Analyze this

Just a few quick words about the GRE:

• Since I took the computerized version of the test, I learned my verbal and quantitative scores upon completion. And it's now official: I'm a math nerd. This shouldn't come as any surprise, only serving as confirmation of the obvious.
• I did okay on the verbal section. I can live with my score. I'm not sure studying would have made much of a difference with my archenemies: antonyms and analogies. I'd much rather be calculating the area of the shaded region anyway.
• I'll receive my analytical writing score in about two weeks. I think I nailed the issue task. Boy, did I have a lot to say! It was like the question was written just for me. With 45 minutes, I was able to draft my argument with multiple examples in an organized manner, and with time to spare.
• The issue task wasn't so bad either. That being said, time was more of a factor because 1.) I was allotted only 30 minutes with this section; and 2.) I almost wet myself trying to beat the clock. With about seven minutes to go until a 10-minute break, I was dancing in my seat because my bladder was about to give way. I decided clean, dry underwear trumped a full time allowance. I did make it back to my desk in about two and a half minutes, plenty of time to finish the section.
• I decompressed by taking a drive into the Black Hills. I visited the Crazy Horse Memorial and Custer State Park. Oh, how I love the Hills.
• I'm glad it's all over. I'm not taking the exam again.

How many vocabulary words can I learn in 36 hours?

I take the GRE Saturday morning in Rapid. I can't believe it's time to take this exam already. I'm making the three-hour drive right after work tomorrow. Luckily, I have a new friend in Rapid, who has offered me a place to crash.

The crazy thing is since I'm taking the computerized version of the exam, I'll know my verbal and quantitative scores immediately after finishing. I'll receive my writing score about two weeks later.

I took one practice exam and did well. Just like the SAT, I'm much stronger in math than verbal. I just need to make sure I take my time reading the questions. The errors I made in the math section were so incredibly stupid.

As far as the verbal section, I can handle the reading comprehension. And I'm decent on the fill-in-the-blank sentences. But the antonyms trip me up. I probably should have brushed up on my vocabulary. But how boring is that?

The writing section should be fine, except I'm a deliberate writer. I plan to win the readers over with grammar and punctuation in case the time constraint plays havoc with my content. Lots of semicolons, for sure.

After the exam, I'm going to decompress by treating myself to breakfast and a drive into the Black Hills. Hopefully, I'll be doing those things with the knowledge I don't have to take the GRE again.

Well, that never happened in Juneau

Yesterday's blizzard is now a memory. It was sunny and close to 50 degrees today. Except for the drifts, the snow melted rapidly today, which meant mud and huge puddles. Nothing my Xtratufs couldn't handle, of course.

Like most days, I walked into town during lunch to check my mail. I was walking on the sidewalk going with traffic when I heard a vehicle approaching from behind. The road was especially wet in this area, so I started thinking to myself, "Here we go. I'm going to get splattered." But it sounded like the vehicle was slowing down. I turned around then, and this red SUV with a plow hooked to its front end had indeed slowed and made a concerted effort to avoid sending slush in my direction. Now there's courtesy for ya!

I made it to the post office, checked my mail, and headed back. As I passed the high school and teacher housing, the red SUV passed by me again, this time coming to a stop. The driver rolled down his window and asked, "I didn't get you wet, did I?" I had to ask him to repeat himself, because there was no way he had just asked what I thought I had heard. When he did, I thanked him for the consideration and told him, no, I was perfectly dry.

I walked to work most days during five sloppy Juneau winters. Traipsing along Egan Drive's unplowed sidewalks was always a treat; the bonus was when a car or snowplow would zoom by and spray me. So, thank you to the driver of the red SUV for doing the unexpected - twice! You made my day.

Joe Citizen redux

City Council was last Wednesday. Even though the second reading of the proposed ordinance to increase the sales tax was on the agenda, I had planned to attend for informational purposes only. Council meetings have proven to be my best source of news coverage for the city of Mission, its relationship with the reservation, and the delicate question of tribal/city jurisdiction. Add a touch of gossip and a pinch of vigilantism, and City Council is worth an hour of my time two Wednesdays per month.

Anyway... The sales tax increase had been unanimously approved two weeks prior, even after my respectful commentary on, in my opinion, the city's minimal communication of the issue to local residents. The second reading was merely a matter of procedure. I had provided my opinion though, which was enough for me. That is, until last Wednesday's Tribune appeared in my mailbox.

