The family reunion went off pretty much without issue. The only hitch is that I lost my spot as Uncle Kevin's favorite niece. (Kevin is writing a book about the history of the chemistry department at JCCC, where he's been a professor for decades. He asked me about my writing, and said, "So it looks like my book will be published before yours!" "Yeah, but way more people will read mine." And later, he was talking about being a professor: "It keeps you young." I grinned and replied, "It keeps you thinking you're young." After another couple of similar exchanges, he revoked my favored position and offered it to Natalie. She accepted. Traitor.)

I did learn that my extended family is pretty cool, pleasant, and easy to get along with. And I already knew that I loved my immediate family, but it was great to be reminded that I like them, too. We can entertain each other for hours and hours, just by joking and talking. Mom finally figured out that sometimes I argue purely for the sake of arguing.

Yesterday, after walking the dog and brunch with the family I curled up outside with m_stiefvater's most recent manuscript and got to read about sexy English teachers, killer faeries, and unrequited love while nataliesee sewed. The patio was cool thanks to the shade of our faerie tree and I realized our bench is not comfy for long-term reclining. But I ALSO realized it isn't my writing that's ruining me for reading - it's Maggie's. It's all her fault. :p

With dinner, Natalie and I watched ONCE. It was lovely and sweet and the music is amazing. For romances, it's totally my kind. Subtle, slow, and never forced. The ending is perfect. If you missed out on any of the music, here: FALLING SLOWLY, the award winner, and BROKEN HEARTED HOOVER FIXER SUCKER GUY. You'll thank me for both.

This morning on my walk, I worked out the perfect conversation for Hrothgar and Wealhtheow's first meeting. It fits in THREE points that I wanted to make, into ONE conversation instead of the three I was expecting. Hurray for exercise. That's what I love about my dawn hiked with Grendel. I know the path, he knows the path, and I can let go and let my feet do their work, let music fill my ears and send my imagination up into the layers of clouds where it finds its most inspiration. The conversation was so perfect I had to write it down in jotted, unclear notes while still sweaty and gross. As soon as I finish this, I'll get it down for real.

But first:

THE STATE OF IRAQ. With a very interesting chart.

Thomas Friedman on Bush's moronic new "energy" policy: “C’mon guys, you know you want a little more of the good stuff. One more hit, baby. Just one more toke on the ole oil pipe. I promise, next year, we’ll all go straight. I’ll even put a wind turbine on my presidential library. But for now, give me one more pop from that drill, please, baby. Just one more transfusion of that sweet offshore crude.”

Don't Ask, Don't Tell Affects Women Disproportionately in the Army and Air Force, according to Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.

And finally, an op-ed by William Kristol in the NYT hits the nail on the head regarding why I dislike Moveon.Org's new anti-McCain add, NOT ALEX so much. I knew it was the pendant in me that rolled my eyes at yet another "100 years in Iraq" reference, but there remained a pesky hint that something else was wrong about with the commercial.

Happy Monday!

Through Move-On.org, I just took The Bush-McCain Challenge -- an online quiz to see if you can tell the difference between George W. Bush and John McCain. Check it out, and see if you can do any better than I did!

I got 1 out of 5.

Which is terrifying.

Work safe, though it may kill brain cells.

Sent by my sister-in-law, Maureen, who was moved pity.