I met Miss Kitty’s brother on Sunday. She warned me before he arrived that one of two people would show up -- drunken brother or sober brother and it would more than likely be drunken brother. As soon as I heard his slightly whiny, slightly slurred speech from the doorway, I knew that Miss Kitty’s prediction was right. I spent most of the day in my basement. I have not ever been comfortable around drunks and I have to say that I resent this man a great deal. If it weren’t for Miss Kitty’s husband taking this man’s sons-in-law to be out for a bachelor night two years ago—her husband would not be in the middle of an 18-month prison sentence right now. And yet, this man is free to drive around drunk. I admire Miss Kitty for being able to suck it up. I would be tossing out some ultimatums in her position, but I suppose that wouldn’t really do much good either.

I found a posting for a university position that would basically be what I am doing now minus the adoption work for university staff and faculty. I think I would like that. I don’t mean to be insulting, but it’s really hard work trying to counsel people who are below average intelligence and people who are above average intelligence don’t stay with my agency because they have to pay too much on the sliding scale and we don’t accept insurance. Well, I guess all I can do is toss my hat in and see what happens.

I’m feeling a little better about things. I don’t know if it’s the sun, the fact that it is no longer Monday, supportive notes from a friend and a stranger or my mom’s unwavering devotion. It could also be that I expected to have to put $250 into my car to pass inspection, but all I needed was a light bulb. I also had a talk with a woman who seems to have it all—fun job, great boyfriend, new house, etc. and she didn’t really seem very happy either. In any case, thanks friend, thanks stranger.

At least there are a couple primaries today. Somehow, watching John Kerry trounce the other candidates excites me. I feel like I have been campaigning for the guy since August. I am very successful in it. I have won the votes of Miss Kitty, the office manager, my coworker to the north, my mom, and maybe Maddy and Les. I try with just about everyone. I hope that makes up for me not giving a monetary donation. I feel strangely guilty about that.

I have been examining why I like Kerry so much. As I have mentioned before, I definitely have daddy issues. I often find myself attracted to men who are knowledgeable, witty, calm, brave and capable. Unfortunately, they also tend to be somewhat aloof. My own father was definitely aloof, knowledgeable and witty—the rest, not so much. Hmm . . . something to ponder while I recline on my self-analysis couch, I guess. I need to get one of those, but I will call it a chaise.

Love to all.