And it’s all in caps because it’s too freaking exciting!!!!

I’m in my first session and I’m loving this.

I’m missing a number of you who I would link to right now, but I just have a few minutes.

This is the coolest!!

I thought about other things to write about today, but I can’t.

I’m not a Wahoo. I’m not a Hokie. But I am raising my children in Virginia. They attend school in the same district as some of the students who were killed…the same district as the gunman.

I held those beautiful boys of mine extra tight last night. I hugged them longer. I took in their smell. I felt the softness of their skin. I tried to imprint it all on my memory.

Because what if? What if those were my children? Would I remember it all? Could I hold on to it?

What would I do if I were those parents?

It’s horrifying.

I grieve for the families of everyone involved. And yes, especially for the family of the troubled young man who lost his grip reality yesterday.

My heart especially aches for that young man who was obviously very, very troubled. I am sorry that he didn’t find help. I can’t imagine what it was that brought him to his actions. I in no way condone or excuse them, but I hurt to think that someone was so troubled and felt there was no other way out. His family will need extra prayers.

There are many other people sharing their feelings about yesterday’s events. Kevin, Jessica and Joy all brought tears to my eyes. I’m sure there will be more. As I know there will be more hugs and more kisses for the ones I love.

My heart is breaking with each new set of details that emerge from Blacksburg, VA. Now the reports are up to 31 dead. As a parent, knowing my children are in a classroom has always provided me with a feeling of security.

I am sending my prayers to the parents, children and family of those killed or injured.

This is dreadful.

The trips, the travel.

I started my day hearing the news that my legal eagle-in-training, the lovely Jay, will be heading to Sao Paulo for the internship of his dreams this summer. It doesn’t hurt that he’ll be near a certain someone as well. Way to go Jay!

Then I myself took a detour to Rio where I tamed the wild caterpillars.

Nothing but Brazil on my mind.

Holy Christmas!! It’s finally over.

So The Departed. That was a surprise. I think Babel was a terrific movie but most people probably fell asleep while watching it and never found out how it ended so they didn’t feel like they could vote for it.

I was bummed Cars didn’t win for best animated film. But I get to see it so many times a week (thanks Mr. 3) that I’ll keep appreciating it despite it’s runner-up status.

I was surprised Peter O’Toole didn’t win. He’s been nominated what 8 times and he’s not looking so healthy. I was sure the academy was going to go with the “body of work” vote there.

Martin Scorcese–oh my god I would HAVE to be acting WITH Leonardo DiCaprio (with a sex scene) to act in a movie that man directed. I think he would annoy me after just a few seconds (though I’m sure he’s a lovely man).

And Leo…oh I could just look at him forever. So glad Ellen pointed him out for our benefit in her monologue.

So that’s it for my wrap-up. Back to the painting. I’m almost done. A lovely pale yellow.

People! Don’t you know I need to get to bed. It’s 11:49 p.m. and you just got to the dead people montage. By the way, I forgot Don Knotts died last year.

Ugh! I don’t even really care about the Oscars…that’s the funny thing.

I leave for Miami in the morning and I’m putting the third coat of paint on my bathroom so Shakey can have it back while I’m gone and crap I still have to pack. The Oscars are just keeping me company right now. Well and you of course.

The Best Supporting Actress category was definitely filled with some incredible actresses. Jennifer Hudson. And she really did seemed shocked. I love that someone can work hard and actually have their dream come true. Man has her life changed in just a short time!

And Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress? She is always so classy! Kate Blanchett’s and Helen Mirren’s are beautiful too.

Okay, we’re just getting started, but did you hear Ellen’s good joke about America not voting for her on American Idol and then being nominated for an Oscar and then America voting for Al Gore and him here nominated for an Oscar.

Funny stuff Ellen!!

I’d like to thank the handsome Jay for bringing me up to date on the latest breaking news. I was too busy reading all of your blogs to notice.

Anna Nicole Smith has died.

Was there anything left of her that was organic anyway?

I can’t help it…I’m a CNN junkie.

But have you heard about the baby born to parents whose frozen embryos were saved from a flooded hospital right after Hurricane Katrina? He was just born yesterday, sixteen months after the flood. And his name? NOAH! Other names considered? Nitro (as in gen) and Embryanna.

Is that perfect? Is it too funny for words? Are you rolling your eyes?

What do you think?