11,000 miles

My car hit the 11,000 mile mark over the weekend. I bought it in August with more than 122,000 miles on it, and thirty weeks later it has consistently proven itself sturdy and reliable. With all the negative press Toyota has been receiving lately, I'm relieved that my car is as dependable as ever. Despite the fact that I haven't made the drive to or from New Hampshire in nearly three months, I nevertheless average fifty miles of driving per day. And with spring break trips to NH and MA looming, I bet that number will be climbing.

Not long ago, I received a letter from the community college inviting me to join Phi Theta Kappa, which is the two-year college version of Phi Beta Kappa. Evidently I qualified based on my high marks in my paramedic classes. It was flattering to be recognized in that way, but I am declining induction into the society. This feather seems unlikely to outweigh the Ivy League degree already in my cap. There is no point in paying a fee for an honor that I cannot utilize.

Lastly, my external checklist for verifying the arrival of spring is almost complete. The vernal equinox is past, Daylight Savings Time has begun and Opening Day is nearly here. All that remains is for leaves to reappear on the trees. I don't care how warm it gets; bare branches and springtime cannot coexist.