Well, where the kids are concerned, cautious optimism definitely seems to be the order of the day . . .

I'm feeling most encouraged about Charlie lately. He has signed up for two courses this semester: Welding and First Aid. Both classes have each met once, now, and I'm very encouraged with Charlie's reactions to them. He seems to think that both his instructors know what they're talking about, and I think he likes the fact that welding (and First Aid, too) is/are sort of "guy things," if that makes sense. I'm really thinking that he could get an immediate sense of accomplishment from the First Aid class, especially: the next class period, they're learning CPR, for instance. (I know that I, myself, gained a great sense of competence from taking First Aid when I was becoming a lifeguard - knowing how to save someone's life in an emergency - whether or not you ever have to - does make one feel rather useful to the rest of the human race . . . ) Keep your fingers crossed. This could be very good, indeed . . .

Emma is cranking along, too. Her apartment is really nicely decorated, and the complex itself is in a very nice part of town - far enough from MSU to be very reasonably priced, and no obnoxious drunks at all hours of the night . . . I think things could work out for her, too; but as always with Emma, her motivation is the unknown factor here.

Emil, I am happy to report, is happy as a clam at his new job. Although he doesn't like to get up in the morning any more than he ever has, the job itself sounds pleasantly challenging and the people are fun to hang out with. What more can you ask, really? (Besides a cool car to commute in, of course.)

And my semester is pleasantly underway as well. Once classes actually get going, I'm usually glad to be back, and this year is no exception. All my classes are online, as it turns out (have I mentioned that already?), so I have a ton of flexibility. It'll be a challenge to me to organize my time effectively, but that's always the case . . . and really, that's a nice problem to have. I am determined to make these courses outstanding so I can keep teaching this way . . . :)

We-eell, that's about all the news from here. It's nice to have everything on an even keel!