Friday night, 8:30PM. Did I mention I just woke?

This morning N came into our room at about 1. He has another ear infection, and I was worried he might be up for a while, but he fell back asleep without a problem. Of course, my concern caused me to wake to the point where I couldn’t fall asleep again. I revised an article, watched tv, read, tried, to get back to sleep, and finally gave up at about 4:30AM. T woke at five, so he and I watched Sportscenter until S and N woke. I left for work a little after seven. After twelve hours in the office yesterday and four today I’m hard-pressed to be more prepared for the semester. I may stay home until Wednesday on general principle. I have a weird-ass job.

Anyway, I left the office by about 11:30AM. I combined a $5.00 Borders rewards certificate with a 25% off coupon and picked up another Hunter S. Thompson book for eight bucks. I so don’t need any more books but I thought some HST in the arsenal would be wise. I’m greatly enjoying a re-read of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” After Borders and a brief Best Buy consideration of “Guitar Hero” (too expensive) I drove west to Holy Hill. The basilica parking lot stood empty. The gift shop carried some awful Christian trinkets (e.g. God Bless American bumper stickers), so after a quick perusal I rode the elevator to the sanctuary. Fear of heights, similar to those I felt about every ten seconds while in Italy, flooded my body. Holy Hill causes you to look both up and down. Once my equilibrium adjusted I sat in a back pew and prayed for a few minutes. I didn’t quite reach a Laverna peace but the meditation seemed worthwhile. The side chapel fascinates me. Apparently former invalids leave their crutches lined up outside after they’re healed. The crutches stand in racks near the door. I wish I had my camera with me as the winter trees stood like postcards along nearby roads.

N was on Wii when I returned home. I sat on the bed and watched him play until about 4. My eyes fluttered shut and I slept until eight. M had friends over, so I didn’t miss much besides pizza. Sorry, James, about the aborted Chicago excursion. I’ll catch you next time. Good night.