One equal temper of heroic hearts

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Todd and I had an intrastate gift exchange this year: he sent me about twelve pounds of chocolate, and I sent him a mix CD and a card with an 'our-relationship-as-a-sports-metaphor' theme. I'm planning to go back to Valparaiso this weekend (it's nice when your present can actually be seeing the person with whom you're in a relationship), the first time I've been back since moving to Terre Haute.

I've gotta' say: I'm pretty okay on my own, but there are times when I really miss having Todd around to talk to. We talk on the phone a couple of times a week, but it was nice to have that face-to-face, visual connection every day. I like my co-workers and my students keep me very busy, but that's pretty much the extent of my interpersonal contact these days. I'm shy about going out to meet new people. However, now that the weather's starting to turn (or at least teasing us all with the prospect), there will be a lot more outdoor activities popping up; some co-workers even go to a Tuesday/Thursday night yoga group on campus. I've just got to get over my shyness and get out there.

I also miss having free time to write in the evenings. I don't think I've written anything -- for my own pleasure -- since January. Even when I've had some free time in the evenings I haven't really felt like sitting down and committing to my word processor. I'm pretty much sapped by the end of the day. I'll go back and read old RP logs -- cringing and patting myself on the back at turns -- and wonder if I'll ever have time for it again. I really miss having that outlet. I would hope that growing up doesn't mean that you have to give up those things that you really, really love to do.

So tired. Todd and I were up until about six this morning drinking wine and watching S2 episodes of House. We both caved and gave each other one part of the other's Christmas present. Todd got me Michael Moorcock's The Coming of the Terraphiles and I got him a Bender keychain. (I will save the rest of his presents for Christmas, I will.) At one point I remember the conversation getting very existential -- the meaning of life, thoughts about heaven and what happens to us after we die -- but one of us made a poop joke and we were back on track. Nights like that are awesome. :)

Weekend To-Do List:

SATURDAY:
- Clean apartment before parents arrive on Sunday
- Call parents to confirm arrival/departure plans
- Do a load of laundry
- Buy soda and scotch tape
- Wrap Christmas presents
- Finish That One Part of another_myself's Birthristmas box
- Make a final exam study plan for Japanese
- E-mail mailing address to BBF / Follow up with Andrew, re: the VIC

SUNDAY:
- Graduation!
- Begin studying for Japanese final