DUDES HEY
Here’s the thing. I got sick Friday, and decided I needed to fix it by the time we left town tonight. So I did a LOT of penance, staying in for three nights in a row. I’m pretty sure that’s a new personal record, and I’m worried I have contracted hermit. The Sickness, it should recognize this achievement, and not only go away, but give me a goddamn trophy. But no, it’s still there in my head, producing fluids at such volume the Mississippi is starting to get jealous. What I’m saying is: look out, Nodakia, for I am bringing you scones, blueberry pie, and the plague. So, my mom has this special voice. I think I first heard it when she presented me with my Modess starter kit at the age of eleven. I don’t recall what exactly she told me about the joys of womanhood and the wondrous new technology of beltless maxi pads, but I know she said it in that voice: it’s a little higher-pitched and formal, as if overenunciation could disguise embarrassment. She also uses this voice when discussing sex, something that occurs more seldom than the summer Olympics, for it is Very Naughty Business Indeed. Anyway, we were on the phone last night discussing the transfer of my apartment keys so she could feed my cats while I’m gone. She was very confused about the fact I was giving them to her on Wednesday night, yet not leaving til Thursday afternoon. Finally she asked, “Do you stay at Matt’s?” I said yes, I thought she knew that, since we’d discussed it a few times before. Well, she had inferred, but wasn’t quite sure. And while all of that is Very Naughty Business, she had still managed to hatch a plan in the past few weeks, in which my brother Escobar would take over my apartment and the care of my cats. There are a few flaws in that plan, obviously. Still, it’s pretty cute. As I mentioned, I’ve ventured out of seclusion very little this week. On Tuesday, Matt made homemade macaroni and cheese for dinner, and I made biscuits that were so awesome I was excited to bring them to work the next day. Last night, I cleaned, packed, baked scones, knitted, and went clothes-shopping. It was one of those few magical consumer experiences when suddenly Old Navy has a million things you like a lot, and you get at least half a new wardrobe for a hundred bucks. I was also thrilled to find a new knitting bag, and rushed home to fill it with my projects. I am a huge knitting nerd, and I accept this. Five of us will assemble after work today, and head off toward the wilds of Western North Dakota for Roughrider Days in Cindi’s hometown. (How much do you love an event that serves a breakfast from 11pm to 2am on Saturday night?) I plan to cough my way through the remaining hours of today, and will see you guys next week. Jenni