hello.

Every Tuesday and Thursday I force myself to sit down and write creatively for two hours as part of a school project (and also because if I don't force myself to do things with structure, they never get done).

I've realized two things:

1. I have to write while my favorite sitcoms are on in the background or I get too morose. (And if I opt for music, it has to be Bob Dylan.)

2. I relish distraction.

Today's distraction: my dad is coming tomorrow. To stay with us. For the entire weekend. We've cleared our our second bedroom and acquired a blow-up mattress and I'm convinced that if I cook him fantastic meals all weekend he'll think I'm adult and mature enough to handle the responsibilities of marriage (which has previously been up for debate).

So here's what I'm thinking:

Saturday Morning: Breakfast Burritos
Boiled potatoes, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, sauteed onions and green peppers, and scrambled eggs all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Green chili salsa optional (although he'll take it because he's a New Mexican). Yum!!

Saturday Picnic Lunch: Panini Sandwiches with Herbed Potato Salad and fresh fruit.
I'm thinking steak sandwiches with grilled veggies and mozzarella cheese.

Sunday Morning: French Toast
...with strawberries and a creamy brown sugar topping!

Okay, so most likely this will all end up a disaster-- the mattress will explode (I hope not; it's borrowed), he'll notice that we're paying too much for rent, and my meals will be awful and burnt and taste bad (because I've never made them before). And we'll have this moment where he says "I'll always be your dad and you'll always need me" and I'll say "I know, you should have been cooking this whole time" (because he's terrific at it) and then we'll all go out for ice cream.