Mom came up to the house to help me finish painting the rooms I'd started, what, eleven months ago now? To my surprise, she loved the orange paint in the office. "It's not something I'd ever have the guts to do," she said, "But it's perfect!"

The only room that needed another whole coat was the dining room, and after two days' worth of curing, it looked better than when I left it. I cut in the edges while Mom rolled, and we made short work of it. Not short enough that we were able to catch Survivor (the first episode I've missed since the Africa season, I believe), but I was thrilled to have that portion of my moving in done with.

As god as my witness, I will be moved into my house by the end of this weekend! Even if I have to pile the rest of my belongings in a heap in the living room and sleep on that.

With my housekeeping skills, after a couple of weeks you wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway.

My brother Chris turns 40 tomorrow.

Age is just a number, and Chris has more than crossed the "adult" threshold years ago by marrying, buying his own home, raising four kids, and owning his own business. Still, 40 has some sort of meaning to it beyond just one year older than 39.

I never see my brothers as having aged since, say, high school. Chris is still the guy who can build anything, loves cars and hockey, and can be the goofiest dork you ever met. Sean is still the guy who has 10,000 friends, is a smooth talker, and understands my particular brand of silliness more than anyone else.

They're both grownups, as am I (though my own foray into adulthood is debatable), but to know we're all approaching our 40s just throws that into a stronger light.

Susan is throwing a party for him on Saturday. He doesn't want anything for presents (he never does). He said that he'd like gift certificates to Home Depot, and as a new homeowner, I can appreciate that.

Still, I'd like to get him something that celebrates his milestone and lets him know that he's been a great brother. A great OLDER brother, as he always will be.

Sorry to be so dull lately. It's interesting to me, but I don't know that I'm able to translate it into anything.

In the next month or so, I'll have the play reading to report on, some more house stuff to talk about, and...well, maybe I'll go on another date.

Until then.....goodnight!