Being back in the Asembly is like meeting an old college friend.  The first few moments are a little awkward.  Then it seems like you've never been apart.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the madness.  Every day there's a deadline, a crisis and (always) a party.  Some times all at once. 

My focus is on keeping some structure in my day.  I begin every morning by a drive to the Franklin Street YMCA for an early encounter with a treadmill or weight rack.  Then it's on to the office, usually arriving by 7:30 a.m.  I read the Post and Richmond Times-Dispatch to see what's going on.

With four committee assignments, there's usually some place to be every morning.  If I'm not in Committee, then I'm presenting a bill.  Today, I presented my "slayer statute" bill before Civil Courts Subcommittee.  I'll take it to legislative services for a redraft and then resubmit it next week. 

At 11:30 a.m., we meet as a Democratic Caucus to discuss strategy.  Then it's up to the Senate floor where the gavel falls at noon.  Unlike the House, we have not yet had any major speeches or fights.  I am sure that will change very soon, perhaps by the time you read this.

The afternoon has more meetings.  If I have time, I'll relax with some light reading, like the 2008-2010 bienium budget.  Or maybe a state report on spiraling corrections costs (more to come on that).

Receptions begin around 6 p.m.  Today, I walked to the Library of Virginia for a reception by the Virginia Medical Society.  Virginia ham, biscuits and Brunswick stew.

I get back to my office at 7 p.m.  I spend the next 45 minutes making phone calls back to the district, answering the letters and emails that arrived during the day.  Keep them informed back home and you'll be re-elected.

It's 9 pm and I'm back at my row house on Grove Avenue.  I had a pleasant surprise today -- Sharon and the kids drove down to go to the Science Museum and stopped to see me.  That ten minute visit made my whole day.

Tomorrow we do it again ....