I’m not sure what to do with this space. Everytime I think about posting something interesting, I find myself worrying that someone might be offended. I think I’m going to stop worrying. This probably doesn’t mean that anything interesting will appear, so don’t get too excited. It was easier when I had fun flying things to talk about.

It was good to be in the mountains. I spent a long time on Sunday doing nothing outside, enjoying the mountain air, blue hills off on the horizon.

I’m frustrated at my current flight instructor. The fact that I simply don’t like him doesn’t help. He seemed surprised to hear from me today, and said he’d get me in the schedule for tomorrow. Called me back later to say he couldn’t get me on tomorrow, but he’d schedule me twice on Thursday. At 8 and 10 am. I don’t like flying early in the morning, yet he schedules me for nothing but morning flights, in spite of numerous complaints. I’ll fly in the morning if it’s all that’s available, but it seems like I should have a choice. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky this afternoon, and there’s no clouds tomorrow. And I’m not on the schedule. I haven’t flown since November 9.

I took Arthur to the post office this morning. His battery cables were quite corroded, and he didn’t want to start. Replacing them took care of that problem.

Joanna called me on her break this afternoon. I’m not sure why, she’s never done that before. Last night we talked about the fact that she couldn’t find her phone, so I was surprised that she was even able to call me. Then I was immediately suspicious that something was very wrong. It wasn’t, she just wanted to say hi, and ask me to buy beer.

I went to Sooner West, the closest bestest liquor store. They have quite a beer selection, though I’ve learned not to get attached to anything because their inventory seems to fluctuate wildly. I spent a long time browsing and selected three promising-looking German beers that I’d never tried before. I used to think that I really didn’t like German beer, but I’ve found that the darker ones are often quite good. I selected a Franziskaner (Franciscan) Dunkel Hefe-Weisse. Monks make good beer. This one turned out to be quite nice. Dark, unfiltered, a little sweet, no trace of bitter, and good flavor. Brewed by Spaten in Munchen. I’m not, in general, a fan of Paulaner, but I picked out something they brew called “Salvator Double Bock” which had great flavor but was almost unbearably sweet. It’s one of the more intriguing beers I’ve tasted recently. Lastly, I got some Kostritzer Schwarzbier. Pretty much anything that calls itself “Schwarzbier” is loved by Joanna. This was no exception, a black “lager” with hints of chocolate a bit malty. Just sweet enough to meld with the bitterness. Also good.

I chatted with the tall, non-American looking girl who was working. There are three girls, an older woman who seems to own the place, but isn’t very talkative. A younger sorority-type girl with much makeup, big breasts, and no knowledge of beer. And lastly this girl– tall, dark skinned, polite, and actually has some appreciation for beer. She said she really liked the Salvator, but hadn’t tried the Kostritzer, and asked if I’d tell her if I liked it next time I came in. I suppose I’m something of a regular.

Joanna did indeed like the schwarzbier.

Yesterday, we went by the new Sam’s in Norman. It’s still not open, and there’s not much inside, so it looks like it’s going to be a bit longer. So, we went to Albertson’s. Joanna really hates grocery shopping. I suppose I should stop dragging her along, but I like it much better when she’s there. I bought stuff for “taco salad” which isn’t really. While browsing the old, soon-to-be-thrown-away section of the meats, I found some veal chops seriously marked down. $7 off, total. Not able to pass it up, I bought it. I pan-fried then sauteed them this evening with onions in white wine. Roasted some potatoes, and the schwarzbier made for a yummy meal. I think it’s the best I’ve ever managed with veal.

I’m pretty happy, overall. I’ve got a Jonah, a nice little apartment, and I get to fly airplanes sometimes. I simply feel a bit anxious, like everything is teetering on the edge of some abyss for some reason. If one of the two of us gets a decent job in the next few months, I think that will go away. I’ll feel much better after I get this upcoming 250NM cross-country out of the way.