved all the tubs of primer, several gallons of paint, the ceiling scraper (to remove popcorn ceilings), several tarps, and various brushes and rollers.

My oh my.

***

I'm pumped about writing this summer. I'm going to try the poem a month thing again in August.

Oliver de la Paz