City Council minutes are published in our weekly paper. It had been exactly two weeks since the meeting during which I spoke, and the minutes had not appeared in the prior week's edition. I was anxious mostly to see how my comments were interpreted in the minutes. What verb would they choose? "Mr. Laurent argued... complained... opined... commented...?"

But the minutes weren't in there. That was a problem. The second reading was that same evening, and the public hadn't been notified of the first reading. In my argument two weeks before, I had allowed for the fact the public had the minimum amount of information necessary to comment publicly on city business. But that assumes they had all of the requisite information in a timely manner.

I'm not a conspiracy theorist usually. I don't normally think the worst in people or public bodies right off the bat. I'm all about giving folks the benefit of the doubt. I will say, though, the thought crossed my mind the city deliberately didn't provide the minutes to the newspaper, allowing for minimal rebuttal to the increased sales tax. Check that, there would be no rebuttal because the public doesn't attend Council meetings; however, they would have at least had the opportunity to speak up. You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it appear at City Council.

I fretted all afternoon. On the one hand, I wanted to voice my opinion (again), building upon the dialog the council and I had at the last meeting. My thought was to postpone the second reading until the next Council meeting, providing enough time for the minutes from the first meeting to be published. And then vote on it. Simple. More than likely, no one would show up (besides me), and most certainly the vote would be unanimously in favor of the increase.

On the other hand, however, I had to think about my job. And my employer. And my VISTA commitment. Sandy and I had already appeared successfully in front of the council for work-related reasons. I'm a representative of Habitat for Humanity and VISTA here in Mission. I would have been risking my professional reputation by speaking up (again).

During my walk to the meeting, I had psyched myself up to respectfully suggest a postponement. The meeting began, and the sales tax issue was one of the first items on the agenda. The mayor brought up the proposed ordinance, there was an almost-immediate motion to approve, it was seconded, and the roll call was completed. Unanimous. I swear, it happened that fast. There was no solicitation of comments from the public (i.e. me). The last time, I was allowed the floor right after the agenda item was announced, even before the Council members. This time? Nothing.

It was startling how quickly they moved onto the next agenda item. The meeting wrapped up within the hour: Motion to adjourn, motion seconded, meeting adjourned. It was only then the mayor asked me, as if he just saw me, "Oh, sir. Did you have anything for the Council?" Kind of hard to miss me in a small office with the Council at a conference table, with just me and a police officer present otherwise.

I was caught off guard, but managed to remark on the minutes' absence from the paper. The woman from the city said sometimes she gets them in, sometimes she doesn't. Funny answer considering I had called the newspaper earlier that afternoon. When I asked the woman from the paper about the minutes, she rustled through her copy before replying, "Huh. She usually gets them in there in time."

I hate to say the fix was in, but come on! Unless there's some special rule where public comment is not allowed during the second reading of proposed ordinances, something smells. But what now? A letter to the editor maybe? I'm not sure yet. There are two things I am sure about though: 1.) Next time, I'll make sure I'm recognized when I want to make a public comment; and 2.) The local portion of the sales tax will increase to 2 percent on July 1.

P.S. Maybe I'm more paranoid than I thought. When I made that inquiry to the newspaper, I called from my cell phone instead of the office line. In case the paper had caller ID, I didn't want it to come across as from Habitat. I wanted to remain anonymous. Well, as anonymous as possible in Mission, South Dakota.

Auntie Em and the Abominable Snowman

We're under a tornado watch until 7 this evening. The blizzard warning starts at 1 Tuesday morning. The weather is crazy, crazy, crazy!

The land of infinite variety

If you like to peruse websites from chambers of commerce across the country like I do, you'll notice a common description of the local climate, no matter the location: If you don't like the weather now, just wait five minutes and it will change. Usually, this is just mere hyperbole; however, nowhere does the saying come closest to ringing true than here in the Dakotas.

Yesterday, it was in the 70s and I was out running without a shirt on. (I'm determined to not have a farmer's tan this summer. I'm losing the battle thus far.) And it's beautiful again today, albeit a tad breezy. But there's a blizzard warning in effect starting at noon tomorrow for the western third of the state, plus portions of Wyoming and Nebraska.

The weather has been up and down like this since the last week of February. And I'm not complaining. One of the two key reasons why I've found my first South Dakota to be so palatable is the relatively quick fluctuations in the weather. Below zero temperatures, howling winds, or wind chills of 45 below (or all three simultaneously) are not only tolerable but kind of exciting because I know just around the corner there'll be respite from the bitter cold.

And the other reason why I've enjoyed my first South Dakota winter? You guessed it: Sun!

