“Time Flies Like an Arrow…

… Fruit flies like a banana." -Groucho Marx

This summer has indeed been flying by. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost August already! At last the weather is beginning to bear some resemblance to a traditional New England summer, reverting once more to that classic summer forecast: "Partly sunny, high’s in the mid-80’s, winds light and variable, chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon."

For the past two days I’ve skipped the gym and gone with Alan to the track over at Jonathan Law. It’s better for him to work out on a track because his PT test will actually be done on a track and it’s a completely different animal than running a wooded trail. I’ve gone with him because he needs a lot of prodding to keep going, and I think this is going to be a matter of just pushing on no matter what. He’s improving every day, too, so I think he’ll be ready for Basic in no time.

And in an unexpectedly positive turn of events, Alan’s found a job. His grandfather talked to the guy who does their landscaping and he’s agreed to take Alan on. He’s even agreed to pick Alan up at the Darien train station every morning. He’ll be working 5 or 6 days a week from 7 am till 5 or 6 in the evening. They haven’t worked out money yet, but as the guy does landscaping in one of the wealthiest areas in country, it stands to reason that his clients shell out top dollar. No one mows their own lawn down there. And he starts tomorrow, which is a huge weight off my shoulders. We’ll probably still have to borrow money from my parents to cover August’s rent, but I think after that we’ll be all right.

Alan’s birthday is also coming up. Just over two weeks away. I’m not sure we’ll have enough money for presents, but I’m very good at cake and already have most of the ingredients to make one from scratch. Maybe I’ll attempt a Louisiana Crunch Cake… Alan really loved the one Suzon’s mom made him.

Just thirteen days after Alan’s birthday it’ll be Karma’s birthday. A whole year old and she’s still a midget. She really is a tiny little thing. I know she’ll probably grow a little bit more, but it seems like she has a couple inches before she catches up to Aladdin. I guess that rules out my theory that she’s part Maine Coon Cat, since they’re a big breed. Then again, she could just be a runt. Lisette’s dog is a pure Beagle and you’d never guess it she’s so much smaller than they usually are.

Speaking of Karma, I showed my book about her to my mom and she absolutely loved it. I’ve done quite a few more drawings, but haven’t done the color on them yet. When I’ve finished with them I’m going to take them to Staples and get color copies of them all so that I can submit the finished product to publishers. When I’m done with my current set of books I’ll see if the library has anything on getting children’s books published.

For now though, I think a cool bath is in order. ^_^

~Liz