My next big plan is to redecorate my classroom. I have a lot of ideas and have been gathering supplies here and there. I thought about going back in today, but my partner teacher called and told me she'd be there most of the day. Eeeek! I need to avoid her, otherwise she'll detain me there the entire day. Not quite ready for her yet. I might sneak back on Sunday when the church people are there. Or I might just do a little bit at a time during the week, recruiting kids to help me. They're always up for stuff like that. We'll see.

Whatever it is that pissed my roommate off seems to have passed. We're all friendly with each other again, which is a relief. They went to go see Munich last night and I would have gone with them if it had been the kind of movie you'd want to see again right away. It's not. Instead I stayed home and watched an old Michael Crawford movie called The Knack, and How to Get It. Very mod 60's London. I've been reading a lot lately as well. Right now I'm into a beautifully written young adult novel called Honey, Baby, Sweetheart by Deb Caletti. Her books don't read like young adult novels at all (not watered down in any way). Everything I've read by her blows me away. In fact, I think I might go to Borders today and buy her latest book. Now that my roommate gave me another bookcase, I have room for more books. I have a ton of books in my car as well, though. Argh! Not to mention the five bookcases full of books back in Portland. I guess you can tell I like to read.

Speaking of Portland, I've been missing it a lot lately. I miss the culture, the music, the laid-back vibe, the friendly people, the beauty, the shopping. What I don't miss? The weather. It's been in the 60's here, and it seems to just be getting warmer. There were a few weeks where I had to wear a coat and it was cold when I got up in the morning, but those days (cross your fingers!) seem to be over. I know that some people really love to experience each season fully - but I'm not one of them. I love the sunshine. It does good things to my body and spirit, and I seem to wilt in its absence. The weather here had been really good for me. The lack of culture, however, hasn't. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I know that there are Portlands in other places with better weather, but I haven't found them yet. I love San Francisco, of course, but the weather isn't much better, and it's ridiculously expensive. My mind, right now, is on where I'm going to be next year. There are so many possibilities. I don't want to just land in any old place because I'm worried I don't have other options. There are many doors open to me, and this time I'm going to be much more selective. I'm going to start early. I've got my battle gear ready to go.

I guess I don't have anything exciting to report. I'm ready to start dating again. I guess that's something big. It's taken me a long time, but I truly wasn't ready until recently. I feel like I'm strong enough and secure enough in myself that I could handle the dating world without being buried alive. I truly like myself and enjoy my own company. I make good money and and can support myself in every way now, so I don't need a man. Knowing that will help me when I get into my next relationship. The lack of men in Stockton, however, is depressing. I wouldn't do the online dating thing, as I like to meet people and get to know them up front, rather than have this horrible build-up to meeting. It's too nerve-wracking. Right now I'm prettier than I've ever been in my life, and I'm finding that less and less men are approaching me. Is it because I'm more intimidating? I never make the first move when it comes to guys, but I'll probably have to set that aside. I don't even know if I know how to date, but I guess I'll find out. Poor Ben. I don't know if he's reached this stage yet. Then again, he could be sleeping around all over Portland as we speak. If he is, more power to him.

Ok, I'd better get up and start getting ready. Talk at you later!

Anne