In fact, I think I'll grab my book and soak in some of the fleeting rays.

Funny how things turn out

An avid reader from Juneau reminded me today I've only completed one-fifth of my 25 things about me. So, let's call this one #6, along with a smooth segue into the details about my first day as Coach Laurent.

***

I attended a private high school. Gym classes weren't a part of the curriculum; however, students were still required to obtain PE credits from participating in one sport per year. During my freshman and sophomore years, I tried out for the basketball team. Both times, I didn't make it past the first cut. So, I ran track instead. They accepted everybody.

Freshman year, I attended practice regularly and drifted into the distance runners' long runs. I had the stamina to run long distances; I just wasn't very fast. I ran the 3200 in a couple of meets. I don't think I ever finished higher than last.

By the time the season rolled around again the following year, I really didn't want to be there. It started with me taking shortcuts during the team's long runs. This proved to be more entertaining than I had anticipated. My high school was pretty prestigious, but it was located in a not-so-nice area. One time, me and two girls took a detour through a bad neighborhood. We were walking along when two boys, one white and one black, began to follow us. Hmmm... This never happened in the suburbs.

The black kid started to make conversation. He kept saying, "My boy wants to talk to you." We humored him by answering, "Ummm... Okay." I remember he also asked where we went to school. I lied and said the nearby public school. I didn't think the truth would have helped matters. Then he started with his "My boy wants to talk to you" line again. Finally, I said something along the lines of, "We're right here. What do you want?" The white kid replied, "I don't want to talk to his white ass." I really wanted to say, "You realize you're white too, right?"

At this point, we tried to bid adieu and head back to school. But they didn't like that, and they proceeded to chase after us. Me and one of the girls were able to turn the corner and lose them. But I heard the other girl, who I couldn't see, scream. I really thought they had done something to her. But she made it around the corner safe and sound, and we went back to the safety of our fenced-in campus. I never cut through that neighborhood again.

I don't know if it was specifically because of that incident, but I just stopped going to practice after that. Well, technically I went. Since I was receiving PE credit as a member of the track team, I had to at least get changed and go to practice everyday. But I'd leave right after attendance was taken. Easy enough!

The coaching staff eventually wised up and began checking the roster after practice as well. Okay, no problem. I'd leave, always with a friend in tow, head off to Burger King in my '84 Monte Carlo, and make it back to campus in time for the end of practice. I was committing a campus no-no aside from cutting practice: Once a student left campus after the end of the school day, they weren't allowed back. I was such a rebel, let me tell ya.

So, I faithfully cut track practice for three years. In each of those years, I had a different partner in crime. I was always the leader though - I'm no follower! The funny thing is I received a varsity letter senior year. I'd like to think of that as recognition of a job well done.

Folks I went to high school with are understandably a bit surprised I turned out to be an avid runner. I guess my track truancy prowess was well-known. And friends I've met since can't see me as one who would try to get out of running.

***

I knew when I accepted this position in Mission I wanted to get involved in the community outside of my work with Habitat. I figured helping out with the track and cross country teams would be right up my alley. I had never worked with kids before, but thought I could make an impact with students in a school system with a high dropout rate, among a litany of challenges they face.

I connected with the high school's activities director, who introduced me to the track coach. They both wanted to see my resume and references, understandable considering I'm still a relative stranger here on the reservation. I met the rest of the coaches yesterday afternoon and was invited to begin helping out today. (I still have to be officially approved by the school board at Monday's meeting. I've been assured this is merely a formality.)

I arrived at the track around 3:45, ran a couple warmup laps with the kids, and stretched. Then, I was introduced as Coach Laurent. That made me smile. The coach asked if I would share a few words about myself, so I spoke briefly about where I was from, why I was in Mission, and my favorite running distance (half marathon).

Coach put the entire team through a few drills as a group. I joined in, even though the coordination required to complete the exercises was beyond my abilities. This was duly noted by Coach, all in good fun, of course. I think I'm atoning for my years of skipping track practice in high school.

The team then split into their respective specialties, with me taking the three distance runners out on a 30-minute run. The team was depleted for a number of reasons. I was told there are usually 10 distance runners, including a couple "elite" ones. (I should add there is a dedicated distance coach. She wasn't present at today's practice.)

And then we headed out for our run. I got to talking with the older of the three, a senior. He asked about my background, and I inquired about his goals and post-graduation plans. The two younger guys are participating on the team for the first time.

After returning to the track, we ran some sprints, something I never do. I typically just go for runs and race. It'll be interesting to see if I there's any appreciable difference in my times I'd be able to attribute to a more diverse practice regimen.

