I've been pretty nastily sick for a while, and although I'm more or less on the mend now, I got to thinking in my illness that I should get off of my ass and pick this up again.

The first order of business: Harry Potter (no spoilers ahead, don't worry). Wow, that was an incredible book to read. I really want to go back now and reread the earlier books to get a sense of perspective regarding Harry's development over the years. He came a long way from that wide-eyed, somewhat oblivious boy. JKR did a great job with the entire series, I think, and they're books that I'll be proud to have on my shelves for years to come.

Second: Most of you who read this read my dad's blog, so you likely already know that my parents have left to move back to Jersey for a year. The positive upshot to this for me is that I have the house to myself for the rest of the summer (give or take a week). Being here alone (plus having full reign over the stereo) is intensely relaxing.

Third: Next year at school I will be living in a suite that includes a private kitchen. Given the general quality of the food served in the cafeteria,* I have no good reason to keep avoiding my long-standing goal of learning how to cook. This being the case, I am now officially soliciting vegetarian recipes that I can use as stepping stones on my quest. Your participation is greatly appreciated.

*I do not wish to cast any aspersions on the kitchen staff at my college. They are wonderful, hardworking, talented chefs and I fully understand that the meals that leave me dissatisfied are the best that they can do when faced with severely limited supplies, time, staff, and budget.

I'm going to try to hold myself to a one-post-a-day minimum, so if I miss a day, you have my express permission and encouragement to heckle me about it.