ONCE I WANTED TO BE THE GREATEST

My dad wrote me the greatest e-mail today, so I'm posting the whole thing here:




"Some ideas for you to pass the time, especially after the Super Bowl:

 

Knit big wooly socks to keep your toes warm.

Take your knitting to your meeting at the "Wood Lands". ( You can remain productive even if you dislike what's going on and you can defend yourself if need be.)

Paint a Pittsburghscape. Your favorite place in the 'Burgh'.

Write a poem about the Steelers.

Take up arena football. (watch or play.)

Plan trip to Austin. Lots to see and do. Visit UT.

Learn to roller blade.

Read or write a book.

Paint a picture of your self portrait.

Teach Interra Bang how to behave.

Knit a black and gold scarf.

Roll a pack of cigarettes.

Consider taking up pipe smoking or possibly snuff.

Draw and write cartoons.

Plan you exodus from Pittsburgh.

Floss your teeth.

Consider a yoga class. (Meet new friends and get exercise.)

Clean out your car.

Wash your car.

Wax your car.

Come home for a visit.

Do a class by that Professor I meet at the Giant Eagle.

Cook a nice meal for friends.

Have a post Supper Bowl party.

Write a letter to Troy "my hair is my name" and offer to help him write his poetry.

 

We are both looking forward to your week end visit.

 

love dad"

LEARN TO WORK THE SAXOPHONE

Can anybody tell me what to do with myself while I wait to hear back from grad schools? I had a lot of nervous energy before, but it was pretty easy to put it to use with all of the ridiculous shit I had to do for each application. There is always, of course, the jump rope, and winter vegetables, and the superbowl, and Adam moving back to Pittsburgh, but on the other hand, there's gas prices, committee meetings, and faltering friendships. Also, each day a different toe goes numb, no lie.

Well, at least that Steely Dan album is pretty good. I was nervous that I liked it so much because I was kind of afraid that Dave was making fun of me when he recommended it. (That would be a good trick, wouldn't it?) I asked Dave if he knows how to pronounce "Aja," and indeed he does not. Is there a lesson in this?