I SAW A SEA COW.

Oh yes. I may not have posted in awhile, but there is good reason. I have been far, far away on...

VACATION!

I spent most of last week with Carl and Victor in a Boca Grande, Florida. While there, we performed several acts of relaxation, including (but not limited to):
1) Reading on the beach
2) Eating on the beach
3) Drinking on the beach
4) Swimming in the 80 degree water
5) Diving for Sand Dollars in the 80 degree water
6) Swimming after manatees

Ah yes, all this and more. The island is a trip back in time. Everyone rides around on bikes and golf carts and no one wears shoes (because we all know there were no shoes in the past). Much fun, much needed. AND I got a "Chandler Tan" meaning my skin tone is now close to normal, and will be for at least another two days!
I left last Friday morning, and got into Birmingham where Liz picked me up. We went to Western Supermarket to get breakfast and saw what we thought was a stray dog. When we asked inside we were informed she was a "greeter dog." No lie. The dog shows up in the morning and then leaves apparently. After that we went to the Botanical Gardens to eat. We fed some absolutely crazy fish who almost jumped out of the water to get the pieces of biscuit we offered them. And I found the biscuit to be mediocre at best.
That day (still Friday) I drove to Murfreesboro where I met up with Jenn to go to a friend's wedding. We had a great time. Its always nice, the weddings. People are happy, there is alcohol, and in this instance, it was a lot like a class reunion of many friends from 'Southern. The wedding was beautiful, and the reception lasted 3.5 hours at least. And there was much dancing (yes, even Jenn and I danced. Without the aid of alcohol!) and merriment. And all rejoiced and feasted. After all of the fun, my friend Jenny Carter (I used to say it like JEEENNNNYYY CAAAARRRTERRR) is now Jenny Logan. Jeremy is a great guy. I guess I should start practicing. (JENNNNNYYY LOOOOOGGGGAAAAN).

Tomorrow I drive back up to Tennessee to leave for Chicago for a few days for the APS conference. I am a social butterfly, I tell you. Flap, flap.

All this adds up to the fact that after my first year of grad school I have had nothing but fun for at least a solid week, and will continue on that trend for a few more days. After that its off to work... But with Jenn in Birmingham I have a feeling this summer will be super keen to the jiggity max.

Jiggity Max.

I hope everyone is well.
Peace,
Joe