The boys are reading on the couch (S reading a marvel hero encyclopedia, T a Deltora Quest book) while we listen to Mozart’s wind serenades. I should make a classical CD for the car. I’ve tuned out to classical lately. Anyway, the air is cool, mid-fifties, and I could use some tea. Maybe after I finish writing.

Last night I drank but my pacing was off (too much too early, too little too late) so didn’t get much besides dehydration from the experience. This morning I woke late, maybe 8AM, and saw the kids briefly before M hustled them off to church for the teacher/volunteer breakfast. I might have attended but I had graduation this afternoon. While M and the boys were gone I cleaned most of the first floor (all but the porch) while listening to Los Campesinos and Camera Obscura. I went for a quick run downtown, since I knew I would be sitting for a couple hours later, but dehydration wore me out quickly. Still I’m glad I ran. Later I took another shower, steamed the graduation gown, and got in the car for the ride downtown. I noticed my rear driver’s side tire looked deflated. I drove on it anyway as I didn’t want to show up late for graduation. After snagging a downtown parking spot (I’m getting the hang out downtown Milwaukee’s parking subculture) I hustled into the Bradley Center and found the faculty line. I had to pee something fierce, however, so I snuck down a hallway (past the Bucks’ locker room), propped a door open with my book, and found a bathroom. I hung out with friends until the procession started. My hat is kind of bent. Did anyone notice? The ceremony was adequate. I give our departing all the credit in the world for keeping the focus on our graduates. She wouldn’t have mentioned her departure, I don’t think, if the VP hadn’t stopped the ceremony to give her a present. Some students busted me for reading Cannery Row during the ceremony, yelling “Good book, Tony?” and laughing hysterically when they passed my row. Oh, an ancient nun also gave a nine minute benediction. That might be a new record. The faculty collectively held in their laughter and hustled out the door. I found a free air device next to a Cedarburg gas station, inflated the tire, and drove home. After dinner the boys played upstairs while M and I watched an episode of Heroes. I’m feeling mellow tonight. A movie, maybe? The departing president talked, in her final speech, about the importance of learning to love what you have and rely on material things for your happiness. Good speech. I’ll keep it in mind as the boys and I listen to Mozart and read our library books. Good night.