Texas

I've been back just long enough to make new travel arrangements and will by flying to Houston on Wednesday. This time I'm not traveling for a conference but to do some work with a Crisis Counseling Program following Hurricane Ike. I'm very excited. Should be spicy.

Chicago

I just returned from a trip to Chicago, where I attended the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies Annual Conference. I am a proud member. It was a great conference and I really enjoyed many of the speakers and presenters.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the city. I attended Second City, which is always a good time. I think anyone who goes to Chicago should go. I did some shopping with my-coworker, took in Lake Michigan, and enjoyed some excellent fare. The weather was cloudy, cold, and windy the entire time, as to be expected.



I also inadvertently but proudly joined a gay rights demonstration.

Return to Denvah

I just got back from a great weekend in Denver visiting Nick. It was such a nice break - work has been so super busy lately. I really appreciated the chance to slow down for a couple of days, even though it was so short. The whole time was so restful and pleasant, it was quite a shock to come back to a hectic day of work. Fortunately, I leave for Chicago on Wednesday - off to another conference!

Cabin John

I found a fantastic park very close to my house, Cabin John Regional Park. The name leaves quite a bit to be desired, and I haven't read enough literature at the park to know where it comes from, but the park itself is great. It is surprisingly large, given its location. It has tons of trails for running and hiking, and with the large amount of trees, it gives the impression of having left the city. My run this morning through the park was especially gorgeous because the trees are currently a range of brilliant colors.

You should all come see it before the leaves fall off.

You take the good, You take the bad

Tudy, you in trouble?

First the bad. My credit card and two debit cards were stolen. And used. It does not feel good, and it's quite a nuisance to deal with. I am hopeful, however, that I will not be responsible for the charges incurred.

Both good and bad. During the exciting Bartel Ikea extravaganza, I purchased some bamboo for my cubicle - two stalks (not a lucky number, I know). One of them has grown and flourished. Treating each equally, it is unclear to me why the other has chosen to whither and die. Perhaps I did not treat it with as much dignity as the Swiss. Since I have gone to Ikea on a mission for curtains for my sister, I was able to buy another stalk. Hopefully it will do better.





The good. My friend Amber was in town for an archeology convention, and we were able to hang out. I had a great time visiting with her. We ate at one of my favorite restaurants, Cafe Zorba. We also took a ghost tour of dupont circle. It was a walking tour in which the guides shared spooking happenings in buildings in the neighborhood. Good times.