I can hear M and the boys upstairs, talking, as the boys get ready to fall asleep. S and I just watched most of the Packers/Broncos first quarter. Our street is eerily quiet when the Packers play. I’m slightly wired, although I wish I could fall asleep early.

This morning before dawn Shadow and I walked to the library and post office to drop off books and movies. The stars were bright, the air cool, and I was glad to move my legs. My ass/back still hurt, though, so I sort of limped the last few blocks home. I arrived at work just before eight and spent most of the morning grading papers and feeling a bit under the weather. I taught, somewhat badly, through early afternoon. Some student/staff drama seems is emerging. Oh well. I guess I’m due. I’ll hit it head on in the morning. After teaching I stuck around and finished my paper-grading by just before four. I was going to drive west to half-priced books because of a 40% off coupons, but I was tired, and I have a ton of unread books, so I skipped the trip and hit the freeway north. I scarfed way too many enchiladas way too quickly, chased by Halloween candy. Man, I was sure I was going to barf. A quick bath, followed by a “rocks, papers, scissors” tournament with T, kept me upstairs until close to seven. S and I read a bit, too. While reading I caught on the idea of titling a poem “walking to the library at night.” I don’t think I’m beholden to any coffee house or book store idea of a poem’s subject matter, and I don’t want to recreate poems I wrote twenty years ago. I also may title the collection “Afterlife”. We’ll see.

I’m trying to find my way post-doctoral, post full-on administrator. I’m teaching way too much this term, honestly. Next term will be easier. More later. Good night.