i've been trying to write something all day and everything i get down eventually gets trashed. what is there to write about so much devastation? personal things all seem so trivial. you should see the pile of saved as drafts, really it's amazing how much drivel you can write when your thoughts are compromised by news reports from the south and your dad is weeping on the phone because that poor man's wife was swept away. i've earmarked the money i would've spent on coffee to go to the red cross because my mom will kick my ass on the other side if i can't see fit to show the generous compassion she would. i'd rather go without the caffeine.