Statistics roll along and along, one perfect normal curve after another crashing onto my shore. Eroding. Midterm due tomorrow. Midterm again next week.

First midterm done and painful it was though it didn't have to be. It seemed easy, so I felt comfortable procrastinating beyond when I could wait no more. Toward the end I rushed and I know I could've done better on it. Again I say what I always say, which is: How well would I do if I really applied myself? Tom told me that when he entered graduate school he did, for the very first time, try as hard as he could and it was not enough. I cannot yet say that, for there is always more effort I could exert.

Your story too?

The most beautiful bouquet of flowers arrived on my doorstep yesterday. The most beautiful, I'll say again because it's indisputable truth. Valentine. Be mine. Always yours. His. Hers. Endeavors of the heart. I have never been left wanting for the ephemeral affection encouraged by this holiday. I will say it, not boasting, but appreciative of the materialized desire left on doorstep for me, or sealed with a kiss, or handed off from trembling hand to shy one. Several days ago a little stuffed sheep showed up baa-ing when flipped over and bearing a note that said, among other things, "An important sheep misses you."

The malady lingers on, I'm afraid. As of late the critters warring in my system have all decided to den in my head. I wear headaches throughout the day and even stiffness in my jaw. My ears pop like I'm on the plane, of which you know I just love to be reminded. I'm taking ibuprofen and it's working some. Thank goodness. Andrew had the same flu I did and when I read his account of it I erupted in gurgly phlegm-filled laughter. He recorded all the gory details with startling clarity, given the state of decay he must've been occupied. He got it right - right down to the funky hallucinations that come with this particular strain. His documentary begins here.