Overall, my first day as Coach Laurent was a blast. I'm looking forward to meeting the rest of the team. I plan to keep things simple. I know what works for me, but I'm certainly no expert. I do want to focus on setting goals. That's not only important in running, but in life as well.

Valentine Bull Bash

I had a roll of film developed while in Sioux Falls last weekend. That explains why you're just now seeing photos of my day at Valentine's Bull Bash last month.

Looking south down Main Street in Valentine, closed to traffic to accommodate the bulls:

Toro:

Don't you just want to take one home?

Just chillin':

Fit for a king

I returned to Mission about an hour ago and immediately commenced the reconstruction of my bed. The old 2x4s were swapped out with the newly purchased 2x6s. What a difference!

Here's a look at the 2x4s:

And now the 2x6s:

Now, my bed awaits:

News and notes from Sioux Falls

My first race in South Dakota was yesterday afternoon, a three-miler up in Presho. I finished in just a hair over 20 minutes. That means my 5K pace still isn't all that different from my 10K pace. However, out of about 140 runners, I think I came in 8th or 9th. Not bad considering I detest, and try to avoid, short races. But I didn't feel sick afterward, surprising because I really pushed myself hard, especially the last half of a mile as I tried to hold off a guy behind me. (I beat him.)

It felt super to race again, my first competitive action since September. Racing in such a dry climate is going to be an ongoing adjustment, however. My throat was pretty dry and a bit sore when I finished. At least the longer races I'll be running will have aid stations throughout. I'll just have to be sure to take in more fluids than I ever did in Juneau.

So, no complaints about the race. Okay, maybe just one: I have absolutely no problem with kids and runners of all abilities participating in races. Actually, it's awesome to see such a diverse group of folks run. But if you don't know how to pace yourself, or if you're 8 years old, please don't start at the front of the pack. If there's one thing that drives me nuts at some of these races is the folks who have no business being up front at the start, causing congestion and frustration until the field works itself into position.

***

I had my hair cut yesterday afternoon upon arriving in Sioux Falls. I subsequently received the best shampooing of my life. My scalp had never been massaged like that before. It was borderline sexual harassment. Not that I'm complaining...

***

The next stop was Home Depot. At home in Mission, getting in and out of bed, among other usually mundane aspects of life, is always an adventure. My twin bed is supported by a regular frame, but there aren't any metal pieces running widthwise to help hold up the mattress. In their place are 2x4s, which support my weight well, except for the fact they all aren't long enough. Sometimes, when I hop into and out of bed, one (or more) of the 2x4s will slip off the frame, causing the mattress to cave in with a loud "Whomph!" sound. It's kind of entertaining, but begins to get old at 3:00 a.m.

Anyway, I picked up some 2x6s yesterday long enough to comfortably reach both sides of the frame. Plus, the added size will put my mind at ease when I do my backflips off the bed.

***

I stayed at the Motel 6 last night, my usual stomping grounds here in Sioux Falls. One of the washcloths had brown streaks on it. Lovely.

***

Last night, a couple of the local VISTAs, a new friend, and I went out on the town. We went to several bars, the last of which was a gay bar called Club David. Some things you should know:

1. There are real-life, flesh and blood gay folks in South Dakota. (Okay, that's one thing I was pleased to learn.)
2. I briefly danced. (It was with a woman, so don't get all excited.) I couldn't pass up the opportunity. God, how I love Flo Rida. Boots with the fur, baby!
3. I can't dance for shit.
4. Yes Virginia, there are drag queens in Sioux Falls. Big, husky drag queens. I wouldn't want to be left alone in a dark alley with the ladies I saw last night.

Overall, it was a fun night. As what usually happens when I'm out late at a bar (which is rare in itself), it was fun up to a point, but then I just wanted to go home. I was out maybe an hour too long last night. I wasn't in bed until after 2 - very unlike me. I'm such the party animal, let me tell ya.

***

I was up bright and early, though, at 8 to go for a run. The folks I encountered while out on the bike path weren't too friendly. I guess I've lived in smaller towns for too long, because I'm used to greeting pedestrians coming from the opposite direction. I'll either say hello, smile, wave, or just nod, especially to fellow runners. This one woman walking her dogs, in particular, didn't even want to make eye contact with me. A "Good morning" from me did elicit a split-second glance, which seemed painful enough for her. I wasn't expecting a hug and kiss, but come on lady. Is it really so hard to be friendly?

