Because nobody knows the wreck of the soul the way you do

I'll be in Afghanistan in less than a month, which means I felt compelled to spend a week in Texas the week before last to see Italian Girl and put in a few cameos with my family. On the latter front, I can safely call home more often, as the odds of getting hit up for money in the near and medium term have dropped precipitously.

On the former, 6-8 months seems pretty optimal between meetings, given her...difficulties in maintaining personal relationships of all kinds. The previous gap was 20 months, which nearly drove me insane and when it ended felt so good heroin junkies were trying to lick my sweat for a hit.

Interestingly, this will be our last ever meeting in Houston. She's moving this summer to LA, a city we both think we hate based on limited exposure long ago, to take a job. I'm invited to share the misery when I get back.