I write them and make sure everyone who lives in my house writes them, LOL. I rarely receive them, so . . . I don’t really know. I’m not bitter about it, just sort of sad. I love them.

This is a very interesting thread. I’m especially surprised that southern hospitality is interpreted as fake kindness. It feels pretty real to me.

The syllabus at CC always reads like someone forced to babysit against their will. Ignore it. It doesn’t apply to you. Although the attendance mandate is pretty standard, in my experience. Especially in grad school, where class only meets once a week. If you miss 2 classes, it’s just about impossible to makeup that much work. Not actually the WORK but the discussion needs to happen in person and is really cannot be replicated. Lots of students piece together CC credits from several schools. Personally, I quit reading professor reviews. I just take the class that best fits my schedule. Usually if I show up and behave like a responsible adult, the rest will take care of itself. Mind you, I’m not about the math. No way. No how.

We are seeing it next year. We bought out tickets as part of the season pass, which includes 6 other shows - 7 total - including Hamilton. The tickets average out to about $115 apiece, but the seats are fantastic and we simply adore theater. The season pass Includes parking, which is a big plus here.

I have no idea about the hair, but I just wanted to pop in and tell you how you have totally floored me with your photo. I’ve “known” you online for many years, and you always describe yourself in such . . . frumpy, plain, boring terms. You look young and beautiful and simply adorable. Don’t change a thing!

Toni Morrison needs to let a voice actor narrate her books. Her imagination is fantastic, but her voice is decidedly . . . not awesome. I spend a LOT of time listening to audiobooks because I walk a lot and also commute quite a ways. I have completely given up on her, LOL. I love memoirs narrated by the author, although it is sometimes painfully obvious that a ghost writer was used. I hate to hear people stumble all over their own life stories.

Thanks for the reminder!

My spouse and son always get a T-shirt, because T-shirts are their THING, my goodness. So. Many. T-shirts. My daughter always gets a shopping bag, because shopping bags are her thing. I always get a refrigerator magnet, because refrigerator magnets are my thing. I am mad for 3D and/or glittery refrigerator magnets. We are a totally touristy family. We love our souvenirs, LOL.

I always chuckle to myself when Texas is referred to as a “free” state. I am not sure if I am in favor of freedom that abandons its most vulnerable constituents, because “states’ rights.” But I’m one of those undesirables who lives in Austin, so . . . Don’t mind me.

I prefer July 2nd. I know it’s a short book, but I’m a book club junkie and it’s easier for me to stay (somewhat) organized if I have one book per club per month, LOL.

Yes. Learning to discuss victims of suicide in compassionate terms is a step towards more compassionate care, which will hopefully decrease stigma and increase protective factors. Language matters and makes a difference. I am glad he spoke openly about his struggle with addiction. We were real fans of his work in this household. He will be missed. My heart is heavy for his family and his fans today.

The San Antonio Museum of Art is a fantastic way to spend a hot afternoon. It’s at the very far end of the Riverwalk or the the water-taxi ride there is nice. I haven’t been in a while, but they used to have free jazz bands with dancing in the foyer on Thursday evenings. They have a lovely collection and interesting traveling exhibits.

Not sure if @Lady Florida. remembers we were starting this discussion today. I love the way she reviews books.

I too thought this was the perfect selection for a former homeschooler. Like the development of The Great Passage, there are so many intricacies to homeschooling well that others do not realize. I didn’t even realize until I was in the thick of it! The focus on words and the subtle shifts of meaning was so fascinating. As a former writing tutor (don’t judge me by my forum posts, LOL), words have always been a passion of mine as well. My son grew up with a huge interest (Read: OBSESSION) in Japan, Japanese language, and Japanese culture, so this book thrust me into the woes of nostalgia, LOL. He’s all grown up and moved away now, so it really pulled at my mommy-heart-strings. I was mainly exposed to anime and watching my son play Japanese video games, but it’s been a while. This felt more controlled and focused than that, so familiar but different at the same time. I also loved how the book described both dictionary construction and food preparation and service with such beautiful detail. I’m not a foodie, because I am always dieting and rarely enjoy eating (another topic altogether), but it really demonstrated the true identities of the two main characters, Majime and Kaguya. I think the attention to word detail allowed us to feel Majime’s passion, while the attention to food detail allowed us to feel Kaguya’s passions as a burgeoning chef in a unique way. Majime’s character development over the course of the novel was also fascinating. I enjoyed the voyeristic experience when one character described him as “creepy.” I, the reader, had already began to like him. I was surprised at how defensive and protective I felt over him! That was the moment I realized how invested in the characters I was, which is really the hallmark of good writing. Needless to say, I really enjoyed it!

Me! I’m about halfway through and will definitely be done by Monday. I’m really enjoying it so far. Very different from our last book.

Central A/C. I live in central and south Texas. We’ve already had 100 degree heat this year and we’re not nearly to the “hot” months yet. It’s also very humid here. I’m not interested in learning to live without A/C, LOL.

I’ve pretty much given up drinking calories, but there was a time when a daily cherry limeade was my JAM!

When I’m South Texas, we call those “salt water shirts.” When I’m in Central Texas, we call them “fishing shirts.” Either place, the shoes are “chanclas.” But we speak a very intersting version of Tex-Mex in my house, LOL.

I know the feeling! I’m about 10 hours from home. Spent the week after graduation in Las Vegas. Took a detour to look at the Grand Canyon on the way home. I love a road trip, but looking forward to sleeping in my own bed in Austin tonight.

Hope everyone and everything gets back to basic and boring very soon!

Wanted to check in and see how you and your son are doing today?

I have to give Old Art his due here. I pretty much hated him every single moment that he was APD police chief. He certainly has learned and grown in Houston. As we all do, over time, I assume.

I watched live on NBC. Natalie Morales was giving perfectly proper commentary until the RR drove by. She literally started jumping up and down and screaming, “There she is! Right there! Hi, Meagan! Hi, Meagan!” I have never laughed so hard in my life. It was hilarious and perfect. Such an “OMG it’s a princess” thing to do.

1. I would take a full length bubble bath until I pruned up. 2. Then I would use “the good lotion” all over myself. 3. I would put on clean luxurious pajamas and stay in them all day. 4. I’d order great food to be delivered by UberEats. 5. I’d watch Netflix and doze in and out of consciousness in my recliner. 6. If I started to feel too fat and restless, I’d take a nice long walk and then revert back to Step One. ENJOY!!!

The School of Social Work at UT Austin is so small that the BSWs, MSSWS, and PhDs are all individually recognized at one ceremony. I was super proud of my MSSW, but seeing the INCREDIBLE moment on stage given to PhDs was *almost* enough to make me circle back inside the building and get back to work, LOL. Now I guess I have to move on to the next phase of my life. I haven’t figured out exactly what that is yet, but I wanted to thank everyone here for their support. It’s too bad we lost so much of our group due to the forum/site stuff. I hope this post finds all those for whom it’s intended. Smooches!