The pie turned out pretty well, maybe a bit too corn-syrup thick, but good. I ate maybe a third already then sealed up the plate so I wouldn't finish the sucker in twelve hours.

9:22AM, Sunday morning, futon strategically placed in front of the television. I've already knocked out 45 minutes of cardio. Weights later. This week I need to stay focused, as far as working out is concerned, because after Thursday's wisdom teeth removal apparently I'll be knocked out for a couple days. Did I mention the wisdom teeth operation coincides with the first day of the baseball season? Excellent. I can watch baseball to my heart's content with a valid excuse. Baseball's rhythms are perfect for recovery.

Ok, I promised to address last week's Chicago visit. Two friends were in town so we met downtown Thursday night through Saturday morning. We stayed mostly downtown, including a fun stint at the Museum of Contemporary Art, where I had to hide my water in the corner so a security guard wouldn't complain, and the lounge at the top of the Hancock. Yes, I'm aware this clashes with my legendary fear of heights. But the city lights were beautiful, surreal, almost unreal, and we sat in the dark and drank a couple beers without incident. Most of those around us seemed to be international tourists. While leaving we almost interrupted a couple making out on the elevator. We'll wait for the next one, thanks. We also stayed up late talking in the lobby. My social anxiety kicked in off and on but otherwise the weekend was exhausting but rewarding.

I also said I'd explain the sabbatical mention. Friday afternoon I finished the first draft of a sabbatical application for spring 2013. Sabbaticals seem more competitive than in the past, so I don't know that I'll get one now, but I'll nail the application sooner or later. I'm worried my teaching is fading and I could use a break to write and research.

So yesterday was a pretty good day, anyway. After finishing the pie I watched American Hardcore, which I had seen before but didn't remember well. Then I hit Smith Brothers and wrote a few letters while downing a latte. Later I made tofu for dinner, although I think I'm getting sick of it. We have tofu maybe twice a week. Then I Skyped with the boys in Florida, that was great, started the very boring The Tourist, and wrote a bit more while llistening to Chopin in the dark. I think I'll turn off the computer for a few hours. I'm hungry again. Good morning.