Finals has been going on for the last two weeks. When teachers stack term papers atop tests atop more term papers, it’s a recipe for stress. Along with finals kicking my butt, real life wants in on the action, too; frozen pipes, financial tight-rope walking, tire issues with the car, to name a few. It’s been a challenge

How have I been doing with the challenge? In broad strokes, pretty much what any of us does the face of adversity; the best we can with what we have. Personally, my self esteem feels damned pristine. I’ve risen to each and every occasion with a calm positive patient demeanor and in each instance, I come out on top.

I have written that seven page term paper with a few more pages for good will. I have studied for and preformed very well on each test levied. I have fixed those burst pipes quickly and efficiently and all with my own gumption. Grandma even had me go to the neighbor’s and fix their frozen shit. There’s a feeling there that goes with all this. Pride is a very apt word, I’d like to make a substitution, though. I’d like to say “Manly”. I feel very manly.

I’m not sure if the writing reads this way or not, but I am still feeling mighty fine. I fret over shit like I always do, I procrastinate, I hunker down into my little moods now and again, but overall the outlook is sunny, in spite of the actual weather.

Alright, back to the books. I’m on a tight time budget.