It is my understanding that as of yesterday (correct me if my I’m wrong) Mercury is no longer in retrograde, and perhaps my life will go back to normal, whatever that means.

For the last few days/weeks I have attributed my wild hair to the steroids I was taking (and am now off of) for my Crohn’s disease. But I’m also well aware of astrological influences, even if I don’t believe in all that stuff. Certain things have been relevant.

I don’t know when the stars corrected themselves, but I felt it Saturday night. I know others felt it too…

If it isn’t Mercury, it is something else; something has changed, and there’s got to be some more change in my life to come. This time last year my life changed drastically, and for a while I thought I was just experiencing a shadow or imprint of that. But again, like clock work, my life is changing again.

I got the call yesterday saying that my mortgage was approved, and I will in fact be buying a house (I close on Friday). So my living arrangements will be very different. I currently live alone, sharing the Portico with my neighbor and close friend Buddy. And I lament having to give that luxury away. But I will have roommates in the new house (for better or for worse), and I’m excited.

I taught my first class last night. I was nervous for about 5 minutes, but then just let it all go. My students seem o.k. One of them had a birthday Monday and I smiled as I announced it to the class. We didn’t sing or anything because I didn’t really think that would have been appropriate, but it was noted. I’m also taking two classes and feel like I’m going to love both–especially the professors. Language Theory is going to take some major time commitments, and quite possibly kick my ass, but I’m really interested. It is going to be an exciting and busy year.

Dating has been sporadic and difficult in the past few weeks. I’ve had some great times and met some fantastic people, but somehow I feel it will all change. I don’t know if this feeling means that I’m going to go through a dry spell, or if that I’ll finally settle down for a while with someone. We’ll see.

Any how, after some crazy feelings on Saturday night, and a spooky situation where I was listening to Ben Folds - Evaporated and was suddenly confronted with a lyric (out of the blue): “it’s all smiles and business these days,” I made the following playlist. It doesn’t go out to anyone in particular, but is more representative of me.

“If there were no music…”

Poe Hello The Used Yesterday Feelings Straylight Run Tool Sheds and Hot Tubs REM Everybody Hurts The Charlatans Try Again Today Jet Look What You’ve Done Interpol Not Even Jail Duran Duran Come Undone Sheryl Crow Tomorrow Never Dies Annie Lennox Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye Fiona Apple Never Is A Promise Des’Ree Kissing You Moby Dream About Me Shawn Colvin I Don’t Know Why Mazzy Star Fade into You Natalie Merchant Last Goodbye