Once or twice, my father has suggested I cobble this blog into a book, a book certain to top the Books Jane & Brian Grivna Bought subsection of the New York Times' Bestsellers List. While the idea of writing for a living is mighty appealing, events sometimes conspire to remind me that I don't have what it takes. Just a few minutes ago, for instance.

[Brain input] The light coming through my frosted glass windows seems brighter than normal for 9:30PM.
[Brain output] It must be snowing.

Investigation proved me right, and there was something extremely satisfying about this that made me want to write about why oft-bitched-about snow is really a wonderful thing and somehow serves as the foundation of a noble sect of tough, proud, shivering individuals, real salt of the earth folk, the basis of everything that escapes Garrison Keillor's mouth and somehow avoids getting vacuumed back by his mighty nasal inhalations. But I couldn't come up with anything worth saying.

On the other hand, watching the preview of the Tim Burton remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory somehow inspired me to write this in an email to Tim:

"the trailer exhibits a pretty rad sense of style and design and makes
it look as though it'll be semi-faithful to the original (though wonka
hunting in a jungle is a little curious), but i still question whether
the absolute gem of wonder and preachy midgets we so loved as kids
really needs a remake."

and I am pleased as punch with it. Why am I inspired to write things that make me happy about things that furrow my brow instead of the things that make me happy? I'm pretty sure that makes me a curmudgeon, not a writer.

OK, now that ridiculous tangent is out of the way. The real news is that I'm almost certainly coming home for good this summer. And that I'll do my very best to revitalize this stupid would-be book and lampoon the many Japanese things I have yet to lampoon.

HI Brian, I must admit that I am very happy that you are coming back to the US this summer! I am a regular mom who misses her kid!!! Love ya!

Woot! Turns out I should read your blog more often. Anyway, it will be nice to see you again, and maybe have a less-than-glacially-slow game or two of Puerto Rico.

Brian your rock. Your nerdfest is really nice to see again. I miss seeing all you you guys, I am ageing much to quickly at a job that I must actually do something at. It is good to hear that you didn't do something foolish and reup for another year. The US need some folks like you to help staighten it out