Item 1: I went to Berkeley on Tuesday and had vegetarian lobster, which is much better than it might sound. I also had an exceptionally good blackberry-and-soymilk smoothie. It was so exceptionally good I actually had two, one with dinner and one for the drive home.

Item 2: While in Berkeley I talked to two very nice therapists, who told me about the group they run and asked me a bunch of questions. It was extremely nerve-wracking, but by the end of it we had come to the mutual conclusion that the group would be good for me, and hopefully vice-versa. I'm not yet sure when I'll start, and I probably won't be able to talk about it much (talk about boundary issues!), but I'll try to let you all know how it goes.

Item 3: Igen's hatching was yesterday night. It went perfectly, aside from a few minor mavs. We now have happy weyrlings and an exhausted but pleased Search Committee, which is as it should be.

Item 4: Jim is wonderful. Jim asks me how I'm doing. Jim hugs me when I'm not doing well, but then he also hugs me when I'm fine. Jim listens to me burble about Pern for three or four hours on end with no apparent impatience. Then, days later, he remembers what I said and asks me questions. I am pretty thoroughly happy still. We've been living together harmoniously for ten weeks now. This is some sort of record for me.

Item 5: My mother is also wonderful. She phoned Tuesday night and we had a long conversation, mostly about my recovery stuff and how to communicate about it. She was extremely supportive & reassuring, as well as insightful, and the conversation was really helpful to me. I feel lucky.

Item 6: Portland! Rent! Powell's!