my big brother

Once again, I think I know what you're thinking. You may find that hard to believe, but it's true. Believe me. My major is psychology after all, which everybody knows is the art of mind-reading.

Okay, are you ready for it? I am about to read your mind again, just to be sure. You won't feel a thing. All right...just relax. And...I've got it. You are thinking: Doesn't she have another brother? Doesn't she like him as much as her younger brother? Why doesn't she write about him?

Well, you are in luck. The questions lurking in the deepest recesses of your brain are about to be answered.

As a matter of fact, I do have another brother, and I do love him as much as my younger brother. Feel better, Nosy? The reason I haven't written about Jeff yet (yes that is his name, thanks for asking) is because I haven't had the time or the resources (camping may have been involved).

This:

is my brother Jeff, also commonly known as Studmuffin. If you meet him, feel free to call him that. I do.

Here are just a few of the reasons why I love Jeff:

- Jeff is possibly one of the most brilliant people I have ever met. Like, I'm not kidding. Genius smart. How did he get me as a sister, you wonder? I'm not sure, but I sure feel bad for the kid.

- Not only is Jeff smart, but he's really humble about it, too. You know those people who feel the need to show off their intelligence to anybody and everybody in the room? Well, Jeff is definitely not one of those people.

- Jeff is a really patient teacher. He'd have to be to have me as a sister. Let's just say Jeff might have gotten me through math and chemistry in high school. Okay, fine. My college math class, too. If someone doesn't understand something, Jeff will patiently explain the concept until it makes sense. But he does it in a very kind, non-condescending way.

- Despite all his protests, Jeff is very perceptive when it comes to reading people. He understands a lot about human nature in general.

- Jeff picks the things that are most important to him and stands firmly by them. His faith, family, and politics come immediately to mind.

-Jeff and I have the best inside jokes. Some of them even date back to our elementary school days. ("On and on, and take a step!" or "Ten points for you!")

- He is a very willing helper. If you need help with anything, Jeff will be there, whether he knows how to help you or not. But he usually does. Let's be honest.

- Jeff loves history. Especially anything related to the Civil War or World War II or anything of that sort. He knows just about everything there is to know about the subjects he is interested in. And often even those subjects about which he has no interest.

- Okay, for this one, I need you to play in your mind the most beautiful piano piece you have ever heard. All right, now magnify it by 10. And again by 1,000. That is Jeff playing the piano. No, I am not exaggerating. Jeff can hear anything by ear and with very little practice, play it marvelously on the piano.

- Although singing in public is not really Jeff's thing, Jeff can sing. He has an awesome voice and makes up parts for songs as he goes along. Pretty cool, eh?

- Jeff loves jazz music. I like jazz music. Jeff loves jazz music. Like. Love. See the difference? Jeff spends hours on end listening to cool chords and rhythms from jazz musicians long, long ago.

- Jeff has a passion for learning which I can only hope to emulate in some small way. This zest for knowledge is going to take him a long way in life.

Yep, I know. Somehow I got the short end of the gene-pool stick. But far from being bitter, I am so proud of my big brother, Jeff. I think it's pretty obvious why, don't you?

Love ya, Jeff.