The first step towards "just say no!" (See, Nancy Reagan was useful for something!)

Relationships facilitate development. In this sense, they are inherently selfish. Over the past few weeks I’ve learned--with no help from the Reagans,-- that I never turn down an opportunity. This has both positive and negative connotations. While opportunity opens new doors, it sometimes forces me to place the wishes of others above my own needs. Consider the case of The Citizen Magazine. Elaine, the editor, asked me to write an article, and I accepted. Then reality hit. Busy weekends and even busier weekdays prevented any serious composition. Work and friends were kept above the political fray.

"I want to write my pieces with passion and dedication. My efforts would be lackluster otherwise—and right now, I simply don't have the time." This was the gist of the email. There were no apologies or regrets. Writing for the magazine would stretch time to its breaking point. It's a sacrifice I don't have to make. Besides, I'm much happier with others.

Oh, what a week!

I've been checking my hits and you've been checking the blog. Thanks for the attention. (As you know, I'm just not very good at dealing with it.) But enough about you... here is what's new with me: I have entered a wonderfully unexpected romantic relationship..... and I got a hair cut.

My parents don't like my hair, and they probably wouldn't like the relationship either. But that's okay... I'm all about defying them anyway. Text book teenage hood is what I'm going for. I have six months left (until I'm 20), and a lot of time to make up for.

First on the relationship and then, of course, (I can't help myself) the hair.

A quick overview for the perceptive (aka 'you're so vain you probably think this song is about you'): we're rooted in a strong friendship, a comfortable tacit understanding and a magical connection-- that's more than anyone could ever ask for. I'm in ‘missing mode’ already.

Now to the hair: Shorter but not short. Styled but not shaped. Shaggy but not hippie. A picture is forthcoming.

Washington D.C.: The Campus Progress Conference was covered by the Washington Post (in two separate articles) AND Sunday Morning television. I will be posting President Clinton’s speech on the political website, if you're interested-- but very inspirational, informative and intriguing (can't think of more "i" adjectives, sorry). The rest of the speakers, including the morning panel of Paul Begala, Thomas Frank and Company were also insightful (ah! got one.) Thomas Frank agreed to a radio interview as Paul Begala and I locked eyes for a good 10 minutes.

Brian and I stayed in the heart of Washington D.C. (thank you, Mr. B!), just blocks from the convention center. The one day political gathering was fallowed by humid sightseeing (we went to the mall, the American National Museum of History and bathed in the WWII memorial water fountain) and relaxation. Our strolls were often interrupted by the D.C. Beggars. According to Clara--the D.C. political authority-- Congress selfishly contains city taxes to a minimum-- hence the lack of social services and obvious poverty.

Overall, the D.C. experience left me energized. On the drive back, between takes of "The Honeymoon," James Paterson's latest audio book thriller, I received a call from Elaine Fernandez, the publisher of The Citizen, a local Hudson Valley magazine. She reported good news: the magazine has tripled its distribution numbers and is in need of a political commentator. That's where I step in. I can use the publication as a promotional springboard for the radio show and as another excuse to write and research politics. I'm already hard at work on my first assignment (or at least I will be on Monday). The deadline is July 24th, so be sure to keep me honest.

The summer stupor is over-- and like a French Fry fryer, I'm plunging myself deep into the cooking oil of Washington politics. But fries are only good in moderation. Saturated fat can lead to heart disease, heart failure, and death (and in my case, I can't even sue!). But I intend to leave plenty of room for matters of the heart. Balance is key.

Carefully observing and recording

I've been skimping on the blog. This past week (Monday-Friday) has been, in a sense-- although I don't necessarily feel like anything about me has changed-- life altering. Experience and direct feedback suggest immediate revelation. I'm holding out for now (taking a page from Amanda Waass's blog), more will be reported as "the situation" develops further. (Pardon the dramatic framing.)

For news I can talk about-- after six hours and God-only-knows-how-many takes, Sara and I (well, she did all the work, I merely pressed a button) recorded an 8-song demo cd. The songs will be posted on the blog for your downloading pleasure. Stay tuned.

Brian and I had a good weekend... great discussions, strong NH things and he met some of my friends (Mary, Sara and Clara.) But we ran into a problem. My mom issued '39' disclaimers, warning me against confessing Brian’s sexuality to my father and uncle. Because of this, the location of our July 9th get together has been moved to Blake's house-- we won't be able to go into the city, the comedy club, or the Russian party.

Until just recently I was barely speaking to my mother-- too busy feeling horrible for the entire mess. But there is nothing I can do: I've tried, unsuccessfully, to change them.

Upcoming attractions:
July 3: Grandmother from Israel arrives
July 8-10: College-friend get-together (hopefully)
July 13-17: Off to Washington D.C. with Brian