good friends are worth their weight in gold..

...(even at current prices).

Last week was bad for a variety of reasons--personally and professionally. The kicker was on Friday when I got my teaching evals back from last spring. The numbers were well below average and the comments were universally negative (except for two that actually were for my friend Nick...). One was totally vitriolic and just ripped into me.

But I went with Ben to the concert to which I'd won tickets and had a good time. Then when I got home I called Jan to tell him I was too tired to go to the party celebrating Allison's MA defense, but, being Jan, he convinced me to come over. I'm very glad I did. The two of them and Steve and Aimee rebuilt me emotionally. I don't know how I'd survive without them.

I still remember a book report I did freshman year of high school on Gulliver's Travels. I made the comment that you get the idea Swift didn't have too many friends. The teacher (Mr. Holland) wrote in the margin "a few good ones is all you need." While there's something to be said for having a "deep bench" too---a topic for another time--I largely agree.

So, Aimee, Allison, Ben, Jan, Liz, Sanjay, Sarah, and Steve--thanks for keeping me sane(ish)!