chicago '08

I started doing the goodreads thing. if you like books and I haven't already strong-armed you into joining, you should sign up and be my friend. it is completely overwhelming to try and rate everything I have ever read, so I am trying to rate my absolute favorites and any books that friends include on their lists that I have already read. it's very fun and addictive.

today Hugsband and I spent several hours at our local branch of the state of illinois dmv. the place was like a shrine to our secretary of state, Jesse White. his photograph was plastered all over the place. in fact, when I was searching online for information about the location/hours/etc., I had difficulty finding the official state website because it's called something like 'Jesse White presents cyberdrive illinois'. most of the individuals working at the northwestside dmv were quite friendly, including the ancient man who administered my written exam. he was covered in liver spots, had a parkinsonian tremor, and appeared rather unsuited to perform his job. he scored my exam by running one finger along the answer key and marking on the test with his other hand. unfortunately, his movements were uncoordinated, and his left hand was at least 2 items behind his right by the time he finished. needless to say, he was quite inaccurate with his scoring. somehow I still eeked by with a passing score (he marked 5 wrong).

we didn't go out to celebrate Hugsband's new job or the completion of my big, scary exam, but when we left the dmv with new licenses, plates, registration, and city stickers in hand, we both agreed that some sort of celebration was in order. can't celebrate tonight- Mom's coming over to have Hugsband's famous salmon and zucchini/goat cheese bread, but tomorrow night we're eatin' out!!

we are back home, kind of settled in, and certainly enjoying our new place. there were some scary moments in the days before we closed on our new house. in fact, we were mid-move, half way through ohio when we found out that everything would be ok. phew! we do not want to move again for a long, long time.

Hugsband got a job, a really fun sounding job teaching kids and teachers about the fishes, so we can pay the mortgage.

I am taking my 4.5-hour, very expensive, high stakes licensing exam this morning. I hope I can remember all of the stupid facts I memorized over the last couple of months.