***

By my standards, I have spent an obscene amount of money this weekend. I seem to forget how much my stipend is. (Side note: I'm in the black so far, as I had hoped, since starting with Habitat. I really am quite adaptable when it comes to finances. You'd think I was raised during the Depression.)

Today's big purchase was sunglasses for when I run. Now that I'm out of the rain forest, having them on while I'm out running is going to be beneficial, if not mandatory. Even this winter, fresh snow and bright sunshine made me wish more than once that I had a pair. I'm just not used to seeing that brilliant orb of light in the sky so often.

Anyway, I bought Oakleys. I even shopped around, which is very unlike me. When I need something, I usually just buy it without comparing prices. Not today. I've gotta say though, these glasses look sharp, and they work really well. (I wore them all day.) But holy smokes, talk about pricey. If you ever see me obsessing about my new glasses, you'll know why. I'll make these bad boys last until I join AARP.

***

I stopped at Wal-Mart to get some film developed and to stock up on groceries. The bill was slightly higher than the sunglasses. That oddly made me feel better about splurging on them. Go figure.

***

I'm here in Sioux Falls for training tomorrow and Tuesday, the whole reason why I'm in town to begin with. I'm staying at the Holiday Inn in downtown Sioux Falls. It's no Motel 6, but I'm coping.

***

Sioux Falls reminds me of Anchorage more each time I visit. Yes, there are no mountains here, but the two cities are laid out in a similar manner. I will say Sioux Falls doesn't seem to dominate the state of South Dakota as Anchorage does in many ways up in Alaska. Mainly, it's because the Sioux Falls metropolitan area doesn't possess as high a percentage of the state's residents.

That being said, I wonder if that'll change in the future as rural South Dakota continues to empty, while the areas in and around both Sioux Falls and Rapid City continue to grow. Lincoln County, home to a portion of the Sioux Falls city limits, is one of the fastest growing counties in the country.

***

The recession doesn't seem to be as strong here in South Dakota compared to the reports I've read from other states. Unemployment is up statewide though and major layoff events have been announced in recent months in both Sioux Falls and in Rapid. But you wouldn't know there was an economic crisis by what I encountered this weekend: traffic galore, busy stores, and folks eating out.

***

Okay, time for me to hit the sack. The alarm is set for 5:30, as I plan to hit the mean streets of Sioux Falls for a run tomorrow morning. Have headlamp, will travel.

Settling in

I really feel good about how my first months in Mission have transpired. Work has been going well, albeit a bit frustrating at times. The hardest part, actually, has been not having a confidant to vent to about work-related issues. But if that's my biggest gripe, things must not be too damn bad.

Between the lack of diversions in town and the beautiful weather of late, I've been running a ton. I was down on the Cowboy Trail for two and a half hours yesterday. Boy, was I tuckered out when I returned to the car. I think it was the afternoon sun that wore me out as opposed to the distance. But I never stopped running. Gotta push my body to prepare for June's marathon.

Running has also had an added benefit: It makes Mission seem bigger than it truly is. One can drive through town in a heartbeat, but taking to the streets on foot seems to expand its footprint. I imagine this is true of any small town. Plus, it's good to have locals wave and even honk their horns when they see me run by. It makes me feel like less of an outsider, something I had concerns about before arriving. I have yet to feel that way.

And I got word today I've been cleared to help coach the track team's distance runners. My paperwork has yet to be reviewed by the school board; however, I was told that was a mere formality. I'm really excited about helping out with the team. It's not like I am an expert runner or have worked with a large group of kids before. But I think it's safe to say I'm a halfway decent runner. And my youthful exuberance should just about bowl them over.

Speaking of running, my first race in South Dakota is this Saturday. It's a three-mile run up in Presho. I wouldn't normally drive 70 miles for such a short race, especially considering fast runs make me nauseous. I swore I would never, ever consider another 5K because I always want to barf afterward. But I think it'll be good to meet "local" runners. I have met a few runners from here on the rez, but whenever and wherever I run, I'm always the only one out running. Okay, it's me and the dogs.

I'll be traveling a bunch in the next month. I have a couple days of training in Sioux Falls next week. I take the GRE in Rapid on the 28th. (Wish me luck!) There's a 10-mile race in Sioux City the following Saturday. And then I have work in Aberdeen in mid-April.

I guess what I'm trying to say is I've really settled into a groove here, and I'm liking the way that feels. I'm in a good place, both physically and mentally. The rez is different, to say the least. But I like different. I knew after spending five and a half years in Juneau I couldn't just move anywhere. And even though I live in the middle of nowhere, Mission isn't just "anywhere."

