I'm haunted by a very special academic version of l'esprit d'escalier, in which I understand what's the real question I wanted to ask hours later.

I'm wondering how long it'll take to get rid of it. I'm there for almost a year now.

We are back from our long trip through the South.

I am sad to report, that Emmett had a most extreme negative reaction to the clean-sweep perpetrated on his room in his absence. There was actual and prolonged sobbing at the unrequested makeover. It was a bad return on a very good trip.

I suspect he's at the point where he needs to be involved in do-overs on his room instead of allowing his mom executive fiat.

I am here to say that Mr. Flea makes a spectacular Peach and Blueberry Pie, and amych and her husband are very fine companions to take to a minor league baseball game, and that Ginger is the most accommodating hostess, and that it was very lovely to spend time with flea both with and without Dillo and Casper.

Kristin- a bit late now, but one of my omnivorous friends introduced me to sweet potato and black bean burritos, which she frequently serves at mixed-eater events and always goes over very well.

- Steamed sweet potato cubes - cuban spiced black beans (she makes em from scratch, i am lazy and buy cans at TJ)s - shredded pepper jack cheese for thems that likes cheese, - salsa for thems that likes heat....

everyone assembles their own so no one gets fillings they don't want.

Tasty, filling, nutritious, and most meat eaters don't miss the lack.

ugg. I didn't convert any movies over to put on the iPhone. Too late to start now. No movies for me on the plane I guess. Aarrgggh! (yes, I am trying to multi-task-pack, and not doing a good job. Tired brain not working well. Will nap once laundry is in dryer.)

Psst. Public webcam chat on Saturday, hon. < /cheering up >

I handed in my application. Dear God, dear God, dear God. Let this one not be too harsh to my fragile ego.

DON'T CLOSE THAT TAG!

OK, I think I have most everything piled in two areas. One for checked bag, one for carry on. Except for bathroom stuff, that I will need in the morning.

So Aims mentioned baking cookies on FB and now Ellie and I have chocolate chips cookies baking in the oven

Nice! I am off to buy quick-bake cookie mix from the supermarket in a minute. The Girl’s parents are coming for tea tomorrow. I am trying to pretend I’m a good house(nearly)wife. With fake cookies. Heh.

Hil, wishing you a low-pain day.

Shir, what programs are you applying to? I hope you get one soon! I can empathise. Applications are painful. I’m still trying to figure out how to word an approach to a potential academic supervisor. It’s all quite tricky.

Ah, season 4 of Babylon 5 (I’m getting through them at some speed). Sheridan’s ‘we have come home’ speech. So good. Now I am going to the hair salon. I haven’t had my hair cut in ages. Then cookie-baking attempts. Unless I should leave that till tomorrow and offer what appear to be *freshly-baked* cookies to the terrifying future in-laws. I will consider what would make a better impression.

Wishes of easy journeys and much fun to F2F attendees!

last time i tried to multi-task while packing i ended up overflowing the bathtub and nearly drowning the tenants downstairs. Bad idea!!!

Poor Emmett. I feel his pain.

I got told yesterday at work (the job I'm leaving, not the one I'm going to) that I'm a "cult of personality." I'm choosing to take that as a compliment.

Did you dance around and bash your dreadlocked head?