The Boston Experience

1. The geochemistry labs at Boston University rock my socks and make my days. What wondrous things, these instruments that actually work!
2. Yoga in the Back Bay is really quite something. Diluvian rain kept me from trying their Yin Yoga today but the Vinyasa class I took there last Wednesday was wonderful. I'm planning to head back tomorrow for some more. And on Sunday. And on Monday. Luvely.
3. My co-Cornellian and friend Chris, who is hosting me here and whose trooper Carla I unfortunately fried in Hawaii back in 2005 is simply the sweetest, most generous guy around. Thanks for all your help and generosity, Chris!
4. Boston rain is really impressive. Persistent as hell.
5. I now have my first invited talk on my CV and under my belt.
6. Months, nay, years, of frustration and trying are now over. I can move on with my life, having put the cations behind me. I can't tell you how relieved I am.

Finally!

Greece

Folks, please find the pictures from my recent trip to Greece here.

Some Tuesday science for you all:

From today's NYTimes. I especially recommend the interactive feature.

At the laundromat

Moi and the Parthenon:



Photo courtesy of J. Lennon (no, not THAT J. Lennon!)

Trying...

... to put together an abstract for the AGU ('Mercan Geophysical Union) Fall Meeting in San Fran in December. Not sure I'll go but I want to keep the option open. But it's hard writing an abstract when there is no data interpretation ready. And the graphs I've been making, they look funny. I have no idea what's going on in them! Which of course is exciting, but I don't know if they'll accept an abstract that says: "So, I have this awesome data set from a place where no one has worked before and the data look cool but I have no friggin' clue what they're telling me. I promise to find out by December".

My head is spinning, which is no wonder considering I've been at work (and actually working!) for 14 hours. I'm gonna go home, eat the rest of my favorite Ben and Jerry's ice cream and go to bed. Maybe watch one episode of Boston Legal, my favorite waste of time these days. Then get up early again (I was up at 6 am today...), go to the laundromat, think more about abstract, go pick up my new travel backpack from EMS, go home and pack, go to work and pick up stuff, maybe discuss abstract with adviser, then head for the airport. Sweet :)

Lastly, since I know I won't have time for this tomorrow: Happy birthday, dad!

Leaving on Thursday!

Yep, the ticket has been bought and all. Am leaving Ithaca on Thursday afternoon, returning on the 10th. On the way back I have a 14 hour overnight layover in Athens followed by a 10hr flight... so, should I stay up and explore the nightlife??

Nice! This will be SO nice! And a fitting tribute to my dad's b-day, which is on the 4th. I can't wait!!