eat it, Sallie

Ladies and gentlemen! today, July 15th, over nine years after my college graduation, I have hit 'send' on the final payment of my student loan.

(One of my two student loans.)
(The smaller one, incidentally.)
(Whatever, lemme enjoy this moment, OK?)

Feels like freedom, friends.

for spacious skies

Basil just introduced me to my new favorite thing.

I got the Hem album "Funnel Cloud" last night and listened to it on repeat for four hours. (I'm sure my neighbors enjoyed it as much as I did.) It's sort of bluesy alt-country via Tin Pan Alley -- Rodgers & Hart clearly gave Great American Houses of New York and Almost Home a little smooch -- and it's the sweetest little slice of Americana I've ever heard. In celebration of this great nation, I plan on acquiring and devouring the rest of the discography as soon as possible.

(Thanks, Bas!)

Rabbit, rabbit

My Mid-Year's Resolution (don't you make those?) is more dinner parties. I intend to start immediately with grilled tofu, asparagus, and carrots, and a cocktail that we accidentally invented last weekend. Hooray, summer!