Some random thoughts, gathered:
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This week we signed up to try Netflix. We stay home more often now, will likely do more so when The Kid comes, and the library here just isn't the Multnomah Public Library system. We borrow a lot from Duke but you only get the movie for three days and there is no way to browse - you have to specifically request a title with a catalog number and really think about what you want every few days. Without cable, we rely on our movies. So we shall try it...I am currently doing homework (um, sort of) and watching (from the library) "Shut Up and Sing" about the Dixie Chicks - I do love Barbara Kopple who made the film (Harlan County, USA) and ten minutes in, so far, so good, so infuriating - I'm shouting at the TV. Watching clips from early in the war and seeing business people try to spin a situation is so so amazing(ly hard)....we also watched "The Times of Harvey Milk" this week, 25 years old plus and a little creaky but still sad and shocking. Check it. Also, "Friday Night Lights" Season One...is...so...good. I'm not kidding. I do not like football etc. but the characters have depth and interest and shade...I already miss it.

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When we came home the other day there was a plate of cookies on our porch with a note from the neighbors, welcoming us. That has never happened to me. It makes up for some of the sad and empty houses around here. The house is really coming together and almost all the books are unpacked at last. We also switched all our CD's from jewel cases to Case Audio binders and I love it- no more CD towers. Vinyl records are the only music object worth holding on to anyway. Our house is so happy making.

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I gave a lukewarm review to a graphic novel on Goodreads and the author politely responded to it, calling it "thoughtful" and asked to be my "friend". But still, I felt like a chump. It is hard to remember that words on the internet could personally affect someone. I need to keep that in mind.

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Speaking of reading, I love my new commute, a peaceful half-hour on the free bus from Duke to UNC. I am happily chewing through books and spitting 'em out. Oh by the way, if you think carrying around a 5 pound watermelon in your stomach means people will give you a seat on the bus or hold a door or anything vaguely polite - no. But I also haven't had a stranger touch my stomach yet. Only AH who pats it in a kind of bemused stupor as we both realize in 7 weeks, give or take, this baby is coming out one way or another. crazy.

But before that, 4 group projects and 5 papers...that also have to come out one way or another and possibly more painful ly than actual birth.