Definitions according to Mike:

Boredom – having only one student visit the tutoring center all day. The fact that it happens to be a gorgeous day outside and I’m stuck inside with nothing to do doesn’t make it any better. Can’t wait for 4:00.

Surprise – being pulled off a stepladder by a horse. I knew he was getting a little nosy, but I figured it didn’t matter if he wanted to nuzzle my carpenter belt. That all changed when he stopped nuzzling, grabbed the handle of my hammer firmly between his teeth (my hammer was holstered to my belt at the time), and gave a sharp tug! Fortunately I was only up about two steps on the ladder so I managed to land on my feet and avoid what would have been a very soft landing.

Also fitting surprise – realizing during an after-dark-jog that you are unknowingly chasing a skunk down the road. I had no idea until I slowed down to a walk and heard the frantic scrabbling of claws on pavement and saw a dark form shuffling down the road in front of me – apparently unable to get out of my path because of the snow-banks lining the road. Fortunately I stopped jogging before he did.

Beautiful – a flock of Snow Geese taking flight off a glistening pond into a bright blue sky.

Humorous – hearing your brother wonder out loud who would ever use a language as complicated as English! It wouldn’t be so funny if he actually knew another language. lol. However, like me, I think most of his knowledge of foreign languages comes from Hogan’s Heroes and a handful of other movies.