I used a new variety of toothpaste today, and it keeps leaving my mouth with a peculiar minty aftertaste, one that I can’t quite place. Maybe the forbidden lovechild of spearmint and … mango? Spearmango?

A short while ago, Sarah and I went to Arby’s. She was craving some cheese sticks, a roast beef sandwich didn’t sound disagreeable to me, and my mom had coupons, so it was on. The food was good, but now when I burp it tastes like roast beef and spearmango. I can’t say I enjoy it. Before Arby’s, Sarah and I talked on the phone for an hour or so while browsing Myspace simultaneously. We were browsing kids that went to Northmont the same years we did. It was really quite pathetic, but hey — what else is there to do on a Friday night? Nevermind, don’t answer that. It seems odd to me that most of the people I graduated with are married and/or have kids. Then I realize that they’re 23 or 24, and it doesn’t seem that strange. And still I slave away at Wal-Mart …

Actually, I’m feeling a little bit better about still being at Wal-Mart. My resume is out at several companies, none of which will probably call me, but at least it’s out there. I’m also planning on going back to WSU this fall to attend grad school, with seemingly everyone else I know. And on a more fulfilling note, I’ve got the feeling that this year might be the year my writing career goes somewhere. I’ve already written far more this year than I’ve written in years past (excluding 2002, the year of Destiny), and I think my mad skillz have improved a great deal. Most importantly, I’m finishing what I’m starting, an integral part of being a writer. If I can get a couple of stories of published, hone my self-confidence, I might actually start work on a novel I’ve been kicking around for a while. Many times, if you can produce three or so chapters and a detailed outline, a lot of agents and publishers will consider taking you on. Three chapters is something I could probably pull off. So we’ll see where I am by the end of the year. Already this one’s been a hell of a lot better than last year.

I didn’t intend for this post to be so introspective, but I guess that’s what happens. How apropos.

JAB