busy bees.

We have been so busy lately!

1. Nate is finishing up his second quarter. He graduates in June, so he's been working on his thesis in addition to his class work. I can't believe he's so close to finishing.

His books are taking over our apartment. I've given in; it's futile to resist.

2. We took a road trip to Madison, Wisconsin to support public workers. Madison is only about two and a half hours away from where we live, so we drove up after I got off work and back that night. It was incredibly inspiring, but I'm afraid the fight is far from over. It is likely that we will be headed up there again, maybe as soon as this weekend.

A fellow Texan! He's lived in Wisconsin for over a decade, but still has a strangely thick accent...

My old roommate from Austin (who now lives in DC) was there doing some union work. It was great to see him! Just pretend like my eyes are open....

We also met up with Madison residents, Richard and Wendi for dinner at a delicious Tex-Mex (!) place. Wendi is also from Austin, but we didn't really know each other when we lived there. We became friends over the internet as we both prepared for our April weddings. Getting to see her again was so exciting for me; it was like meeting a pen-pal! She is eight months pregnant and beautiful! I am kicking myself now for not taking any pictures...

3. THE ILLINOIS DEATH PENALTY WAS ABOLISHED TODAY!!!!! I have spent most of the day smiling, crying, making media calls, sending out e-mails, and trying to get my head around how amazing this is. Now abolition everywhere! I've been thinking of my Texas peeps all day. I know we can make this happen there, too.

My co-worker, Mark and I took a trip to Champaign, Illinois on Monday to speak at the University of Illinois. For those who don't know him, Mark spent 28 years of his life behind bars for a crime he did not commit. He was accused of an arson and tortured into a confession by Chicago police when he was just 16 years old. He has an incredible amount of energy and is one of my heroes. I am proud to fight for justice beside him.

4. Granny B has been on my mind lately. She was extra Irish around St. Patty's Day. I think we'll probably head down to the parade next week. In the meantime, we bought up some bells of Ireland to remind us of Granny and to bring some Spring joy into our nest.

Speaking of Spring, when will it ever be here?!? I have picnic dreams--dreams of lemonade, tea sandwiches, bocce ball, horseshoes, skirts, bicycles. Maybe Spring Break will be full of warm weather and rest for us weary kitties.

hugs and smooches to all of you!