"Let's find me a lady to throw at 'em that ain't gonna get in my way!"  That would be my guess.

I went to Philadelphia for a scientific meeting.  I spent the night with a guy who had a William Blake quote tattooed on one arm and one from T.S. Elliot on the other.  And good abs.  I saw Independence hall, the liberty bell (through the glass;  we didn't go in), and heard many many people talk about their science.  Met a couple of people who's work I'm basing mine on.  I went to the Mutter Museum.  Twice.  I got to see and spend time with two great friends from Boston and that was the best part.

Since then, I've been back at it at home.  Science rolls out the way it always does.  Maybe with more human drama than most grad school careers, but I'm proud of the way I'm taking it in stride.  I think.  It's either that or I just don't care enough.  But maybe that's what 'taking it in stride' really is;  Learning to not care too much.

Did I tell you I'm dancing for tips again?  Oh yes.  Different bar, though.  Way more money.  Less free time.  Both of which are things I needed.  I do that Thrusday, Friday, and Saturday nights, so between that and school Monday through Friday, 9-5, I don't have much free time.  More money, though.

It's been many moons, my friend.

There have been some dark days.  Death and car crashes and relationships failed the second time around.  Money troubles and loneliness.

Things are on the upswing now.

I've been taking stock.  I've learned a thing or two.  There is a single word burning on the tip of my tongue, but I haven't said it.  Yet.

I'm getting things in order and biding my time.  And when this long winter has passed and I feel the sun finally kiss the back of my neck again, I'll explode into full bloom.  Every color and shade.

You'll see.

Turns out I didn't have to be jealous that people in NYC got to see Sarah Slean at Joe's Pub last month.  I was there.  My last minute vacation (and a quick trip to San Juan, PR) was just what I needed.  It had been too long since I'd been in the city.  Sarah's show was wonderful and she was her charming self afterward.  San Juan was nice but quick - in on Saturday morning and out Sunday afternoon.  I blame my sunburn on the many pool-side drinks.

I hear this song loud and clear.

Watch the video here.

If you want to hear more from her new album, they're streaming the whole thing over at Flare.com.

And if you're in New York, go see her at Joe's Pub next Tuesday, March 11th (info), which also happens to be the day her album is released.  I'd be SO jealous.

* Immediately after my talk, I met with my thesis committee.  They're happy with my progress and completely supportive.  Went awesome.

* I still really like my thesis project.  

* I watched Weeds, seasons 1 - 3.  Love it.  Really like how Nancy's character is developing in season 3.  Can't wait for season 4.

* I'm trying to get into Lost.  I know it's an amazing show, it has to be with as many people's panties are in a bunch about it.  But I have to say - I watched the first seven episodes and I'm getting bored already.  I'm going to try to stick it out.  It has to get better, right?

* I've been pretty lonely lately.

* Went to a club with a really mixed crowd (straight/gay/black/white/hip/dorky) by myself last week and had an amazing time.  Guys, girls - everything seemed like a possibility.  I'm going back this week.

* I'm obsessed with the first single from Sarah Slean's forthcoming album, The Baroness.  It's called Get Home.  Go to her site and listen.  Its simplicity is a huge departure from the theatrics I've come to expect from her and she pulls it off beautifully.  Really looking forward to hearing the rest of the album.

* I'm obsessed with Scotch and Soda, a clothing line from the Netherlands.  Check out the stuff on their website.  Two problems.  1. They're a little pricy for my grad school budget.  2.  They're hard to find.  I've only found three stores here that carry any of their stuff and each of them had about 5 different pieces.  I've bought a couple things off the internet from the UK too, but I wish I could find more of it.

* Workouts have been good, but uneventful, as they should be.  Maintaining is under-rated.