Moses couldn’ta said it better

I can’t remember when I’ve felt so slap-happy for no reason. I mean, no exceptional reason; there are lots of minor-league ones, lining up for the majors. I had to take Jess to work today. The boy already has two jobs lined up - two full-time jobs - and gets to make a decision based on how much money he’ll get paid by which. He’s in bidding wars right now. Ah, America. Van wants me to start researching universities that are known for good music programs, because he’s decided he’d rather play music - or teach it - or even adjust microphone stands - than cook all day as a chef. I think he’s wise, as he can play any instrument he picks up, without lessons, and balks if he has to get his own apple out of the fridge (see note). He wants me to do the research, because he has some strange idea I sit in front of the computer all day - hm - and he’s far too busy this week driving around with his friends getting tattoos. He leaves again for Iraq on Saturday.

We had such a good time Monday, Memorial Day… It was just my three kids and me. We saw X-Men 3, ate Japanese food, and drove home to munch popsicles while we watched stand-up comedians on dvd. I actually laughed all the mascara into my eyes and spent the rest of the day rubbing them and squinting at people through a red, blurry haze. Afterwards - before they left again - my two big boys installed a window air conditioner unit for me. I was so grateful. I felt like an old mommy whose grown sons come to do her heavy work on the weekends. They even hugged me goodbye, and kissed me on the cheek. Well, Van kissed me. Jesse licked my ear, the bugar.

Hey, Torie was with us, too. I love me my Torie.

Scott made it to Nantucket. He’s installed in his tiny office/apartment (a room in his employer’s house) and has his own truck to drive to work in, a nice change from last year when he was dependent on his friend for transportation, and a bike he borrowed. Biking through the ice and snow of a Nantucket winter isn’t as fun as it sounds. I know, I was shocked, too. He really loves that little ole former whaling community slash millionaire tourist helltrap. He’s making some good friends, and even gets to play drums once in awhile.

And me? I’m enjoying my friends, my kids, and even the simmering summer heat. Writing “simmering” made me think of “soylent” which launches me right into my favorite cheesy line of all time: “Soylent green is peeepullll!!!!” Between that, and “Those damn dirty apes!” Charleton Heston has the best lines sewn up, doesn’t he? And now I remember I bought The Rainmaker, which doesn’t star Mr. Heston, but Burt Lancaster. I love that movie, despite twitchy Katherine Hepburn. I think she was from Nantucket. La de frickin da. Bet she never had to live in a van down by the river. love you guys. xo

[note: Van actually likes to cook. I was exaggerating for effect, because it’s so much fun. Usually I lie without telling you, but I didn’t want to lie at his expense. See what a good mom I am?)