Joe Citizen

I went to City Council tonight. As expected, an ordinance was introduced to increase the local portion of the sales tax from 1.75 percent to 2 percent. I wasn't completely certain I was going to speak up at the meeting; however, when the ordinance came up for discussion, I didn't hesitate.

I laid it all out for them: I wasn't necessarily against the reason for the tax increase (street paving); all I wanted was better communication from the city to its residents. I conceded the fact the Todd County Tribune already publishes the council meeting minutes and announcements. I also allowed for the fact the public already had the tools available to remain informed (even though the Tribune doesn't report on city government, which is just inexcusable). I was only asking the city to go just beyond the bare minimum to educate city residents.

I was shot down. I was respectfully told the longer I lived here I would learn the relationship between the cities of Mission and St. Francis and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe is complicated (kind of off the subject, if you ask me). I was also told tribal members could already show their membership cards at local businesses to avoid paying the city's portion of the sales tax. Okay... But Mission isn't 100 percent Native. Plus, I have yet to see any tribal members flash their ID while purchasing anything here in town.

Then, I asked, "So, what happens to this tax increase once this project has been completed?" There was actually a slight pause from the council. That made me feel good.

But the answer was deflating: Once this paving project was done, there would be other streets to fix. And the city has a whole list of projects that could make use of the increased cash flow afterward. Oh god. So, they want to raise taxes for one use, and then justify its continuation for a completely different purpose. Bad government!

The mayor did mention the sales tax is one of the few revenue-producing options the city has. Sure, I get that. I'm not against paving streets. I just want a little more notice given to locals. Putting the proposed increase to a vote would be the best case scenario, but I would take a blurb in the paper. A press release is all it would take. Sigh.

I also had an opportunity to tell the council a bit about my background and why I felt this issue was important: I lived in Juneau, where portions of the sales tax were periodically reauthorized by voters, etc. I'm not sure if that was the right tactic, considering I was peppered with the following questions:

"There's no income tax in Alaska, right?"

"And don't they pay you to live there?"

"Alaska, that's where they wanted to build that $200 million bridge to an island with only 50 people."

I wasn't in the mood to provide a little Alaska 101 on the PFD and the Gravina Island bridge. So, I wrapped up my comments by stating, "I'm not against the intent of the tax increase. I would just like to see increased communication from the city." The ordinance then went to a vote: Unanimous. The ordinance will be up for a second reading in two weeks. When approved, the increase will take effect in July. (I didn't bother saying "if.")

Oh well. I tried. I feel good about that. I'll be at the next council meeting just for kicks, but I've said my piece. At least I'll be on the record (in the paper, I hope!) as wanting increased communication from the city. I didn't compromise my apolitical VISTA commitment or future business dealings with the council. And I got a Rice Krispies Treat with peanuts out of the evening. I think I came out ahead.

The adventure continues

Last night, as I lay in bed waiting for my Tylenol PM to kick in, I heard what sounded like a bug flying into the window blinds. I tried to ignore it, but it was persistent enough to keep my attention. Listening more intently, I noticed it actually sounded more like scratching. Once again though, I tried to shut out the noise and fall asleep.

Then, I heard a squeak.

That got my ass out of bed. I turned on the light and began to search. My room is small and I had the door closed, so it didn't take long to find the critter. It was a tiny mouse. I opened the door and setup a blockade to shoo it out of the room; however, I wasn't quick enough and it went in the opposite direction. I was tired, so I left the door cracked and figured it would find its way out eventually. I just hoped I wouldn't awake to something crawling on me inside my bed sheets.

This isn't the first mouse I've seen in the building lately. There was one down in the kitchen (probably shitting in my food and on my dishes), plus another one around the offices. And there was a day several weeks ago when LaCosta and I heard scampering inside the wall that separates our two offices.

Seeing the mice isn't so bad; it would be nice though if they kept down the racket while I was trying to sleep. It's the thought of mice touching any part of me that makes me want to jump out of my skin. I'm not sure if the mice sightings will increase or decrease as the weather warms up. I'm thinking the latter; they're probably just looking for someplace warm to escape the below-zero temperatures.

But then, what about summer? What creatures should I expect to find hiding in the building? I know there are snakes around these parts. (Hey, maybe that's what happens to the mice!) I'll have to be on snake patrol each time I use the toilet, I guess.

***

On another note, I heard a Lakota version of "The Wheels on the Bus" today on local radio. Very cool.