Virgo:: Half of you is overflowing with a talent for cultivating intelligent hope, while the other half is always preparing for the worst. Being as objective as an optimist like me can be, I firmly believe you should adjust the ratio. According to the astrological omens, the right approach is to be 90 percent devoted to expecting the best and 10 percent invested in guarding yourself against trouble.

And that, folks, is me in a nutshell.

I had a lovely weekend, however. It began with swing dancing, wherein I met bailunrui, whom I hope to see more of because she's a cool chick.

The graduation party on Saturday went off without a hitch, despite the fact that my mother was driving me insane during the preparation phase. We had a great turnout-- dance friends, BSA friends, my Noble. I even had some co-workers turn up, and lots of family, who remained surprisingly well-behaved. There was plenty of food, a fun little creek to wade in, and a swinging bridge that made for a satisfying hike. All day, I was made aware of what wonderful friends I have-- to keep such close friends is a blessing, and I am well aware of that. Good friends are sustenance.

After commandering the swingset and having a tire fight (yes, we are five), we reconvened at Skyler's for a game of Curses and a couple of bottles of wine. I had some outstanding wine this weekend-- and Estancia Pinot Noir that was like velvet on the tongue, and a Dancing Bull red Zinfandel that was berryish and festive. Curses would be a fun game to play while sober-- it's whacky dares and challenges (swat invisible mosquitoes around your head while shouting everything you say like a drill sargeant while shaking like you're in an earthquake every time the person to your left speaks... and so on), but add some potent wine, and all you get is hysterical giggling. I can't remember a recent time where I've had quite so much fun.

Curses + red wine = my new drug of choice.

The fourth of July, Sky and I went to the inner harbor for tomato and basil pizza, and I showed him the places I grew up-- my old house, my favorite park, the steeple of Saint Mary's. I went to Barnes and Noble and bought some beautiful stationery, as well as a few books that caught my attention. We ended up at his aunt's house for swimming and dinner (whatever he says, I completely whipped his ass in the dunking contest), and then at a friend of my uncle's for a homemade fireworks display. The illuminated smoke filled the air like rich incense.

All in all, it was a good time. Work is set to be hectic, as we are understaffed this week and I'm pinch-hitting all over the place. Hopefully, I'll get a chance to scrawl and ending to my entry before Anna shows up tonight to pick up the book. Busy, busy, that's me.