For Xmas, Leah got me Settlers of Catan and the 5-6 player expansion set, which is incredibly awesome, as well as a hardbound copy of the complete poems of Emily Dickenson, and the Greatest Hits I-III of Queen. Yes, my life is a good one. Also, my brother's already told me what he's getting me, but since I haven't received it yet, I'm not posting.  But just for the idea, he's the best brother evar.

Also, with Xmas money from relatives, I bought two large squared Moleskine notebooks, one for teaching notes and one for sermon notes (the teaching more active, the sermon more reflective). I'm looking forward to using them both.

I start teaching so soon!  Seriously, I begin teaching Comp I two nights a week starting January 9th.  That is a thing people call "soon."

I'm thinking of starting a blogger account for more formal essayish things, and translations.  Right now, though, I'm wondering how I should do the copyright on all those blogs and posts; I don't mind this blog being "all rights reserved," but I'd kinda like my translations to be public domain; my essays perhaps a limited Creative Commons-style license.

So, how was your Ides of March (the 13th)?  Mine was pretty darn potent.  I got turned down for a three-year teaching job I pretty much thought I had in the bag. Luckily, at least my pal Robbie was also turned down (sorry, Rob!), so neither of us have the "I guess they liked me more than you, ya jerk" feeling. Also, in the insult-upon-injury department, locked Leah and myself outside right before church.  Ten minutes until 7 on Wednesday night, and neither of us has keys or a phone, so we start our mile walk to the church building, knowing that everyone we could contact is probably there already anyway.  Luckily, we got picked up after only five minutes of walking by a lady who was running late.  Small favors, huh?

And then yesterday I got a letter from Calhoun Community College saying, "Yes, you are qualified to teach here. We'll send your info to the English Department." So that's a possible job.  Also, I finished Samuel Delaney's NOVA, which is possibly the most interesting book I've read all year.  How can a book be at once mythic, eyeing both science and economics, and also interesting and fun?  I recommend it to everyone.

Today what I be doing is looking for more teaching jobs and grad schools and all that fun stuff.  It looks like I might actually get my PhD before I'm thirty, just like I'd always dreamed (for the past five years).