Despite Ear Infection 2009, I managed to get some good work done today on a grant for the NEA, in between shooting steroids into my ears. (Mmm…steroids…)

I wrote almost the identical grant for a different project back in August. That time, it was my first federal government arts grant, and I think it took me about three times as long. This time was much less painful.

In a year which has often been about thwartedness and frustrationdom, and a vague sense of declining capabilities with incipient age – no more all-nighters – no more excessive consumption of alcohol without hangovers – no more life without consequences – it is so nice to feel like I have gotten better at doing something.