Arachnophobia?

Work work work. I really don't mind it that much. The job has its stress points, but I feel pretty satisfied that I've fallen into a good groove with the proceidures as well as with my boss.

I don't like writing too much about work though. It seems like such a mundane thing to focus on. At home, however, new adventures happen every day. I'm learning to be what some might call "mature" through expreiences such as substantial living, tornadoes, and poisonous spiders.

I suppose I should start with last night's storm. If you've never been to Nashville, you should know that this time of year is prime for harsh weather. Some of the most amazing lightening storms I've ever whitnessed were here. Sure, they're no NC hurricane, but it's almost always a good show. Last night was no exception. I went out onto the porch to watch it all come in, enjoy the light show and the sound of the pounding rain. Weeman came out with me as the winds started to pick up. I think in the heart of every man exists the appreciation for extreme weather conditions. Anyways, as we were surveying the splendor of the storm, our attention was drawn to a rustling down the street that quickly turned into a roar. All of the sudden things started to literally lift off of the ground and fly with great speed down the streets. The trees bowed as if before royalty and the rain turned into sheets that you could barely see through. Just for immagery, have you ever been in an airplane on a runway when it was raining and seen the effect of a jet engine thrust on the water on the ground? Well... that's what we saw. We ran like scared little girls back into the house where upon the door was ripped out of my hands and slammed shut behind me by the wind. I haven't been through many tornadoes, but I can tell you this. It takes a pretty high wind to rip limbs off of trees and knock out power for hundreds of people. Oh, and poor Viking left his windows down only to discover a very damp car in the morning. But after the storm we went out to survey the area. It was pretty hard core with limbs and debris everywhere. While everyone else was out checking on their houses, we all decided it would be a good idea to play instruments on the porch. It was neat because the crickets started chirping in rhythm. Our power came back on soon after.

As if that wasn't enough adventure for one week, today I came pretty close to a good bit of pain. I was woken up early from a nap because Weeman called me to ask about dinner plans. I was a bit groggy and unappreciative at the moment until I went back to my bed and turned over the covers to discover a presence that made me a bit more greatful of being awake. It seemed that a brown recluse had decided that I would be a cozy object to snuggle up next to. It scampered off into my work pants after I startled it and I haven't been able to find it since. This makes the third encounter with a brown recluse I've had in this house. I killed two adults and now this baby makes for a bit of unsettled feelings in the house. It signifies a hatched nest with who knows how many brothers and sisters. Stuffy and I went to Walmart to by combatants. We picked up 100% deet to secure our sleeping quarters with and an emergency bite first aid kit to keep on hand at least until the exterminators get a chance to come out here and give us an assessment.

Other than that, I'd say things are pretty good. I'm in great shape, school is about to start back up, and I have a good deal of mental clarity at the moment. That's good. I'll need all of the mental clarity I can get this year.

Peace and love.