Dear Mom --

Dear Mom --
Guess what I learned this week!? I don't have to keep gifts from people I don't like (especially if they were grudgingly given). It really doesn't save any time or energy to shovel 12 inches of snow as it falls. The dog does grow up eventually and now likes snow! If you have a little faith in the grand scheme of things, life turns around and goes the way you want it to (two new jobs since getting fired!). Students love it when you wear blue jeans to class: the whole stockings&slip thing is a false authority - always knew that - and they equate Jeans with Real, which often changes the whole relationship. I've been married long enough to know that you have to stick it out during the bad spots (exception: violence) and a married couple should never embark on anything that will cost more than $1000.00 without conferring with each other. It is really important to support your partner in their obsessions, hobbies, and passions (after the $1000 discussion) because they will then believe that you want them to be happy, and they will respond in kind when you want to spend a little time or money on something they think is stupid (EA is going to own a new boat by Opener!! and I'm going to paint the laundry room). Even if all of my children live in California, I'm going to stay here where I have six whole months to plan the garden. And I know now that I will miss you forever. More later -- gotta go teach a little bit of what I've learned -- Love, A.