I'm finding that I just can't be exposed too much to negative people. Or people being negative. I'm like a sponge, and I can't seem to resist soaking it up. And then it drags me down. This is pretty tricky, because negativity is so prevalent.

School will start soon, and both my girls are glad. I will have a sophomore and a senior this year, and I am taking note at each stage that a year from now my first-born will be gone from the household. I am remembering the first year I had with her, and how fast that went. It's not that I can't stand her being away, because she's grown up very nicely and is strong and smart and resourceful. She's just very good company these days, and it will just be so odd to have her gone.

And where will she be? Either at a good state school an hour and a half from here. Or. Where she WANTS to be - Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. However, somehow I don't think financial aid will reach that far. I hate to crush dreams, but reality must intrude sometimes.

Sorry, no pictures to post from N. Ireland. I don't have the deluxe version of Xanga. Just trust me - it's as gorgeous as the pictures you've seen. From my vantage point, it was calm, sane, peaceful, sweet. Full of Type B personalities.